Car hire Palmerston North: Your trip to Manawatū
Upon picking up your Palmerston North car rental, you’ll quickly discover a warm and friendly town that perfectly embodies the Kiwi spirit of being welcoming and open to visitors. ‘Palmy’ as it is affectionately known to the locals, is an inland city in New Zealand's North Island. It has an eclectic mix of outdoor adventure, arts and culture, and urban city living, as well as being a central point between other North Island cities such as Wellington and Taupo.
What you need to know
A Palmerston North car rental is the most convenient option to get around and see all the local attractions. Our car hires are easily located within the airport terminal, or at our partner depots in the town centre. All the standard services you require are located in the CBD, and the road system is well laid out.
Whilst you’ll have far less traffic to contend with than the major cities, rural roads pose their own challenges. Stick to the main highways, and keep abreast of any major weather events. Heavy rains or winds can sometimes wreak havoc on secondary roads and bridges.
The most important driving tip for Palmerston North resembles that of other remote New Zealand areas: plan your route and fuel stops in advance, particularly if travelling outside of regular business hours.
![The Square where the clocktower sits, is the centre and start of any car rental Palmerston North road trip.]()
Things to see in your Palmerston North Airport car hire
‘Palmy’ is an underrated hive of culture and activity, all accessible by rental car. Visiting all the museums and galleries about town could take several days, so you’ll have to pick just a few if you’re limited on time. Most notably, the city is home to the New Zealand Rugby Museum, which boasts the country’s biggest collection of memorabilia and records. Even if you don’t back the All Blacks, it’s a fascinating tour through time looking at the most memorable moments and characters of New Zealand’s national sport.
There’s no shortage of outdoor adventures either, with top-notch whitewater rafting, hiking, and mountain biking opportunities all within easy reach in a Palmerston North car rental. For more sedate outdoor excursions, there are countless walks, kayaking tours, horseback rides, and biking tracks, allowing you to enjoy some of the country’s world-famous scenery.
The best use of your hire car Palmerston North Airport will be driving the celebrated Manawatu Scenic Route between Palmerston North and Mangaweka, offering up swimming opportunities, farm and forest walks, as well as visits to charming rural villages.
Choosing the right Palmerston North car rental
Compare Palmerston North car hire options from major brands such as Thrifty, Keddy, Budget, Hertz, Avis, and Europcar here in one place. The best thing about hiring a car in a small city like Palmerston North is that you have less traffic to contend with and an easier time finding a parking space. That being said, Palmerston North has its peak rental periods too. So whether you wanted to get one at the airport or from an off airport location, you must book well in advance online to get the model you’re after.
If you’re in town for business and just getting from Point A to Point B, a small economy car will likely suit your needs. If you’re in for pleasure and plan on clocking up a lot of miles, you’ll be better served by a mid-size sedan or sport model. A bigger engine will more reliably carry you up the hilly terrain, and a sturdier body offers more safety and protection. Go see it all in the right rental car.
![After a day's exploration of Palmerston North, the well-lighted streets become an invitation to activities done only during this time.]()
Other popular places to visit
Done with Palmerston North? Why not visit other places such as Rotoroa, Taupo, or Napier in your car hire? Book your vehicle through Airport Rentals and enjoy one-way rentals and explore other cities in NZ at your own pace.
