Napier is the art deco capital of New Zealand thanks to its iconic architecture and enthusiastic residents you'll often see driving vintage cars around the city. Add in its beachside location and it's no wonder this is a popular location. Whether you're travelling to Napier for a holiday or for work, Airport Rentals makes hiring a car a breeze. We bring together all of the rental companies at the airport so that you can compare their prices and vehicle availability. Just make a search and you can book securely in minutes.
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Navigating Napier Airport (NPE)
Napier Airport is located in Westshore and is approximately 6km from Napier city centre. It’s a busy location as it connects the city with daily domestic flights to major centres in New Zealand like Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. There is a single terminal building, short and long term car parking, and a cafe located onsite. The majority of the the rental car companies at the airport have counters within the terminal.
Car rental companies at Napier Airport
We partner with the following car rental companies at Napier Airport:
- Apex Car Rentals
- Avis
- Budget
- Europcar
- Ezi Car Rentals
- Hertz
- Keddy
- Thrifty
Each of these rental brands have a range of vehicle types, including Economy, Intermediate, Large, SUV and Premium options.
Picking up your car hire from Napier Airport
You can find the counters for all of the above companies within the airport terminal, except for Apex Car Rentals. When picking up rental cars directly from the airport, all you need to do is check in at the counter with your rental details and drivers license. They will then provide you with your vehicle keys and direct you to the rental car park. You can then inspect the car and drive away.
Apex Car Rentals will provide you with a free shuttle to their depot located nearby. When you arrive at the airport, you can call for a pick up using a phone number you'll be provided before you arrive. The shuttle pick up point is on the roadside outside the baggage claim end of the terminal entrance.
Returning your Napier Airport car rental
At the end of your trip, you can return your hire car to the airport, or depot if you have rented with Apex. The rental car park entry is clearly signposted when driving into the airport. Once you have parked, you can return your completed contract and keys to the counter inside the terminal.
Apex customers will be able to catch a shuttle back to the airport once you have returned the car to their depot at 111 Main North Road, Westshore.
if you need to return your vehicle outside of airport hours, you'll need to make sure after hours returns are available with your chosen rental company. Avis does offer this service at Napier Airport, with a key drop box available onsite to leave the keys in.
Napier Airport map
Find the best deal on car rental at Napier Airport
At Airport Rentals, we work hard to bring you great deals, so that you can get the best price on your Napier Airport car hire. Check out our deals page to see what's available for your travel dates.
Need help? Our customer service team is available 24/7
Have a question, or need help with your booking? You can contact us anytime and one of our expert customer service team will be here to get you on the road.
![Napier was more or less rebuilt from the ground up after an earthquake in the 20s, lending the city a distinctive art deco vibe.]()
On the road in Napier and Hawke’s Bay
Napier CBD is located approx. 10 minutes drive from the airport heading south-east. There are a lot of round-abouts and pedestrian crossings in Napier and surrounding areas, so make sure you pay careful attention to those. The other two major towns in the Hawke's Bay Region are Hastings, which is approx. 20 minutes drive from the airport, and Havelock North, which is closer to 30 minutes drive.
Speed limits in Hawke's Bay
Speed limits in Hawke's Bay range from 30kph in Napier city centre, to 50kph in residential areas. The motorway that connects Napier and Hastings ranges from 80kph to 100kph. As you come into the airport from the north, it drops to 70kph when driving through Bay View. Always pay attention to signs and drive to the speed limit.
Nearby locations to explore
Once you're done in Hawke's Bay, head north to Gisborne for surf beaches and rich Māori culture. Other popular destinations within reach of Napier include the charming Lake Taupo and Rotorua regions, both featuring plenty of geothermal activity. You can also head to the west coast and discover New Plymouth in your car rental but keep in mind this is a long trip with multiple routes to get there. Wherever you head in New Zealand, whether it be the North Island or the South Island, there is plenty to see and do.
