When looking into renting a vehicle in New Zealand, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the choice of different cars and vehicles. Choosing the car that is right for you can contribute to making your trip unforgettable, as getting a good quality car is like winning a slots jackpot on your first round. It is a good idea to think about what your needs are and what kind of vehicle suits your personality. It will also make a difference whether you will be travelling on your own, as a couple, as a family with children, or with a group of friends.
You also need to consider your budget and the cost of the vehicle rental. Take into consideration that a more economical car could save you quite a bit of money on fuel, which is expensive in New Zealand. Undoubtedly another thing that needs to be thought about is what kind of accommodation to stay in. If you enjoy the adventure of camping, then you can make substantial savings on accommodation, if you rent a campervan or motorhome instead of a car. Plus you will have even more freedom of where to go and how long to stay.
Two-Wheel Drive Car
A two-wheel drive car is probably what you are used to driving at home. A small car is the most economical choice and will save you on fuel. Especially newer models are fuel efficient and reliable. Popular models that are offered by car rental companies in New Zealand are the Suzuki Swift, Hyundai Gertz, Nissan Maxima and Toyota Corolla. There are many other options, including bigger cars that can accommodate up to six people, like the Toyota Estima.
Two-wheel drive cars are perfect if you are travelling between cities on your own, as a couple or in a small group. They are budget-friendly and economical to run and insure. There is usually no age limit for renting a two-wheel drive car, and they are easy to drive. However, if you are travelling with more than two people, it can be challenging to fit all your luggage into the car.
Four-Wheel Drive Car
Renting a four-wheel drive car for a road trip through New Zealand is a personality and style choice. Most places in New Zealand are accessible with a standard car, and it wouldn’t be wise to go off-road in a rental car anyway, as this would void any insurance and roadside assistance. However, if you have always fancied driving a four-wheel drive and you have the budget to rent one and cover the running costs, then why not? The majority of car rental companies in New Zealand offer these type of vehicles, including the Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson and Nissan Pathfinder. Four-wheel drives provide a comfortable and safe ride, but they are expensive to rent and insure and not very fuel efficient.