Published on February 16, 2026
Image generated with Ai
As New Zealand’s tourism sector continues to recover from the global pandemic, a noticeable trend has emerged: a sharp increase in demand for group travel vehicles. This growing demand for rental vans and larger vehicles is driven by a boost in domestic tourism and international arrivals, particularly as multi-generational families, corporate retreats, and school groups look for convenient transport solutions. According to NZ Rent A Car (NZRAC), the country’s leading car rental agency, vehicle bookings for larger groups, including those requiring 12-seater vans and 8-seater MPVs, have risen dramatically, signaling a growing market for specialized rental services in 2026.
The New Zealand car rental market is expected to see sustained growth, reflecting global trends. Technavio, a market research firm, forecasts a global car rental market expansion of US$188.3 billion (approximately NZ$320 billion) between 2025 and 2029, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.5%. This surge in demand is being fuelled by a shift toward flexible transport options, particularly for larger groups and families.
In New Zealand, the demand for group vehicle rentals is particularly high in areas like Auckland’s North Shore, where tourists frequently book 12-seater vans and minibuses for access to coastal attractions and transport hubs. Destinations such as the Bay of Islands and Rotorua are also seeing increased bookings as families and large groups seek affordable, efficient travel options.
Further south, in the South Island, areas like Nelson, with its proximity to national parks and coastal routes, are also witnessing a boom in van rentals. Visitors who wish to explore remote parks like Abel Tasman and Kaikoura are opting for group transport, allowing them to experience New Zealand’s stunning nature and landscapes together. This shift toward group transport solutions reflects changing tourism patterns in New Zealand, as corporate groups and educational excursions increasingly require tailored transport for remote locations.
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In 2023, New Zealand’s car rental sector faced a shortage of approximately 7,500-10,000 vehicles during peak season, as reported by Scoop News. This shortage was due to delayed fleet replacements and supply chain disruptions, which left many tourists unable to secure vehicles during high-demand periods. However, NZ Rent A Car has addressed this issue by expanding its regional presence, particularly in popular tourist destinations. This expansion ensures that customers can find vehicles at multiple pickup locations, reducing wait times and improving customer service.
One major development has been the opening of independently owned branches of NZRAC in key regions. These new branches are now offering specialized vehicles for group bookings, including 12-seater vans and MPVs that cater to family groups and corporate clients. By improving fleet availability, especially in South Island towns like Queenstown and Christchurch, the company is meeting the growing demand for larger vehicles that accommodate the needs of larger groups.
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The domestic travel market has seen a noticeable increase in interest from New Zealanders themselves, with many choosing to explore their own country. According to Tourism New Zealand, domestic travel surpassed pre-pandemic volumes in 2024, marking a major shift toward local tourism. This trend has contributed to the growing demand for group transport as locals explore regional New Zealand and revisit favourite spots, as well as discover hidden gems off the beaten path.
For business tourism, the demand for group transport has also increased as conferences and corporate retreats gain momentum in 2026. Cities like Auckland and Wellington are seeing strong demand for group transport solutions, especially as global conferences and events return to the region, driving interest in team-building activities and business-related travel experiences.
As New Zealand’s tourism sector continues to recover, the demand for group vehicle rentals is expected to grow steadily through 2026 and beyond. NZRAC plans to keep up with the rising demand by continuing to expand its fleet and regional network. The growth of multi-generational travel, corporate retreats, and educational tours is driving this surge, with NZRAC planning further fleet increases in the coming months.
In line with global trends toward flexible travel options and eco-friendly solutions, New Zealand’s rental car industry is also looking at ways to reduce its carbon footprint, such as integrating electric vehicles into rental fleets. As travelers increasingly seek sustainable tourism options, green transport options will play an important role in the future of New Zealand travel.
The increase in demand for group vehicles represents a major shift in tourism dynamics for New Zealand. As the global tourism market continues to expand, New Zealand stands ready to welcome more travelers with reliable and convenient transport options. Whether you’re visiting for a family holiday, corporate retreat, or educational trip, New Zealand’s car rental sector is prepared to meet your needs in 2026 and beyond.
As more travelers choose group travel solutions to experience the natural beauty of New Zealand, tourism operators are expanding their offerings to cater to this demand and enhance the overall travel experience. The future looks bright for New Zealand tourism, with the combination of sustainable practices, regional expansion, and increased connectivity offering exciting prospects for both local businesses and visitors alike.
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Tags: auckland, car rental market, group travel New Zealand, Nelson, new zealand

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