Car Rental in Queenstown: Everything You Need to Know (2024)

Thinking about renting a car in Queenstown?

After spending the better part of a year living in New Zealand, I finally realized that driving is by far the best way to get around, especially on the South Island. I actually spent over $400 on taxis in Dunedin just because I wasn’t sure about renting a car down there. It matters even more in Queenstown if you want to drive to Milford Sound.

Public transportation is available within Queenstown but virtually non-existent for traveling to the most popular day trips from Queenstown, like Moke Lake, Glenorchy,  Wanaka, and the Milford Sound! 

But if you’re a little nervous about renting a car in New Zealand, I can help! I rent rental cars around the world and have found the best ways to find a reliable company and to save money on your booking!

I’ll share everything I know about finding a perfect car rental in New Zealand. Plus, I’ll give you some essential tips and rules of the road to help you feel safe while navigating Queenstown by car. 

Do You Need a Car to Get Around Queenstown?

No, you don’t need a car to get around Queenstown, but I highly recommend it. 

When you are in the city, there are many options for getting around. You can take the bus, bike, or walk to most places. 

However, a car is essential if you want to get outside of Queenstown. 

It gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace and create your own itinerary, and it’s much cheaper than booking tours to each destination outside of the city! 

Where to Rent a Car in Queenstown

1. Find a Cheap Queenstown Car Rental Online 

Queenstown is one of the most popular destinations in New Zealand, which means cars sell out fast, and prices are inflated at certain times of the year. 

During high tourism season, you could be looking at prices as high as $500 USD per week, but if you book a few months in advance, it’s easy to find the same week-long car rental for less than $150 USD. 

I always use Discover Cars to find the cheapest options. They tend to find the best deals among both international and local rental agencies, and you can also see customer reviews for each car/agency, so you know it’s a reputable company. 

In addition to being affordable, they also offer free cancellation and full coverage on the car for about $7/day. 

Find the cheapest car rentals here!

2. Renting a Car at Queenstown International Airport

Whether you’re renting a car through a third party or directly with the agency, you should schedule to pick up and drop off the rental car near the Queenstown International Airport.

This location is the most convenient option, saving you from spending extra cash taxing to/from the airport. 

Here are some of the most reputable car rental agencies near the Queenstown International Airport.

A) GO Rentals – Queenstown Airport

⭐️4.8/5 stars, 950 reviews 

Go Rentals at Queenstown Airport is a local agency with some of Queenstown’s best-reviewed car rental companies. The staff is helpful, friendly, and quick to offer relocation deals and mystery car discounts. 

Unfortunately, they don’t offer a shuttle, but the office is just a short walk from the airport arrivals terminal. 

They have everything from small cars to SUVs, EV vehicles, 4WD vehicles, and larger vans.

Plus, if you are flying out of a different airport, they have various drop-off locations throughout the South Island, including Auckland City, Waiheke, Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch, and Dunedin!

Address: Sir Henry Wigley Drive, Frankton, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

Open Hours: 8AM – 5PM (7 days a week)

B) Omega Rental Cars – Queenstown Airport Car Hire 

⭐️4.7/5 stars, 1.7k reviews 

Omega Rental Cars at Queenstown Airport has a slightly smaller selection of vehicles, with only small cars and a few SUVs available for hire. Still, they are one of the most affordable agencies in New Zealand! 

They offer relocation deals and often cut a percentage off your total if you book during certain months (typically between July and September). 

Since they are a few miles from the airport, they offer a free shuttle service, and drop-off locations are available in Auckland, Blenheim, Christchurch, Nelson, Wellington, and the Picton Ferry.  

Another perk for people renting a car in the winter is you can add snow chains for $25 NZD ($14 USD).

Address: 202 Hawthorne Drive, Frankton, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

Open Hours: 8AM – 5PM (7 days a week)

C) New Zealand Rent-A-Car Queenstown

⭐️4.8 stars, 181 reviews 

New Zealand Rent-A-Car is known for excellent customer service, good deals, and a prompt airport shuttle to get you to their office. 

You can rent all types of vehicles, including small cars, station wagons, SUVs, Minivans (8 seater), and Minibuses (10-12 seater). There are usually 10-20% discounts on specific vehicles, and every rental comes with free roadside assistance, maps, and travel guides. 

Like other rental agencies, New Zealand Rent A Car Queenstown occasionally offers relocation deals if you drop off the car at another location. Their other offices are in Auckland, Blenheim, Christchurch, Dunedin, Greymouth, Hokitika, Nelson, and Picton.

Address: 13 Red Oaks Drive, Frankton, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

Open Hours: 8AM – 5PM (7 days a week)

7. Ezi Car Rental- Queenstown Airport 

⭐️4.7 stars, 1200 reviews 

Ezi Car Rental is one of the premier car rental agencies in Queenstown, and they strive to make your experience as convenient and seamless as possible! 

Their main office is right in the Queenstown airport arrivals terminal, and they offer any type of car you could want, from small compact cars to hybrids, SUVs, trucks, and minivans. 

Additionally, Queenstown is just one of 18 locations in New Zealand. No matter where you travel in NZ, you can get assistance at an office, drop off your car early, or quickly get roadside assistance! 

Address: Sir Henry Wigley Drive, Frankton, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

Open Hours: Monday & Tuesday 8AM – 9PM, Wednesday to Friday 8AM – 9:30PM, Saturday 8AM – 8PM, Sunday 8AM – 9:30PM

8. Hertz Car Rental Queenstown Airport 

⭐️3.8 stars, 93 reviews

Hertz is a massive multinational car rental agency with locations in most of the world’s developed countries, and the familiar name gives some travelers extra assurance.

They have over 50 drop-off locations around New Zealand, which is more than any other agency on this list, and offer a wide range of vehicles, including luxury cars like a Ford Mustang and Hybrid Lexus. 

The shuttle is a short walk from the baggage pick-up area, so you won’t need to worry about a shuttle, and there are discounts for booking early. 

Address: Sir Henry Wigley Drive, Frankton, Queenstown 9348, New Zealand

Open Hours: 7:30AM – 9:30PM (7 days a week)

What Do You Need to Rent a Car? 

If you want to hire a car in Queenstown, you’ll need to meet a few requirements: 

Valid Driver’s License – You need a current driver’s license (in English) or an international driving permit. 

Minimum Age Requirement – You must be at least 18 to rent a car legally in New Zealand. However, most car rental agencies typically set their minimum age slightly higher, between 21 and 25 years old, because the insurance is a bit cheaper. 

Security Deposit – Most car rental companies will require a security deposit for a rental car. You can expect this to be around $200 NZD ($115 USD). They also prefer that you use a credit card to hold this deposit.

Basic Car Insurance – For car rentals in Queenstown, companies must include a base level of insurance on the vehicle. This general insurance protects you against collisions, theft, vandalism, and loss of use. 

But I strongly encourage you to upgrade to full coverage, which includes additional coverage on all damage costs (including mirrors, windows, tires, and the undercarriage), lost keys, lockout fees, and towing fees.

What Kind of Car Should You Rent?

When choosing a rental car in Queenstown, you’ll need to consider the size of your group, travel destinations, weather conditions, and your desired rental time to get the best fit for your trip.

Small car 

A small car is best for getting in and around town. It’s an excellent choice for groups of 1-3 people with lighter luggage. Parking is more manageable, gas mileage is better, and smaller cars are usually the cheapest rental cars at each agency.

Van/SUV

A van or SUV is the best option for larger families or friends traveling with a larger group. There is more legroom and more luggage space. Plus, many come with 4WD, so they handle better in poor weather conditions. 

Electric

The cost of public electric vehicle chargers across New Zealand varies. Most rapid charging stations cost about $10 NZD per 100km ($5.46 USD per 62 miles). The charge time from ‘empty’ to 100% is about 30 minutes, depending on the car. 

Standard chargers can take several hours but are often free to use. You can find a full list of all New Zealand public electric vehicle chargers here. 

Camper Van 

Camper Vans are a unique way to experience New Zealand on your own terms. You aren’t tied to any hotel and can keep your itinerary super flexible! 

Just be aware that you can’t park everywhere. Look for signs that specifically permit parking, or book a slot at a nearby campground each night! 

I recommend this New Zealand campervan rental company

2-Wheel vs. 4-Wheel Drive

New Zealand has steep mountains and a lot of off-road beauty, so paying a bit extra for a car with 4-wheel drive is a good idea. It’s not a requirement, as you can reach most places with a 2-wheel drive vehicle, but it’s very helpful for mountain roads in the winter. 

Car rental companies also often prohibit off-roading in their rental agreement, so you wouldn’t even be able to put it to good use. 

Ways to Save Money on Your Rental Car

Renting a car in New Zealand is one of the most affordable ways to get around New Zealand, but there are a few ways to save even more money on your rental car! 

Some of these strategies are obvious to seasoned travelers. For example, rental cars are cheaper when you book in advance. If you wait until the last minute to book a rental car, the price will likely be higher due to limited inventory. 

It’s also cheaper to book in the off-peak season. Peak travel season in Queenstown is November – February (summer in New Zealand). Therefore, you’ll find the cheapest rental cars between June and September. 

Furthermore, New Zealand rental agencies offer something called ‘relocation deals.’

A ‘relocation deal’ is when a company offers a special rate because they need to move a car to a different city. If you accept a Relocation Deal, there will be restrictions on the number of days and the pick-up/drop-off location of the vehicle. 

But if you have a flexible itinerary, this can be a huge money saver. 

Seriously, I found deals with GO Rentals that offered 50% off the car rental. Then, another with New Zealand Rent a Car that was completely free (except for a refundable deposit). 

Rules of the Road: New Zealand Driving Laws

Before renting a car in New Zealand, here are some essential driving laws. 

Want to make sure you are ready? Take a tourist driving quiz! This test has information on obscure road signs from New Zealand and will make you feel confident to rent a car and drive in NZ! 

Drive on the Left Side of the Road

New Zealand cars drive on the left side of the road, which also means slower vehicles stay farthest to the left on roads with multiple lanes. 

Additionally, you must park on the left side of the road when street parking in Queenstown (excluding one-way streets) 

Follow the Speed Limit 

New Zealand has most speed limits posted on street signs, but if you are driving on an unmarked road, here are the general speed limits. 

• Max open road: 100km/hr
• Max city road: 50km/hr 
• School Zone: 20 km/hr

There are speed cameras nationwide, and car rental agencies will require you to cover the cost of the fine. 

Do Not Use Your Cellphone 

It is illegal to use or hold your cell phone while driving. If you need to use your phone for directions or to take a phone call, you have to use a secure mounting that’s fixed to the car. 

Always Wear Your Seatbelt

All passengers (front and back seats) are required to wear seatbelts. This law is essential for the safety of everyone on the road. 

It’s Illegal to Turn on Red 

This rule can be challenging to adjust to, specifically for people from North America. As a Canadian, I’ve always been used to turning right on red. 

However, the New Zealand equivalent of turning left on red is illegal in ALL situations.

Passing Laws

If you are driving in New Zealand and need to overtake a slower driver, you must pass on their right side.

Overtaking on white lines is okay, but doing so on a solid yellow line is illegal. The yellow line indicates that passing another vehicle is dangerous (and illegal). 

Avoid Drinking And Driving (Blood Alcohol Level)

If you are younger than 20, the allowed blood alcohol level is 0. For 20 or older, it’s 0.8. 

But even if you are over 20, I encourage you to avoid driving even after a single drink. 

Driving in a foreign country takes work, even if you are 100% sober. You don’t instinctively know the rules of the road and are not as familiar with the landscape.

Tips for Driving in Queenstown

Be Prepared for Traffic

Queenstown has a lot of traffic, especially on Frankton Rd. and Gorge Rd. These are the main entry/exit points to the city. 

The worst times are between 10AM and 6PM, so if you’re taking an excursion or day trip outside the city, it’s best to leave early in the morning!

Traffic also gets extremely heavy during the summer holidays, so add an hour to your expected travel time for a long-distance trip. 

Parking in Queenstown

Parking in downtown Queenstown is usually $1- 4 NZD ($0.50 – 2.50 USD) per hour. There are car parks and street parking options. 

There are free parking options around the city for designated spots. But they often have a time limit for each car. For example, Shotover St. and Church St. have free parking spots for up to 30 minutes, Stanley St. and Isle St. allow parking for up to 180 minutes, and Lake Esplanade Rd. has unlimited free parking. 

However, these free parking spots fill up quickly, making them difficult to secure, especially in the afternoon. 

Road Conditions 

Weather affects road conditions, and the seasons with the weather to watch are Winter (June-Aug) and Spring (Sep-Nov). It regularly snows from June through October and sometimes even outside of that. 

Heavy snow or ice can cause road closures on popular routes. 

For instance, The Crowd Range Rd, which connects Queenstown and Wanaka, is often covered in snow and ice during the winter. Snowy roads make driving more dangerous, so it’s a good idea to carry snow chains for your tires, especially if you have a 2WD car.

Best Places to Visit near Queenstown with a Car

Here are some top places to visit with a car just outside Queenstown. There are day tours to some of these places, but you can save a bunch of money by driving yourself! 

Kawarau Bridge Bungy

The Kawarau Bridge Bungy’s claim to fame is that it’s one of the world’s first and most famous bungy jumps, opening in 1988. 

The jump is 43 meters and is open all year round. It overlooks the Kawarau River, something you can get a good look at the whole way down. They have solo and tandem bungy jumping options and a zipline for people looking for a less intense thrill. 

Wanaka Town

Wānaka Town is the perfect place for outdoor adventures. The mountains are great for winter snow sports, plus biking and canyoning in the warmer months. 

You can also go kayaking and fishing on the vibrant blue Lake Wānaka or embark on one of the many scenic hikes in the mountains surrounding the town.  

Arrowtown 

Arrowtown is a historic town where you can learn about the Otago Gold Rush. Wander through shops and taverns in the quaint village to get a glimpse of life in the 1800s. 

Arrowtown is surrounded by mountains, too, so it’s the most beautiful in the fall when you can enjoy hiking and the colorful autumn leaves.

Glenorchy 

Glenorchy is a small settlement on the northern end of Lake Wakatipu. While many people hire a ferry to get here, the drive along the lake is absolutely stunning! 

Once you arrive, you’ll find gorgeous walking paths, biking trails, and fun zip lines. You can also take horseback riding tours through the mountains for a panoramic view, which is one of the top things on my New Zealand Bucket List! 

FAQs

How much does it cost to rent a car per day in Queenstown?

Expect to pay between $20-70 USD/day for smaller cars and $100-300 USD/day for vans. But, these prices fluctuate depending on the tourism season and availability.

What’s the best way to get around Queenstown? 

The best way to get around Queenstown is by car. Public transportation is enough for navigating downtown, but you’ll need a car if you want to go outside of town to nearby villages and more remote parts of nature. 

Can I rent a car in Queenstown with a US license? 

Yes, you can rent a car in Queenstown with a US license.

What are the rules for renting a car in New Zealand?

The rules for renting a car in New Zealand are:

• You need to be at least 18 years old. 
• Hold a current driver’s license.
• Have basic car insurance (typically provided by the company). 
• Provide a credit card to hold the security deposit. 

Why are NZ car rentals so expensive? 

NZ car rentals are affordable compared to Europe and the USA. Still, they are slightly higher than in certain parts of the world because of increased gas prices, poor exchange rates, and a lack of public transportation options between major cities. 

Is Uber in Queenstown, New Zealand?

Yes, Uber is in Queenstown, New Zealand.

Wrap-Up

If you are visiting Queenstown, you can make your trip much more flexible and fun by renting your own transportation. 

Therefore, since Queenstown car rentals are so affordable, I see no reason anyone would choose to get around solely by public transportation except for lack of information. 

If you’ve reached this point in the article, this shouldn’t be an issue for you!

However, there is a lot to consider when driving in a new country, from foreign traffic laws to picking a reputable rental agency and ensuring you have everything you need to pick up your car rental in Queenstown hassle-free! 

Don’t forget that you can save a lot of money by booking in advance, and you should always choose full coverage, just in case you get a chip in the windshield or a scratch on the car!

Enjoy driving in Queenstown, and check out my full list of New Zealand Travel Tips here! 

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