Compact car hire in
New Zealand

Compact cars are an excellent choice for your New Zealand self-driving holiday. These versatile vehicles are perfect for a fuel-efficient road trip or transporting you around urban areas.

You can choose from acclaimed vehicles like the Toyota Yaris, the Toyota Corolla Hatch, or similar vehicles. Book one of our amazing compact rental cars today and begin planning the trip of your dreams.

Why hire a compact car?

Compact car rentals are a popular choice for many reasons. From solo travellers on epic road trips to urban dwellers looking for an easy way to get around, there's no shortage of uses for a compact car.

Here are some reasons a compact car is the perfect vehicle for your self-driving New Zealand getaway:

  • Thanks to their small size, many people find compact vehicles easier to drive and manoeuvre when compared to larger models, especially on narrower roads.
  • Compact vehicles are also unquestionably easier to park than their larger counterparts. If you are spending time in a city, this can be tremendously useful.
  • The smaller a car is, the less you need to spend on fuel to keep it going. This can make a compact vehicle perfect for a cost-effective road trip.
  • Less petrol doesn't just mean you get to save some money; it also means a more environmentally friendly trip. This allows you to enjoy New Zealand’s natural beauty, guilt-free.
  • Our compact cars are also available for more affordable prices than other models. If a smaller car is sufficient for your journey, save some money by opting for a brilliant compact car.

Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid

  • New model
  • 5 seats
  • 1 large bag
  • 2 small bags
  • 1490 cc engine
  • Automatic
  • Unleaded 91
  • 4.2L / 100km
  • Petrol Hybrid
  • Reverse Camera
  • 5 Star ANCAP Rating
  • Road Sign Assist
  • Apple CarPlay & Android Auto

Toyota Yaris

  • 5 year(s) old
  • 5 seats
  • 1 large bag
  • 1 small bag
  • 1300 cc engine
  • Automatic
  • Unleaded 91
  • 6.3L / 100km
  • Cruise Control
  • Touch Screen Audio
  • USB Port
  • Air Conditioning
Image of blue MG3 rental car parked outside a building with pink GO Rentals plates
Side image of a silver MG3 rental car on a white background
Rear image of a silver MG3 rental car on a white background
Interior image of an MG3 rental car taken from back seat looking at modern dashboard and entertainment system
Interior image of the back seats of an MG3 rental car

Toyota Corolla Hatch

  • 5 year(s) old
  • 5 seats
  • 1 large bag
  • 2 small bags
  • 2000 cc engine
  • Automatic
  • Unleaded 91
  • 6.6L / 100km
  • 5-Star ANCAP Safety Rating
  • Bluetooth Handsfree Phone
  • Cruise Control
  • 2000cc Petrol
Front image of a red Toyota Corolla rental car parked up next to a river on a blue sky day
Front image of an electric blue Toyota Corolla hatchback rental car on a white background
Rear image of an electric blue Toyota Corolla hatchback rental car on a white background
Interior front image of a Toyota Corolla rental car showing the dashboard and entertainment system
Interior rear image of a Toyota Corolla rental car showing the back seats

Why GO with us?

At GO Rentals, we don't just hand you a set of keys and send you on your way. We offer an array of perks to ensure your New Zealand self-driving holiday goes off without a hitch.

Why we're different

Where to GO in your compact car

A compact car is a great choice for driving anywhere in New Zealand. You can have your pick of a broad range of compact vehicles at any 1 of our 9 locations.

Here are 3 locations where a compact car might be the perfect choice for your self-driving holiday.

Waiheke compact car hire

Waiheke Island's rural charm is its defining characteristic. However, this means it has some narrow roads to drive on, and local transportation schedules aren't especially convenient.

A compact vehicle is ideal for making the trip to locations like Stony Batter Historic Reserve and Te Matuku Grove. Without your own car to drive, heading to these locations is far less convenient.

Explore this wondrous location at your own pace with a rental from our Waiheke Island branch.

Queenstown compact car hire

Queenstown is a prominent feature on many New Zealand bucket lists. Known as the country's adventure capital, it's the perfect place to get your heart pumping, enjoy a night on the town, or stroll through the countryside.

With a compact car, you can easily take on winding roads to visit locations like Glenorchy, a principal filming location for The Lord of the Rings. Queenstown is also an ideal location to begin a cost-effective road trip in a compact vehicle.

Take a weekend trip to locations like Milford Sound or see the best of the South Island with a Queenstown to Christchurch road trip. Book your Queenstown Airport compact car rental today and begin planning your unforgettable journey.

Nelson compact car hire

Nelson is one of New Zealand's most underrated locations. It's packed with cultural and historical hubs including Founders Heritage Park and the Suter Art Gallery.

The city is also renowned for being the gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park. You can enjoy stunning rural beauty as you drive towards nearby locations like Marahau and Totaranui. Then, you'll disembark and soak in the park’s beauty via foot, bike or kayak.

You can make your journey to the Abel Tasman National Park affordable and convenient in a reliable compact hire car. Secure your ideal vehicle from our Nelson Airport branch now.

What to know before you rent your compact car

Here are some things to keep in mind before you set out on your self-driving holiday of a lifetime:

  • Be sure to check that you always put the correct fuel in your vehicle.
  • If you are an overseas visitor, you need to prepare yourself for driving on the left-hand side of the road. For more information, see our complete guide to left-hand side driving in New Zealand.
  • While compact cars can offer a surprising amount of packing space, you may still need to use some smart and creative packing techniques to fit everything in.
  • Always check to make sure you are legally allowed to park in a particular location before you pull in.
  • If you're embarking on a road trip, familiarise yourself with New Zealand's tolls roads. All of New Zealand's toll roads are on the North Island. They can be paid via the NZTA website, at participating service stations near the toll roads or via the NZTA tolling contact centre (0800 40 20 20).

Choose an affordable and conveniently sized compact car for your New Zealand getaway today.