Compare and Book a Car Rental at Palmerston North Airport

pond in the centre of palmerston north at night

VroomVroomVroom can give you access to great car hire deals at Palmerston North Airport. We compare rental cars from trusted brands including Avis, Budget, Hertz, Europcar, Thrifty, and Europcar in locations across New Zealand. Start comparing now to find the cheapest rental car.

One of the best ways to discover central New Zealand is to rent a car at Palmerston North Airport. Explore 'Palmy' and more exciting destinations on the North Island with your hire car. The airport operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, making it a hub for the NZ Post and Air Freight NZ.

Location Overview

Palmerston North Airport is one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing regional airports with some 2 million passengers and visitors each year travelling through the terminal. Located 5.5km from downtown Palmerston North City, this bustling terminal acts as a regional gateway for travel to Auckland, Christchurch, Hamilton and Wellington.

Palmerston North Airport is open daily from 5am until 30 minutes after the last arriving or departing flight of the day. The two cafes in the terminal are open from 5am until the day’s last flight 7 days a week. Major car hire terminals are located on the ground floor across from the baggage claim.

Parking is made easy with online booking for all the airport’s car parks whether you’re parking for one or 50 days. There’s also a pick up and drop off parking area 20-metres from the terminal doors with 15-minute free parking.

Car Rental Overview

Palmerston North Airport address: Airport Drive, Milson, Palmerston North

Number of on-site suppliers: 5. Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Thrifty

Car rental opening hours: Car rental is available at Palmerston North Airport between 7:00am to 10:00pm, 7 days a week

Customer Reviews & Feedback for Renting at Palmerston North Airport

The best way to get an idea of renting a car is to read about fellow traveller’s real recent experiences. Our team have reached out to some of our customers who recently rented from Queenstown Airport and their experiences are shared below.

Sam (October 2019): Sam picked up his hire car from Avis at Palmerston North Airport. He hired an Intermediate car and found their booking was good.

Why book a hire car at Palmerston North Airport with us?

There are plenty of reasons why our customers choose to book their car rental with us. Here are just a few reasons to book your Palmerston North Airport car rental with VroomVroomVroom:

Easy booking system: Using our system to book a hire car at Palmerston North Airport will take you less than five minutes.
Choice of vehicles: By booking in advance you will get a wide selection of cars. We have partnered with New Zealand's most trusted rental car suppliers such as Avis, Hertz, Thrifty, Budget, and Europcar.
Great rates: Get the best deal when you book a car hire with us. Read our Price Promise for more details.
Excellent service: Reach out to our customer care experts who are ready to help via phone call, email or live chat. We have been helping people book a car rental since 2001.

Best time to visit Palmerston North

Spring season is a great time to visit Palmerston North. Each spring, the city celebrates the diversity of cultures through music, dance, food, art, and games. You'll find exhibits and see performances from different countries and let's not forget the international cuisines you get to taste. It is the perfect outing for the family.

Manfield Park is a motorsport venue, that also hosts equestrian events. If you are a fan of cars or like to watch horses, check out their events calendar while you are in the city.

Driving tips at Palmerston North Airport

Palmerston North Airport is an eight-minute drive from the CBD. You can reach the town square by using McGregor St, Tremaine Avenue, and Rangitikei Street. If you are travelling from overseas, keep in mind that you must keep to the left when driving in New Zealand. If you are planning to travel to Wellington, the drive should take you about two hours

Weather in New Zealand can be unpredictable. Palmerston North Airport has been dubbed as the "lifeline" airport because it is often used as a diversion airport in difficult weather conditions such as fog for other regional airports. When you are driving be sure to check the weather conditions and take extra care in foggy, snowy or icy conditions.

FAQs About Hiring a Car From Palmerston North Airport

Where do I collect my rental car at Palmerston North Airport?

Car rental counters are conveniently located inside the Palmerston North Airport terminal in the arrivals hall.

Where is the nearest petrol station to refuel the car at Palmerston North Airport?

There are several petrol stations around the airport including BP (26 Malden Street), Caltex (777 Tremaine Avenue) and Gull Tremaine (999 Tremaine Avenue)

Do I have to wash the car before I return?

No. Unless the car is considered excessively dirty, there may be a cleaning fee charged to your rental.

How much is parking at Palmerston North Airport?

There is a variety of parking available and starts at $12NZD for an 8-hour stay

Where do I return my rental car at Palmerston North Airport?

Find the allocated car park for the company you have hired your vehicle from, lock the vehicle and take any belongings with you. Bring the keys to the car hire company counter in the terminal. Always check with your car hire company when you collect the car to confirm return details.

Use Palmy as a base for exploring the lower North Island

Palmerston North is an inland city that has the 7th largest population in the country. Where urban meets rural, it is home to Massey University and the largest wind farm in New Zealand. Booking your car rental with VroomVroomVroom provides you with the most convenient way to get around the city and its surrounding region.

Attractions | Accommodation | Restaurants & Bars

Attractions

New Zealand Rugby Museum

Address: 326 Main St, Palmerston North, 4410, New Zealand

The first museum devoted to the sport that has shaped our nation. Here you will discover the rich history of rugby in our country, learn about the greatest players that ever played and see some of the rarest Rugby artefacts. A must see attraction that's only available in the city where you can also get in and 'Have A Go' just like the legends.

Mokai Gravity Canyon

Address: 332 Mokai Rd, Taihape 4793, New Zealand

You'll definitely want to book your car rental with Vroom to enjoy this attraction as this 1hr ½ drive takes you where no faint hearted person dear to go. An ultimate extreme adventure playground; where your mind and body is pushed to new limits as you decide which way to plunge 50-80 meters down into the Mokai Canyon. An exhilarating life experience that will never be forgotten- that's if you don't chicken out.

Owlcatraz Native Bird and Wildlife Park

Address: 44 Margaret Street, Shannon, NZ

30 minutes south of Palmy is this beautiful native bird and wildlife park that offers an intimate encounter with some of NZ's native animals; the endangered North Island weka, kunekune pig and morepork. A high tech open enclosure that mimics the owls' natural environment makes this a once in a life time experience. Don't miss attractions like the farm walk, Wairuru Caves, jail house and Lake Owlsmere or enjoy a ride on the Thomas train you won't be disappointed.

Te Manawa

Address: 326 Main St, Palmerston North, 4410, New Zealand

The cultural heart of Palmerston North, Te Manawa is an art, science and history museum. The stunning stained glass windows in Te Manawa are just one of the highlights on the Palmerston North Art and Sculpture Trail.

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Accommodation

Cornwall Motor Lodge

Address: 101 Fitzherbert Avenue

Ranked #1 (By Trip advisor) of the 22 hotels in the city, this modern, spacious, comfortable luxury accommodation with 50 SKY channels to choose and watch from either your super King sized bed or Spa bath; is perfect for those looking for the royal treatment. Great central location, The Square (City Center) and surrounding cafes, restaurants & bars are within easy walking distance

saving time on looking for car parks.

Peppertree Hostel

Address: 121 Grey St, Palmerston North, 4410, New Zealand

For those travelling on a budget, this gorgeous 100 year old villa with high ceilings offers plenty of space for you to reside in while staying in Palmy. Centrally located makes an easy 2 minute walk to town. Otherwise enjoy the secluded area outside where you can hear the birds sing or relax in the sun. Perfect place that makes you feel at home.

Palmerston North Holiday Park

Address: 133 Dittmer Dr, West End, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand

Despite being the only camping -caravan site in the area, this holiday park offers top quality reliable services at affordable prices. Nestled in next to the Manawatu River, this well groomed campground is the perfect getaway/ holiday location for the family or those looking for that kick back kiwi camping experience. With tons of extra features like the playground, swimming pool or easy 5 min drive to town, getting bored is not an option.

Just make sure to take advantage of our easy campervan hire comparison tool to save you even more time and money.

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Restaurants & Bars

Tui Brewery

Address: Mangatainoka 4982

Tui Brewery in Palmerston North

In the little village of Mangatainoka, only 30 minutes south of Palmerston North, you'll find the legendary Tui Brewery, with its iconic brick tower, new brew house, cafe, free museum, quirky shop and yes… top notch Tui beer. Check out their brewery with a personalised guided tour – see the 125 year history, iconic landmarks, look into the tank, feel the hops and learn the beer process. Tui is the perfect stop for lunch, order a tasting tray of the Tui beers then sit back and soak up the fun atmosphere, museum, great food and grounds. Tours are approximately 40 minutes and run daily at 11.30am and 2.30pm – bookings recommending but not essential. Tours start from $25.

Aberdeen on Broadway

Address: 161 Broadway Ave, Palmerston North, 4410, New Zealand

Ranked #1 of the 123 Restaurants in Palmy, this centrally based historic building restaurant offers a contemporary cuisine in the perfect atmosphere for fine dining or a relaxed social occasion. With its cute courtyard that has a retractable roof for summer and cozy warm fire for winter, makes the perfect place to dine all year round in whatever conditions.

Izakaya Yatai (Japanese Restaurant)

Address: 316 Featherston St, Palmerston North, 4410, New Zealand

Ranked #2 of the 123 restaurants in Palmy, this traditional Japanese restaurant ditches the western dining custom of ordering individually and provide a selection of dishes that are chosen by your group to share. This causes a more social interactive dining experience where you get to tray a wide variety of flavours. Perfect for family and friends!

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