Whether you’re flying into Kerikeri Airport or arriving from Auckland, the Bay of Islands is easy to explore with reliable car rental services and bus connections. Here’s everything you need to know about hiring a car in the Bay of Islands.
Car Rentals
Renting at Bay of Islands Airport (Kerikeri)
Bay of Islands Airport (Kerikeri) has several car rental companies conveniently located at the terminal, making it easy to pick up your vehicle as soon as you land. Major international operators and excellent local companies are all represented, with desks inside the terminal building.
Avis Car Rentals operates from Kerikeri Airport in the Bay of Islands, providing travelers with access to a comprehensive vehicle fleet for exploring Northland’s attractions. With convenient airport location, flexible pickup arrangements, and the ability to take vehicles across Cook Strait for multi-island journeys, Avis offers established rental services suited to visitors touring the Far North region and beyond.
Budget Car Rentals is conveniently located at the arrivals hall at Kerikeri Airport, offering travelers a comprehensive range of late model rental cars, 4WDs, and vans for exploring the Bay of Islands and Far North. With a desk inside the terminal building open to meet all incoming flights, Budget provides unlimited kilometres, standard insurance, 24-hour Roadside Assistance, and optional extras including GPS navigation, excess reduction, and child safety seats available at the time of booking.
Auckland Airport Car Rental Options
Picking up a rental car from Auckland Airport provides an excellent starting point for the scenic drive north to the Bay of Islands. Major rental providers including Avis Car Rentals and Apex Car Rentals operate from Auckland Airport, offering convenient vehicle collection for the approximately 3-3.5 hour journey through Northland’s picturesque landscapes. The route takes travelers through charming towns and coastal scenery, with detailed driving directions to Paihia, Russell, and Kerikeri available to help visitors navigate their way to this stunning Far North destination and begin their Bay of Islands adventure.
Why Rent a Car in the Bay of Islands?
While you can get around the main towns using ferries and taxis, having a car gives you the freedom to:
- Explore beaches and coastal areas at your own pace
- Visit local wineries, farmers markets, and art galleries
- Drive to scenic spots like Haruru Falls and Rainbow Falls
- Take day trips to more remote areas
- Access walking track trailheads
- Shop for groceries and supplies easily
Choosing the Right Vehicle
Hybrid vs Standard Vehicles
When selecting your rental car, one of the first decisions is whether to choose a hybrid or standard petrol vehicle. Both options have their advantages depending on your travel plans.
Hybrid Vehicles
Hybrid vehicles offer fuel savings of up to 30% compared to standard petrol cars – a significant benefit when exploring the Bay of Islands region. These are self-charging hybrids, so you don’t need to worry about finding charging stations or plugging in overnight.
The advantages include substantial fuel cost savings (particularly beneficial for longer stays), reduced environmental impact, quieter and smoother driving, and excellent efficiency for stop-start driving around towns like Paihia, Russell, and Kerikeri.
However, hybrids typically come with slightly higher daily rental rates, though this is often offset by fuel savings over the course of your trip. Some hybrid models have less boot space than their standard counterparts, and they’re less commonly available, meaning you’ll need to book further in advance during busy periods.
Hybrids are best suited for visitors planning extensive touring, multiple day trips to attractions like Cape Reinga or the Hokianga, or stays of five days or more where the fuel savings will offset the higher rental rate.
Standard Petrol Vehicles
Standard vehicles remain a practical choice for many visitors. They offer lower daily rental rates, wider availability even during peak season, and are often available as larger models with more cargo space.
These vehicles are ideal for short stays of 2-3 days, travelers staying primarily in one town and not covering long distances, or those on a tight budget who will be doing minimal driving.
Understanding Rental Terms
Unlimited vs Limited Kilometres
Most car rental companies offer unlimited kilometres, meaning you can drive as far as you like without additional charges. This flexibility is valuable in a region where attractions are spread across a wide area.
When Unlimited kilometres Makes Sense
Unlimited kilometres is the right choice if you’re planning day trips to destinations like Cape Reinga (approximately 210km / 130 miles each way from Paihia), Whangarei (70km / 44 miles), or the Hokianga region (75km / 46 miles). It’s also ideal for visitors who want to explore multiple towns, beaches, and local wineries across the Bay of Islands without watching the odometer. If you’re planning to visit various walking track trailheads or simply want the freedom to explore without restrictions, unlimited kilometres provides peace of mind.
Limited Kilometre Options
Some budget rentals include a daily kilometre allowance, typically 100-150km per day, with a per-kilometre charge for any distance beyond this limit. This can be surprisingly cost-effective for certain travel styles.
Limited kilometres works well if you’re staying mainly in the Paihia and Russell area, using your car primarily for short trips to nearby beaches, restaurants, and grocery shopping. The main Bay of Islands towns are close together – Paihia to Kerikeri is only 24km (15 miles), and popular nearby attractions like Haruru Falls are just 5km (3 miles) from Paihia.
For a short 2-3 day visit with limited touring plans, you may find that 100-150km (62-93 miles) per day is more than sufficient and allows you to access a lower rental rate.
Making Your Decision
Before booking, roughly map out your intended activities. Add up distances to the attractions you want to visit. If your daily average will comfortably stay under the kilometre limit, a restricted package might save you money. If you’re likely to exceed it, or simply want flexibility, unlimited kilometres is worth the slightly higher rate.
Insurance Coverage Explained
Understanding your insurance coverage is crucial before hitting the road. While most rentals include basic coverage, knowing what’s included and what’s not can save you from unexpected costs.
Standard Coverage
Most car rental companies include basic insurance as standard, covering collision damage to the rental vehicle, third-party liability for damage to other vehicles or property, and theft of the vehicle.
Understanding the Excess
Standard insurance includes an excess (called a deductible in some countries) – this is the amount you’re responsible for paying if the vehicle is damaged. In New Zealand, this typically ranges from NZ$2,000 to $3,500.
Importantly, you’re liable for this excess amount even if an accident wasn’t your fault, at least until the other party’s insurance pays out. This can mean a significant credit card hold or payment at the time of an incident.
Common Exclusions
Several types of damage are often excluded from standard coverage, and these are particularly relevant in the Bay of Islands:
Windscreen and glass damage is frequently excluded or carries a separate excess. Stone chips and cracks are common on New Zealand roads, particularly on routes to more remote beaches and attractions.
Tire damage, including punctures and sidewall damage, is typically not covered under standard insurance.
Undercarriage damage is a critical consideration in the Bay of Islands. Many beaches and remote areas are accessed via gravel roads, and damage to the undercarriage from rocks or rough roads is often excluded from standard coverage.
Single-vehicle accidents – incidents where no other vehicle was involved – are excluded under some policies. Overhead damage to the roof from low-hanging branches or misjudging height restrictions is also commonly excluded.
Bay of Islands Specific Considerations
The Bay of Islands has numerous unsealed gravel roads leading to beautiful beaches and secluded spots. Before you venture off the main highways, check your rental agreement:
- Are you permitted to drive on gravel roads?
- Is undercarriage damage covered if you do?
- Are there specific beaches or areas where you’re not permitted to drive?
Almost all rental agreements strictly prohibit driving on sand or beaches, and violations can void your entire insurance coverage. There’s a good reason for this! I got my own car stuck on 90 Mile Beach when turning and the rear wheels sank in soft sand. I was lucky to be rescued by two locals on horseback as the waves were lapping around the back of the car! Nearly a very expensive lesson.
Reducing Your Liability
Most rental companies offer options to reduce or eliminate your excess:
Excess reduction insurance typically costs NZ$15-$30 per day and reduces your liability to between $0 and $500. Zero excess or full cover options cost approximately NZ$25-$45 per day and eliminate your excess entirely, meaning you pay nothing if the vehicle is damaged.
Whether these options are worthwhile depends on your comfort with risk, the length of your rental, and the driving you’ll be doing. For a week-long rental with extensive gravel road driving, excess reduction can provide valuable peace of mind.
Additional Drivers
If you’re planning to share driving duties, check whether additional drivers are automatically covered or require an extra fee. Some companies include a spouse or partner at no charge, while others charge per additional driver (typically NZ$5-$15 per day).
Any person who drives the vehicle without being listed on the rental agreement will void your insurance coverage entirely – even if they’re your spouse or family member.
Practical Tips
Before leaving the rental location, photograph the vehicle thoroughly from all angles, including the interior, wheels, and undercarriage if possible. Take note of any existing damage, no matter how minor, and ensure it’s documented on your rental agreement.
Report any damage immediately when it occurs, even minor scratches or chips. Attempting to return a vehicle with unreported damage can result in additional charges and complications.
Keep all fuel receipts if your policy requires you to return the vehicle with a full tank. Some companies are strict about this and will charge premium rates for refueling.
Check your personal travel insurance policy before purchasing excess reduction – many comprehensive travel insurance policies include rental car excess coverage, potentially saving you NZ$20-40 per day.
Practical Booking Considerations
When to Book Your Rental
Timing your booking can significantly impact both vehicle availability and pricing. During the peak summer season from December to February, and during NZ school holidays, the Bay of Islands becomes exceptionally busy. Rental cars, particularly popular vehicle types like SUVs and hybrid models, can book out weeks in advance.
Booking early during these peak periods isn’t just about securing a vehicle – it’s also about getting better rates. Prices increase as availability decreases, sometimes substantially in the final weeks before busy periods.
For peak season visits, aim to book your rental car at least 4-6 weeks in advance. This gives you time to compare rates between providers and ensures you get your preferred vehicle type.
Outside peak season (March to November), you’ll find better availability and more competitive rates. However, it’s still advisable to book at least one to two weeks ahead, particularly if you want a specific vehicle type or have particular requirements.
Pickup and Drop-off Options
Where you collect and return your rental car can significantly impact your travel logistics. Understanding your options helps you plan a smoother journey.
Airport Pickup
If you’re flying into Bay of Islands Airport (Kerikeri), collecting your rental car at the airport is typically the most convenient option. You can collect your vehicle immediately upon arrival and drive directly to your accommodation or start exploring.
The airport is centrally located, just 15-20 minutes from Paihia and close to Kerikeri town, making it a logical starting point for your Bay of Islands adventure.
Town Center Pickups
Local rental companies may provide flexible pickup locations in Paihia and Kerikeri town centers. This flexibility is particularly valuable in several scenarios:
If you’re arriving by InterCity bus and your accommodation is in Paihia, collecting a car from a Paihia location saves you the trip out to the airport. Some visitors prefer to spend their first day or two exploring Paihia on foot, taking the ferry to Russell, and getting oriented before collecting a car for wider exploration. If your accommodation is more convenient to a town location, some providers will deliver the vehicle directly to your hotel or motel.
Drop-off Flexibility and One-Way Rentals
Local operators often provide more flexible drop-off arrangements than international chains. This flexibility becomes valuable if your departure plans differ from your arrival.
For example, you might fly into Kerikeri Airport and collect your car there, but plan to leave the Bay of Islands via the passenger ferry from Paihia to Russell and then onward by bus. Having the option to drop your car in Paihia rather than returning to the airport can save time and hassle.
One-way rentals within the Bay of Islands region are often available with local operators, though some may charge a small relocation fee (typically NZ$30-$80). International brands generally have stricter policies about one-way rentals and may not offer this flexibility at all, or charge higher fees.
When booking, discuss your specific arrival and departure plans with the rental company. Local operators are often willing to work with you to find solutions that suit your itinerary.
Discounts and Special Offers
SuperGold Card Discounts
Some rental providers, including Far North Rentals, advertise discounts for SuperGold card holders. However, it’s important to understand what this means for international visitors.
The SuperGold card is a New Zealand government program exclusively for New Zealand residents aged 65 and over. The card provides discounts on public transport throughout New Zealand and with participating businesses, including some car rental companies.
International visitors and tourists are not eligible for SuperGold cards, regardless of age, so these advertised discounts won’t apply to your booking.
Discounts for International Visitors
While SuperGold discounts aren’t available, international visitors may be eligible for other savings:
Many international rental chains honor AAA (American Automobile Association) or AARP membership discounts. If you belong to an automobile association in your home country, check whether reciprocal agreements exist.
Rental company loyalty programs can provide benefits even for infrequent renters. Creating a free account with major brands often provides member rates or bonus offers.
Some credit cards include rental car benefits or discounts. Check with your card provider before booking – premium travel cards sometimes offer insurance coverage or promotional rates.
If you’re booking your Bay of Islands visit as part of a larger New Zealand itinerary, consider whether a package deal through your airline, tour operator, or travel agent might provide better rates than booking the car rental separately.
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