Tauranga Cheap Car Rentals & Car Hire Deals

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Tauranga

Renting a car in Tauranga offers you the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its stunning surroundings at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage and create flexible travel plans, making it ideal for outdoor and adventure enthusiasts. Key attractions such as Mount Maunganui, known for its scenic beauty and outdoor experiences, are conveniently accessible by car. You can also visit Memorial Park, a great spot for family outings, and Tenpin Tauranga for some leisurely bowling. Beyond the city, neighbourhoods like Papamoa-Beach-Tauranga-Hotels.0-n6252797-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels >Papamoa Beach and its beautiful coastline, along with Kaiate Falls and Simpson Reserve, are within easy reach. This convenience is particularly beneficial for families or those travelling with equipment, ensuring comfort during your journey. With so much to see in and around Tauranga, having a rental car allows you to explore attractions like Maunganui Beach and Pilot Bay Beach without relying on public transport. Overall, a rental car enhances your experience, providing the opportunity to enjoy everything Tauranga has to offer with ease.

Most popular car rentals in Tauranga

• Compact: This car option is perfect for solo travellers, couples, or small families, accommodating up to 5 travellers with room for 3 medium suitcases. The Compact car offers the freedom to navigate Tauranga’s attractions with ease, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate flexibility and efficient luggage management during their trip.
• Midsize SUV: Ideal for families, couples, or small groups, the Midsize SUV can comfortably accommodate 5 travellers along with up to 3 large suitcases. This car type provides a spacious interior and a robust driving experience, allowing you to explore Tauranga and the surrounding areas while ensuring ample room for both passengers and belongings.
• Premium Van: For larger families or groups, the Premium Van is the best option, catering to up to 12 travellers with space for 6 large suitcases. This vehicle offers an exceptional level of comfort and convenience, making it a superb choice for those travelling together. With a Premium Van, you can enjoy your journeys in and around Tauranga without the stress of packing light or managing multiple vehicles.

Top rated car suppliers in Tauranga

• Hertz: Hertz operates 2 rental locations in Tauranga, making it accessible for travellers. Known for its reliable service, Hertz offers a selection of vehicles that include popular Compact and Economy models. This supplier is favoured for its flexibility and ease of booking, allowing you to explore the region at your own pace while managing your luggage effortlessly.
• Thrifty Car Rental: With 2 locations in Tauranga, Thrifty Car Rental is another excellent option for visitors. It is particularly popular for its Economy and Compact vehicles, which are ideal for navigating the scenic roads of the Bay of Plenty. Thrifty is appreciated for its commitment to customer service, ensuring a smooth rental experience for all travellers.
• Budget: Budget has 2 rental locations within Tauranga, providing convenient access for those looking to rent a car. This supplier is well-regarded for its range of vehicles, including Compact and Midsize options, catering to various travel needs. Budget is known for its competitive pricing, making it a smart choice for tourists wanting to maximise their travel experience without overspending.

Where to stay in Tauranga

• Mount Maunganui: A vibrant suburb offering stunning outdoor experiences, Mount Maunganui is perfect for those seeking adventure and breathtaking scenery. With attractions such as Mount Maunganui itself, ideal for hiking and exploration, and the beautiful Maunganui Beach and Pilot Bay Beach for relaxation, this area is a great choice for beach holidays. The local shopping centre and recreational park add to the convenience, along with numerous restaurants and cafes for dining options nearby.
• Papamoa Beach: Known for its picturesque landscape and outdoor activities, Papamoa Beach is an excellent location for those looking to unwind by the sea. The beach itself is perfect for a relaxing holiday, while nearby Kaiate Falls offers a stunning waterfall experience suitable for romance and adventure. Simpson Reserve is a lovely park for families and eco-friendly outings, and visitors can enjoy spa facilities and shopping centres for additional leisure activities.
• Papamoa: This charming suburb provides a similar outdoor and scenic experience as its neighbour, Papamoa Beach. Travellers can explore Papamoa Beach, which is ideal for beach holidays, or visit the enchanting Kaiate Falls for a touch of adventure and romance. Simpson Reserve, a nearby park, caters to families and nature enthusiasts. The area features shopping centres and recreational areas, making it a well-rounded destination for those seeking both relaxation and activity.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Tauranga

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle types and specific features. Whether you're in need of an SUV for additional space, a convertible for the summer months, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilise Expedia's filters to discover the ideal option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it’s advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you are likely to access lower rates and better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain types of vehicles—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be accessible. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements prior to making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most advantageous option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fuel arrangements, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure the car is returned empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience might make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind if something unforeseen occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking through Expedia is straightforward.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, search for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's licence is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Tauranga

The best value period for renting a car in and around Tauranga is June, when demand is low and prices are at their lowest. Following closely, May offers slightly low prices and even lower demand, making it another great option. The months from August to October present average prices and demand, providing a reasonable alternative as well. However, January stands out as the most expensive month, with high demand making rentals pricier during this time, while February also sees slightly high prices with average demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	65.1°F (18.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Slightly High
February	65.7°F (18.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
March	63.0°F (17.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
April	59.5°F (15.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
May	55.4°F (13.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Slightly Low
June	52.2°F (11.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Slightly Low
July	50.2°F (10.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Slightly Low
August	50.5°F (10.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
September	52.2°F (11.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	54.9°F (12.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
November	58.6°F (14.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	62.6°F (17.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average