Whether you're planning a tour of the North Island or just enjoy having the freedom of four wheels, car hire at Auckland International Airport gets your trip off to the perfect start.
Compare Car Hire Prices at Auckland Airport
| Car Class | Compare Car Hire Prices from* |
| Economy | $24.86/ day |
| Compact | $18.35/ day |
| Intermediate | $35.64/ day |
| Fullsize | $42.32/ day |
| Premium | $52.33/ day |
*Disclaimer: The price shown above was found on 8 May 2018 for one day of car rental on 8 July 2018. Prices are subject to change and/or availability.
Car Hire at Auckland Airport
There are five car hire providers operating rental desks at Auckland Airport, namely Avis, Budget Rental Car, Europcar, Hertz, and Thrifty. If you're flying into the international terminal you will find the rental desks on the ground floor of the airport, next to the arrivals area. If your flight lands at the domestic terminal you will find the desks on the ground-floor of the multi-storey car park directly opposite.
You can also find cheap car hire in Auckland by opting for a car hire provider located off-airport, often for more affordable rates. Companies which provide free shuttle just 10 minutes out from the airport include Ace Rental Car, Apex, Ezi Car Rental, GO Rentals, and Enterprise. On Skyscanner's Car Hire comparison tool, simply browse the filters on the left > pick-up > free shuttle bus.
Petrol Stations near Auckland Airport
If you select a 'full to full' car rental agreement you will need to hand your car back with a full tank. Luckily there is a Z Skyway petrol station located on the airport site so you don’t have to worry about filling your rental car before returning it. Head west onto Tom Pearce Drive, towards George Bolt Memorial Drive, then take the second exit at the roundabout. The petrol station will be on the left hand side.
Driving from Auckland International Airport
Auckland International Airport is well connected to the region’s main roads. The airport is situated 25km to the south of Auckland city centre and 15km west of Manukau in the south on the shore of the Manukau Harbour. The three main motorway systems running through Auckland are the Northern Motorway (from Orewa to the Central Motorway Junction), the Southern Motorway (from past Bombay Hills, where it merges to the Waikato Expressway) and the Northwestern Motorway (from Auckland Port to Westgate).
Places to Visit by Car From Auckland Airport
We’ve put together a quick guide on getting to the most popular destinations from Auckland International Airport.
Kaitaia
One of the highlights of Kaitaia is breath-taking 90 mile Beach. This is one beach you can actually drive you car along – yes on the sand! Alternatively, it is also somewhere to sea and dune surf, swim, and sunbathe. Kaitaia itself is a small town in Northland and the largest town before Cape Reinga. Peaceful, beautiful and remote, Kaitaia is a romantic escape from the bustle of big cities. Those who love horse trekking, fishing, surfing, kayaking, diving, golfing, hiking or quad biking should make Kaitaia their first stop.
Kaitaia is a stunning 4 and a half hour drive from Auckland International Airport along the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island. Head southeast from the airport on the 20A highway. Take exit 15 for Queenstown Road Route 12, merging with Route 12 further along the road. Take the ramp for State Highway 1 to Auckland and continue on this highway until you reach Kaitaia.
Waiheke Island
Pure unadulterated paradise – that is the only way to describe Waiheke Island. Here, secluded beaches, vineyards and olive groves make up the spectacular natural landscapes. This place is jam packed with things to do from walking and hiking and adrenalin fuelled sports like caving, bungy jumping and white water rafting to sedate pastimes including golf, sailing and diving. Museums, galleries, Maori culture and local arts and crafts offer plenty for the culture vulture while romantics can just stroll white sandy beaches, gaze at the milky way above the island’s vast starry skies or enjoy a romantic meal by the waterside as the sun sets behind the ocean.
Waiheke Island is just under 2 hours drive and ferry from Auckland International Airport. Get on the state highway 20A until you get to a right turning for Urban Route 5. Follow signs for the Waiheke Island Half Moon Bay ferry.
Auckland
With a huge Polynesian and Asian community, Auckland is a diverse city with plenty going for it. Museums, art galleries, fabulous brunch spot and beach cafes, bohemian boutiques and high street stores, wining, dining, theatre and comedy make Auckland the buzzing city it is. The sparkling harbour is lined with cool water-side bars where you can gaze out at the shimmering yachts that moor there. Takapuna Beach and Mission Bay are the closest beaches on which to while away hot sunny New Zealand days.
It takes just 25 minutes to drive to Auckland from the airport. Get on State Highway 20A taking exit 15 for Queenstown Road. Take the Route 1 ramp to merge onto State Highway 1 and follow signs for the city centre.
There is a range of parking options in Auckland. Most parking is in car parks which cost from $3.00 per hour depending on the location and up to $17.00 for a full day’s parking. There is also pat and display parking on the street which is charged at $4.00 for two hours short stay. The first 10 minutes parking is free throughout the city. Parking charges apply from 9am to 10pm. Some hotels in Auckland also offer free parking.
Reviews for Auckland International Airport
4 Stars | John Abdou
Relatively easy airport to get in and out of. Lots of direct flights to the west coast that are convenient and fast.
5 Stars | Joseph Coreur
Auckland isn't that busy, is easy to navigate, and has services both land and air side. It's a bit difficult to get to from downtown since there isn't a highway that takes you directly there, but you don't really have a choice, either.
This information is correct as of June 2018