Australia & NZ
Renting a car in Australia and New Zealand
Australia and New Zealand are road-trip country: spectacular drives, good roads on the main routes, and a strong self-drive and campervan culture. Both drive on the left. The things to plan for are long distances between towns, one-way fees on popular routes, and the genuine cautions of outback and remote rural driving.
Built for the road trip
Self-drive is the classic way to see both countries, and the rental and campervan markets are mature and competitive. New Zealand in particular packs enormous variety into short distances, while Australia rewards longer hauls between cities and coast. Both drive on the left, so visitors from right-side countries should give themselves time to adjust, especially at roundabouts and when turning.
Campervans and motorhomes are a popular alternative that combines transport and lodging. They cost more per day than a car and use more fuel, but on a touring trip they can pencil out once you account for accommodation. If you go that route, book early in peak season, when fleets sell out.
Distances, one-way fees, and remote driving
Distances are the big planning factor. Towns and fuel can be far apart, particularly in the Australian interior, so plan fuel stops, carry water, and do not rely on constant mobile coverage. For point-to-point itineraries (say, picking up in one city and flying out of another), expect a one-way fee and compare it across suppliers, since popular tourist corridors vary a lot.
Outback and remote rural driving carries real risks the brochures gloss over: unsealed roads that many rental contracts prohibit, long gaps between services, wildlife on the road at dawn and dusk, and heat. Confirm whether your contract allows unsealed roads before you plan a route on them, drive to the conditions, and treat remote travel with respect. On the main sealed tourist routes, both countries are very manageable.
Buying guide
What to look for
- Plan for left-side driving. Both countries drive on the left; allow adjustment time at roundabouts and turns.
- Respect the distances. Towns and fuel can be far apart; plan stops, carry water, and do not assume coverage.
- Compare one-way fees. Point-to-point trips carry drop fees that vary by route and supplier; price them.
- Check unsealed-road rules. Many contracts prohibit unsealed roads; confirm before planning an outback route.
- Consider a campervan. It bundles transport and lodging; book early in peak season as fleets sell out.
Book it
Tools to act on this guide
Each slot below is reserved for a booking tool or supplier we would use ourselves. We are adding them as we vet them; nothing here is a paid placement.
All-supplier booking module for the region's cities.
Combines transport and lodging for touring trips.
Prices point-to-point routes and drop fees.
Questions