Search for car rental at Hamilton Airport

Hamilton lies amidst endless rolling green fields, tucked away just 90 minutes south of Auckland. The city hugs the banks of the Waikato River, which adds scenic beauty and a number of water-based activities to its repertoire. Visitors will enjoy the CBD, a bustling hub of bars, restaurants, cafes and shops.

With Airport Rentals, you can search, compare and book rental cars from Hamilton Airport quickly and securely. All you have to do is enter your travel dates, then sort and filter your results until you find the perfect rental deal. You'll be on the road in no time.  

Renting a car from Hamilton Airport: What you need to know

Hamilton Airport is located off Airport Road, about 25 minutes from the city centre. You can fly into Hamilton Airport from Whangarei, Gisborne, Napier, Palmerston North, Wellington, Nelson and Christchurch. There is a single airport terminal, and the rental car kiosks are located inside. 

Car rental companies at Hamilton Airport

We partner with the following car rental companies at the airport:

• Avis
• Budget
• Ezi Car Rental
• Hertz
• Thrifty

Each of these companies offers a range of vehicles, including Compact, Medium, Large, SUV, Vans and Premium options.

Picking up your rental car from Hamilton Airport

To pick up your car at the airport, head inside the terminal building and you’ll find your chosen company’s counter. Make sure you have your booking information, driver's license and payment method ready to ensure a smooth process. You can then sign your rental agreement and collect your keys. You rental car will be located in a car park at the airport. 

Returning your rental car to the airport

At the end of your rental period, return your car back to the airport. Follow the signs for rental car returns, park and then check the vehicle for any personal belongings. If you are returning the rental car after hours, this needs to be arranged in advance. Avis allow after hours returns, where you can park your car, then place the keys in the key drop box onsite. 

Hamilton Airport map

Need help?

If you need help with booking your rental car, you can contact us and one of our award-winning support team will be here to help. 

Top attractions in Hamilton

Once you’ve got a rental car at Hamilton Airport, you can go just about anywhere! Be sure to add as many attractions as possible to your itinerary, and don’t be afraid to get out of the city and explore more of New Zealand, as there are plenty of amazing spots we recommend in Hamilton:

• Hamilton Gardens - Explore 18 different gardens that represent different cultures and moments in time. 

• Waikato Museum - An excellent way to get to know the history of Hamilton and the Waikato Region. 

• Hamilton Zoo - A great day out for the family is Hamilton Zoo, which is open daily. 

• Over the Moon Dairy - About an hour out of Hamilton, Over the Moon Dairy is the perfect spot for cheese lovers. 

On the road in your Hamilton Airport car rental

Hamilton is a great city to explore, and it’s also just a stone’s throw away from many other New Zealand popular destinations such as Auckland, Raglan and Matamata. Avid surfers should make the pleasant drive to Raglan and savour some of the world’s most famous breaks, while those keen to explore an enchanting labyrinth of underground passages should head to Waitomo Caves, where you can see glowworms and limestone formations. Lord of the Rings fans should definitely head to Hobbiton to get a taste of Middle Earth enjoy experience actual movie sets. 

In case you want to go beyond the Waikato region, hit the road to Whakatāne to see the Kiwi Capital of the World (meaning the fruit, not the bird) or head to New Plymouth in your rental car to explore the stunning Egmont National Park. Taupo and the famous volcanoes of Tongariro National Park are also within reach. Further away, a visit to Rotorua in your car hire is a must if you want to experience first-hand how geothermal activity has shaped the region. Don't forget to include visiting Whangarei in your exploration. If you decide to head south, be prepared to take on another thrilling adventure on a car hire from Wellington Airport. Drive to the East coast to Gisborne using your car rental to experience the waves of Makorori beach.