Australia and New Zealand are two of the best road trip countries in the world. Distances are big, public transport thins out quickly once you leave the cities, and many of the best views are found down a coastal road or a mountain pass that no bus will take you to. For most visitors, a rental car is the easiest way to see the places that make the trip worth it.
Europcar is one of the big international names on both sides of the Tasman, with desks at the main airports and branches in cities and regional towns. This guide explains how renting with Europcar works in Australia and New Zealand, where you can pick up, which routes are worth planning around, and a few simple ways to keep the cost down.
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In this guide
- Why rent a car in Australia and New Zealand
- Where you can pick up a Europcar
- Road trip ideas to plan around
- One-way trips and airport pickup
- What to bring to the rental desk
- How to save on your Europcar rental
- Need more space? Vans and long rentals
- Driving tips for first-timers
- Is Europcar a good choice for your trip?
Why rent a car in Australia and New Zealand
In both countries the real highlights are spread out. In Australia you might want to drive the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne, head up the Queensland coast from Brisbane or the Gold Coast, or explore Tasmania from Hobart or Launceston. In New Zealand, almost every classic itinerary is built around driving, from the beaches north of Auckland to the lakes and mountains around Queenstown.
A car also gives you control over your time. You can stop at a lookout, a winery or a small town cafe whenever you want, start early to beat the crowds, and carry beach gear, hiking boots or ski equipment without thinking twice. For families and groups, splitting the cost of one car is often cheaper than paying for tours and transfers for everyone.
Where you can pick up a Europcar
Europcar has a dense network in Australia, with stations in city centres, near transport hubs and inside airport terminals. Its Australian site lists airport stations including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast and Cairns, plus city branches in places such as Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Hobart and Darwin, and many regional towns.
In New Zealand, the main stations include Auckland Airport, Wellington Airport, Christchurch Airport and Queenstown Airport, along with city locations such as Auckland City and Picton, and smaller centres including Nelson, Dunedin, Napier, Rotorua and New Plymouth. Picton is especially handy if you are crossing between the North and South Islands.
| Australia | New Zealand | |
|---|---|---|
| Main airport stations | Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Cairns | Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown |
| Popular city branches | Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Hobart, Darwin | Auckland City, Picton, Nelson, Dunedin |
| Classic road trips | Great Ocean Road, Queensland coast, Tasmania | Auckland to Bay of Islands, South Island loop |
| Good to know | Long distances between cities, plan fuel or charging stops | Winding roads, allow extra driving time |
You can search Europcar locations and compare cars here before you decide where to start your trip.
Road trip ideas to plan around
In Australia, the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne is a favourite for a reason, with surf beaches, rainforest and the famous rock stacks along the coast. In Queensland, a car makes it easy to combine the Gold Coast, Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, or to use Cairns as a base for the reef and the rainforest. Tasmania is ideal for a loop of a week or more.
In New Zealand, many travellers fly into Auckland and drive north to the Bay of Islands, or south towards Rotorua and its geothermal parks. On the South Island, a loop from Christchurch to Queenstown and the West Coast covers lakes, glaciers and mountain passes. Europcar’s own Picton page also points to the Marlborough Sounds and the local wine region as highlights.
One-way trips and airport pickup
Many of the best itineraries are not loops. You might fly into Sydney and out of Brisbane, or start in Auckland and finish in Wellington. When you book with Europcar you choose your pick-up and drop-off points separately, so you can see straight away whether a one-way rental is available for your dates and what it costs. One-way trips can carry an extra fee, so compare a couple of routes before you commit.
Airport pickup is usually the simplest option after a long flight. Europcar also offers online check-in, which lets you enter your details before you arrive so you spend less time at the counter and get on the road faster.
What to bring to the rental desk
According to Europcar’s own guidance, you will need to show:
- Your full driving licence from your country of residence, held for the minimum period required.
- An International Driving Permit as well, if your licence is not in English or is written in characters that cannot be read locally.
- A passport or national identity card.
- A valid credit card in the main driver’s name.
Age rules and the deposit amount can vary by station and vehicle class, so check the conditions shown during booking, especially if you are a young driver or plan to add a second driver.
How to save on your Europcar rental
A few simple habits can make a real difference to the final price:
- Book early for school holidays, Christmas and the summer peak from December to February, when demand is highest.
- Join Privilege For You, Europcar’s free loyalty programme, which advertises a permanent 10% member discount on future bookings.
- In Australia, members of motoring clubs such as RACV, RACQ, RAA, RAC, RACT and AANT can get special rates. Check the club offer before you book.
- Look at the current seasonal offers on the Europcar site. At the time of writing in October 2026, both the Australian and New Zealand sites were running spring promotions.
- Choose the smallest car that comfortably fits your group and luggage. It is cheaper to rent and cheaper to fuel.
You can see today’s Europcar offers for Australia and New Zealand and compare them for your own dates.
Need more space? Vans and long rentals
If you are moving house, travelling with lots of gear or running a business trip, Europcar Australia also rents vans and trucks, with daily, overnight, long-term and one-way van hire. For longer stays, its Australian car subscription offers a fixed monthly price for a month or more, with no upfront cost and the freedom to cancel.
Driving tips for first-timers
- Both countries drive on the left. Take it slowly for the first hour, especially at roundabouts.
- Distances look short on a map but can take much longer, particularly on winding New Zealand roads.
- Watch for wildlife at dawn and dusk in rural Australia.
- Fill up or plan charging stops before remote stretches, where stations can be far apart.
- Keep your booking details and the roadside assistance number handy. Europcar New Zealand highlights 24-hour roadside assistance.
Is Europcar a good choice for your trip?
For travellers who want a well-known brand, airport pickup, a wide choice of vehicles and the option to start and finish in different cities, Europcar is a strong option in both Australia and New Zealand. The loyalty discount and seasonal offers can also make it competitive on price, especially if you book ahead.
Ready to plan your route? Check availability and prices with Europcar for your dates and pick-up point.
