If you are looking for affordable rental cars in Hamilton, you came to the right place. From small compact cars to station wagons, suv and minibuses. Easy online booking and free cancellation for your peace of mind.
Hamilton – Frankton
Address: 18 Grasslands Place, Frankton, Hamilton 3204
Trading Hours: Monday to Sunday 8am to 6pm
Phone: 07 974 0890
Hamilton Airport
Address: 132 Ossie James Drive, Hamilton 3282 (Unit 1)
Trading Hours: 24 hours service for bookings made in advance
Phone: 0800 566 701
✔ Free Cancellation up to 48hrs before pickup in Hamilton
✔ 100% Kiwi Owned & Operated for over 25 years
✔ Everyday low prices on Rental Cars Hamilton
✔ We don’t charge credit card fees on payments on Rental Cars Hamilton
✔ One way hires available to and from Auckland, Tauranga, Hamilton, Wellington, Queenstown and Christchurch
✔ We don’t charge for an additional driver – You can have as many as you want
✔ All hires come with 24hrs roadside assistance
✔ All hires come with free basic insurance for drivers over 25 and you can reduce your excess
✔ We have 24 rental locations nationwide: Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Wellington, Christchurch & Queenstown
✔ We have a wide range of vehicles, from small cars to SUVs, people movers and minibuses in Hamilton
✔ Book the car instantly using our online booking system
✔ Superb customer service in Hamilton
15% Discount* on your next car rental with BRC.
Enjoy NZ. Pay Less on Your Rental Car and Visit More Places!
Have you got a firm quote from another car rental company and their price is better than ours? No Problem, we can beat that price by 10%*
If you are part of NZ Emergency Services you can enjoy a 10% discount on your next rental*.
The rental car cost in Hamilton for a day will depend on the type of vehicle you require and the time of the year. During low season, prices can go as low as $15/day for a compact car excluding insurance and extras. Please use our booking tool to enter your dates and location and the pricing will be available to you instantly.
The rental car cost in Hamilton for a week will depend on the type of vehicle you require and the time of the year. During low season, prices can go as low as $105/week for a compact car excluding insurance and extras. Please use our booking tool to enter your dates and location and the pricing will be available to you instantly.
The rental car cost in Hamilton for a month will depend on the type of vehicle you require and the time of the year. During low season, prices can go as low as $450/month for a compact car excluding insurance and extras. Please use our booking tool to enter your dates and location and the pricing will be available to you instantly.
SUV is a popular category, followed by touring sedan and commuter compact
The rental cost for a SUV in Christchurch for a day will depend on the length of the hire, location and the time of the year. During low season, prices can go as low as $30/day for a small/compact SUV excluding insurance and extras. Please use our booking tool to enter your dates and location and the pricing will be available to you instantly.
You will find various options for rental car companies in Hamilton. From high end to budget. Bargain Rental Cars offer vehicles to suit most requirements, from SUVs, Hybrids, Station Wagons, Sedans, Compact, People Movers and Minibuses.
Bargain Rental Cars offer everyday low prices on car hire in Hamilton. If you find a cheaper option we can beat it by 10%*. Find more details here https://www.bargainrentalcars.co.nz/offers/price-beat/
Bargain Rental Cars branch is located in Frankton and at the Hamilton Airport area
Yes, Bargain Rental Cars offer one-way car rental from and to Auckland, Queenstown, Wellington, Tauranga and Christchurch
When you rent a vehicle from Bargain Rental Cars, you are supporting a 100% New Zealand owned and operated, family business. You will always be provided with a personal service that ensures you get a rental vehicle that is not only a pleasure to drive but gives you value for money.
To hire a vehicle in New Zealand from Bargain Rental Cars you will need a valid car driver’s licence and a credit card for security. If you are unable to provide a credit card, you can still hire a car but extra fees such as bond and insurance will apply.
Yes, you can with Bargain Rental Cars. If you are unable to provide a credit card for security, you can still hire a car but extra fees such as bond and insurance will apply.
You can hire a car in Hamilton from Bargain Rental Cars if you are 18 years old or older. For drivers aged 18 to 24, Young Driver Cover of $20/day will apply.
You can hire a car in Hamilton from Bargain Rental Cars if you are younger than 25. For drivers aged 18 to 24, Young Driver Cover of $20/day will apply.
You can drive with your home country driver’s licence if it is in English. If your driver’s license is not in English, your license must be accompanied by an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) or an approved translation.
Yes, You can hire a car in Hamilton from Bargain Rental Cars if you hold an Australian driver’s licence without any restrictions.
Yes, you can hire a car in Hamilton from Bargain Rental Cars if you hold a U.S. driver’s licence without any restrictions.
Yes, you can hire a car in Hamilton from Bargain Rental Cars if you hold a UK driver’s licence without any restrictions.
Yes, you can hire a car in Hamilton from Bargain Rental Cars if you hold a Canadian driver’s licence without any restrictions.
Yes, you can hire a car in Hamilton from Bargain Rental Cars if you hold a German driver’s licence without any restrictions. However, if your driver’s license is not in English, your license must be accompanied by an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) or an approved translation.
Yes, you can hire a car in Hamilton from Bargain Rental Cars if you hold a French driver’s licence without any restrictions. However, if your driver’s license is not in English, your license must be accompanied by an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) or an approved translation.
With Bargain Rental Cars, if you’re holding a NZ Restricted Licence, you’ll be good to hire and drive a BRC rental car (Please note: You can only rent cars on your restricted licence. Vehicles such as minibuses and cargo vans are not permitted). For insurance purposes you are subject to the conditions of your licence. You may be liable for any insurance claim should a claim result from driving outside those conditions. You must be at least 18 years of age at the time of pick-up. A Mandatory Insurance fee of $20/day applies with an excess of $4950 in case of any incident with the vehicle.
No. Cars are typically supplied with a full tank and must be returned full.
You are allowed to take a car from Bargain Rental Cars on the ferry. Please note the ferry cost is not included with the rental.
Yes, by NZ road rules, children must be secure in an approved child restraint (click here for more info).
At Bargain Rental Cars we allow booking extensions, however, this will depend on availability. We cannot guarantee any extension but will do our best to accommodate your request.
At Bargain Rental Cars, All our vehicles are covered by 24-hour roadside assistance service for any vehicle-related breakdowns.
If you’re looking for cheap car rental in Hamilton, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re a local resident in need of a short-term vehicle or a tourist eager to explore the scenic Waikato region, Bargain Rental Cars offers the best value, flexibility, and service in town.
Our Hamilton branch is easy to find and even easier to book with. Whether you’re arriving by bus, flying into the nearby airport, or already in the city, picking up your rental car is fast and hassle-free.
From Hamilton, you can easily access some of New Zealand’s most iconic spots:
Having your own rental car gives you the freedom to explore it all at your own pace.
Here’s why our customers rate us as one of the top choices for car rental in Hamilton:
Lowest everyday prices
We beat any competitor’s price by 10%*
No credit card fees
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup
24/7 roadside assistance included
A large fleet of modern vehicles to choose from
We make it easy to get a quality car without the premium price tag.
Our Hamilton branch offers a wide range of reliable rental vehicles:
All vehicles are regularly serviced and come clean, safe, and ready to drive.
Booking a rental vehicle has never been easier. Reserve your car through our simple online system, call our local team, or just walk into our Hamilton branch — we’re here to help whichever way suits you best.
Hamilton is the gateway to some of New Zealand’s most exciting destinations — and the best way to see it all is with your own car. From gardens to glowworms, beaches to bush walks, the Waikato is waiting.
Choose Bargain Rental Cars for your Hamilton car hire and enjoy more flexibility, better prices, and superior service.
Book your cheap car rental in Hamilton today with Bargain Rental Cars — and travel on your terms.
Tucked away in the lush green landscapes of New Zealand’s North Island, Hamilton is a city that often flies under the radar—but it shouldn’t. Located in the Waikato region, just a 90-minute drive from Auckland, Hamilton offers a diverse mix of culture, nature, and adventure that’s perfect for travelers seeking a well-rounded experience without the hustle of more crowded destinations.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or just passing through on your North Island road trip, here are five standout things to do in Hamilton that will make your visit unforgettable.
1. Wander the World at Hamilton Gardens
Forget everything you know about botanical gardens—Hamilton Gardens is not your typical green space. Rather than simply showcasing plants, these gardens are designed around themes, each transporting visitors to a completely different time, place, or idea.
You might start in a serene Japanese garden, then step into a bright and geometric Italian Renaissance setting, only to find yourself in a mystical fantasy garden inspired by myths and legends. Each garden tells a story—sometimes historical, sometimes symbolic—and the transitions between them are as thrilling as the destinations themselves.
This ever-evolving attraction is free to enter and ideal for travelers of all ages. Bring a camera, as you’ll want to capture the striking contrasts between each garden zone.
Pro Tip: Check the events calendar—there are often free tours, seasonal markets, and cultural events held right within the gardens.
2. Dive into Local Culture at Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum & Gallery
A visit to Hamilton isn’t complete without delving into the region’s rich heritage at the Waikato Museum. Located near the river in the city centre, this modern museum is an insightful stop for art lovers, history buffs, and curious minds.
Inside, you’ll find a compelling mix of Māori cultural exhibits, interactive science displays, contemporary New Zealand art, and rotating temporary installations.
Beyond the permanent exhibits, the museum often features live performances, guest talks, and community art projects that reflect the city’s creative pulse.
Best Part: Entry is usually free, making it one of the best value cultural experiences in Hamilton.
3. Spend a Wild Afternoon at Hamilton Zoo
For those traveling with kids—or just young at heart—the Hamilton Zoo offers a well-curated wildlife encounter that feels immersive but relaxed. The zoo spans 25 hectares and is home to over 400 animals from around the globe, including native New Zealand species.
What sets this zoo apart is its spacious, naturalistic enclosures and commitment to conservation. You can stroll through a free-flight aviary, watch the antics of chimpanzees, and stand just meters away from majestic Sumatran tigers. Keeper talks and feeding sessions are scheduled throughout the day, giving visitors deeper insight into animal behavior and welfare.
It’s a calm and beautifully maintained setting that doesn’t feel rushed—perfect for a half-day visit or a quiet break from urban life.
4. Walk or Cycle Along the Waikato River Path
The Waikato River winds gently through the heart of Hamilton, offering locals and visitors alike a chance to enjoy one of New Zealand’s most scenic riverfronts. The paved trails that run alongside the river are popular with walkers, runners, and cyclists, providing a peaceful escape just minutes from the city centre.
Stretching for kilometers in both directions, the river paths pass through leafy parks, native bush, and open spaces that are ideal for picnics, birdwatching, or just soaking up the fresh air.
For a bit of extra adventure, hire a bike and cycle down to the southern stretches of the trail or pack a small lunch and spend the day hopping between the riverside cafes and rest areas.
Insider Tip: Sunset over the river is particularly magical—bring a blanket and enjoy the view as the sky glows over the water.
5. Take a Glowworm Cave Adventure in Waitomo (Day Trip)
While not technically in Hamilton, the world-famous Waitomo Caves are just over an hour’s drive away and absolutely worth the journey. These glowworm caves are one of New Zealand’s most iconic natural wonders—and for good reason.
You’ll descend into ancient limestone caverns, where the walls are lined with stalactites and underground streams echo in the darkness. But the real highlight comes when you board a small boat and float silently beneath a ceiling lit by thousands of glowworms—tiny bioluminescent creatures that create a starry sky effect underground.
It’s surreal, beautiful, and unlike anything you’ll experience anywhere else.
Travel Tip: Book your tickets in advance, especially during weekends and holidays, as Waitomo is a popular destination for both international and local visitors.
Sign up and save!