Roof Racks for NZ Vehicles

The right roof racks depend on your vehicle make, model, year and roof type. Raised rails, flush rails, fixed points, tracks and bare roofs all use different fitting kits, so it’s best to choose a vehicle-specific roof rack kit or use the vehicle finder above to narrow the options.

Raised rails sit above the roof with a gap underneath, while flush rails sit close to the roofline with no open gap. Fixed points usually have small covers or mounting points built into the roof, tracks run along the roof, and bare roof vehicles have no rails or factory mounting points.

Overhanging roof racks, like Thule WingBar Evo and Rhino-Rack Sportz, give you more usable bar width for carrying bike racks, kayak carriers, ski carriers or a roof box. Non Ovehang style racks, like Thule WingBar Edge, have a lower-profile factory-style look with no bar overhang.

Thule is a great choice if you want a premium, quiet and highly refined roof rack system with strong accessory compatibility. Rhino-Rack is a solid option for practical everyday use, work gear and value-focused setups. The best option usually depends on your vehicle, budget and what you plan to carry.

Yes, most modern aero roof racks can carry accessories like roof boxes, bike racks, ski and snowboard carriers, kayak carriers and roof trays. The best setup depends on your bar width, vehicle roof rating and the size of the accessories you want to run together.

Crossbar roof racks are a practical choice for carrying roof boxes, bikes, skis, kayaks and everyday gear. Roof platforms, such as Rhino-Rack Pioneer and Thule CapRock, provide a larger carrying area for bulky equipment and touring setups. The best choice depends on what you're carrying, your vehicle's roof load rating and the accessories you want to use. Check that your selected kit includes the correct mounting components for your vehicle.

Any roof rack can add some wind noise, but modern aero bars like Thule WingBar Evo, Thule WingBar Edge and Rhino-Rack Sportz are designed to keep noise down compared with older square bars. Correct fitting, bar position and removing unused accessories can also help reduce noise.

Most roof rack kits are designed for DIY installation and include the parts needed for your vehicle. Some setups are simple clamp-on or rail-mounted systems, while others use fixed points, tracks or vehicle-specific fitting kits. If you’re unsure, get in touch and we can help confirm the right setup before you order.

Roof racks can add some drag, especially when carrying large accessories like roof boxes, trays or multiple bike racks. Aero-style bars help keep drag lower, and removing accessories when you’re not using them can help reduce fuel use.