Dreaming of a New Zealand road trip? Whether you’re planning an epic South Island adventure or a quick weekend getaway, the perfect trip starts with the right vehicle. But with so many factors that go into picking the right rental car, the whole process can be a little overwhelming.
That’s where we come in. At Ezi, we’re not just about giving you the keys, we’re about giving you the right info and empowering you with the knowledge to make your journey as smooth and stress-free as possible. From finding the best deals to picking the perfect ride, our expert tips and tricks will help you save time and money, leaving you to focus on more important things, like which new restaurant to try or the perfect hiking trail to tackle.
Timing Is Everything: When to book and for how long
Book Early, Save More
Deciding when to book your car rental can be a stressful decision. So when is the best time to book your rental car to get more bang for your buck? Well, similar to flights, rental car rates are affected by demand and seasonality.
For example if you want to explore Auckland on a budget, avoid traveling during peak seasons especially from December to February. Now this tip might not be for you if you are visiting Auckland specifically for holidays. However, you can still cut down some of the cost by hunting for car rentals months ahead. Just like airline systems, many rental agencies allow customers to book their ideal type of car months ahead.
So exactly how far in advance should you book? This depends on the time of year you are planning your trip. During peak season (Christmas, School Holidays, Public Holidays, Summer months) we advise booking at least 8 – 12 weeks in advance. This is generally when demand is highest and prices can skyrocket at the last minute. For the rest of the year, we recommend booking at least 4 – 6 weeks in advance.
Looking to book your next adventure? Find your car here: https://www.ezicarrental.co.nz/
EZI TIP: Book your car when you book your flights.
The Longer, The Cheaper
Does renting a car for longer really make it cheaper? Yes! Daily rates decrease the longer the rental period. Check out our ideal rental periods for the best daily rates:
- Good: 10+ days
- Great: 14+ days
- Best: 30+ days
Get in touch with the Ezi Team to discuss our long term rental rates.
EZI TIP: Keep an eye on our Hot Deals page as we often run deals for longer term rentals.
The Pick-Up & Drop-Off Game: Beat the Crowds and Costs
Midweek vs. Weekend Pick-Up
Navigating the busiest times at the rental counter can feel like a sport. But with a little pre planning and some insider knowledge, you can skip the queues and start your trip sooner.
- Midweek: Picking up your rental car midweek, particularly on a Monday to Thursday after 10 AM, is a great strategy for a smoother experience. This is when airports and rental depots are typically less crowded, allowing you to get through the process quickly and hit the road without delay.
- Weekends: If you’re heading away for the weekend, consider a mid-afternoon Friday or midday Saturday pick-up. This timing often helps you bypass the morning rush of other weekend travellers, making for a more relaxed start to your journey.
EZI TIP: If you are travelling domestically, avoid Air New Zealand’s “Koru Hour” flights (4:35pm – 7:05pm between major centres), as these tend to be busier flights.
Mind The Clock On Drop-Off
Your car rental is calculated in 24-hour blocks, starting from the exact time you pick up your vehicle. This is an important rule to remember, because even returning the car a couple of hours late can mean you’re charged for a full extra day. For example, if you pick up your car at 10 AM on Monday and return it at 12 PM on Tuesday, that’s considered a two-day rental, not just one day plus a few hours.
To save money and avoid unexpected charges, always aim to schedule your drop-off for the same time as your pickup. If you know you will be a little late but not by a full day, contact your rental company. Some providers may charge a lower hourly rate for a short late return, though this depends on their policy.
EZI TIP: Returning your car earlier than scheduled will generally not get you a refund for unused time. Since you’ve already paid for the full 24-hour block, you might as well use it.
For everything you need to know about or easy drop-off process, visit our drop off guide: https://www.ezicarrental.co.nz/support-services/drop-off-your-car/
One-Way Rentals
When you pick up a rental car in one location and drop it off in another, you might be charged a one-way fee. This fee helps rental companies manage their fleet, especially when tourism trends create an imbalance of vehicles between the islands, such as tourists typically travelling from the North Island to the South Island during the winter ski season.
However, many rental companies, including here at Ezi, offer special One-Way Rental Deals (also known as Relocation Deals) on specific routes. These deals can give you a heavily discounted daily rate for popular journeys that help the company rebalance its fleet, such as driving from Queenstown to Auckland.
EZI TIP: Research your car rental options before booking flights as it might be more cost effective to drive one way and fly the other.
Check out our one way deals here: https://www.ezicarrental.co.nz/hot-deals/relocation-deals/
Why Car Rental Insurance is a Must
No one likes dealing with insurance. Equally, no one likes to deal with a damaged car. Did you know the average cost of a windscreen replacement is around $1,700? Most travel insurance will not cover any kind of damage to rental cars, so rental car insurance is a way to protect your wallet and your peace so you can enjoy your trip worry free. Rental car companies offer a number of different coverage options and some, like us here at Ezi, include basic protection with your booking. Check your rental agreement to understand what is covered and what additional coverage is worth getting.
EZI TIP: Research insurance options from your car rental provider when booking to see which cover option best suits your budget and type of adventure you are embarking on.
Check out our insurance page for more details: https://www.ezicarrental.co.nz/support-services/covers-insurance/
Choosing the Right Car
Choosing the best car for your trip can be a minefield. In general, we recommend selecting a car that suits your trip’s needs, considering factors like passenger capacity, luggage space and the type of holiday you are going on. Here at Ezi we have a large selection of vehicles to suit all needs and trips. Check out our different vehicle options below.
Compact Cars:
- Drive in style without compromising on comfort.
- Our mid-sized cars hold up to 5 passengers and fit 2 large luggage bags depending on the model.
- Find your compact car here: https://www.ezicarrental.co.nz/vehicles/mediumcars/
SUVs:
- Best for those that need something bigger to transport the family or a bit of extra space for luggage.
- Our SUVs hold 5-7 passengers and fit up to 3 large suitcases depending on seat configuration and the model.
- NOTE: 7 seater cars more often than not mean less boot space.
- Discover our SUVs here: https://www.ezicarrental.co.nz/vehicles/suvs/
4WDs and Utes:
- Perfect for those that need a car with space and power that can handle everything their adventure throws at it.
- Our 4WD models hold up 5-7 passengers and up to 3 large suitcases depending on seat configuration and the model.
- NOTE: 7 seater cars more often than not mean less boot space.
- All of our Toyota Hilux 4WD utes come with a towbar. See our towbar page for all the details.
- Check out our 4WDs & Utes here: https://www.ezicarrental.co.nz/vehicles/4wd-and-utes/
Green Fleet:
- Choose one of our fuel efficient fleet options for your next trip and rest easy knowing your holiday will be kinder on both the environment and your wallet.
- We have a variety of electric and hybrid models available, holding up to 5 passengers and fitting up to 3 large suitcases depending on the model.
- You can explore our Green Fleet here: https://www.ezicarrental.co.nz/vehicles/greenfleet/
- Find more information on our sustainable car models here: https://www.ezicarrental.co.nz/support-services/our-sustainable-fleet/
- Learn more about Ezi’s commitment to green here: https://www.ezicarrental.co.nz/about-us/environmental-policy/
Our Final Thoughts
Planning your New Zealand road trip should be an exciting experience, not a stressful one. With our Ezi expert tips and tricks, you can be confident that you’re getting the best value for your rental car. From timing your booking just right to choosing a vehicle that fits your adventure, these small steps add up to a big difference in your travel budget and overall peace of mind.
Ready to put these tips into practice? The perfect car for your next journey is just a few clicks away.
Start your next adventure now. Find your perfect car and book your Ezi rental today!
