How to find a cheap car hire deal in Dunedin (DUD)
Exit the airport, enter adventure. Pick up a cheap Dunedin rental car for an average of $155 a day and drive away happy. We do the hard work for you by searching all the major providers, so you can quickly compare prices and book.
Daily rental prices at Dunedin start from just $48.
Making it more than a quick visit? Book a weekly rental from $250 and squeeze in a few road trips from Dunedin.
Here's the secret to booking at the right time. One week in advance is when you're most likely to find the best price on a DUD car hire.
At Dunedin, you can grab your ride from leading rental brands such as GO Rentals, Ezi and Europcar.
Check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Dunedin car hire policy, whether with GO Rentals or another supplier. Some may leave it out of the standard package and offer it as an extra.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to score a bargain if the provider needs to move vehicles between sites. Discover the best available rates for a car for hire in DUD by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'
Avoid any unexpected charges by booking a car hire in Dunedin with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start and end your trip with a full tank, and pay only for what you use.
Hit the highway without watching the miles and racking up additional charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and pick 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you travel without limits.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll find the best value with this company. Prices average $127 a day.
Taking second place, this provider offers daily rates of around $106.
The third option won't cost a fortune either. You'll pay roughly $124 a day with this provider.
If you're still weighing up which wheels are right for you, consider something from the Compact rental category. It's the most widely booked type of car at DUD.
Compare car hire types from Dunedin (DUD)
Small: These cheap Dunedin rental cars may be small in size, but they're big on practicality. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're agile, light on fuel, and a match made in heaven for city driving.
Medium: Not too big, not too small, this is the rental that's juuuust right! Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they strike a balance of fuel efficiency and interior space and are good for couples and small families.
Large: Long drives fly by in this DUD car hire category. Also known as full-size, they have the engine size to match the journey. The extra legroom and comfort make them an excellent choice for groups of friends and families.
SUV: When adventure calls, an SUV says, 'let's go.' It's your perfect road trip companion, ready for country roads, highways, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also promise extra space and improved safety features.
Van: If you need a car for rent in Dunedin that fits a small crowd (and all their gear), a van is the roomy ride you need. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're just the thing for group trips, moving or business use.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers the fee you'd have to pay if your DUD car hire is stolen or damaged. While not mandatory, it's worth considering for extra protection. Keep in mind that policies differ from one provider to another, so make sure you understand exactly what's included.
Make driving easier when you rent a car in Dunedin by adding some handy extras. Think things like a navigation system to be your go-everywhere guide, or reverse cameras that give you confidence when parking.
Good to know
Check each company's age requirements before booking your rental in New Zealand. Rules can vary, and extra charges or restrictions may apply if you're a younger driver. At the start of your search, uncheck the 'Driver aged between 25–70' box and enter your age to browse your options.
If the kids are coming with you, check if you should add a child car seat to your DUD car hire reservation. Whether local laws require them or not, they're always the safest way for little ones to travel.
You'll need to hand over a few things when picking up your rental car: a current driver's licence, another form of photo ID, and a credit card with enough balance for the deposit. Debit cards aren't commonly accepted. Any other requirements will be listed in your booking.
If you're new to driving in New Zealand, keep in mind that traffic here keeps to the left side of the road.
Local speed limits may vary, but it's normally around 45kph in built-up areas and 95kph or so along highways. Always obey the road signs.
In New Zealand, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.05%. If you're planning to have a drink or two, pass the keys to someone else or arrange a taxi or ride-share instead.
You'll be using the New Zealand dollar (NZD) on your trip here. In addition to your bank cards, have some cash on hand for smaller purchases.
Drive smarter from the start
With a DUD car hire, you're in charge when it comes to where you go. If central Dunedin is the first place you're exploring, it's around 23 kilometres east of the airport and a journey of about 30 minutes.
During rush hour, expect the drive from Dunedin to the centre to take as long as 40 minutes.
Around 8am is one of the busiest times for traffic around this destination. Try to avoid rush hours if you want a smoother run.
If you don't need a set of wheels as soon as you arrive, consider picking up a car hire in Dunedin instead of at the airport. Collect your ride when it makes sense for you and avoid paying for rental days you won't use.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Dunedin (DUD)
Before leaving town, sightsee around Dunedin first. Major highlights like Dunedin Botanic Garden and Saint Kilda Beach make an excellent first impression.
Shift gears and take off to Oamaru. Around 113 kilometres northeast of DUD, you'll find popular sights like Oamaru Whitestone Penguin and Steampunk HQ.
Alternatively, grab the wheel of your Dunedin car hire and drive about 48 kilometres southwest to Balclutha. Featuring South Otago Museum and Ovayok Territorial Park, its attractions make a strong case for visiting.
Still got fuel in the tank? Take off to Ashburton, around 257 kilometres northeast of DUD. From Argyle Park to Ashburton Aviation Museum, your journey will end on a high note.
