Cheap car hire in Whakatane, New Zealand

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Compare car hire on price, ease of pick-up, a fair fuel policy and more

Find Whakatane car rental deals you can amend or cancel if your plans change

Find cheap car hire in Whakatane

These are the lowest Whakatane car hire prices we found over the next 30 days and are subject to change.

Select your Whakatane pick-up location

There are 3 car hire locations in Whakatane. Choose the cheapest or easiest now.

The most popular car rental companies in Whakatane

Hiring a car in Whakatane: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyHertz
Most popular carEconomy, 4-5 doors
Average daily price49 €
Best time to book3 weeks before

How to book the best car rental deals in Whakatane

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Whakatane car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Whakatane

  • Grab a cheap rental car in Whakatane and be on your way for around 49 € a day. From solo adventures to group travel, we'll help you find a rental that keeps up with your trip.

  • Lock in your ride in November and watch the savings roll in. It's the cheapest time of year to rent a car in Whakatane, with average daily rates of 34 €.

  • Score a cheap rental car in Whakatane by booking in advance. You're more likely to get a better deal and more choice.

  • Hertz offers some great car hire deals in Whakatane.

  • Whether you go with Hertz or another supplier, make sure you understand the coverage on your Whakatane car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as a paid extra.

  • Booking a one-way car hire is often a great hack for cheaper deals. Simply select 'Return car to a different location' when searching for a car for rent in Whakatane. Providers sometimes have to move vehicles from one location to another, which means you can score some great one-way prices.

  • Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car hire in Whakatane with a full tank, so you're only paying for what you use. No surprise fuel add-ons when you hand back the keys either.

  • Travel without limits by looking for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, these rides let you go as far as you want without paying more.

  • Jetting into Whakatane? Consider booking one of the car rentals in Whakatane Airport. That way, you'll be on the road not long after you land.

Compare car hire types in Whakatane

  • Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Whakatane puts you on the road for less. These agile, fuel-efficient rides are excellent for short trips and city driving.

  • Medium: A dependable choice when you need something that's easy to drive but doesn't skimp on features. This category covers compact and intermediate models that come with a little extra leg space compared to smaller cars.

  • Large: You've got the bags, the kids, the snacks, the lot. Large vehicles have got the space to fit it all in without a hassle. Ideal for long-distance journeys, this Whakatane car hire category includes full-size cars.

  • SUV: SUVs are adventure on four wheels. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for city streets and country backroads alike.

  • Van: Featuring options like commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Whakatane effortlessly handles larger loads and group travel. They're spacious, versatile, and ready for whatever the journey demands.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Excess insurance covers what you'd otherwise have to pay if your Whakatane car hire is stolen or damaged. While not compulsory, it's worth considering for extra protection. Keep in mind that not all insurance policies are the same, so make sure you know exactly what's offered.

  • Make travel easier when you rent a car in Whakatane by adding some handy extras. Think things like a GPS unit to be your trusty co-pilot, or reverse cameras that'll help you park like a pro.

Good to know

  • Rental age requirements aren't the same everywhere. Companies can set their own policies, and if you're a younger driver, you could pay extra and face some limits. Check the rules for the supplier you choose before booking your rental in New Zealand.

  • Add a car seat to your Whakatane car hire reservation if you're travelling with small kids. Rules change from place to place, but using a child seat suited to their age and size is always the safest approach.

Hit the road: Where to drive from Whakatane

  • Lock in an epic car hire deal in Whakatane and then get ready to explore the city's top attractions, such as Wairere Falls and Whale Island Kayaking, Kayak Tours at Moutohora / Whale Island. Driving may not necessarily be the best way to reach them, but you'll want to check out these highlights before you take off.

  • If you need somewhere to stay in Whakatane while taking in the sights, consider Awa Motel or Whakatane Hotel.

  • Around 80 kilometres north-west of central Whakatane, Tauranga easily earns a place on your itinerary. Steer straight toward must-see sights like Mauao / Mount Maunganui summit and Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park.

  • You'll be well looked after at Pacific Coast Lodge and Backpackers and Hugo & Carters Backpackers & Motel, two accommodation options in Tauranga.

  • Alternatively, collect your cheap car hire in Whakatane and head roughly 72 kilometres west to Rotorua. Featuring Redwoods, Whakarewarewa Forest and Agrojet NZ's Fastest Jetboating Experience, its attractions speak for themselves.

  • Rock Solid Backpackers Rotorua and Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park are comfortable places to stay in Rotorua if you're in town for a while.

  • Take things a bit further and road-trip it to Hamilton, roughly 153 kilometres west of Whakatane. First, swing past Hamilton Pools, then follow it up with Hamilton Gardens.

  • Close your eyes and rest in Hamilton at Heartland Ambassador Hotel Hamilton. Ramada by Wyndham, Hamilton City Centre has a cosy bed waiting for you too.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Whakatane will set you back around 49 € per day or 255 € per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Whakatane is a compact SUV. The most popular is Economy, 4-5 doors.
Bagging the best car hire deal depends on when you book  – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. But according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Whakatane is currently November.
On average, around 255 €. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Whakatane is 254 €.
Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to hire a car in Whakatane for a whole month is 1.553 €. 

But sometimes, you'll get a discount for booking a whole month instead of 3 and a half weeks. So play with your dates to find the best deals!
If you're looking for freedom to explore Whakatane, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in Whakatane that have free cancellation
Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.
Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of Whakatane.
Most places – Whakatane included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers. 
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is 49 € per day. The average price per day is around 49 €.
Other travellers rated Hertz as the best overall in terms of experience.
We search the internet for all kinds of vehicle hire deals, including vans. But at the moment, we can't find any van hire in Whakatane.