Planning a road trip or holiday? Choosing the right New Zealand vehicle hire can make all the difference to your travel experience. 

From compact city cruisers to roomy SUVs and group-friendly vans, there’s a wide range of options to suit different needs. Here’s how to decide which type of car is right for you, with recommended models from Rental Cars 247 that you can book straight away.

New Zealand vehicle hire: Compact cars

Compact cars are the go-to option for short stays, solo travellers or couples looking for convenience and affordability. These vehicles are ideal for navigating inner-city areas like Auckland, Queenstown and Christchurch, where traffic and tight parking can be a challenge. Because of their smaller size, you’ll spend less on fuel and have an easier time squeezing into street-side parking or narrow driveways.

They’re also surprisingly capable for light touring, especially if you plan to stick to well-maintained roads and limit your luggage. If you’re looking to keep costs low without sacrificing mobility, compact cars offer exceptional value. They’re quick to book, easy to drive, and simple to maintain during your hire.

Why rent a compact car?

  • Small and lightweight

  • Excellent fuel efficiency

  • Easy to manoeuvre

Top compact car picks from Rental Cars 247:

New Zealand vehicle hire: Sedans

Sedans offer a great mix of space, comfort and drivability. They are ideal for families, work trips or road trips where comfort and luggage space are a priority. This type of car is a great option if you’re covering a lot of ground, especially on sealed roads. Sedans give you that little bit of extra boot space for your bags, as well as a more stable, balanced feel at highway speeds compared to smaller cars.

They’re also a smart choice for urban and regional travel, with enough room for child seats, shopping, or gear without the bulk of a large SUV. With most models being fuel-efficient and widely available, sedans are one of the most versatile types of New Zealand vehicle hire.

Why rent a sedan?

  • Most popular type of rentals

  • Family-friendly

  • More economical than an SUV

Top sedan pick from Rental Cars 247:

New Zealand vehicle hire:  SUVs

If your plans include exploring beyond the cities or tackling mountain passes, SUVs are a fantastic option. These vehicles offer the height and ground clearance to manage unsealed roads and rough terrain, making them ideal for South Island adventures or exploring more remote parts of the North Island. Whether you’re heading to the ski fields, packing outdoor gear or travelling with the family, an SUV gives you the flexibility and confidence to cover longer distances and varying conditions.

Modern SUVs also feature comfort-driven interiors and solid handling, so you’ll enjoy the journey as much as the destination. You don’t need to be going off-road to benefit…having that extra space and visibility makes for a more relaxed experience.

Why rent an SUV?

  • Great for business or family trips

  • Comfortable over long distances

  • Capable across varied terrain

Top SUV hire picks from Rental Cars 247:

New Zealand vehicle hire: Minivans

Minivans are ideal for larger groups, big families or travel parties needing lots of luggage space. If you’re planning a group trip or a long-haul holiday where comfort and space are top priorities, this is one of the best ways to travel. Hiring one minivan is far more cost-effective than booking two smaller cars, and you get to stick together for the entire journey—great for group bonding and logistics.

They’re also perfect for people moving lots of gear, from sports equipment to prams and coolers. Many travellers find that even smaller groups enjoy the convenience and space of a minivan, especially on multi-day trips or when using it as a mobile base for day hikes or beach visits.

Why rent a minivan?

  • Cost-effective for larger groups

  • Plenty of room for gear and passengers

  • Flexible and pet-friendly

Top minivan hire picks from Rental Cars 247:

With a wide range of choices in New Zealand vehicle hire, it’s easy to find the right fit for your travel style. From city breaks to alpine adventures, there's a vehicle ready to take you there in comfort. Just pick your match, book ahead, and enjoy the freedom of the open road.

Planning your next adventure? Book your rental vehicle in Auckland, Queenstown and Christchurch for easy airport pick up.