How to find a cheap car hire deal in Gisborne
In search of a cheap rental car in Gisborne? With prices averaging R 1,056 a day, your trip is already off to a wallet-friendly start. Whether you're after an economy ride, a large SUV, or something in between, we compare all the best offers to land you a bargain.
Daily rental prices in Gisborne start from just R 339.
Taking a longer break? Grab a weekly rental from R 6,272 and explore more than just the top attractions.
Timing makes all the difference when it comes to finding the best price on a Gisborne car hire. Try booking around three weeks before you go.
Ezi, Hertz and Budget are among the top-rated providers in the city. They're a great starting point for comparing offers.
The coverage Ezi or another supplier includes with your Gisborne car hire can vary, so always go over the fine print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will provide it for an extra fee.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to lock in a good deal if the provider needs to shift vehicles between branches. Discover the best available rates by clicking 'Return car to a different location.'
Cut down on fuel costs by choosing a vehicle that has a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up the car with a full tank and return it full, so you only pay for what you use.
Hit the highway without tracking every mile and racking up additional fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and choose 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you explore without limits.
Best value car hire options right now
Topping the list for value is this company, with average prices of R 1,188 a day.
Not far behind, this provider offers daily rates of around R 1,527.
The third option won't cost a fortune either. You'll pay roughly R 1,137 a day with this supplier.
If you're not sure which wheels are right for you, consider something from the Compact rental category. It's the most widely booked type of car in Gisborne.
Flying to Gisborne? Think about an airport pick-up
Keep arrival day hassle-free by booking a car hire at Gisborne Airport. If you're flying to Gisborne through this hub, simply collect your wheels after landing and roll out. The drive to the city centre is about 8 kilometres and takes around 10 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Gisborne
Small: These cheap rental cars in Gisborne may be small in size, but they're big on practicality. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're easy to drive, light on fuel, and just the thing for city driving.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine fuel efficiency, space and comfort. Easy to manoeuvre around cities and roomy enough for longer drives, they're well-suited to most travel needs.
Large: Offering a more comfortable driving experience and enhanced tech features, this Gisborne car hire category includes full-size cars. With larger rear seats and ample storage space, they let you load up and take everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: When adventure calls, an SUV says, 'let's go.' It's your ultimate road trip buddy, ready for highways, backroads, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also deliver on space and advanced safety features.
Van: With options like commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Gisborne makes light work of big hauls and group travel. They're tough, dependable, and ready to tackle whatever task lies ahead.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers the cost you'd have to pay if your Gisborne car hire is stolen or damaged. While not compulsory, it's a safety net if something happens. Just remember that not all insurance policies are equal, so make sure you understand exactly what's included.
Take your ride to the next level with nifty extras like a GPS unit and reverse camera. They can make your drive more efficient and enjoyable when you rent a car in Gisborne.
Good to know
Age requirements for rentals often vary by provider and even car type, so be clear on the rules before you book. Some companies in New Zealand may rent to younger drivers for an additional fee. If you're outside the typical age bracket, just uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to explore your options.
Add a car seat to your Gisborne car hire reservation if you're travelling with small kids. Guidelines vary from one location to another, but using a child seat suited to their size, age and weight is always the safest way to go.
You'll need to bring a few things when picking up your rental car: a valid driver's licence, extra photo ID, and a credit card with enough balance for the deposit. Debit cards aren't widely accepted. Any other requirements will be listed in your booking.
Driving in New Zealand can seem unfamiliar if it's your first time. Keep in mind traffic flows on the left side of the road.
Local speed limits are usually 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 everyone differently, the best way to be sure you're safe to drive is not to drink anything at all.
One of the busiest times for traffic in this destination is around 8am. Get where you're going faster by avoiding rush hours in general.
The New Zealand dollar (NZD) is the currency you'll be using for general expenses and outings. Pay with a debit or credit card when it's possible, and keep a little cash when electronic payments aren't accepted.
English is the language you'll hear most people speak in this country.
Best hotels in Gisborne for drivers
Spend less time looking for a parking spot and more time settling into the comfort of Travellers Inn Motel. Around 2 kilometres from central Gisborne, it comes with parking, express check-in and a barbeque.
Pacific Harbour Motor Inn makes things simpler with parking and features such as a laundry and internet access. It's roughly 2 kilometres from the city centre.
Explore the full lineup of hotels in Gisborne and choose the stay that suits your travel style. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to your needs — like 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' There's even an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to find hotels with on-site charging.
After you've found a car hire deal in Gisborne and your hotel, it's time to plan your adventures. Te Urewera National Park, Midway Beach and Okitu - Whales give you a real taste of the city.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Gisborne
Around 64 kilometres southwest of central Gisborne, Wairoa should feature on your itinerary. Head straight for must-see sights like Wairoa Lookout and Long River Gallery.
Add Opotiki to your trip lineup. Pick up your cheap car hire in Gisborne and drive about 97 kilometres northwest to take in highlights such as Opotiki Rodeo and Opotiki Holiday Park.
There's plenty of road left if you're up for more. Take off to Palmerston North, about 274 kilometres southwest of Gisborne. From Willowbank Reserve to New Zealand Rugby Museum, it'll bring your trip to a memorable close.
All that's left to do now is sleep. Distinction Coachman Hotel, Palmerston North and The Esplanade Motel & Conference Centre have space for both you and your wheels while visiting Palmerston North.
