Best Budget Tyres in New Zealand

Find the best budget tyres in New Zealand that don't compromise on safety. Our expert picks for affordable tyres with proven quality and performance.

6 min readUpdated April 2026

Finding the best budget tyres in New Zealand involves more than just looking for the lowest price. For Kiwi drivers, a good budget tyre must offer a balance of safety, durability, and performance to handle the country's diverse road conditions. The key is to look for tyres from manufacturers who can demonstrate their quality through independent certifications, ensuring you get a reliable product that keeps you safe without breaking the bank.

What to Look For

ISO 17025 certification

Treadwear rating

Wet grip performance

Fuel efficiency

Noise level

Price per km of tread life

NZ-Specific Considerations

New Zealand's varied weather and road conditions, from wet winding roads to coarse chipseal, make wet grip and durability particularly important features to consider in a budget tyre. For the many imported used cars in NZ, finding the right tyre size at a budget price is a key consideration for many Kiwi drivers.

Our Top Picks

Ranked by overall value for NZ drivers. Each pick includes budget, mid-range, and premium options.

Evergreen EH23

Reliable all-round performance for passenger cars.

Budget

Key Feature: Good value for money with consistent quality

Best For: Passenger cars

Shop Evergreen Tyres

Nexen CP661

Dependable choice from a well-regarded Korean manufacturer.

Budget

Key Feature: Reputable brand with consistent quality

Best For: Passenger cars

Shop Nexen Tyres

Farroad FRD16

All-season touring tyre with great value.

Budget

Key Feature: All-season performance at an affordable price

Best For: Passenger cars and CUVs

Shop Farroad Tyres

Kenda Kenetica KR203

Dependable and affordable for daily driving.

Budget

Key Feature: Good balance of price and performance

Best For: Small to medium cars

Shop Kenda Tyres

Maxxis Mecotra ME3

Proven safety at an entry-level price.

Budget

Key Feature: Strong wet grip for a budget tyre

Best For: City cars and hatchbacks

Shop Maxxis Tyres

Goodyear Assurance TripleMax 2

Mid-range quality at a competitive price.

Mid-Range

Key Feature: HydroTred technology for superior wet grip

Best For: Passenger cars

Shop Goodyear Tyres

Quick Comparison

Tyre	Price Tier	Best For	Key Feature
Evergreen EH23	Budget	Passenger cars	Good value for money with consistent quality
Nexen CP661	Budget	Passenger cars	Reputable brand with consistent quality
Farroad FRD16	Budget	Passenger cars and CUVs	All-season performance at an affordable price
Kenda Kenetica KR203	Budget	Small to medium cars	Good balance of price and performance
Maxxis Mecotra ME3	Budget	City cars and hatchbacks	Strong wet grip for a budget tyre
Goodyear Assurance TripleMax 2	Mid-Range	Passenger cars	HydroTred technology for superior wet grip

Frequently Asked Questions

Are budget tyres safe?

All tyres sold in New Zealand must meet DOT/ECE safety standards, so they're legal to use. However, quality varies between brands. Look for tyres with ISO 17025 accredited testing labs and check independent reviews. Budget tyres from reputable manufacturers are safe for everyday driving.

Will budget tyres pass my WOF?

Yes. All tyres sold in New Zealand, regardless of price, must meet legal standards. A WOF inspection focuses on tread depth (minimum 1.5mm), visible damage, and correct fitment — not the brand or price of the tyre.

Are budget tyres safe for highway driving?

All tyres sold in NZ meet minimum safety standards for highway use. However, braking distance and wet grip can vary significantly between budget and premium tyres. For frequent highway driving, choose a budget tyre with good reviews for high-speed stability and braking.

How much should I spend on tyres in NZ?

Budget tyres typically cost $60–$120 per tyre for common sizes, mid-range $120–$200, and premium $200+. For most drivers, a good mid-range tyre offers the best value when you factor in tread life, fuel efficiency, and safety performance.