By Vroom Team • Reviewed 19 Jan 2026

Nothing beats the relaxed, stripped back experience of watching a movie under the stars from the comfort and privacy of your own car. Whether you chuck a mattress in the back of your open boot, or lay a blanket on the bonnet, you’re sure to enjoy the novelty of a drive-in cinema, especially one in the beautiful country of New Zealand.
Auckland is home to many outdoor cinemas, but the standout frontrunner in coolness and innovation is Silo Park . Admission is free, and there are stalls with food, and games for children. Be sure to take your rental car out to see it for yourself
Wellington , meanwhile, is also home to the popular Firefly Drive-in Cinema . The cost of entry is about $30 a vehicle—money that is donated by the venue to a preselected charity.
Hamilton Gardens Arts Festival held in mid-February offers another opportunity for a free outdoor film, featuring a collection of cult classics and art-house cinema to celebrate the occasion. Additionally, plays are often performed during the festival, too, providing a different type of theatrical entertainment. With plenty of parkingfor your rental car, why not join in on the fun?
VroomVroomVroom’s writing team brings together decades of writing expertise to share their insights into travelling around New Zealand by rental car. Let our team help you get the most out of your rental car experience.