Car Hire in NZ for German Visitors

Planning a New Zealand trip from Germany? NZ Rent A Car has been sorting cars for international visitors for over 30 years, from Auckland Airport pick-ups to Queenstown road trip starts. The biggest change for German drivers is that we drive on the left in New Zealand, so a little preparation goes a long way.

What German Visitors Need for Car Hire in NZ

A few simple requirements cover most German visitors.

• A full German driver's licence together with an International Driving Permit (IDP) is accepted. Alternatively, a certified English translation of your licence is accepted in place of the IDP
• The minimum age to hire a car is 21 years
• A credit card (Visa, MasterCard or Amex) in the name of the driver is required at pick-up
• All drivers, including additional drivers, must present their licence and IDP or translation at the branch

You can arrange a certified English translation through an NZTA-approved translator such as Licence Translation.

Driving in NZ Compared to Germany

The biggest change for German visitors is the side of the road. New Zealand drives on the left, which means right-hand-drive vehicles, indicators on the opposite side, and a new pattern at intersections. A few other differences worth knowing:

• Open road speed limit is 100 km/h (no unrestricted Autobahn-style sections)
• Urban speed limit is 50 km/h
• Give way to traffic going straight when you're turning, and to oncoming traffic (including left-turners) when turning right. At roundabouts, give way to your right.
• New Zealand roads are often narrower and more winding than European motorways
• Drink-driving laws are strictly enforced, with zero tolerance for drivers under 20
• Many rural South Island roads include single-lane bridges and gravel

Before you drive, we recommend at least reading through our Driving Safely in NZ guide. German-language resources are also available on the NZTA website.

Pick-Up from Auckland and Key Arrival Airports

Most German visitors fly into Auckland on routes via Asia, the Middle East or the Americas.

• Auckland Airport: branch with a free shuttle from both international and domestic terminals
• Christchurch and Queenstown for South Island arrivals
• Auckland Central, Auckland North Shore, Dunedin, Picton, Blenheim, Nelson and Greymouth branches for onward travel

One-way rentals between branches are a popular choice for German visitors planning a long North-South itinerary.

Popular Routes for German Visitors

German visitors often travel for several weeks and see both islands. Some classic routes:

• Auckland to the Bay of Islands and back, via Northland
• Auckland to Rotorua, Taupo, and Wellington on the way south
• Picton to Nelson, the West Coast, and Queenstown through the South Island
• Queenstown to Milford Sound and Te Anau for Fiordland

For more ideas, see our travel itineraries and attractions pages.

What's Included with Your Rental

Every NZ Rent A Car hire comes with the essentials for a German visitor's road trip.

• 24 hour AA Roadside Assistance across both islands
• Basic insurance cover with an option to reduce the excess (all drivers must be 25+ for the excess reduction)
• Free maps and local area guides at pick-up
• Our mechanical breakdown guarantee: a refund if we cannot fix or replace a vehicle within 24 hours through no fault of yours

Speak to your pick-up branch about excess reduction and any extras you want to add.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in NZ with a German driver's licence?

Yes. A full German driver's licence with an International Driving Permit (IDP) is accepted by NZ Rent A Car. A certified English translation is also accepted in place of an IDP.

Do I really need an International Driving Permit?

Yes, because German licences are not in English. Either an IDP or a certified English translation from an NZTA-approved translator is required.

Which side of the road does NZ drive on?

New Zealand drives on the left, with right-hand-drive vehicles. This is the main change for most German visitors to get used to.

Are automatic vehicles available?

Yes. The majority of our fleet is automatic, which many German visitors prefer while getting used to left-hand driving.

Can I pick up in Auckland and drop off in Queenstown?

Yes, one-way rentals between branches are available, with a minimum hire period and one-way fee calculated in the booking system.

What is the minimum age for car hire?

The minimum age is 21 for all drivers. All drivers must hold a full driver's licence with IDP or translation.

 

Book Your NZ Rental Car from Germany

Planning a New Zealand trip? NZ Rent A Car makes it easy to sort your rental before you fly.