New Zealand Rental Car – Popular Destinations

Why do so many people choose to explore New Zealand in a rental car?

There is so much to see and do in New Zealand, from must-see landmarks to little-known surprises, and the best way to see the country is to follow your own path and set your own pace. With handy depots in Auckland, Palmerston North, Christchurch and Dunedin, an affordable rental car from USAVE gives you the freedom to discover your own New Zealand.

At USAVE, we see our job as being much more than providing you with an affordable rental car to drive – we make it our business to make your holiday as memorable as possible. If you have any questions, if we can help in any way, just ask the friendly experts at one of our New Zealand car rental locations.

North Island

Auckland
Auckland is known as the City of Sails for its many boating enthusiasts and weekend waters filled with yachts. The region has many great attractions, including the Hauraki Gulf where there are numerous islands and good deep-sea fishing waters. Auckland has an extensive range of shops, cafes and restaurants, and you are never far away from the many beaches in Auckland.

Our Auckland City Car Rentals Branch provides easy access to the north and western regions of the North Island.

Waitomo
Waitomo Caves are situated beneath the rugged King Countryside and consist of weather-worn limestone outcrops in a vast and largely uncharted series of caves. The caves rank as one of the finest wonders in New Zealand. The most popular is the Glowworm Grotto with its myriad tiny bright lights dotting the cave ceiling and limestone formations of all shapes and sizes surrounding them.

Rotorua
Maori culture and traditions are at the heart of Rotorua – here you can see concerts and traditional ceremonies. Rotorua's towering geysers and bubbling mud and silica terraces also draw many visitors to the area, which is often called the Thermal Wonderland.

Napier
Napier has plenty of vineyards and orchards amongst some of the most lavish farmland you'll ever see. Also known as the Art Deco capital of the world, it is home of one of the largest Gannet colonies in the world at Cape Kidnappers.

Lake Taupo
Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake, was formed by one of the biggest volcanic eruptions in human history. Evidence of the massive blast lies all around the volcanic plateau. Taupo holds expansive beauty: in the west, thick bush and waterfalls edge the isolated bays, in the east are small parklands, and in the south are a cluster of volcanic mountains which rise to 2,706m.

Palmerston North
Located on the banks of the Manawatu River and at the foot of the Tararua Mountain range, Palmerston North is a young and vibrant city, and is home to Massey University and an active student population. There are plenty of activities available, from walks and trails to museums, gardens and excellent bars and cafes.

Our Palmerston North Car Rentals Branch provides easy access to the central and eastern regions of the North Island.

Wellington
Wellington is the world's most southern capital city and is renowned for its wind. The parliament buildings are situated here along with New Zealand's largest museum, Te Papa. The city has a diverse mix of shopping, cafes, performing arts and activities to keep you amused whether you're on a short city break or planning a longer stay.

South Island

Picton and Blenheim
Picton and Blenheim are the towns that get the most sunshine and are home to many excellent vineyards. Picton is also the gateway to Wellington and the North Island via the Inter-Island Ferry.

Kenepuru and Pelorus Sounds
For some amazing scenery Kenepuru and Pelorus Sounds are definitely recommended. Here you will find wildlife sanctuaries, walkways and a maze of secluded bays and beaches.

Kaikoura
World-renowned as the whale watching centre of New Zealand, tours are available both by boat and air to view the giant Sperm Whale, migratory Humpback Whales, Orcas, Hector's Dolphins, Fur Seals and Royal Albatross. Visitors can swim with pods of dolphins, come face to face with fur seals, or scuba dive. There are also numerous local activities available on land.

Hanmer Springs
Hanmer Springs is unique as the only thermal resort in the South Island. Hanmer is situated at the base of the pristine Amuri mountain range just a short drive from Christchurch. The picturesque village is surrounded by hectares of native and exotic forests and has a range of cafes, shops and attractions.

Christchurch
Christchurch, often referred to as the Garden City, is the largest of the South Island cities and is a major international gateway to the country. It has a very English nature and the Avon River twists through its heart of stone buildings. There is plenty to see and do in Christchurch from the lively entertainment scene to the award-winning gardens and excellent shopping facilities.

Our Christchurch Car Rentals Branch provides easy access to the Canterbury region and the upper half of the South Island.

Arthur's Pass National Park
Arthur's Pass National Park straddles the main divide of the South Island between Canterbury and the West Coast. It is characterized by high mountains, steep gorges, lush native forests and wide, open rivers. Arthur's Pass is a beautiful scenic drive from Christchurch. There are some amazing walks including the Bridal Path, and you can drink the freshest water from the Devil's Punchbowl Falls, but watch out for the keas (cheeky native parrots)!

Mount Cook
Mt Cook is New Zealand's highest mountain and the area offers a wide range of activities. Day walks, skiing, heli-skiing, horse treks, scenic flights and more are on your doorstep. The Hermitage Hotel is a popular place to stay and is located in a natural mountain amphitheatre.

West Coast
Head over to the West Coast where you can view the booming blowholes and the extraordinary 'pancake' rock formations at Punakaiki. There is also plenty of history at the goldfields, forests and parks where you'll experience the wild, rugged granite mountains and beech forests.

Franz Josef and Fox Glacier
Nowhere in the world's temperate zones are glaciers as accessible as this famous pair that descend from crisp, clear snowfields into lush, temperate rainforest. Many tourists flock to the area annually to view this unique environment where there is an abundance of activities for all to indulge in.

Dunedin
Down to Dunedin where there is a very Scottish atmosphere, set between rolling hills and a rugged coastline. Dunedin has a unique combination of heritage and exotic wildlife. Taiaroa Head is the only place in the world where the giant Royal Albatross breeds on a mainland and is located only half an hour from the city centre.

Our Dunedin Car Rentals Branch provides easy access to the Otago region and the lower half of the South Island.

Queenstown
Queenstown nestles around the sheltered bay of Lake Wakatipu and is set in the magnificent Southern Lakes alpine region. It originally sprang to life as a mining town when gold was discovered in Arrowtown. Now it is the adventure capital of the world and the base for some of New Zealand's most popular walks and tramps. Nearby are the world-class Remarkables and Coronet Peak ski fields.

Lake Te Anau and Fiordland
Lake Te Anau is home to New Zealand's second largest lake and has an established reputation as the walking (tramping) capital of the world. Te Anau has a range of fine restaurants, excellent shopping and a wide range of accommodation. From here, move onto Milford Sound from which rises the sheer glaciated slab of Mitre Peak. Be part of all this fantastic world heritage at the Fiordland National Park.

Stewart Island
The most southern of New Zealand's three main islands, Stewart Island is separated from the South Island by Foveaux Strait. The island covers an area of around 165,000 hectares. Experience beach and bush walks in a temperate Podocarp rainforest. The ultimate unspoiled wilderness.