Seven spring nights of Auckland Downtown driving, from harbour to hills
Late September in Auckland means a Waitematā Harbour that swings between silver and sapphire within a single afternoon, and a city that smells of rain on warm tarmac. The holiday week brings visitors streaming off the cruise ships and out of the airport gate, all hunting for wheels for Waiheke ferry day trips, Piha's black sand and the long coastal drive up to Matakana. Auckland Downtown car rental is busy right now, with 14 listings from 30 September to 7 October. Prices run from $435.79 to $2,031.76, nearly a fivefold spread, so it pays to compare before you book.
Thrifty is where the cheap rental cars Auckland Downtown shoppers dream about live, with nine listings averaging $898 and a lowest price of $435.79. Budget has five listings averaging $1,298, and its cheapest car is a $797.50 Mazda 3. The smart move is to start with Thrifty's Economy and Compact cars, and only turn to Budget when your group needs a Compact SUV (from $850) or an Intermediate SUV ($1,206.15).
Most cars here seat five, which fits two adults and a couple of suitcases without fuss, but a family of six should look at the four seven seaters. Spring in the Waitākere Ranges and out on the Coromandel means wet, winding roads, so a Fullsize or Premium car with a bit more grip is worth paying for if you're leaving town. These Auckland Downtown car hire quotes include no location or registration fees, so GST is the only extra to budget for. Pick up before the afternoon rush, because the motorway out of the city clogs quickly.