Expert: Don Boddie - 10/6/2008

Question
hi,

How much is it to rent a car in new zealand (auckland), and stay at a hotel/motel near the airpot(average price, per day)?  

Also, I heard that you have to be 21 to rent a car there. I have a valid Canadian drivers license (which I heard was ok to use there while visiting). Can I rent a car if I will be turning 21 that same year? or do I have to already be 21 to rent?

Thanks!

Answer
Hi Helen,
         I am not sure about the minimum age to rent a car in NZ however I suspect if you have a valid drivers license you will be able to. The insurance loading for drivers under 25 is pretty steep so it would pay to check that.
I can't think of a good reason to stay in a motel near the airport unless you have to!!
There are plenty of motels in Auckland that will be far cheaper than the airport ones so I would look at other options.
To find answers to the above I would try www.searchnz.co.nz. This is our local search engine and will have all the info you would wish for.
The backpacker facilities in NZ are very good, you could consider them?
Cheers,
Don