This guide offers clear answers to these questions and tips to ensure your car rental experience in New Zealand is hassle-free and enjoyable.
Yes, Brazilian travelers can drive in New Zealand when renting a car, provided they bring a valid passport, a full Brazilian driving licence, and an accepted English translation. Age limits and young driver fees may apply depending on the vehicle and offer.
Form of ID:
Foreign renters must present a valid passport.
Driving licence:
Accepted driving licence include:
• Original Brazilian driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP), presented together at the counter as the IDP is only a translation
or
• Original Brazilian driving licence + NZTA Translation (an English translation certified by the New Zealand Transport Agency, including online NZTA service where applicable)
or
• Original Brazilian driving licence + Dealer translation (a template translation provided by the rental company, available online where offered)
or
• Original Brazilian driving licence + Notarized English translation (an official English translation authorized by a notary office)
or
• Original Brazilian driving licence + Official embassy translation in English (English translation authorized by the embassy)
or
• Original Brazilian driving licence + Notarization of local language (where explicitly accepted by the rental company).
Accepted cards:
Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted cards, depending on the offer, include Visa, MasterCard, UnionPay, JCB, AMEX, Diners Club, and Discover. Prepaid, virtual or debit cards are generally not accepted for deposit unless explicitly stated.
Age requirements:
Depending on the vehicle and specific offer, the permitted driving age ranges between 18 and 99 years. Common ranges include 18–80, 18–90, 21–70, 21–80, 21–75, and 21–99. Young driver surcharges may apply: for example, approximately US$ 2.88 per day for drivers aged 18–21 on some offers; about US$ 10.10 per day for drivers aged 21–24 on others; or a fixed fee around US$ 57.74 per rental for drivers 21–24 on certain deals; or about US$ 8.66 per day for drivers 21–24 on some fleets. Drivers outside the stated age ranges are not eligible to rent.
Requirements may vary between rental companies. Always confirm details when booking.
Explore a diverse range of car rental companies in New Zealand that offer vehicles tailored to your travel needs, from reliable global chains to innovative local providers.
Global Chain Companies
Local Brands

Europcar
Locations:
166Prices:
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Best for
Leisure travelers and business trips
Budget
Locations:
164Prices:
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Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and families
RentalCars247
Locations:
3Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and families
Thrifty
Locations:
328Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers
Hertz
Locations:
258Prices:
$$$Key Advantages
Best for
Business travelers and premium vehicle needs
SIXT
Locations:
35Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Travelers seeking a premium rental experience
ACE Rental Cars
Locations:
65Prices:
$-$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers looking for reliable options
Apex
Locations:
14Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and families
Ezi
Locations:
114Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and families
Yes Rentals
Locations:
5Prices:
$-$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and local rentalsChoosing the right rental car can make your more comfortable, safe, and enjoyable. Think about your travel group, the destinations on your route, and the type of driving you'll be doing. With QEEQ, you can compare multiple car types and policies to find the one that best suits your journey.
Consider your travel group size and luggage needs
Economy cars (2-4 people, 1-2 suitcases)
Perfect for city driving and short trips
Compact cars (4-5 people, 2-3 suitcases)
Good balance of space and fuel efficiency
Mid-size cars (5 people, 3-4 suitcases)
Comfortable for longer distances
Full-size/SUV (5-7 people, 4+ suitcases)
Ideal for families and group travel
Choose between automatic and manual transmission
Automatic transmission
Easier for city driving and traffic, more common in NZ
Manual transmission
Often cheaper, better fuel economy, more control
NZ travelers may prefer automatic for convenience
Consider your comfort level with left-hand driving in NZ
Check what insurance coverage comes with your rental
Basic liability
Covers damage to other vehicles and property, usually included
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
Covers damage to your rental car, often optional
Theft protection
Protects against car theft, may be included or additional
Personal insurance
Check if your insurance or travel insurance covers rentals in NZ
Understand booking flexibility and fees
Free cancellation
Usually available up to 24-48 hours before pickup
Prepaid vs. Pay-at-counter
Prepaid often cheaper but less flexible
Change fees
Cost to modify dates, locations, or car type
Travel insurance
Consider coverage for trip cancellations or delays
Check distance restrictions and additional charges
Unlimited mileage
Best for long road trips and exploring NZ
Limited mileage
Cheaper daily rate but extra charges for excess kilometers
Consider your planned route distance and potential detours
Factor in mileage costs when comparing total rental prices
Understand fuel requirements and costs
Full-to-Full
Return with same fuel level, most economical option
Full-to-Empty
Pay upfront for full tank, convenient but often more expensive
Same-to-Same
Return with same level as pickup, fair pricing
Pre-purchase fuel options
Compare costs with local gas station prices
Quick Decision Guide
Compact/Economy car with automatic transmission, full-to-full fuel policy
Auckland, WellingtonMid-size/Full-size car with unlimited mileage, flexible cancellation
South Island, North IslandConvertible/SUV with comprehensive insurance, prepaid fuel option
Queenstown, RotoruaCompare with Confidence on QEEQ
New Zealand offers a variety of breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cities for travelers. From the bustling streets of Auckland to the serene vistas of Queenstown, you can embark on memorable road trips to explore the country's wonders. One-way rentals are also available for added flexibility.
You'll need at least basic insurance to legally drive in New Zealand, but for peace of mind on a long journey, additional coverage is highly recommended. Insurance rules vary by provider, and what's included in your rental price may be minimal. Choosing the right protection can save you from significant out-of-pocket costs in case of an accident or theft.
Covers damage to the rental car from collision or theft.
Protects against theft of the rental vehicle.
Covers injury or damage to others and their property.
Covers medical expenses for you and your passengers.
Perfect for travelers who want comprehensive protection without the complexity. One price covers everything, and AXA's trusted network ensures reliable claims processing throughout New Zealand. Get comprehensive coverage online for about 50% less than counter rates.
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Follow these tips to get the best deals and save money during your car rental in New Zealand, especially for travelers coming from Brazil.
Important considerations and potential issues to watch for when renting a car in New Zealand.
Being prepared and knowing what to expect can save you hundreds of dollars and prevent stressful situations. Take time to understand all terms and inspect your rental thoroughly.
Brazilian and New Zealand traffic rules differ in driving sides, pedestrian priorities, and alcohol limits while sharing similarities in seatbelt laws and mobile phone usage.
Driving Side
Drive on the left side of the road
Drive on the right side of the road
Pedestrian Right of Way
Pedestrians have priority at zebra crossings
Priority is less strictly enforced
Alcohol Limit
0.05% BAC
0.02% BAC (strict zero-tolerance for novice drivers)
Speed Limits
Measured in kilometers per hour
Measured in kilometers per hour, with similar default limits
Mobile Phone Use
Hands-free only
Hands-free only
Seatbelt Laws
Mandatory for all occupants
Mandatory for all occupants
Common questions for travelers from Brazil renting a car in New Zealand