Rental Car New Zealand - FAQ
- Can I use my foreign driver's license in New Zealand?
- Can I sleep in the rental?
- How much is my NZD quotation in my own currency?
- Will my rental car be safe for me and my family?
- Could my rental car breakdown?
- Do I need a GPS? Will I get lost in NZ?
- What if I get a speeding ticket?
- Can I get a refund if I shorten my hire?
- How old do I have to be to hire a car?
- What are driving conditions like in New Zealand?
- How much time do I need to see New Zealand?
- What should I see in the South Island?
Can I use my foreign driver's license in New Zealand?
If you do have a current overseas driver license or international driving permit, you can drive using that for a maximum of 12 months from the date you arrive in New Zealand. (Note: if your overseas license or permit isn't in English, you must carry an accurate translation.
Each time you visit New Zealand, you can drive for a further 12-month period on a valid overseas license or international driving permit, as long as you stay for no more than a year at a time.
For more information, see NZTA Factsheet 56
Can I sleep in the rental?
There are several very good reasons for not sleeping in your rental ...
- NZ law does not allow sleeping just anywhere, you must go to a camping ground or get permission from the land owner for private land.
- It destroys NZ's beautiful country when people use the bush or roadside as a toilet (it is also disgusting to discover other people's mess).
- It may even be against the law in New Zealand to sleep where there is not a toilet available.
- Sleeping in a car is rather unhealthy due to such a small space, even with the window open there will be higher levels of carbon dioxide.
- The car may begin to smell from sweat, breath, etc. A cleaning fee (typically $100) will be charged for smelly vehicle returns.
- Sleeping in a car can be particularly uncomfortable; it is common to see even purpose designed camper vans parked at motels because it simply isn't comfortable or practical to sleep in a vehicle for more than just a night or two.
- Accommodation in NZ is relatively cheap. Typical accommodation prices in NZ are around one-third of the price for equivalent accommodation in the UK.
How much is my NZD quotation in my own currency?
All quotations provided by Airlink Car Hire will be in New Zealand dollars. If you wish to convert this to another currency, we suggest you use ...
Will my rental car be safe for me and my family?
Rental cars from Airlink Car Hire are maintained regularly, serviced every 12,000km and safety items such as tyres, lights, brakes, etc are checked before every hire!
Strict government imposed certificate of fitness checks are undertaken every 6 months on all vehicles.
Could my rental car breakdown?
At Airlink Car Hire we are very proud of our low breakdown record (less than 1% of rentals experience any type of breakdown). Our fleet vehicles are extremely reliable due to the regular servicing and maintenance programs.
While unlikely, if a breakdown were to occur during a hire, we would send you to the nearest service garage (or we'll send them to you if necessary).
Do I need a GPS? Will I get lost in NZ?
You most likely won't need a GPS for your travels. New Zealand is a small-ish country with very low population density. This means we have only a few major roads connecting towns and cities. Most visitors are more than happy navigating with the maps and guides available at our office (most of which are free!).
What if I get a speeding ticket?
Police are strict about enforcing the speed limits here in New Zealand. They use methods such as speed cameras, regular police patrol cars and unmarked mufti (plain clothes) police patrol cars.
We expect all customers to stay within legal speed requirements. A few moments of inattention may cause your speed to increase which will land you a speeding fine. You will be expected to pay the fine before leaving New Zealand. Some countries may record demerit points incurred in NZ against your national license.
Can I get a refund if I shorten my hire?
We understand that plans change; unpredictable weather or simply a change of plan can affect your rental requirements. You will be refunded for any unused days given at least 48 hours notice of an early return. (shorter hires may be subject to a higher rental rate, minimum hire period or kilometer charges)
How old do I have to be to hire a car?
We hire to any driver 21 years of age and older (i.e. born on or before 10th of Mar 1989).
Note: All drivers must hold a full valid license (not restricted, provisional or learner license)
What are driving conditions like in New Zealand?
When you are driving around New Zealand in a rental car you may find conditions are a little different from home (assuming you are a visitor to New Zealand of course!). Although the speed limit on the open road is 100km/h (60mph) the narrowness of our roads and the rarity of roads with more than two lanes means that you will rarely be able to maintain this speed. For main highways, allow for an average speed while travelling of 80km/h (50mph). As an example, the 30km (18 miles) between the must-visit glacier towns of Franz Josef and Fox Glacier is so winding that the journey can easily take 30 to 40 minutes to drive. Be sure to allow plenty of time for stopping for photos and enjoying the various attractions you will find on your way.
Summer driving conditions are normally very good. Late autumn (May/June) sees the onset of frosts in the southern two-thirds of the country with the possibility of ice on the road. Snow is possible in the higher country from May onwards and you may like to consider renting a four wheel drive vehicle during the May to September period, especially in the South Island, for added safety while driving.
Four wheel drive rental cars are most definitely recommended for anyone visiting skifields, along with snow chains if necessary. We also suggest 4WD vehicles for anyone visiting more remote parts of the country, especially those accessing good fishing and hunting areas.
How much time do I need to see New Zealand?
Some bus tours of New Zealand take only 4 days! This is nowhere near enough time to enjoy even a tiny portion of our country. To have a good look round and take advantage of the scenery, adventure and recreational opportunities we recommend a three week visit. It is generally agreed by our customers that one week in the North Island and two to three weeks in the South Island is ideal.
We know that not everyone has this amount of time available to them so we cater for all lengths of stay. Commonly, visitors from overseas who visit for shorter periods end up revisiting our country two or three times before they feel they have seen "everything". Whatever the length of your visit we will happy to help.
What should I see in the South Island?
The main advantages of renting a car in New Zealand, as opposed to taking part in an organized tour, is that you can speed up or slow down, investigate everything of interest, allow for rest days and see a lot more of the country. To help you make the most of your time here we are in the process of making up recommended itineraries for various lengths of stay. These will be added to our website as they are completed. Our staff are always willing to help once you're here and have the feedback of thousands of our customers to to draw on as well as providing free maps and guides.
If there is anything we can do to help in planning your journey, please let us know.