One-Way Car Rental from Christchurch to Dunedin | Compare Prices & Fees

Home One-way Car Rentals Christchurch to Dunedin

Document required for international visitors

Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence should be held for at least 1 year(s).
Form of ID: A valid physical New Zealand national photo ID.
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Supported credit cards include Visa, Master, and AMEX.
Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 18 and 99. Young drivers aged 18-20 incur an additional fee of NZD 20 per day (approximately US$ 12.14 per day).

Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence should be held for at least 1 year(s). Accepted documents include: 1) Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP). Note: IDP is only a translation and must be presented with the original driving licence. 2) Original South Korea Driving License (English version) with an English translation on the back. 3) Original driving licence + NZTA Translation certified by the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA). Free online NZTA translations are available for Japanese driver's license holders.
Form of ID: A valid passport.
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Supported credit cards include Visa, Master, AMEX, and DinersClub.
Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 18 and 99. Young drivers aged 18-20 incur an additional fee of NZD 20 per day (approximately US$ 12.14 per day).

One-way rentals typically includes a drop-off fee, depending on the company and distance. Below are approximate rates for different vehicle types:

Cheapest Economy Rate

Starting from

Cheapest SUV Rate

Starting from

Vehicle Types

Vehicle Types	Daily Rate(One-way Fee Included)	One-way Fee	Total(3-day Trip)	Best For
Small	US$ 175-176	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 233-235	Solo travelers, couples
SUV	US$ 178-228	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 238-386	Large groups, long drivers
Van	US$ 282-282	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 660-660	Large families, groups
Pickup Truck	US$ 229-229	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 434-434	Adventure Travelers, heavy luggage

What should I pay attention to for a one-way rental?

Key Consideration：

One-Way Rental Fee: Some rental providers charge an additional fee for one-way rentals, so ensure to verify this cost upfront.
Cross-Border Restrictions: Verify if any restrictions are in place for traveling across regions or countries within New Zealand.
Fuel and Refueling Policy: Check the car’s refueling policy, such as whether to return the car with a full tank, to avoid extra charges.
Driver’s License Requirements: Ensure your driver’s license is valid and meets New Zealand driving requirements.
Booking Well Ahead: One-way options might have limited availability, so early booking is advisable.

Smart Planning Tips:

Plan Refueling Stops: Identify gas stations along the route from Christchurch to Dunedin in advance.
Keep Emergency Contacts Handy: Ensure you have emergency numbers saved, especially for roadside assistance.
Familiarize Yourself With the Route: Understand the journey, including distances and rest stops, to ensure safe travel.
Inspect the Vehicle Before Departure: Check for any damages or issues before starting the rental period.
Understand Traffic Rules: Familiarize yourself with local driving laws and rules to avoid violations.

Insurance: A Critical Consideration

Rental car insurance is essential for peace of mind on your journey. Counter rates can be expensive, often adding $20-40 per day to your rental cost.

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Book Earlier for Better Rates

Car rental prices fluctuate based on demand and availability. Booking in advance typically secures better rates, especially during peak travel seasons.

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Refueling, Parking and Tolls

Refueling

Parking

Tolls

Gas Stations near Drop-off Locations

GAS Momona - 494 Centre Road, Momona 9073, New Zealand

Z - Andy Bay - Service Station - 333 Andersons Bay Road, South Dunedin, Dunedin 9012, New Zealand

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Avoid rapid acceleration and braking to save fuel.

Maintain a steady speed while driving.

Ensure tires are properly inflated to improve efficiency.

Christchurch Parking

Look for free parking zones outside the city center for extended stays.

Parking in Christchurch is generally available in public lots and on-street parking zones. Rates typically range from $2 to $4 per hour.

Dunedin Parking

Use parking apps to locate and pay for parking conveniently.

Dunedin offers a mix of paid and free parking options. On-street parking in the central area costs around $1 to $2 per hour.

Recommended Parking Apps

Apps like ParkMate and PayMyPark can help you find and pay for parking in New Zealand cities.

Tolls and FasTrak

Ensure your rental vehicle is registered for toll payments to avoid fines.

Prepay tolls online to simplify your journey.

New Zealand does not have an extensive toll road system. However, some routes may include tolls, such as the Northern Gateway Toll Road near Auckland.

Popular Self-Drive Routes

Main Routes from Christchurch to Dunedin:

Coastal Route via SH1

Scenic route 5-6 hours

This route takes you along the eastern coast of the South Island, offering ocean views and charming seaside towns.

Ashburton , Timaru , Oamaru , Moeraki Boulders

Inland Route via SH79 and SH8

Mountain route 6-7 hours

Travel through the picturesque Canterbury Plains and Mackenzie Basin with views of mountains and lakes.

Geraldine , Lake Tekapo , Twizel

Heritage Trail via SH1 and SH85

Historic route 6-8 hours

Explore the historical sites and gold mining heritage of Otago, combined with scenic landscapes.

Palmerston , Ranfurly , Clyde

Popular Stops and Excursions Along the Way:

Oamaru and Blue Penguin Colony

3 hours from Christchurch

Visit the historic precinct in Oamaru and watch the blue penguins return to shore.

Moeraki Boulders and Coastal Scenery

4 hours from Christchurch

Marvel at the spherical Moeraki Boulders scattered along the beach.

Lake Tekapo and Church of the Good Shepherd

3 hours from Christchurch (via SH79)

Relax by the vibrant turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and admire the Church of the Good Shepherd.

Dunedin and Otago Peninsula Wildlife

Final destination

Explore Dunedin city and the Otago Peninsula, home to albatross and yellow-eyed penguins.

Road Trip Planning Tips

Choose the Right Vehicle: Ensure the vehicle is comfortable and suitable for the terrain. Opt for fuel efficiency if you're covering long distances.

Plan Your Stops: Pre-plan rest stops and sightseeing locations to break up the journey and make it more enjoyable.

Fuel Up Strategically: Fuel stations may be sparse on some routes. Top up in larger towns to avoid running low.

Pack for the Weather: The South Island can have diverse weather. Prepare for rain, sun, and cold.

Manage Costs: Compare rental prices and check for one-way fees. Use apps to find the best fuel prices.

Travel Light: Bring essential items but avoid overpacking to enjoy a spacious and comfortable trip.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

When planning a one-way car rental from Christchurch to Dunedin, it is important to choose a company that offers reliable service, a wide range of vehicles, and favorable pricing. Below are curated options for rental services available on this route:

Company	One-Way Fee	Fleet Variety	Location Coverage	Key Advantage
Avis	$$	4/5	5/5	Wide selection of vehicles , Frequent special offers , Premium customer service
Budget	$	3/5	4/5	Affordable pricing , Simple booking process
Hertz	$$$	5/5	5/5	Luxury car options , Exclusive membership benefits , 24/7 road assistance
Europcar	$$	4/5	4/5	Convenient city locations , Best for small to medium vehicles , Flexible policy options

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Selection Criteria for One-Way Rentals:

Pricing Considerations

Base rental rate per day
One-way drop-off fees
Additional driver charges
Insurance costs
Fuel policy and potential charges

Vehicle Selection

Vehicle size for passengers and luggage
Fuel efficiency for long drives
Comfort features for highway driving
Navigation and entertainment systems
Vehicle condition and mileage

Company Reliability

Customer service reputation
Transparency in fees and policies
Roadside assistance coverage
Cancellation and modification policies
Reviews from other one-way renters

Christchurch Airport Car Rental Center Information

Operating Hours:

Rental centers at Christchurch Airport operate daily from 6:00 AM to midnight.

Location:

Rental desks are located at the ground floor of the terminal building.

Shuttle Service:

Complimentary shuttles run every 15 minutes between the rental car facility and the main terminal.

Rental Car Returns:

Return areas are well-marked in the parking area outside the terminal.

Make sure to account for additional charges like insurance and fuel refills before confirming your booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drop off the rental car in Dunedin if I pick it up in Christchurch?

Yes, most rental companies allow one-way rentals between Christchurch and Dunedin. It's always recommended to confirm this availability with your chosen provider in advance.

Are there additional fees for one-way rentals?

One-way rentals may include a drop-off fee based on the rental company's policy. It's advised to ask about this charge when booking.

What documents do I need to rent a car for this route?

You will typically need a valid driver’s license, an ID or passport, and a credit card to secure the booking. Some companies may require additional documentation, so check with the provider.

Are there restrictions on vehicle types for one-way routes?

Certain vehicle types, such as premium or specialty vehicles, may have restrictions on one-way rentals. Verify availability with your rental company at the outset.

Can I make stops at points of interest along the route?

Absolutely! You are free to explore attractions like Lake Tekapo or Oamaru during your rental period as long as the car is dropped off at the specified location on time.

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Explore the Scenic Route Between Christchurch and Dunedin