FAQ
No — 90% of NZ's road network is sealed and a 2WD handles it fine. A 4WD or AWD SUV only makes sense if you're driving in winter alpine areas or exploring gravel back roads.
The short answer: no. Most visitors get by perfectly well in a 2WD car. The longer answer depends on when you're travelling, where you're going, and whether you'll be tempted onto gravel side roads.
October to April, sticking to sealed state highways, doing the classic routes (Auckland–Rotorua, Christchurch–Queenstown, the coastal loop): a 2WD economy or budget car handles it all. Even Mt Cook, Milford Sound and Lake Tekapo are on sealed roads.
Winter (June–August) in the South Island — the Lindis Pass, Crown Range, Arthur's Pass and the Milford Road can all get snow, and an AWD SUV with the higher clearance makes life safer. Also if you want to explore gravel side roads (Skippers Canyon is off-limits regardless, but plenty of others are fine).
Almost never. Only if you're going somewhere like the Ninety Mile Beach (technically driveable but rental terms usually prohibit it) or specific 4WD tracks. For 99% of visitors, an SUV with AWD is more than enough.
Our Fleet
Live pricing and availability — only a 20% deposit to book.
Our mid-size SUV or 7-seater SUV — both come with snow chains included free in winter. See our SUV rental page.
Yes on recognised public gravel roads (Catlins, Cathedral Cove access etc.). No on restricted roads like Skippers Canyon and Ball Hut Road.