Top Car and Campervan Rentals in New Zealand for Travelers Aged 18 to 25

Snap Rentals

Kicking off our selection of car rental options in New Zealand for drivers aged 18 to 25 is Snap Rentals. This company is particularly accommodating for young drivers, as the minimum age to rent from their diverse fleet is just 18. Plus, their rates are generally budget-friendly for younger customers.

Additionally, Snap Rentals stands out as one of the few car rental companies in New Zealand that allows drivers with a restricted or provisional license to rent a vehicle. Check out the latest deals from Snap Rentals on Booking.com.

Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations

Locations include Auckland City (Parnell), Auckland Airport, Christchurch Airport, and Queenstown Airport.

A complimentary shuttle service is available for airport locations to facilitate pick-up and drop-off. They also provide shuttle services to accommodate pick-ups and drop-offs at nearby accommodations for airport locations.

Inclusions

• Multiple drivers (18 years and older)
• Basic insurance
• Roadside assistance

Insurance

Rental includes free insurance with a NZ$2,000 excess and NZ$2,000 bond (paid via cash or credit card). Alternatively, you can opt for an insurance add-on costing NZ$16–$24 per day, which reduces the excess and bond to NZ$0–$200. Insurance options for restricted or P Plate licenses are also available.

Need clarification on how rental car insurance functions? Check out our guide, New Zealand Rental Car Insurance: Explained!

© Bargain Rental Cars

Bargain Rental Cars

Another excellent choice for car rental in New Zealand for drivers aged 18 and above is Bargain Rental Cars. They offer competitive pricing, although drivers under 25 are required to pay a small surcharge for insurance.

Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations

Options include Auckland (various locations), Hamilton (Frankton), Wellington (Cuba Street), and Christchurch (Hornby).

A complimentary shuttle is provided for airport pick-up and drop-off services.

Inclusions

• Multiple drivers (18 years and older)
• Basic insurance (for drivers over 25)
• Roadside assistance

Insurance

Basic insurance is included for drivers 25 and older with a NZ$2,500 excess. For drivers aged 18-24, there is a mandatory NZ$15 per day insurance fee with a NZ$3,500 excess. Additional insurance options with lower excesses are available for NZ$10–$19 per day. A NZ$250 bond applies only if credit card details are not provided. Windscreen liability can be added for approximately NZ$5 per day.

Need clarity on car rental insurance? Refer to our guide, New Zealand Rental Car Insurance: Explained!

© NZPocketGuide.com

Travellers Autobarn

If you’re excited about road-tripping across New Zealand in a campervan, Travellers Autobarn offers fantastic options. They do not impose additional fees for young drivers aged 18 and older, making them a great choice. Renting a portable toilet is an extra NZ$50, and to ensure you can freedom camp around New Zealand, it’s crucial to have a self-containment certification sticker. Be sure to check our review of their “Kuga” campervan.

Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations

Auckland, Queenstown, and Christchurch.

Inclusions

• 10% discount at premium caravan parks
• Access to free campgrounds
• Unlimited kilometers
• Roadside assistance
• Gas stove, fridge, sink, microwave
• Optional extras include kitchenware, bedding, child booster seats, multiple drivers, and a heater.

Insurance

Free standard insurance with a NZ$3,000 excess and a NZ$3,000 bond. Full coverage is available for an additional NZ$30 per day, which eliminates both excess and bond charges.

What Does a Travellers Autobarn Campervan Look Like?

Check out the NZ Pocket Guide team’s tour of a Travellers Autobarn campervan in the video below:

© EPIC Campers

EPIC Campers

Embark on an adventure with your partner, close friend, or even solo in one of the thoughtfully designed 2-berth campervans offered by EPIC Campers. You can pick up your vehicle from either Christchurch or Auckland while enjoying the benefits of self-containment certification, which allows for freedom camping. These vans come equipped with quality interiors, featuring a fold-out kitchenette and versatile living/sleeping space, along with convenient USB powerpoints and even a coffee plunger!

If you’re looking for more camper options from Auckland, check out The Best Motorhome & Campervan Rentals in Auckland.

Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations

Auckland and Christchurch.

Transfers are available from Christchurch Airport for an additional fee, and parking is provided at their depots.

Inclusions

• Multiple drivers (18 years and older)
• Basic insurance
• Roadside assistance
• Gas stove, fridge, and sink
• Kitchenware
• Kitchen consumables (olive oil, salt, pepper, and dish soap)
• Bedding (including an additional fleece blanket)
• Portable toilet
• Insect nets
• New Zealand SIM card
• Phone holder + USB charger

Insurance

Standard insurance comes free with a NZ$5,000 excess and $3,000 bond, or you can opt for insurance add-ons ranging from NZ$15 to NZ$30 per day, offering reduced or no excess and bond.

© Ace Rental Cars

Ace Rental Cars

Offering modern vehicles with no one-way fees, Ace Rental Cars is a great option for those aged 18 and above. Although they are not the cheapest option, they have earned a reputation for reliable vehicles. If quality is what you’re after, consider choosing Ace Rental Cars. Find the latest deals on Booking.com.

Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations

Options include Auckland City, Auckland Airport, Wellington Airport, Picton, Greymouth, Christchurch Airport, Dunedin Airport, and Queenstown Airport.

A complimentary shuttle is available to and from the airports during regular business hours.

Inclusions

• 1 driver (18 years and older)
• Basic insurance
• Roadside assistance

Insurance

Free insurance covers up to NZ$2,500 excess (depending on the vehicle) and a NZ$750 bond, or you can opt for insurance add-ons costing between NZ$20-$27 per day for lower excess and no bond.

© Omega

Omega Rental Cars

While Omega may not boast flashy branding, they offer excellent rental services. One of their greatest advantages is the numerous pick-up and drop-off locations throughout New Zealand, along with no one-way fees! They also rent to drivers as young as 18, which is a definite plus.

Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations

Key locations include Auckland City, Auckland Airport, Wellington (Pipitea), Wellington Airport, Picton, Nelson, Blenheim, Christchurch Airport, Queenstown, and Queenstown Airport.

A complimentary shuttle service is available at airport branches for ease of access.

Inclusions

• Multiple drivers (18 years and older)
• One-way hire available
• Option to return the vehicle at Wellington/Picton and pick up another post ferry crossing, minimizing ferry costs
• Basic insurance
• Maps and guide book with discounts on activities
• Free child seats
• Postcard and pen

Insurance

Basic insurance is offered for free with a NZ$2,500 excess and a NZ$2,000 bond for drivers aged 21 and older. Specific terms apply for drivers aged 18-20 or those with a restricted license. Insurance add-ons for drivers over 21 range from NZ$25 to NZ$28 per day, with either no excess or a NZ$400 excess.

© Drive NZ Rental Cars

Drive NZ Rental Cars

Drive NZ is not only an economical option, but they also offer a price-beat guarantee, making them a compelling choice for young drivers. Though there is a minimal airport surcharge, they typically do not require a bond (or may only require a low bond for certain vehicle rentals). It’s important to note that having credit card details is necessary; If you don’t own a credit card, consider reviewing our advice on How to Hire a Car in New Zealand Without a Credit Card.

Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations

Auckland Airport, Waiheke Island, Christchurch Airport, and Queenstown.

A courtesy shuttle service is available to facilitate transport between the airport and rental depots.

Inclusions

• Multiple drivers (18 years and older)
• Basic insurance
• Roadside assistance
• Free cancellation (if made more than 21 days before the rental date)
• Brochures and maps

Insurance

Rental includes free insurance with a NZ$2,000 excess, or you can opt for insurance add-ons costing between NZ$14 and $19 for reduced excess. While no bond is charged, credit card details will be required.

© Escape Campervan Rentals

Escape Campervan Rentals

Escape Campervan Rentals distinguishes itself with their uniquely designed campers ideal for budget-conscious backpackers. Although they are labeled as “cheap,” they are transparent about any potential additional fees listed on their website. Note that the most affordable vehicles are not certified for self-containment, but options for self-contained vans are available. Also, while booking, keep in mind there is no guarantee for automatic vehicles, though you can pay a fee of approximately NZ$10 per day for this option.

Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations

Locations include Auckland and Christchurch.

Inclusions

• Multiple drivers (18 years and older)
• Basic insurance
• Roadside assistance
• Solar shower
• Gas stove, sink, cooler box
• Portable toilet (available in self-contained vans only)
• Mains-powered heater
• Kitchenware
• Bedding
• Cleaning supplies
• Guidebook with discounts on activities
• Snow chains available on request in winter

Insurance

Standard insurance is free, with varying excesses between NZ$3,000 and NZ$4,000 along with a NZ$3,000 bond. Additional insurance options are available at an extra NZ$22.50–$30 per day to lower excess and bond requirements.

© Spaceships

Spaceships

Get ready for an adventure with a fantastic camping vehicle from Spaceships. They provide budget-friendly camper cars and people-carrier vehicles, allowing you to travel comfortably while camping at designated sites (note: these vehicles are not certified for self-containment, so freedom camping is not allowed). Additionally, they are one of the few campervan rental companies that cater to drivers under 21 years of age.

Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations

Available locations include Auckland (Penrose) and Christchurch Airport.

Shuttle transfers to and from their depots are offered from nearby airports and city centers for a fee.

Inclusions

• Multiple drivers (18 years and older)
• Basic insurance
• Roadside assistance
• PDFs of a travel guide e-book, NZ road code, and camping information
• Free modifications to bookings

Insurance

Free insurance comes with a NZ$3,000 excess and a NZ$3,000 bond (held on your credit or debit card), or you can opt for insurance add-ons ranging from NZ$20 to NZ$30 per day for reduced excess and bond requirements.

© Jucy Rentals

Jucy Rentals

Whether you’re looking to explore New Zealand by car or campervan, Jucy Rentals has options that will suit your needs. Drivers can start renting from the age of 18, with a range of affordable vehicles available, including hi-top campervans. Please note that drivers aged 18 to 20 will incur an additional surcharge of NZ$5 per day. Explore the latest JUCY deals available on Motorhome Republic, DiscoverCars.com, or Booking.com.

Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations

Auckland Airport, Auckland Central, Christchurch Airport, and Queenstown Airport.

A complimentary shuttle service is available for airport branches, ensuring easy transport for pick-up and drop-offs.

Inclusions

• 1 driver (18 years and older)
• Basic insurance
• Roadside assistance
• Gas stove, fridge, and sink
• Portable toilet (included in HiAce models)
• Shower and toilet available in premium HiAce models
• Kitchenware
• Bedding
• Towels
• Cleaning supplies

Insurance

Free insurance comes with a NZ$5,000 excess, a NZ$5,000 bond, and a NZ$75 claims fee. Alternatively, insurance add-ons are available for NZ$40–$55 per day, offering lower excess and bond requirements. Be sure to check the Jucy website for detailed information about what’s covered under their insurance.