How to find a cheap car hire deal in Queenstown
Searching for a cheap rental car in Queenstown? You've landed in the right place. With prices averaging R 1,733 a day, we compare all the best offers so you can choose fast, spend less, and hit the road happy.
Lock in your ride in May and watch the savings add up. It's the cheapest month to rent a car in Queenstown, with average daily rates of R 386.
We've cracked the code on when to book. Two weeks in advance gives you the best window to grab a cheap rental car in Queenstown.
Grab your wheels from Hao Rentals, Yes rentals or mode rentals. These are some of the most well-known providers offering car hire deals in Queenstown.
Always check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Queenstown car hire policy, whether with Hao Rentals or any other supplier. Some companies offer it as a paid extra instead of including it.
Booking one-way could snag you a cheaper rate on your car hire. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be moved between branches. Just select 'Return car to a different location' when searching for a car for rent in Queenstown.
Skip the sneaky refueling fees by booking a car hire in Queenstown with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start your journey with a full tank and return it the same, and pay only for what you use.
Hit the highway without tracking every mile and racking up extra fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and select 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you drive as far as you want.
Think about picking up one of the car rentals in Queenstown Airport if you're flying into the city. You can skip the cab line or public transport and start discovering Queenstown straight away.
Compare car hire types in Queenstown
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Queenstown is all about getting you on the road for less. These nimble, fuel-efficient cars are perfect for short trips and city driving.
Medium: A solid choice when you want something that has a few more features but is still easy to drive. This category covers compact and intermediate models that offer a little extra leg space compared to smaller cars.
Large: Long drives are effortless in this Queenstown car hire category. Also known as full-size, they're built with bigger engines for better driving. The extra legroom and comfort make them a great option for groups of friends and families.
SUV: When wanderlust strikes, an SUV is ready to roll. It's your ultimate road trip buddy, ready for highways, country roads, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also come with extra space and advanced safety features.
Van: Featuring options like commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Queenstown takes heavy loads and larger groups in its stride. They're spacious, functional, and ready for whatever your trip demands.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't a necessity, but is something you should consider. If your vehicle is damaged, no matter how minor, it can save you from paying a big excess fee. Different Queenstown car hire providers have varying insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the terms before booking.
From GPS units to mobile Wi-Fi, the right extras can seriously upgrade your ride. Think about which features will make your trip more comfortable when you rent a car in Queenstown.
Good to know
Are you a younger driver? Check each company's age requirements before booking your rental in New Zealand. Rules can vary, and added fees or restrictions may apply. At the start of your search, uncheck the 'Driver aged between 25–70' box and enter your age to browse your options.
Add a car seat to your Queenstown car hire booking if you're bringing the kids. Rules change from place to place, but using a child seat suited to their age, size and weight is always the safest approach.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Queenstown
Lock in an awesome car hire deal in Queenstown and then get ready to discover the city's most popular attractions, such as Air Milford and Southern Lakes. Driving may not necessarily be the best way to reach them, but you'll want to see these highlights before leaving town.
Make yourself at home in Queenstown by staying at Swiss-Belsuites Pounamu Queenstown or Nomads Queenstown Hostel.
Cromwell has to be on your itinerary if you'd like to see Heliview Flights and Burn Cottage Vineyard. This city is about 40 kilometres east of central Queenstown.
Comfy accommodation options in Cromwell include Carrick Lodge Motel and Cromwell Motel.
Add Wanaka to your holiday plans too. Grab your cheap car hire in Queenstown and drive about 56 kilometres north-east to take in main draws such as That Wanaka Tree and Lake Shore walkway to Wānaka Tree.
Wanaka has some comfy stays where you can park your suitcase, including Haka House Wanaka and Mt Aspiring Holiday Park.
Looking to cover more ground? Ashburton is another fun destination that's around 274 kilometres north-east of Queenstown. Consider making a few pit stops at CharRees Vineyard and Argyle Park.
Catch up on sleep in Ashburton at ASURE Adcroft Motel. Bella Vista Motel Ashburton also makes bedtime something to look forward to.
