Waiheke Island Car Rental
Location Details
Unit 4 Matiatia Wharf
6 Ocean View Road Waiheke
Waiheke Island, NZ, 1081
Hours & Services
| Sunday | 05:00 AM - 05:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Monday | 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM |
| Thursday | 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM |
| Friday | 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM |
| Saturday | 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM |
Directions to Waiheke Location
You can reach the beautiful Waiheke Island by taking a short ferry ride from Downtown Auckland. Our location is right inside the Matiatia Ferry Terminal, look out for our Enterprise sign alongside our GO Rentals and Alamo partners.
With a quick pick-up process, you can head off and explore Waiheke Island almost as soon as you’ve arrived.
Reaching the Terminal
The ferry to Waiheke leaves from 99 Quay Street every half hour, for a sailing time of approximately 40 minutes.
The Pickup Process from the Matiatia Ferry Terminal
Our team will make the pickup process as smooth and easy as possible. Just go through the following steps and you’ll be cruising across the hills in no time:
- Please present your booking confirmation and driver's licence (including any international driving permits and translated documents required) to our check-in desk.
- Confirm the cover you need for your rental:
- All car rentals include standard cover for accidents and theft claims with a variable excess/deductible depending on the car selected.
- You can opt for a damage waiver for a fee per day to reduce your excess/deductible.
- Or, you can opt for the super damage waiver for a higher fee per day to reduce your excess/deductible to $0 - $650, depending on the vehicle type.
- Add on any rental extras like car seats or roof racks for your surfboards.
- Pay the $200 deposit on your credit card, plus any rental costs to be paid at pick-up.
- Collect your keys and condition report.
- Our friendly team will direct you to your car.
Returning your rental car to Waiheke Ferry terminal
When you are ready to finish your Waiheke adventure, simply pop into our ferry terminal branch and hand your keys to a member of staff.
After Hours Returns
You can return your Waiheke rental car 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!
Meet the car, minivan and ute fleet
- Small Car Hire
- SUV Hire
- Truck Hire
- Van Hire
Car accessories for comfort
Family Car Rentals
A day trip you won’t forget!
Book a safe and comfortable 5-star ANCAP safety-rated rental vehicle with enough space for the whole family. While it may only take 45 minutes to drive the whole of Waiheke, there’s plenty to see and explore on that road trip! Carry your own beach gear, including your sandcastle building kit, in a spacious 5-seater SUV, or stack on your surfboards with a roof rack accessory.
Even during the wetter winter months, our vehicles ensure your safety and keep you warm and comfortable on the road. Have smaller children with you? You can add booster seats with clear installation guides to get your whole family ready for a relaxing journey from the moment you leave the ferry.
Booking with Enterprise is as easy as sunbathing! Just type in your itinerary plans, pick your vehicle, and pick your extras. Our vehicles are thoroughly cleaned and well-maintained in between hiring periods and we offer 24/7 roadside assistance with all of our rentals. Enjoy peace of mind, no matter where your adventure takes you.
Summer Car Hire
Summer’s finest pour.
Waiheke is known as the island where vineyards meet the ocean. Sip award-winning wines, slip into breathtaking oceans and soak up the full island experience. It’s no wonder Waiheke is a popular summer destination for locals and tourists alike.
With a hassle-free car hire, you can avoid the busy public transport and take your time exploring the hard to reach North coast, like the two-kilometre Onetangi Beach. Waiheke is easy the drive around in a smooth intermediate SUV (Toyota RAV4 or similar) or 10-seater minibus (Toyota Hiace or similar) perfect for group rentals.
Booking is as easy as saying yes to a long ocean-view lunch. Add your travel dates, select your reliable car and add in any accessories like baby seats or roof racks and you are locked in. With unlimited kms and 24/7 after hours drop offs, we bring the relaxing summer island vibe to car rentals.
Winter Car Hire
Dive into the 'Isle of Wine.'
Waiheke in winter is a true hidden gem. While you may not be able to hit the beaches, the island’s vineyards and restaurants offer cosy wine tastings and delicious meals, and you can enjoy more specials and deals when booking hotels and other services.
Stay out of the winter rain with a snug winter car hire. Explore the many quality vineyards of Waiheke with the whole group in a 12-seater passenger van (Toyota Hiace) or head to the island’s galleries, restaurants and theatres in a compact SUVs (Mitsubishi ASX).
Booking is as smooth as a Cabernet Sauvignon. Simply select the vehicle that suits you best, and add on any accessories you feel you might need. With unlimited kilometres and additional drivers for $5 plus GST per day, a welcoming adventure is waiting for you just a short drive away.
Business Car Rentals
Driving Success in Waiheke Island
Enterprise Rent-A-Car has over 50 years of experience in the industry and over 9,500+ locations worldwide. We offer long-term rentals for longer contract work or more flexible rentals that suit your business needs in Waiheke.
Waiheke is a fantastic place to host team clients and other company events. Whether you need transport for your employees and clients, or you are involved in the local wine scene, our fleet has the solutions for you.
Just fill out our business rental car form to access benefits that work for you:
- Great savings with exclusive business rates
- A dedicated Account Manager to support your needs
- No membership or extra driver fees
- No cancellation fees — ever
- 24/7 Roadside Assistance included
- Customised billing to match your workflow
- Unlimited kilometres to get you to any business meeting
- Flexible short- and long-term options with no minimum rental period
Enjoy seamless business travel, so you can focus more on what matters.
Premium Drives Start with Enterprise
Plenty of companies talk about their customer service commitments. At Enterprise, we've followed through by creating our Standard of Care.
Our Standard of Care ensures our customers are at the forefront of everything we do through the 5 pillars:
- Complete Clean Pledge® to save you valuable time.
- Low Touch Transactions for a smooth booking process.
- Exceptional Customer Service with a friendly local team.
- Vehicle Maintenance and Safety for peace of mind on the road.
- Visual Inspection of Every Vehicle with your comfort in mind.
As the world's largest car rental provider, Enterprise Rent-A-Car is a step ahead of the competition. Our experience in the car rental industry, dating back to 1957, means we have a level of expertise you can’t find anywhere else. With a local Kiwi team steering our New Zealand branch, every car hire is easy, seamless and feels like an upgrade.
Putting you in the driver's seat in Waiheke
Popular Events in Waiheke
With a thriving local culture and world-famous vineyards, Waiheke Island has plenty of unforgettable events you should stop by while you’re around:
- Ostend Market: Hosted every Saturday, the Ostend Market offers fresh local food and produce grown by local market leaders. Stop by and sample local fruit and veggies, as well as empanadas, crepes and Hungarian fried bread
- Waiheke Collective Film Festival: Held in September, the Waiheke Collective Film Festival features impactful films focused on social and environmental issues. After each screening, viewers also have the chance to speak directly to the creators during an interactive Q&A session.
- Heke’fest: Held at a different time each year, the Heke’fest celebrates all things Kiwikana, and features live music, craft beers and mouth-watering BBQ specials. Enjoy local music and food, or try your hand at kiwi fashion at the best-dressed competition.
- Waiheke Whisky Club: This whisky club is held on the third Friday of each month and is suitable for whisky beginners as well as seasoned experts. Take part in relaxed and accessible discussions of at least 4 whisky tastings per session.
What do I need to know before driving in Waiheke?
Driving in Waiheke should be relatively smooth, due to low congestion and traffic. However, traffic may be heavy in the Oneroa village area. The majority of roads are sealed and well-maintained, so you should have an easy time getting around most areas. Here’s what you need to know before hiring a car and driving in Waiheke:
- Drive on the left-hand side.
- Look up your route before leaving in case it’s closed.
- Follow the speed limit - The standard limit on Waiheke is 30 km/h, but some roads may allow higher limits.
- Seat belts are mandatory.
- Only hands-free mobile phones are allowed.
- Be aware of weather conditions - There may be strong winds and heavy rain on the island during the winter months. Reduce your speed and stay aware during a storm.
- Parking is paid for in certain locations and is more limited across the island. Many spaces may require a parking fee.
- If you are visiting vineyards or trying tasting tours, it may be prudent to assign a designated driver.
Rental Policies
Each additional driver will incur an additional driver fee of $5 NZD plus GST per day, capped at a max of 5 days. Additional drivers must be present at pick up and provide their driver's license. Additional drivers must meet all age and driver's license requirements.
Minimum driver age is 21 years old. There is no maximum age, however drivers under 25 years old will only be able to reduce their damage liability to 340.00 NZD (excluding GST).
A young driver surcharge of 13.00 NZD per day, which excludes GST, applies to all Drivers aged between 21-24 years old.
Drivers between 21-24 years of age are restricted to vehicle classes Economy, Compact, Intermediate, and Standard only.
All drivers must have held their license for a minimum of one year. If any driver is on a probationary license there is an additional Probationary License Fee of 20.00 NZD per day, which excludes GST.
Vehicles cannot be driven in any other country. Ferry crossings with the vehicle are permitted. Customers are required to inform the rental branch about any cross-border travel at least 3 days in advance. Unauthorized cross-border travel will result in a breach of contract and incur a penalty charge. Parts of New Zealand are not suitable for access by rental vehicles. If the renter takes the Vehicle to any of the following areas, their Liability for any loss or damage may increase and any optional protection product selected such as Loss or Collision Damage Waiver will be voided: Ball Hutt Road (Mt Cook), Skippers Road (Queenstown), Ninety Mile Beach (Northland), Te Paki Stream Bed, the road to Macetown in the Queenstown Area, the coast road to Russell (Northland), or any unformed road, track, or thoroughfare, including beaches and gravel roads that are not officially designated a road.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is an optional coverage that reduces the applicable excess/deductible amount in case of damage to and/or theft of the vehicle. If CDW is not included in the reservation, it is available for purchase.
The excess/deductible can be reduced to 900 NZD (GST inclusive) for the car categories Economy, Compact, Intermediate, Standard, and Full Size. For any SUVs, Pick-ups, Vans, and any Premium vehicles, the deductible is reduced to 1100 NZD (GST inclusive). All electric vehicles have a reduced excess/deductible of 1300 NZD (GST inclusive). The excess/deductible will be charged every time a vehicle is damaged, lost, not returned, or stolen.
Before purchasing CDW it is advised to determine if personal coverage is adequate to cover damage, theft, loss of revenue, administration fees, diminishment of value, and any towing, storage, or impound fees. If CDW is declined, the renter will be required to pay these charges up to the deductible amount and seek compensation through their carrier of personal coverage. CDW is not insurance.
One way drop fees apply for all valid one-way rentals in New Zealand.
In the event that the renter returns the vehicle to a location that differs from the one noted on the original rental agreement, then Alamo Rent-a-Car NZ reserves the right to charge a relocation fee based on the KM distance table below.
From 01 KMS - To 50 KMS - Charges excluding GST NZD 46.00
From 51 KMS - To 250 KMS - Charges excluding GST NZD 287.50
From 251 KMS - To 500 KMS - Charges excluding GST NZD 575.00
From 501 KMS - To 750 KMS - Charges excluding GST NZD 920.00
From 751 KMS+ - Charges excluding GST NZD 1,500.00 (max charge)
The car will be supplied with a full tank of fuel. Customers must return the car with a full tank or refueling charges at the listed rate plus a 12.5% fee will apply.
A valid credit card or debit card must be provided for all rentals. For payments we accept all major credit cards, debit cards and cash and for deposits we only accept all major credit cards, we do not accept debit cards or not cash. Charges for options and coverage must be settled at the commencement of the rental together with a deposit (bond). The credit card holder is listed as the hirer and must be present at the time of rental commencement. The credit card deposit by way of authorization is NZD 200.00.
A credit card fee of 2.5% applies and is applicable to all rental charges excluding the deposit bond; including any optional items purchased and damage liability charges. There is no refund of credit card surcharges.
Union Pay Cards:
Unfortunately, the rental location cannot accept a card branded only by Union Pay. The rental location accepts Visa and MasterCard with Union Pay logo on the card.
All drivers must present a fully valid driving license. Electronic or digital driving licenses are accepted as long as through the government app. All drivers must have held their license for at least 12 months. In addition, all renters must present a valid photo ID such as a passport or government-issued photo ID. A valid debit or credit card in the renter's name must be presented upon collection of the vehicle. If the driving license is written in a language and characters different from those of the country of rental, an International Driving Permit or a NZTA-approved English translation is also required. Renters are advised to check whether local authorities require foreign drivers to present an International Driving Permit to avoid the risk of potential fines. Renters with licenses from countries who are not part of the International Driving Permit Agreement should carry a certified translation. Customers can drive in the country of rental using their driving license from their country of origin for up to 12 months. If staying in the country longer, customers are required to convert to a NZ Driver’s License. Renters of the local area must provide proof of residence by presenting a recent utility bill, phone bill, or credit card bill.
In New Zealand there is no need for third party compulsory insurance (CTP) as there is a form of insurance scheme managed by the Accident Compensation Corporation (AA) which covers injuries caused by car accidents via a fund by levy that is paid as part of the motor vehicle registration fees. This scheme provides no fault cover, meaning that any person injured as a result of an accident is covered. This cover does not include property or damage to other vehicles. There is no fixed coverage limit per policy.
Waiheke Island Car Rental FAQs
To rent a car in New Zealand with Enterprise Rent-A-Car, we have the following requirements:
- Be a minimum of 21 years of age.
- Provide a full, valid driver’s licence that you have held for a minimum of 12 months. An overseas or international driver’s licence must be in English or be supplied with an official NZTA-approved English translation.
- A valid credit or debit card in the hirer's name must be presented at pick-up. Cash is not accepted for any payments or bonds.
We have a wide range of premium vehicles available across the North and South Islands:
- Compact car hire for zippy city driving
- Economy cars for day trips
- Full-size sedans for more legroom
- 2WD SUVs for family car rentals
- 4WD SUVs for adventurers
- Hybrid car hires for fuel savings
- Minivans for group trips
- Ute hires for moving, tradies or business rentals
Stuck on what to hire? Save money and pick a mystery car rental, and let us choose for you.
With a standard of care pledge on all vehicles, our premium fleet is cleaned and well-maintained to provide you with a quality level of comfort.
Renting a car in New Zealand is worth it to experience the country’s natural beauty and hidden gems. While public transport and tour groups are available, they often miss the most scenic, rural destinations and lock you into a fixed schedule.
With a rental car, you're in control. Take the scenic route, stop at every breathtaking lookout and discover charming rural towns at your own pace. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, adrenaline-fueled adventures or narrow coastal roads, a car hire gives you the freedom to explore New Zealand like a Kiwi local.
We accept all major debit cards except for Maestro, Electron, Solo and pre-paid cards. To rent our 4x4s and premium vehicles, we require a credit card. All cards must have the main driver's name on them.
Our prices may vary because car rental prices are based on various factors such as vehicle size, seasonality, length of rental, vehicle make, availability and location. Customers are advised to start the booking process to determine the exact price.
You can modify or cancel your reservation via our website. If you prepaid your booking and you cancel 3 days or more before your specified pick-up time, you will receive a full refund of the total amount. You can also call your rental branch to extend your reservation.
Yes, we can easily add an additional driver to your rental agreement for $5 per day per driver (capped at 6 days). The additional drivers must:
- Be 21 years of age or older.
- Present a full, valid driver’s licence in person at the rental counter. The licence must have been held for a minimum of 12 months. Any overseas or international driver's licences must be in English or have a NZTA-approved English translation.
In New Zealand, you do need insurance to hire a car, but you don’t need to organise it yourself. It’s compulsory for rental companies to provide insurance as part of their rental package. With Enterprise Rent-A-Car, all vehicles come with standard coverage for collision damage, so you are covered. The excess liability for this coverage depends on the vehicle (between $2,875 and $3,450 NZD), and you can reduce your excess for a fee per day.
Yes, you can hire a car with an international driver’s licence. Enterprise Rent-A-Car has a few requirements for international drivers:
- Age Requirement: You must be at least 21 years of age.
- Licence Type: Valid, full and unrestricted licence.
- Language: Your licence must be in English or have a NZTA-approved English translation.
- 12-Month Rule: You must have held your licence for 12 years in order to hire a car.
Yes, we offer both short-term and long-term business car rental packages for a wide range of industries.
Our business model gives you access to a dedicated account manager, customised billing and great savings with business rates. With no membership fees, no extra driver fees and no cancellation fees, it’s a cost-saving benefit for all types of businesses.
Whether you’re a trade business in need of ute hires or you’re planning a corporate business trip, all of our vehicles come with 24-hour roadside assistance and unlimited kms for the ultimate convenience. Get in touch with our team for a personalised business car rental package for you.