Have a Memorable Road Trip with a Car Rental in Auckland

Are you looking for a cheap car hire in Auckland? We compare car rentals from the country's leading suppliers such as Avis, Budget, Thrifty, Europcar, and Hertz. With VroomVroomVroom, you will have access to plenty of great car hire deals across New Zealand.

The 'City of Sails' has more boats per capita than anywhere else in the world, with miles of coastline to sail from. Auckland is the largest Polynesian city in the world. It sits between the Manukau and Waitemata harbours. Auckland was recently rated as the third most liveable city in the world. Natural attractions, including 48 volcanoes, surround the city. A hire car is a perfect way to see the greater Auckland area.

Location Overview

Auckland is a popular destination and a once-in-a-lifetime place to visit in New Zealand. It is home to some enchanting holiday islands and drool-worthy food. There are also plenty of festivals, parks, shopping, and endless things to see and do here. Located in the North Island, the city is a great place to visit at any time of the year. It is approximately a 3-hour drive to Rotorua and Matamata.

In and around Auckland, some of our favourite things to do year-round are:

Summer (December, January, February): For a shorter road trip just west of the city, head through the scenic Waitakere Ranges and Piha Beach. The drive takes less than an hour via SH 16 and Urban Route 13. You can also explore the rail tunnels of the Karangahake Gorge and relax on the popular beaches of Tauranga.

Autumn (March, April, May): Music lovers will be delighted to attend the annual Auckland Arts Festival held in March. Enjoy spectacular dance, great music, family shows and amazing visual arts held in the beautiful city of Auckland. Outdoor and music activities at Silo Park near the city centre serves as a focal point for the festival.

Winter (June, July, August): Plan your next winter adventure by driving to Taupo in your rental car. The Taupo Winter Festival features world-class music, comedy, and theatre shows. The drive will take you around 4 hours via State Highway 1 and State Highway 1. Keep in mind that the majority of festival activities are located in and around the Taupo Domain and Great Lake Centre.

Spring (September, October, November): Experience the real Middle-earth and enjoy a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set. The drive to Matamata will take you about 3 hours from Auckland via State Highway 1 and State Highway 27. Only a 3.5-hour drive north of Auckland is the stunning Bay of Islands, known as one of North Island's iconic holiday destinations.

Year-round: There is never a dull moment in Auckland. Make sure to visit the Sky Tower, Mount Eden, Auckland War Memorial Museum, Auckland Zoo, Viaduct Harbour, Cornwall Park, New Zealand Maritime Museum and Auckland Night Markets.

Where to Find Rental Cars in Auckland

There are many rental car depot locations in both the Auckland CBD and surrounding suburbs to hire a car from in addition to the rental counters at Auckland Airport.

Major car rental companies such as Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz and Thrifty have multiple depot locations in and around the city centre including:

Avis: 17-19 Nelson Street, North Island, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand (Open Monday to Friday from 7:30 am to 6 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 8 am to 5 pm)

Budget: 206 Victoria St West, Unit C & D, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand (Open Monday to Friday from 7 am to 6 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 8 am to 5 pm)

Europcar: 73 Shortland Street, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand (Open Monday to Friday from 8 am to 5:30 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 8 am to 1 pm)

Hertz: 6 / 28 Aerodrome Rd, Maroochydore, 4558, Australia (Open Monday to Friday from 8 am to 5 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 8 am to 12 pm)

Thrifty: 150 Khyber Pass Rd Auckland City, Auckland, 1150, New Zealand (Open Monday to Friday from 7 am to 6 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 7 am to 5 pm)

If you have a change of plan and want to extend your car rental booking, make sure to contact your supplier directly. Note that extending your booking will depend on availability, and any changes on dates may affect the price. Click here to know more about extending your car rental booking.

Reasons to Book Car Rental With VroomVroomVroom

Auckland is a great city to start your New Zealand adventure. There are plenty of reasons to book your car hire with VroomVroomVroom.

Wide selection of cars: You can choose the car brand and model that will best suit you. Do you need a compact city car? Or do you need a wagon for the whole family? VroomVroomVroom compares rental cars of all different sizes across the country.
Book in advance: This will ensure you get the best deal possible. Supply and demand drive our car hire rates. This means the more rental cars available, the cheaper they should be.
Pick up from a location that suits you: We have depots in the Auckland city centre as well as the international airport. Additionally, you can find rental cars in locations around New Zealand.
Trusted since 2001: We have been helping people find the perfect rental car for more than 15 years and we are eager to help you too! Contact us now.

When is the Best Time to Visit Auckland?

The best time to visit Auckland is during the summer months. While it will be warmer during this period, rainfall is still frequent. There are some big events over the summer. Visitors can watch an outdoor movie at Silo Park on Friday nights, or check out the free Music in Parks program.

For food lovers, the Taste of Auckland offers an array of local culinary samples in November. There is something for everyone in Auckland: nature, arts, culture, shopping, and sports. We have put together some suggestions to help you make the most of the city.

Driving Tips in Auckland

For a city of over a million people, Auckland does have issues with traffic. You can move around the city suburbs using the motorway system, but try to avoid peak times. If you are ready to hit the road, all you need is your cheap car rental and our trusty travel guide. VroomVroomVroom can help you discover what Auckland has to offer.

Auckland Airport is the country's busiest. We can assist you in finding a cheap rental car direct from the airport so that you can get on the road immediately. Remember that there is a toll road in the city: the Northern Gateway toll. You can read more about toll roads and driving tips in Auckland here.

FAQs About Hiring a Car in Auckland

What is the speed limit in Auckland?

Auckland’s city centre speed limit is 30km/h unless signed otherwise while the maximum speed limit in urban areas is 50km/h unless otherwise signed.

Is it difficult to drive in Auckland’s city centre?

It is not difficult to get around in Auckland. Note that Auckland city’s peak hour traffic is from 6:30 am to 8:30 am and 4.30 pm to 5:30 pm from Monday to Friday. There are also roundabouts in the city, which you must drive on in a clockwise direction.

Do I have to pay tolls when driving in Auckland?

The Northern Gateway Toll Road is the only toll road you will encounter when you drive in Auckland. Click here to know more about toll charges in New Zealand

How do I find a carpark in and around Auckland?

You can find parking spaces at Downtown Car Park, Civic Car Park, Victoria Street, Fanshawe Street and Upper Queen Street. Central Auckland also has several open-air car parks which are pay by plate.

Useful Guide to exploring the City of Sails in your car hire

Auckland is one of the most exciting places to visit in New Zealand because of its numerous attractions. You can travel to the top of one of the volcanoes. One Tree Hill, Maungawhau (Mount Eden) or Rangitoto are all superb. You can also check out any of Auckland's vibrant markets, such as Otara or Avondale for a unique local experience or try boutique shopping in the inner city village of Parnell.

Attractions | Accommodation | Restaurants & Bars

Attractions

Wild on Waiheke

Address: 82 Onetangi Rd, Waiheke Island, Auckland 1971

Archery at Wild Estate Vineyard

Roam wild for the day! A diverse range of fun outdoor activities (including archery, wildtag and laser claybird shooting), a licensed restaurant and brewery, all set within the magic of Waiheke Island vineyard. Alternately, hit the tasting room to sample wine and craft beer produced on site. While parents enjoy a pint of chilled beer, their kids can have fun at the children's playground which features a giant trampoline. If you are coming from downtown Auckland, you can take the ferry to the island.

Auckland Fine Wine & Food Tours

Address: 36A Formby Ave, Point Chevalier, Auckland 1022, New Zealand

Winner of TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for 6 years running, the Auckland Fine Wine & Food Tours is a boutique personalised tours, with a max of nine guests per tour. Wine writer Phil Parker is your individual guide, for full and half day tour options in Waiheke.

Parker is a fourth generation New Zealander, who has lived in Auckland for 40 years. He had his own physiotherapy practice for 22 years but then followed his love of wine into wine tourism. Phil has been running his highly recommended, one-man tour company since 2000. He is also a wine writer, and published author of Random House's guide to NZ wine regions 'The Mad Keen Wine Buff's Road Trip'.

Rainbow's End

Address: 2 Clist Crescent, Manukau

New Zealand's largest amusement park has fun for everyone. With so many different rides and attractions to choose from, ranging from mild to extreme thrills, no one will be left out and you'll definitely get your value for money as you have entire day to do whatever you want as many times as possible. Just aim to visit outside of the local school holidays to cut down those waiting times in line.

The Auckland Harbour Bridge

Address: Westhaven Reserve, Bottom of Curran St, Herne Bay

Whether you're an adrenaline junkie or the easy going type, the Harbour Bridge offers two unique attractions fit for you. Jumping from 40 metres off the bridge, and over the Waitemata Harbour with your ankles being strapped to a bungee chord made up of hundreds of thousands of rubber bands, or climbing the famous landmark to venture on an hour and a half sightseeing tour is a New Zealand MUST DO!

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Accommodation

Skycity Grand Hotel

Address: 90 Federal St, Auckland

You'll be ticking all the boxes when you choose to stay here. This hotel encompasses all the luxuries of location, views and high end living. Located in the heart of Auckland CBD, just a 10 minute stroll to the waterfront and close to Queen St shops. You'll also be treated to free Wi-Fi, 24 hour room services and cardio room.

Attic Backpackers

Address: 31 Wellesley St

Although it's ranked 2nd best backpackers lodging accommodation in the city (Tripadvisor), reviews beg to differ and claim the budget accommodation to be the…“best hostel in NZ!” The Attic Backpackers pride themselves with a fresh, stylish, modern contemporary facility that's maintained to the highest of standards. Budget has a whole new meaning at this location.

City Lodge

Address: 150 Vincent St Auckland

Enjoy a central location, and the comfort of a 5-star Qualmark rated backpackers. You get the great value of a backpackers, but a little more comfort, as every room has an ensuite bathroom. You can easily walk to all of the city centre's attractions.

Ezibed.com

If you are looking for a last minute hotel deal in Auckland, don't fret because Ezibed is here to help you. Ezibed.com, an online accommodation booking website offers a quick and easy way to book at considerably reduced rates, with fast confirmation to their customers and clients. Ezibed.com guides customers and accommodation providers together and supplies an online market for unsold short term accommodation rooms. Accommodation providers, on the other hand, supply rates, inclusions and rooms available online for last minute bookings. By booking with Ezibed.com, you can now find amazing last minute deals and you can book yourself a great room the smart way!

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Restaurants & Bars

One Tree Grill

Address: 9 Pah Road, Epsom

You'll be impressed the second you step foot into this establishment with their easy to use mini iPad menus. The surprises keep coming with this lively yet relaxed atmosphere. Delicious food selected from both sea and land, and cooked in a variety of ways. Spiced, smoked, roasted or twice-cooked. Whatever your preference, there will be something on the menu to die for.

Giapo Ice Cream Restaurant

Address:279 Queen Street , Next to the Civic Theatre, Auckland

Giapo have every right to claim “New Zealand's BEST ice-cream” title. So many new and creative ice-cream deserts to choose from that are guaranteed to please. Unique to the city only, a must stop taste experience!

Flight 605

Address: 605 New North Rd

Feel like a local in this welcoming neighbourhood bar. Flight 605 is proud of its enormous collection of New Zealand craft beers. Drop by for some of its famous events; Wings Wednesday, Comedy Cockpit nights, or the Birth of Cool, late on Friday nights. Flight 605 is an easy drive from the CBD, and there's ample parking in surrounding streets.

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Book At	Miles/km
Penrose	4/6
North Shore - Glenfield	6/10
East Tamaki	9/14
Auckland Airport	10/15
Manukau	11/17
Hamilton	69/112
Hamilton Airport	76/122
Cambridge	81/130
Whangarei	83/133
*Distance is calculated aerial. Actual will be different.