Renting a Car

Renting a car is frequently an expensive proposition for the kind of long term travelling most backpackers engage in. In addition, rental companies in many countries like New Zealand charge more for young travelers.

In order to defer the high cost of renting a car, try finding other travelers in the hostel that want to share the cost of an excursion. It’s sometimes possible to arrange a group yourself by posting a note on one or more hostel bulletin boards. Once the rental is being shared between 3-4 people the cost becomes much more bearable.

Rates of New Zealand car rentals vary widely from company to company, and seemingly by the phase of the moon. Therefore, our best advice to the backpacker seeking the lowest price, is get out the telephone directory and call every company.

When you inquire, ask for the cheapest car available. It sometimes helps if you say the word “cheapest” with a certain amount of friendly grit in your voice. Otherwise, the car rental agent may not hear it. At this point, the agent will likely ask you a few questions like your age, number of drivers, where you will be picking up the car, where you will drop it off, when you want the car, how long do you want it, where you plan to take it, etc.

After answering all these questions they will quote you a price. But wait, the game is not over yet. Now it’s your turn to ask the questions. Ask if this price includes all costs to you. Specifically ask about insurance costs, taxes, mileage limitations (called mileage caps), and fueling charges. Try to give the agent as many details as possible as to what you are looking for. Then try to find out what the overall price will be for your situation. Also be sure to mention if you have any hostel, student or youth identity card.

Occasionally we hear of backpackers that have arranged a very good rate on a longer term rentals (4-8 weeks) through their travel agent at home. You may want to check this out to see if your travel agent knows of any good deals.

If you do rent a car, do all hostellers and young travelers a favor by driving safely. Perhaps, if we start showing the rental companies a lower incidence of accidents; rates and availability of cars to young travelers will improve.