If you want to explore New Zealand properly, renting a car is almost essential. From winding coastal roads to hidden lakes and mountain passes, public transport won’t take you everywhere. I’ve rented cars several times from Auckland Airport, and while I’ve tried a few different companies, the one I keep recommending is GO Rentals. If you’ve spotted the bright pink logo near the airport, that’s the one. Here’s why I liked them so much, what to expect with prices, and a few tips that will make your rental smoother.
My Experience with GO Rentals
GO Rentals isn’t inside the airport terminal, which at first felt inconvenient. But once I landed, I simply called them, and within minutes a shuttle came to pick me up. The ride was short, the driver was friendly, and when I dropped the car off, they dropped me back at the terminal too. That made the distance a non-issue.
The staff were friendly and efficient, the car I got was practically brand new, and the whole process was quick thanks to their app. You can do most of the registration before you even arrive, which saves time (and stress if you’re travelling with kids or in a rush). For me, service, price, and car quality all hit the right balance.
How Much Does Car Rental Cost in New Zealand?
Car rental prices vary a lot depending on the season and type of vehicle. To give you an idea:
- 🚗 Small economy cars: around $40–$70 NZD per day in off-peak, up to $90+ in summer.
- 🚙 SUVs or larger cars: typically $80–$150 NZD per day.
- 🚐 Campervans: can be anywhere from $120–$250 NZD per day or more.
GO Rentals usually sits in the mid-range: not the cheapest, but definitely not the most expensive. For the newer car and smoother service, I found the value worthwhile.
GO Rentals vs Other Companies
Here’s a quick comparison of GO Rentals with other companies I’ve tried:
| Feature | GO Rentals | Other Companies |
|---|---|---|
| Airport Access | Shuttle (fast and free) | Some inside terminal, others slower transfers |
| Car Quality | Modern, often new vehicles | Budget rentals sometimes older |
| Service | Friendly, Kiwi-style, efficient | Mixed depending on brand and staff |
| Price Range | Mid-range, fair for quality | Budget = cheaper but older cars, Premium = pricier |
| App & Online Check-In | Yes – very smooth | Not always available |
Useful Tips for Renting a Car in NZ
- Book early in summer (December–February). Prices can almost double in peak season.
- Insurance matters: Basic rental often comes with a high excess (up to $3,000). It’s worth paying for reduced excess or using a credit card that covers it.
- Fuel costs: Petrol in NZ is around $2.60–$3.10 per litre. Diesel cars are cheaper to refuel, but some companies charge a road-user tax per km.
- Driving tips: Always keep left, watch one-lane bridges, and don’t underestimate long distances on maps – New Zealand roads can be winding.
- EVs and Hybrids: GO Rentals offers them, and charging stations are growing, but still plan carefully outside main cities.
Pros and Cons of GO Rentals
Pros: new cars, quick shuttle, excellent app, friendly service, good value, eco-friendly options.
Cons: not inside the terminal, slightly pricier than the cheapest companies, insurance terms need careful reading.
Final Thoughts
After using a few car rental companies in Auckland, GO Rentals has been my favourite so far. The small inconvenience of not being inside the terminal was outweighed by the fast shuttle and great service. For me, the peace of mind of having a new, reliable car and friendly staff made the trip much easier. If you’re visiting New Zealand and want a balance of fair price and great experience, I’d happily recommend GO Rentals.
You can check out their official site here: GO Rentals NZ
