Does Sixt require an IDP in New Zealand?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
Sixt in New Zealand: the policy in plain terms
Asks for a licence translation for licences issued outside the EU and not in the Roman alphabet. Premium European brand with a fast-growing global network.
Drive on a valid English licence or carry an IDP/translation if it is in another language.
In New Zealand specifically, new Zealand lets visitors drive on a valid foreign licence, but Sixt still asks for a licence translation if your licence is not printed in the Roman alphabet — and it removes any doubt at the counter. An accurate English translation or IDP is expected for non-English licences.
Sixt runs a europe / global network; at its New Zealand desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva Convention format alongside the original licence. New Zealand drives on the left, uses the NZD, and sets a minimum driving age of 16; an IDP is still the safest way to avoid a refused booking.
What to bring to the Sixt counter in New Zealand
- Your original national driving licence (the IDP never replaces it).
- Your International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva Convention format.
- Your passport and a payment card in the main driver's name.
- Local payment for the NZD deposit; New Zealand drives on the left with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in New Zealand Sixt renters should know
- Drive on the left.
- Give way rules at intersections are strict.
- Many rural roads are narrow and winding.
- 0.05% alcohol limit; zero under 20.
Sixt's rental terms that affect your IDP booking
Minimum age is region-specific: typically 21 in the US (18 in New York, where an under-25 fee still applies) and 18 in much of continental Europe such as Germany and France; drivers aged 21-24 pay a young-driver surcharge of roughly USD 25-30 per day in the US (about GBP 36 per rental in the UK, around EUR 5-6 per day in markets like Cyprus), and under-25s are usually limited to economy through full-size sedans, midsize SUVs and minivans.
A credit or debit card in the main driver's name must be presented at pickup; Sixt holds a security deposit of at least USD 200 plus the rental amount on the card, with substantially higher holds on premium/high-value vehicles, and debit-card acceptance and limits vary by branch and vehicle class.
A per-rental additional-driver fee applies; extra drivers can be added at any Sixt branch during the rental provided the main driver is present and the additional driver shows a valid licence (some European markets waive the fee for a spouse/partner). The driver must typically have held a full valid licence for at least 1 year (rising to 2-3 years in higher-risk markets such as Cyprus, while Germany requires the licence be held only since at least the day before pickup).
Most Sixt passenger vehicles may be driven across borders into listed neighbouring countries (e.g. France, Germany, Spain, Italy within Europe), but you must notify and get authorisation from the pickup branch in advance; a cross-border and/or one-way drop-off fee applies, and certain vehicle classes and destination countries are restricted.
Sixt does not require an International Driving Permit everywhere, but states that where local law requires it the IDP must be carried alongside the original home licence; if the licence is in a non-Roman alphabet (Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Cyrillic, etc.) the renter must present an IDP or an official translation, and an official translation is also required if the issuing country is not party to the international driving-permit treaty.
Once you collect the keys in New Zealand
Only three North Island roads are tolled (Northern Gateway near Auckland, Takitimu Drive and Tauranga Eastern Link); there are no booths - pay online at NZTA, via the rental company, or at some petrol stations within five days.
Urban parking is paid at kerbside kiosks or apps (coin or card), with time-limited and resident zones marked on signs; unpaid or overstayed parking earns infringement tickets.
Speeding and seatbelt offences draw fixed infringement fees, and handheld mobile-phone use is a NZD 150 fine plus demerits; fines are issued by camera or police and passed on by rental firms.
Call 111 for injuries; you must stop and exchange details, and report to police within 60 hours (immediately if anyone is hurt) - driving on without authority can void your rental insurance.
Full driving guide for New Zealand →