Car Rental Auckland Airport

Sitting close to the northern point of New Zealand’s northern island, Auckland often acts as the starting point for many road trip journeys down to the southern end of New Zealand. But Auckland is a holiday destination just by itself as well; with a car hire, the entirety of Auckland and New Zealand is open to you. Within a half an hour drive from central Auckland, you can reach beautiful beaches or ferry to stunning islands, rugged mountains and green forests. With a pleasantly sunny climate, Auckland is perfect for a summer holiday but also offers enough culture that there is plenty to do, no matter the weather.

The Auckland region is home to 48 volcanic cones, providing incredible hiking trails and views from the summits. Surrounded by lush forests, eye-catching black sand beaches, there is plenty to do in the wilderness. Enjoy hiking, snorkelling, diving, bike riding, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, whale watching and more. All within driving distance from Auckland Airport and Auckland central. 

If you’re interested in more of a metropolitan city holiday, Auckland serves those needs as well. From shopping in state-of-the-art megacomplexes to quaint open-air markets, you’re sure to find something special to take back home. The Viaduct Harbour and Britomart precinct are great places to start.

See Some Green Auckland Getaways in Your Car Hire

Drive just over 2 hours south of Auckland, and you’ll arrive in a world quite different from our own. Now famous worldwide, the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogy movies have gathered an international fan base, with many making the pilgrimage to the Hobbiton movie set. With different experience packages available on their website, you can do everything from a guided tour of the set and the Hobbit holes to a banquet package. Cap off this ’Middle-Earth marvel with a banquet in the Green Dragon Inn for a feast fit for Théoden himself. Hobbiton itself is more than just a movie set; it is a physically built village that makes you feel like you’re stepping into the Shire.

To continue that otherworldly feel, head down to Rotorua. A 3-hour drive in your car hire from Auckland or an hour from Hobbiton if you’re staying in the area. With bubbling mud pools, geysers, boiling lakes and hot springs (too hot for bathing). All this is just a short walk from the Rotorua city centre. Take one of the many paths to Kuirau Park and see these geothermal wonders. With lakes, rivers and forests all easily accessible, you’re probably going to be pretty worn out by the end of the day. Luckily there is a range of spas and wellness centres offering treatments using the mineral-rich water and mud from the area, getting you ready for another day of adventuring.

Experience Some Unforgettable Auckland Adventures in Your Car Rental

While surrounded by locations and natural wonders that made the ‘Middle-Earth’ trilogies look so spectacular, Auckland city itself has a wide range of activities. Pump your adrenaline up with bungee jumping from the Sky Tower or the Harbour Bridge. If you want something more low key than hurtling to the ground attached to a giant rubber cord, Auckland has that covered as well. Spend the day viewing the world's most extensive collection of Māori art at the Auckland Gallery, or experience any of the other galleries dotted throughout the city, such as the Gow Langsford Galleries downtown. 

A favourite activity for locals and visitors alike is the markets. From La Cigale’s French Markets operating every weekend to the smaller Britomart Market. For foodies, we recommend the Auckland Night Markets. A great place to grab dinner. With cuisines from all around the world using fresh local produce.

So, start planning your visit today and experience the best NZ and Auckland has to offer with Thrifty.