[skorat]

I really hope this isn't a double up (done a bit of reading thus far). If it is, I apologise.

Any tips for kiwi car hire for someone who gets no corp discounts???

I noticed that post on the engineers/scientist/manager thingy organisation and if that was worthwhile, might be able to fudge our way into membership.

Usually, I just book online with same company. But it does get expensive.

[Mal]

I normally rent through Hertz. They have several publically available CDP (corporate Discount rates). They aren't crash hot, but do save some $ sometimes.

Eg.

Qantas Frequent Flyer: 297302
Entertainment Book: 1441781
Your AAA (NRMA/RACV/RACQ etc) Eg. RACV 074269 or NRMA 074155

If you know some good CDP's then you can use them, but be aware that if you are involved in an accident then your use of the CDP could be questioned. Same deal when picking up the car.

Other companies like Avis et.al also have similar CDP's - you just have to hunt around for them.

There are also dedicated websites where you can book cars through a third party booking site (kinda like the last minute hotel booking sites, but for cars) although I can't recommend any.



Also, have a look at the following Jetstar page. There are some good (public) discounts for NZ rentals there:
Jetstar - Cheap car rental deals through Avis and Budget

[CO BNE]

You may also want to look at Ace Rentals. I have rented from them in the past.

Their vehicles are generally older than Avis/Hertz/Thrifty/Budget but have never had issues in the 4 or 5 times i've used their vehicles. Their previous rates used to include 0 excess but even with their new excess reduction policy doesn't look to be too expensive.

[Kiwi Flyer]

Where are you needing a car for? Often can get one-way rentals for nothing or next to nothing when all their cars are in the wrong end of the island.

[skorat]

Thanks for the replies.

Kiwi Flyer, just for running around the city (auckland) -- I used to have a car there but don't go often enough now to justify it.

I've decided to take up an offer to borrow a mates car -- got a thing about rentals; I hate them, and am fussy about what I drive.

Thanks y'all for an interesting board, but I'll be taking my leave.

[t2dman]

For great prices without the need for corporate discounts, check out DriveNZ - Auckland Rental Cars, Christchurch Rental Cars.

DriveNZ is in the second tier of rental car companies, and has some well groomed cars for hire. For the executive type there are "super tourist" Tourist Car Rentals from $NZD59 per day, or $NZD63 per day for 3+ days. Compare that to the prices you get from the Hertz/Budget etc companies.

For the cheaper hires, try out their cheapest - from $NZD25 per day Cheap Car Rental New Zealand, or $NZD29 per day for 3 days.

Yes, a little bit of self interest in promoting the company - I looked after the Search Engine Optimisation for frequentflyer.com.au and also look after the SEO for DriveNZ. But I would not promote a company that I did not believe in .

[edison]

I am looking to book a car in NZ for Xmas, and I have noticed for the same larger companies (ie Avis, BUdget, Thrifty, Hertz) they constantly charge at least 20-30 dollars more than AU hire after currency conversion. Can anyone explain why this is? Is it because there is less competition?

[serfty]

Are you renting from an Airport?

e.g. AKL has a NZD30 levy on car hire pick ups.

[edison]

At Christchurch Airport ...... I am planning to rent over Xmas and New year ..... so want to get that ready since the city rental store may be closed during Xmas.

But still, even when not renting in airports it still seems to be a lot more expensive than renting in Australia. Is there some hidden tax that has to be paid by us? Or because car hire is so popular they can charge whatever they want?!

[Mwenenzi]

Try New Zealand Car Rentals - NZ Rental Cars & Auto Vehicle Hire from Ezy Rentals.
There are also a lot of 2nd tier car rental companies who have cars 2 to 5 years old. They will not be at airports, but some will pick you up.