How to find a cheap car hire deal in Dunedin
Take control of your trip with a cheap rental car in Dunedin. With prices averaging R 1,436 a day, it's travel freedom that doesn't cost a fortune. From zippy compacts to roomy SUVs, we'll help you find the right ride at the right price.
Daily rental prices in Dunedin start from just R 464.
Making it more than a quick visit? Pick up a weekly rental from R 3,246 and explore more than just the top attractions.
Timing makes all the difference when it comes to finding the best price on a Dunedin car hire. Try booking around one week before you go.
Ezi, yesaway car hire and GO Rentals are some of the most popular providers in the city. Use them as a starting point to compare offers.
Always check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Dunedin car hire policy, whether with Ezi or any other supplier. Some may charge separately for it instead of including it in the base rental.
Booking one-way could snag you a cheaper rate on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be moved between sites. Just choose 'Return car to a different location' when searching the range of cars for rent in Dunedin.
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car with a full tank, so you're only paying for what you use. No hidden refueling charges at drop-off either.
Want to explore more without worrying about how many miles you rack up? Search for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and travel as far as you like without the extra charges.
Best value car hire options right now
Taking first place for value is this company, with average prices of R 822 a day.
Next in line is [this provider](this provider](https://www.skyscanner.co.za/car-hire/car-hire-with-provider/dollar/731)), offering daily rates of around R 1,474.
The third option also performs well on price. Ride away in one of their rentals for roughly R 1,466 a day.
The Compact rental category is a dependable pick if you're unsure what sort of ride you need. It's also the car type that's rented the most in Dunedin.
Flying to Dunedin? Think about an airport pick-up
If you're jetting into Dunedin, be on your way quicker by booking a car hire at Dunedin Airport. The drive time from this airport to the city centre is around 23 kilometres and takes about 30 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Dunedin
Small: These cheap rental cars in Dunedin may be small in size, but they're big on what matters. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're easy to manoeuvre, fuel efficient, and just the thing for short trips.
Medium: Not too big, not too small, it's the definition of just right. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they offer a mix of interior space and fuel efficiency and are suited to small families and couples.
Large: Long drives fly by in this Dunedin car hire category. Also known as full-size, they have the engine size to match the journey. The extra space and comfort make them a popular choice for groups of friends and families.
SUV: When adventure calls, an SUV answers. It's your perfect road trip buddy, ready for country roads, highways, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also promise extra space and improved safety features.
Van: Go for this vehicle category when you need a car for rent in Dunedin that makes light work of heavy loads. Usually featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're designed to transport more, whether that's equipment, suitcases or large groups.
Insurance and optional extras
Choosing excess insurance for your Dunedin car hire gives you peace of mind. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of a collision or theft. Insurance policies aren't the same across all rental providers, so compare before you book.
Take your ride to the next level with extras like a reverse camera or navigation unit. These add-ons can make your drive smoother and more enjoyable when you rent a car in Dunedin.
Good to know
Check each company's age requirements before booking your car hire in New Zealand. Rules can differ, and some restrictions or fees may apply if you're a younger driver. At the start of your search, just uncheck the 'Driver aged between 25–70' filter and enter your age to browse your options.
Travelling with kids? Child car seat laws differ from place to place, and the correct setup may depend on their weight, age and height. Find out if you need to add one to your Dunedin car hire reservation.
You'll need to show some documents when collecting your car. As a rule, bring a valid driver's licence, a credit card with enough balance for the deposit (most companies don't accept debit cards), and another form of photo ID. Your booking will tell you exactly what you need.
If you've never driven in New Zealand, keep in mind that traffic here keeps to the left side of the road.
Stay within the local speed limits. Usually that's around 45kph in built-up areas and 95kph or so on highways, unless signed otherwise.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.05% applies in New Zealand. The safest way to stay legal to drive is to avoid drinking altogether.
Around 8am is one of the busiest times for traffic in this destination. Try to avoid rush hours if you want a smoother run.
You'll be using the New Zealand dollar (NZD) on your trip here. In addition to your bank cards, have some cash on hand for minor purchases.
Best hotels in Dunedin for drivers
Offering accessible parking, Beechwood Boutique Accommodation adds extra convenience to your stay. This hotel is about 2 kilometres from central Dunedin and also comes with room service and an airport shuttle.
Amross Motel is another good fit if your plans involve plenty of exploring. It features parking, along with a golf course and air conditioning. Base yourself here and you'll be roughly 2 kilometres from the city centre.
Browse through the range of hotels in Dunedin for even more choice. Use the 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' and 'Valet parking' filters to tailor your results to your trip. You can also apply the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to limit results to EV-friendly stays.
It's time to start exploring now you've found a car hire deal in Dunedin and your hotel. From Dunedin Botanic Garden to Saint Kilda Beach and Sandfly Bay, you're spoiled for choice on things to do here.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Dunedin
Shift gears and make tracks to Oamaru. Around 97 kilometres northeast of central Dunedin, you'll find must-do sights like Oamaru Whitestone Penguin and Steampunk HQ.
Reliable accommodation options with parking in Oamaru include Oamaru Motor Lodge and Heritage Court Lodge.
Add Balclutha to your travels too. Pick up your cheap car hire in Dunedin and drive roughly 72 kilometres southwest to take in major highlights such as South Otago Museum and Ovayok Territorial Park.
Keep the momentum going and road-trip it to Ashburton, about 241 kilometres northeast of Dunedin. First, swing past Argyle Park, then head to Ashburton Aviation Museum.
The only thing left on your to-do list now is sleep. ASURE Adcroft Motel and Bella Vista Motel Ashburton have room for both you and your wheels while visiting Ashburton.
