Self-Drive Car Rental in Palmerston North, New Zealand

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Find cheap car hire in Palmerston North

These are the lowest Palmerston North car hire prices we found over the next 30 days and are subject to change.

Select your Palmerston North pick-up location

There are 10 car hire providers in Palmerston North. Check out the map below to find the most convenient pick-up spot.

Car hire pick-up spots in Palmerston North

Compare car hire prices at airports, train stations and in different neighbourhoods across Palmerston North. You might find a better price, or the perfect pick-up point nearby. Start your journey where it suits you.
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These are estimated prices to help you choose from a large number of options. Each is an average based on the lowest car rental prices found for each destination over the last 15 days.

The most popular car rental companies in Palmerston North

Cross Country Rentals
Dollar
Avis
Ezi
Ezi-Rent Car Hire
Europcar

What's the most popular car to hire in Palmerston North?

Based on recent Skyscanner data, the Mitsubishi Outlander is the most popular car to hire in Palmerston North, with prices starting from ₹3,510 per day. The Ford Puma and similar models are also popular drives in Palmerston North.
Mitsubishi Outlander
Mitsubishi Outlander25% chose this
Ford Puma
Ford Puma22% chose this
Suzuki Swift
Suzuki Swift22% chose this
Toyota RAV4
Toyota RAV49% chose this
Most popular carMitsubishi Outlander
Why?Spacious, practical, good for families

Palmerston North's cheapest car hire providers

Cross Country Rentals has the cheapest car hire in Palmerston North right now, with prices from ₹4,317 per day. You'll save an average of ₹1,739 per day when you book with them.
Cross Country Rentalsfrom ₹4,317 per day
Budgetfrom ₹5,401 per day
Thriftyfrom ₹5,485 per day
Europcarfrom ₹7,281 per day
Cheapest providerCross Country Rentals
Book with them to save around₹1,739 per day

Hiring a car in Palmerston North: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyCross Country Rentals
Most popular carLarge, fullsize SUV
Average daily price₹ 9,731
Best time to book1 week before

How to book the best car rental deals in Palmerston North

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Palmerston North car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Palmerston North

  • Whether you need a compact for scooting around town or a bigger ride for the open road, we'll help you find a cheap rental car in Palmerston North. Choose from options averaging ₹ 9,731 a day and go your own way for less.

  • ₹ 3,510 is the cheapest daily price offered for a rental in Palmerston North.

  • Planning a longer trip and want to go further than the usual stops? ₹ 24,570 is the lowest rate for a weekly rental.

  • Timing makes all the difference when it comes to finding the best price on a Palmerston North car hire. Try booking around four weeks before you go.

  • Browse the offers available with Cross Country Rentals, Hertz and Ezi. They're some of the top providers in the city.

  • Check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Palmerston North car hire policy, whether you book with Cross Country Rentals or a different supplier. Some may charge separately for it instead of including it in the base rental.

  • Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to pick up a bargain if the provider needs to move vehicles between sites. Discover the best available rates by clicking 'Return car to a different location.'

  • Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your ride with a full tank, so you're only paying for what you use. You won't get hit with overpriced refueling charges either.

  • Roam without limits by searching for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, these rides let you go as far as you want without paying more.

Best value car hire options right now

  • Coming out on top for value is this company, with average prices of ₹ 10,809 a day.

  • Next in line, this provider offers daily rates of around ₹ 10,407.

  • The third option also stacks up well on price. Hop into one of their rentals for roughly ₹ 9,535 a day.

  • The Large rental category is a dependable choice if you're not sure which wheels are right for you. It's also the car type that's booked the most in Palmerston North.

Flying to Palmerston North? Think about an airport pick-up

  • If you're jetting into Palmerston North, get on the road sooner by picking up a car hire at Palmerston North Airport. The drive time from this airport to the city centre is around 8 kilometres and takes about 10 minutes.

Compare car hire types in Palmerston North

  • Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Palmerston North gets you moving without breaking the bank. These compact, fuel-efficient cars are great for city driving and short trips.

  • Medium: A solid choice when you need something that's easy to manoeuvre but with a few more features. This category includes compact and intermediate models that come with a little extra leg space compared to smaller options.

  • Large: You've got the kids, the luggage, the snacks, the everything. Large vehicles have got the space to fit it all in without a hassle. Ideal for long-distance journeys, this Palmerston North car hire category includes full-size cars.

  • SUV: Get a higher ground clearance and a wide-angle view of what's ahead in an SUV. Whether you're navigating trickier terrain or cruising down long stretches of highway, many come with all-wheel drive to keep you steady on any road.

  • Van: Usually featuring commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Palmerston North effortlessly handles larger loads and group travel. They're spacious, functional, and built to take on any task.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Choosing excess insurance for your Palmerston North car hire lets you drive with confidence. It protects you from paying a big excess fee in case of theft or damage. Insurance policies can differ between rental providers, so compare before you commit.

  • From navigation systems to mobile Wi-Fi, the right extras can seriously level up your drive. Consider which add-ons could enhance your trip when you rent a car in Palmerston North.

Good to know

  • Rental age requirements aren't always the same everywhere. Providers can set their own policies, and if you're under the minimum age, you could encounter extra costs or restrictions. Check what rules apply with each supplier before booking your car rental in New Zealand.

  • If the kids are coming with you, check if you need to add a car seat to your Palmerston North car rental booking. Whether local laws require them or not, they're always the safest way for little ones to ride.

  • You'll need some documents when you get to the rental desk. As a general rule, bring a valid driver's licence, a credit card with enough balance for the excess (most companies don't accept debit cards), and another form of photo ID. Your booking will tell you exactly what you need.

  • Driving in New Zealand may feel unfamiliar if it's your first time. Keep in mind you'll need to stay on the left side of the road.

  • Local speed limits are often about 45kph in urban areas and around 95kph on highways. Always check the posted signs, as limits may vary.

  • The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in New Zealand is 0.05%. Because alcohol affects each person differently, it's best to skip drinks entirely so you remain legal to drive.

  • Try to travel outside high-traffic periods for a faster run in general. 8am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.

  • You'll be using the New Zealand dollar (NZD) on your trip here. In addition to your debit and credit cards, have some cash handy for smaller purchases.

Best hotels in Palmerston North for drivers

  • Spend less time worrying about where to park and more time making the most of Primrose Manor. About 3 kilometres from central Palmerston North, it comes with parking, a garden and a games room.

  • Central City Accommodation, Palmerston North is also a smart pick if a few road trips are on your itinerary. It features parking, along with a restaurant and room service. Base yourself here and you'll be roughly 3 kilometres from the city centre.

  • Browse the full range of hotels in Palmerston North for even more choices. Use the 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' and 'Outdoor parking' filters to find what works for you. You can also apply the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to include places with charging facilities.

  • You're ready to make some memories now you've locked in a car hire deal in Palmerston North and your hotel. From Willowbank Reserve to New Zealand Rugby Museum and Victoria Esplanade Gardens, you'll find plenty to fill your days here.

Hit the road: Where to drive to from Palmerston North

  • Upper Hutt should be on your itinerary if you'd like to visit The Gardens of Isengard (LotR) and Remutaka Railtrail Summit. This city is around 97 kilometres southwest of central Palmerston North.

  • Wallaceville Motor Lodge and Totara Lodge are popular accommodation options with parking in Upper Hutt.

  • Or pick up your cheap car hire in Palmerston North and then head out to Paraparaumu. Around 80 kilometres southwest of Palmerston North, Raumati Beach and Paraparaumu Beach are major attractions that are worth going out of your way for.

  • Kapiti Gateway Motel and Elliotts Kapiti Coast Motor Lodge are comfortable places to stay in Paraparaumu if you're planning to stick around. Book one of these and have somewhere handy to leave your ride.

  • Stretch your journey and road-trip it to Tauranga, around 306 kilometres north of Palmerston North. Kick things off at Mauao / Mount Maunganui summit, then take your time exploring Maunganui Beach.

  • Hit the hay in Tauranga at either Trinity Wharf Tauranga or Hotel Armitage and Conference Centre. They've got a bed waiting for you and a place to park too.

Frequently asked questions

The average car hire cost in Palmerston North is ₹ 9,731 per day or ₹ 68,115 for a seven-day rental. If you're looking for a cheap deal, the lowest price we found is ₹ 3,510 per day for Medium hire from Ezi-Rent Car Hire. Need a specific type of car? Here's how prices compare:
Economy
Average price: ₹ 8,254 per day.
Cheapest price found: ₹ 3,601 per day.
SUV
Average price: ₹ 9,643 per day.
Cheapest price found: ₹ 3,510 per day.
Premium/Luxury
Average price: ₹ 13,427 per day.
Cheapest price found: ₹ 4,233 per day.
The cheapest car to rent in Palmerston North is Medium, compact SUV. The most popular is Large, fullsize SUV.
The cheapest car hire companies in Palmerston North are currently Ezi and Avis.
On average, around ₹ 68,115. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Palmerston North is ₹ 24,570.
If you're looking for freedom to explore Palmerston North, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in Palmerston North that have free cancellation
If you've booked car hire with free cancellation, you can usually cancel or change your booking without paying a fee. The deadline depends on the car hire company, but it's typically around 48 hours before pick-up. If you cancel after that, you may be charged. If your booking doesn't include free cancellation, you'll need to check the car hire company's cancellation policy. Depending on when you cancel, you might have to pay a fee or you won't get a refund.
Yes. Most car hire companies in Palmerston North offer same-day car hire. If you're looking for last-minute car hire in Palmerston North, search for today's date on Skyscanner to compare what's available.
The best time to book car hire in Palmerston North is usually as early as you can. Booking ahead often means cheaper prices and more cars to choose from. You can sometimes find a good last-minute deal, but it's never guaranteed and availability is often more limited.
A good deal for car hire in Palmerston North is usually around ₹ 7,298 per day or less. That's about 25% cheaper than the average price in Palmerston North, which is ₹ 9,731 per day. The cheapest price we found in Palmerston North is ₹ 3,510 per day with Ezi-Rent Car Hire for Medium car hire.
It depends on the car hire company. Some companies in Palmerston North will let you drive your hire car abroad, often for an extra fee, while others don't allow it. If you're planning to cross a border, check with the car hire company before you travel. Driving your hire car abroad without permission could invalidate your insurance or break the terms of your rental agreement.
It depends on the car hire company. Some accept debit cards, others require a credit card. Either way, you'll need enough money on your card to cover a security deposit which you'll get back when you return the car.
Electric cars aren't currently available to hire in Palmerston North. More electric cars are becoming available, so that could change in the future. If you're still looking for a lower-emission option, you can compare hybrid cars on Skyscanner.
Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.
Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of Palmerston North.
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is ₹ 3,601 per day. The average price per day is around ₹ 8,254.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like Cross Country Rentals, Dollar and Avis offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
The best car hire company depends on what's most important to you. If customer ratings are your priority, here are some of the highest-rated car hire companies in Palmerston North, based on Skyscanner reviews. We've also included their average daily prices to help you compare your options.
Hertz
4.6/5 (from 1 reviews)
Average daily price: ₹ 11,413
Cross Country Rentals
1.0/5 (from 1 reviews)
Average daily price: ₹ 7,282
Dollar
1.0/5 (from 1 reviews)
Average daily price: ₹ 8,201
You don't have to get it, but it's worth thinking about. In Palmerston North, the excess (what you pay if the car gets damaged or stolen) ranges from ₹ 27,455 to ₹ 435,993 depending on who you book with. The cost of excess insurance also varies by car hire company. You can buy excess insurance separately, which is usually cheaper than buying it through the car hire company.
Yes. Most car hire companies in Palmerston North let you add an extra driver. You usually need to pay an additional driver fee which costs around ₹ 211 per day. The good news is that some companies, like Keddy By Europcar, Ezi and Europcar, include it at no extra cost.
We search the internet for all kinds of vehicle hire deals, including vans. But at the moment, we can't find any van hire in Palmerston North.