Bargain Rental Cars has three pickup locations in the Tauranga area: Tauranga Airport (served by the Mt Maunganui branch at Newton Street), Gate Pa on Cameron Road, and Mt Maunganui on Newton Street. All three branches are open seven days a week, 8:00am to 6:00pm. The airport branch includes a free shuttle from the terminal. Gate Pa and Mt Maunganui are drive-in locations, well suited to locals and visitors already based in the city.
Bargain Rental Cars Tauranga — Three Locations
1. Tauranga Airport (Mt Maunganui Branch)
Address: 156–159 Newton Street, Mt Maunganui, Tauranga 3116
Phone: 0800 566 701 · +64 21 026 34240
Hours: 8:00am – 6:00pm, Monday to Sunday – After hours available for bookings made in advance
Airport service: Free shuttle during business hours; self-service key drop for after-hours returns
Tauranga Airport is located on Jean Batten Drive, Mt Maunganui — a compact regional airport serving domestic routes operated by Air New Zealand and other carriers. Bargain Rental Cars’ nearest branch is on Newton Street, approximately a five-minute drive from the terminal. A free shuttle runs to and from the airport during business hours (8:00am–6:00pm) for advance bookings.
2. Gate Pa Branch
Address: 979 Cameron Road, Gate Pa, Tauranga 3112
Phone: 07 974 0899
Hours: 8:00am – 6:00pm, Monday to Sunday
The Gate Pa branch sits on Cameron Road — one of Tauranga’s main arterial routes — directly opposite the New World supermarket. It’s the most centrally located of BRC’s Tauranga branches and convenient for anyone staying in or around central Tauranga, Greerton, or the western suburbs. No airport shuttle from this branch — it is a walk-in and advance-booking location.
3. Mt Maunganui Branch
Address: 156 Newton Street, Mount Maunganui, Tauranga 3116
Phone: 07 974 0895
Hours: 8:00am – 6:00pm, Monday to Sunday
The Mt Maunganui branch is on Newton Street, close to the base of Mauao (Mount Maunganui). This branch also serves as the pickup and drop-off point for Tauranga Airport customers arriving during business hours. If you’re staying at the Mount or Papamoa, this is the most convenient branch — it’s a short drive from the beach and the main strip of cafes and shops along Maunganui Road.
How to Get the Shuttle from Tauranga Airport to Bargain Rental Cars
For arrivals during business hours (8:00am–6:00pm):
- Collect your bags and exit the terminal
- Call Bargain Rental Cars on 0800 00 11 10 or +64 21 026 34240
- A staff member will arrange shuttle transport from the terminal to the Newton Street branch
- The drive takes approximately five minutes
Shuttle service is available for advance bookings. Walk-ins during business hours may be accommodated subject to availability.
How to Return Your Car After Hours at Tauranga Airport
Bargain Rental Cars has a self-service after-hours return system at Tauranga Airport.
Step 1: Park the vehicle in the Rental Car drop-off car park at the airport (marked as Number 3 / blue area on the airport map). Leave the parking ticket on the passenger seat — Bargain Rental Cars covers the parking cost.
Step 2: Check the vehicle before leaving. Remove all belongings, close all windows, and lock the car securely.
Step 3: Drop the keys. Inside the airport terminal, the key return safe box is located on the wall to the right of the baggage claim area. Lift the flap, drop your keys in the slot, and close the flap.
Step 4: You’re done. Head to your departure gate.
Make sure the fuel tank is full before returning — a $50 refuelling fee (plus actual fuel cost) applies for vehicles returned with less fuel than when collected.
Why Hire a Car in Tauranga with Bargain Rental Cars?
Tauranga is one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing cities and sits at the heart of the Bay of Plenty — making it a natural base for exploring some of the North Island’s most spectacular coastal and inland scenery. Having your own rental car is the best way to reach McLaren Falls Park, the Coromandel Peninsula, Rotorua and Papamoa Beach at your own pace.
What makes Bargain Rental Cars the best budget car hire option in Tauranga:
- Three Tauranga pickup locations — Airport (Mt Maunganui), Gate Pa, and Mt Maunganui, covering arrivals and city-based pickups across the region
- Everyday low prices with a Price Beat Guarantee — find a cheaper confirmed quote and BRC will beat it by 10%
- Free shuttle from Tauranga Airport to the Newton Street branch during business hours
- Self-service after-hours return at the airport — key drop box inside the terminal, no fees
- No credit card surcharge on payments
- Free basic insurance for drivers aged 25 and over
- Additional drivers at no charge — add as many as you need
- 24-hour roadside assistance with every hire
- Free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup
- One-way hires available to and from Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Queenstown and Christchurch
- Unlimited kilometres on cars, people movers, minivans, and minibuses
- 100% Kiwi owned and operated for over 25 years
Tauranga Car Hire — Choosing the Right Vehicle
The right vehicle depends on how you’re planning to use it:
Compact or economy cars (Commuter, Hybrid) suit solo travellers and couples exploring central Tauranga, running errands, or making short coastal drives. Easy to park, economical on fuel, and ideal for the city.
Touring sedan (Toyota Camry) is the most popular choice for families and couples on longer Bay of Plenty road trips — comfortable for four adults with luggage, smooth on the open road, and well suited to the drive to Rotorua or south toward Napier.
SUV (Toyota Highlander) suits families needing more passenger and luggage space, or anyone heading inland toward the Rotorua lakes, Whakatāne, or further into the ranges. The Highlander seats seven and handles rural and unsealed roads comfortably.
People mover or minibus (10–12 seats) is the right choice for sports teams, school groups, corporate transfers, and large families. Bargain Rental Cars’ Tauranga branches carry Toyota Hiace minivans and minibuses capable of transporting groups of up to twelve — with unlimited kilometres included.
What to Do in Tauranga with a Rental Car
Having a car unlocks the full Bay of Plenty experience. A few drives worth planning from Tauranga:
Mount Maunganui (20 minutes from Gate Pa) — Walk the base track around Mauao or climb to the summit for panoramic views of the harbour and coast. The beachside cafes and surf make this a full-day destination in itself.
McLaren Falls Park (20 minutes) — A 190-hectare park south of Tauranga with waterfalls, forest walks, kayaking, and a glowworm trail after dark. One of the best family day trips in the region.
Rotorua (50 minutes) — Geothermal parks, Māori cultural experiences, the Redwoods, mountain biking at Whakarewarewa, and world-class hot pools. Easily done as a full day trip from Tauranga.
Papamoa Beach (20 minutes) — A long stretch of golden sand south-east of the Mount, quieter and more local-feeling than the main beach. Perfect for a relaxed afternoon.
The Coromandel Peninsula (90 minutes) — Cathedral Cove, Hot Water Beach, and the Coromandel town itself are all reachable in a day. Allow a full day and consider checking tides for Hot Water Beach before you go.
Whakatāne and Ōhope Beach (75 minutes) — Ōhope has one of New Zealand’s most beautiful surf beaches and the region gets more sunshine hours than almost anywhere else in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I hire a car in Tauranga?
Bargain Rental Cars has three pickup locations in the Tauranga area: the Mt Maunganui branch at Newton Street (which also serves Tauranga Airport with a free shuttle), the Gate Pa branch at 979a Cameron Road, and a second Mt Maunganui branch at 156 Newton Street. All three are open Monday to Sunday, 8:00am to 6:00pm.
Is there a car rental at Tauranga Airport?
Yes. Bargain Rental Cars provides airport service from its Newton Street, Mt Maunganui branch — approximately a seven-minute drive from the terminal. During business hours (8:00am–6:00pm), call 0800 00 11 10 on arrival and a shuttle will be arranged. After hours, self-service key drop is available inside the terminal building.
What is the cheapest car hire in Tauranga?
Bargain Rental Cars offers some of the most competitive everyday car hire rates in Tauranga. If you find a cheaper confirmed quote from another company, BRC will beat it by 10% under its Price Beat Guarantee. Booking in advance and travelling outside peak summer and school holiday periods will also help secure the best rates.
Is there car hire at Gate Pa, Tauranga?
Yes. Bargain Rental Cars’ Gate Pa branch is at 979 Cameron Road, opposite the New World supermarket. It’s open Monday to Sunday, 8:00am to 6:00pm (phone: 07 974 0899). This branch does not operate an airport shuttle — it’s a drive-in or walk-in location suited to Tauranga city-based hires.
Is there car hire at Mt Maunganui?
Yes. The Bargain Rental Cars Mt Maunganui branch at 156 Newton Street is open daily 8:00am to 6:00pm (phone: 07 974 0895). This branch also handles Tauranga Airport pickups during business hours and operates the after-hours key-drop system.
Can I pick up in Tauranga and drop off in Auckland or Wellington?
Yes. Bargain Rental Cars offers one-way hires from Tauranga to Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Queenstown and Christchurch (and in reverse). One-way fees apply — use the online booking tool to get an instant price for your dates and route.
What vehicles are available at BRC Tauranga?
Bargain Rental Cars’ Tauranga branches carry compact cars (Commuter / Mazda Demio), hybrids (Toyota Prius), touring sedans (Toyota Camry), SUVs (Toyota Highlander), 10-seat minivans, and 12-seat minibuses. Unlimited kilometres are included on all cars, people movers, minivans, and minibuses.
