How to find a cheap car hire deal in Queenstown
In search of a cheap rental car in Queenstown? With prices averaging R 2,349 a day, you're on the road to big savings. Whether you're after a compact ride, a family sedan, or anything in between, we round up all the best deals to land you a bargain.
The cheapest daily rental price in Queenstown is R 964.
Planning a longer trip and want to explore beyond the usual highlights? R 3,793 is the best rate for a weekly rental.
Get the timing right and book around two weeks ahead to score the best price on a Queenstown car hire.
Line up your ride with Hao Rentals, Yes rentals or mode rentals. They're some of the most reliable providers in the city.
Whether you choose Hao Rentals or another supplier, be sure to check the coverage on your Queenstown car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as an optional extra.
Booking a one-way car hire can be the key to cheaper deals. Check 'Return car to a different location.' Providers often need to move vehicles between locations, which means you can lock in some great one-way prices on a car for rent in Queenstown.
Spend less on fuel by choosing a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect the car with a full tank and return it full, so you only pay for what you use.
Want to explore more without stressing about the number of miles you cover? Find rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and go as far as you like without the extra charges.
Best value car hire options right now
Taking first place for value is this company, with prices averaging R 2,976 a day.
Offering daily rates of around R 2,628, this provider is next in line.
The third option won't cost a fortune either. You'll pay roughly R 1,686 a day with this supplier.
If you're unsure what kind of ride you need, consider something from the Economy rental category. It's the most frequently booked vehicle type in Queenstown.
Flying to Queenstown? Think about an airport pick-up
Keep arrival day hassle-free by picking up a car hire at Queenstown Airport. If you're flying to Queenstown through this airport, simply pick up your ride after landing and be on your way. The drive to the city centre is about 8 kilometres and takes around 15 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Queenstown
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Queenstown puts you on the road for less. These nimble, fuel-efficient rides are excellent for city driving and short trips.
Medium: Not too small, not too big, this just-right ride is calling your name. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they strike a balance of interior space and fuel efficiency and are great for couples and small families.
Large: Long drives fly by in this Queenstown car hire category. Also known as full-size, their bigger engines are built to perform. The extra space and comfort make them an excellent option for families and groups of friends.
SUV: When adventure's on your mind, an SUV's made for the moment. It's your perfect road trip buddy, ready for country roads, highways, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also deliver on space and advanced safety features.
Van: With options like commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Queenstown makes short work of heavy loads and large groups. They're tough, versatile, and ready for whatever your trip demands.
Insurance and optional extras
Choosing excess insurance for your Queenstown car hire lets you drive with confidence. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of damage or theft. Insurance policies aren't the same across all rental providers, so compare before you book.
From GPS units to mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, the right extras can make every mile feel easier. Consider which features will help you make the most of your trip when you rent a car in Queenstown.
Good to know
Age requirements for rentals can vary by supplier and even car type, so be clear on the rules before you book. Some suppliers in New Zealand may rent to younger drivers for an additional fee. If you fall outside the typical age range, just uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to browse your options.
Planning a trip with the kids? Car seat requirements differ from place to place, and the correct setup may depend on their weight, height and age. Make sure you add the right one to your Queenstown car hire booking.
You'll have to provide some documents when collecting your car. As a rule, bring a valid driver's licence, a credit card with enough funds to cover the excess (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and another form of photo ID. Your booking will confirm exactly what's required.
Familiarise yourself with your rental. Check your seat and mirrors, test the brakes and blinkers, and get a feel for its handling before you set off. And don't forget to stay on the left side of the road in New Zealand.
Stay within local speed limits of about 45kph in urban areas and around 95kph on highways. Road signs will show if a different limit applies.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in New Zealand is 0.05%. Because alcohol affects everyone differently, the only way to be sure you're safe to drive is to avoid drinking.
Around 8am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination. Try to avoid peak travel times generally for a more relaxed drive.
You'll be using the New Zealand dollar (NZD) for everything you buy on your trip. You may find it useful to carry a mix of cash and cards so you always have a backup option.
The language most commonly spoken in this country is English.
Best hotels in Queenstown for drivers
Spend less time looking for a place to park and more time enjoying the comfort of Eichardt's Private Hotel. About 0.16 kilometres from central Queenstown, it comes with valet parking, a restaurant and bicycle rentals.
Hulbert House Luxury Boutique Lodge Queenstown makes travel simpler with accessible parking and features like luggage storage and ironing services. It's roughly 0.32 kilometres from the city centre.
Need more places to choose from? Browse the full lineup of hotels in Queenstown. You can refine your search with the filters — try 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' If you're driving electric, you can select the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter too.
After you've locked in a car hire deal in Queenstown and the right hotel, the only thing left is to decide where to go first. Get things started with must-see attractions like Air Milford, Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters and Southern Lakes.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Queenstown
Cromwell has to be on your itinerary if you'd like to visit Heliview Flights and Burn Cottage Vineyard. This city is around 40 kilometres east of central Queenstown.
You'll be well taken care of at Carrick Lodge Motel and Lake Dunstan Motel, two accommodation options with parking in Cromwell.
Add Wanaka to your trip lineup. Pick up your cheap car hire in Queenstown and drive around 56 kilometres northeast to discover highlights such as That Wanaka Tree and Lake Shore walkway to Wānaka Tree.
Wanaka has some comfortable accommodation options including Alpine Motel and Lakeview Motel. Both give you somewhere to leave your car while you're here.
Keep the wheels turning and road-trip it to Ashburton, around 274 kilometres northeast of Queenstown. Kick things off at CharRees Vineyard, then take your time exploring Argyle Park.
All that's left to do now is sleep. ASURE Adcroft Motel and Bella Vista Motel Ashburton have room for both you and your wheels while visiting Ashburton.
