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Exploring the City of Sails with an Auckland airport car rental
Auckland is a large, bustling, and spread-out city, so Auckland Airport car hire is the most convenient way to get around. Whether you’re in the city for business or pleasure, you can crack on to enjoy the delights of New Zealand’s largest and most populous city.
Auckland Domestic Airport rental car pick up locations
There is a multitude of brands offering car hire from Auckland Airport, with some on location at the airport, and others nearby and easily reachable by a free shuttle. Proceed to the ground floor of the multi-level car park outside the terminal building to find the car rental counters. You can also pick up your Auckland car hire at one of our partner locations around the city
Car hire Auckland: What you need to know
It’s not nicknamed ‘The Big Smoke’ for no reason—Auckland is a busy place with busy roads, and visiting drivers should be prepared for traffic congestion, narrow streets, and tight parking lots. The network of highways is vast and services all corners of the city, so it is well worth getting familiar with them before you set off in your Auckland Airport car rental.
You must merge onto the highway like a zip, and stick to the slow lane unless passing. During peak times, there are timed lights to stagger merging vehicles, and different rules for bussing and carpooling lanes. Finding a parking space for your Auckland car hire can also be difficult in certain areas. When in doubt, don’t park there!
Plan your route ahead of time, and pay close attention to signs. A little preparation will go a long way toward navigating this fantastic city in an Auckland Airport car hire.
![Auckland CBD and harbour at daytime.]()
See the best of Auckland in your car hire
The ‘City of Sails’ extends from Manukau Harbour to Waitemata Harbour and is a beautiful slice of New Zealand to explore by rental car. First head up the Sky Tower to get a 360-degree view of the area and get familiar with your surroundings before tackling your Auckland bucket list.
Your Auckland rental cars will take you from the urban hotspots of the inner city (like the Auckland War Memorial Museum), to the windswept beaches of the west coast, and all the way back again in mere hours. You’ll be awe-inspired by the scenic diversity in such a small area. Wander the waterfront area from Viaduct Harbour to Wynyard Quarter and sample the culinary goods along the way. Hit the shops or see a show on Queen Street, followed by cocktails and dinner in trendy Ponsonby.
The vineyards and natural beauty of Waiheke Island are just a ferry ride away, while lush forests and stunning waterfalls can be found in multiple directions in your Auckland Airport car hire. Check the blog posts from our travel experts and enthusiasts for more ideas for that New Zealand road trip.
![Boats docked in the harbour at Waiheke Island.]()
Car rental Auckland Airport: Choose the right vehicle
Navigating the streets of Auckland will be much easier with the right rental car. If you will be spending most of your time in the city limits and have packed lightly, a smaller economy car will be ideal for manoeuvring around and getting in and out of tight parking spaces.
If you’re hitting the Waitakere Ranges or going on a long New Zealand road trip, you may want to consider something with a bit more power in the engine. Larger, higher-set vehicles tend to perform better on winding, hilly roads—but do take up more space.
If you’re adding more than one driver to the car rental, make sure the chosen model suits everyone. Plan your route and fuel stops in advance, especially if you are venturing far outside Auckland city where services are fewer and far between. Book in advance when travelling during peak periods, such as holiday weekends and summer break, so you can get the Auckland rental car deals you want and need. Price matters, but always consider your comfort and safety first!
Choose from a variety of top brands offering for rental cars at Auckland Airport , including Hertz, Europcar, Avis, Ace, Keddy, Sixt, and many more.
![Spend summertime at the Piha Beach.]()
Other popular locations where you can pick up New Zealand car rentals include affordable car hires in Napier or Taupo in the North Island and rental cars from Queenstown or Christchurch in the South Island. Car rentals from Wellington are also a good option. With Airport Rentals, there are numerous ways to kick off your NZ car hire road trip.
