Nz west coast punakaiki road solo compact car
Nz canterbury road mountain trees solo medium car
Nz arthurs pass road trip 5 solo large car
Nz west coast punakaiki road solo compact car
Nz canterbury road mountain trees solo medium car
Nz arthurs pass road trip 5 solo large car
The ultimate road trip

Car hire in New Zealand for solo travellers

With every turn of the road, New Zealand’s landscape changes. A dramatic array of scenery that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. The ultimate way to discover New Zealand is by car. We know the road conditions, the best scenic drives, and create itineraries based around this.

Are you looking for extra comfort? A medium SUV offers more space, extra ground clearance and good fuel efficiency. An ideal car for a solo traveller. Travel at a relaxed pace, enjoy the views and drive roads seldom travelled. We can advise you on the best scenic routes and places to stop, along the way.

Our rental cars are designed for New Zealand roads, less than 6 months old and have full insurance with no gravel road restrictions. We can design your itinerary around the scenic drives of New Zealand. Go swimming in a river, have a picnic lunch or discover walking trails in a national park.

Our hire cars include insurance with $0 excess as standard. Please note: there are other insurance limitations to consider.

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Fiordland 17

Tourism can be great for the environment, and, with us, you make a positive difference

Let's accentuate the positive, reduce the negative and offset what's left

Sustainability in action

"Taking the Southern Scenic Route from Dunedin to Te Anau was one of my favourite days spent on the road in New Zealand."

Sebastian, Travel specialist

View the other types of cars

Discover more about solo travelling

Ready for the holiday of a lifetime?

Discover a world beyond ordinary

At TravelEssence, we specialise in crafting custom-made holidays that take you off the beaten path and create memories to last a lifetime. We believe in connecting with the heart and soul of a place, introducing you to the locals who call it home. Engage in conversations with fascinating individuals who will share their stories, traditions, and way of life, leaving an indelible mark on your journey.