Amidst planning a trip to Waiheke last month to meet the generous hosts of our new island stands (at Vino Vino, and the Island Grocer), we received a timely call with an invitation to test out Toyota’s bZ4X courtesy of Ezi Car Rental. So, with some suncream slopped and a bounty of our beautiful magazines in the boot, and a SeaLink ferry ticket in hand,Verve made for the Hauraki Gulf paradise.
Ezi Car Rental by Toyota is part of the company’s wider commitment to mobility, community, and sustainability – aiming to provide Kiwis with flexible, reliable options for getting around. We took the wheel of Toyota’s first-ever battery electric vehicle in New Zealand: the bZ4X (the bZ, if you’re wondering, stands for ‘beyond zero’, Toyota’s vision for a carbon-neutral future, while 4X refers to its midsize SUV platform and capable all-wheel-drive performance).
Our convenient pickup point was the Ezi Rental location at 167 Beach Road, Auckland Central, with an equally convenient point of departure at SeaLink’s newly opened downtown passenger and vehicle ferry terminal at Hamer Street in Wynyard Quarter – a central new gateway to Waiheke Island. With up to seven sailings per day, flexible booking options, and smooth vehicle boarding, the journey is as stress-free as it gets – helped by a small but well-stocked onboard eatery! Simply drive aboard, sit back, and enjoy those ocean views…
Once on sunny Waiheke, the bZ4X soon also shines. Its electric powertrain delivers instant torque for confident acceleration up the island’s steep and winding roads, while regenerative braking helps extend range. The cabin remains quiet, composed, and blissfully chilled (even its supremely comfortable seats are air conditioned), and an intuitive infotainment system keeps us well connected. Visibility is excellent, aided by a 360-degree camera system for manoeuvring through tight village streets.
With an estimated range of up to 485km on a full charge, the bZ4X is more than suited for day trips around the island. Waiheke’s growing network of public charging stations (four so far) ensures you can easily top up while enjoying local attractions – such as lunch at Charlie Farley’s. The laid-back beachside bar and eatery overlooks the golden sands of Onetangi Beach and is the perfect spot to unwind with a casual meal, sip on something cold, and watch the sun dip below the horizon.
The handsome bZ4X feels perfectly suited to antipodean lifestyles. It’s a vehicle built for everyday driving yet ready for weekend adventures – the 750kg braked and unbraked towing capacity allows the bZ4X to effortlessly haul small trailers, lightweight boats, jet skis, and camping gear. Its design is sleek and modern, with a distinctive front profile and aerodynamic lines that reflect both its strength and its efficiency.
The Toyota bZ4X is part of Toyota’s proud promise to support New Zealand’s electrification journey with accessible, capable, and affordable low-emission vehicles. Paired with SeaLink’s new terminal and Ezi Car Rental’s flexibility, it’s proof that sustainability and convenience can go hand in hand while exploring our wondrous land.
If you’re looking for a Waiheke escape from Auckland City, you can book your car through Ezi Rental by Toyota and your ferry online at sealink.co.nz
