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One-Way Car Rentals from Christchurch to Picton

Enjoy the scenic route on your personalized car journey between Christchurch and Picton.

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 1-2 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, AMEX, and DinersClub. Some policies also support UnionPay.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 18-99 years old. Young drivers aged 18-25 may incur additional fees, such as NZD 10.93-20.7 per day (approximately US$ 10.93-17.46). Specific fees depend on the rental provider.
  • 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 1-2 year(s). Accepted documents include: 1) Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) (IDP is only a translation; original licence must also be presented), 2) Original South Korea Driving License (English version) with English translation on the back, 3) Original driving licence + NZTA Translation (certified by the New Zealand Transport Agency, with free online NZTA service for Japanese licences).
  • 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. Some policies also support UnionPay.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 18-99 years old. Young drivers aged 18-25 may incur additional fees, such as NZD 10.93-20.7 per day (approximately US$ 10.93-17.46). Specific fees depend on the rental provider.
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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 TypesDaily Rate(One-way Fee Included)One-way FeeTotal(3-day Trip)Best For
SmallUS$ 56-209US$ 0.00-139.70US$ 113-244Solo travelers, couples
LargeUS$ 215-215US$ 144.82-144.82US$ 255-255Families, comfort seeker
SUVUS$ 59-1594US$ 0.00-1397.08US$ 119-1598Large groups, long drivers
VanUS$ 162-162US$ 0.00-0.00US$ 541-541Large families, groups
Pickup TruckUS$ 109-240US$ 0.00-139.70US$ 315-433Adventure Travelers, heavy luggage

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

Key Consideration:
  • One-Way Fee: Most car rental companies charge a one-way fee when the vehicle is dropped off at a location different from the pick-up point. Make sure to check and include this fee in your total budget.
  • Vehicle Availability: Not all vehicles are available for one-way rentals. Confirm with the rental company if your desired model is eligible before booking.
  • Cross-Border Regulations: If your planned drive crosses between islands or regions with specific boundaries, check for any additional restrictions or requirements.
  • Fuel Policies: Understand the fuel policies, such as returning the car with a full tank, to avoid unexpected fees.
  • Booking in Advance: One-way rental availability can be limited. Booking early increases your chances of securing your preferred vehicle and saves on costs.
Smart Planning Tips:
  • Research Road Conditions: Ensure the route between Christchurch and Picton is suitable for your chosen vehicle, especially during winter months.
  • Plan for Ferry Crossings: When traveling between islands, check the need for vehicle ferry services and book these ahead of time if required.
  • Consider Travel Insurance: Coverage can help prevent additional costs in case of unexpected events or damages during the journey.
  • Familiarize Yourself with Drop-off Procedures: Some locations have specific rules for returning rental cars. Verify drop-off instructions with the rental provider prior to your journey.
  • Look for Exclusive Offers: Certain companies provide discounts or promotions for early bookings or for specific routes such as Christchurch to Picton.
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.

QEEQ Online Car Rental Insurance
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  • Easy online purchase before your trip
Learn More About QEEQ Insurance
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.

QEEQ One-Dollar Freeze
  • Reserve your vehicle with just $1 upfront
  • Price Drop Protector automatically tracks price changes
  • Automatic rebooking when prices drop
Learn More About One-Dollar Freeze

Refueling, Parking and Tolls

Refueling
Parking
Tolls
Gas Stations near Drop-off Locations

Z - Picton - Service Station - 101 High Street, Picton 7220, New Zealand

NPD Picton Fuelstop - Lagoon Road, Picton 7220, New Zealand

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed to improve fuel efficiency.

Avoid carrying unnecessary weight in the vehicle.

Ensure tires are properly inflated to reduce rolling resistance.

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Christchurch Parking

Consider using parking lots outside the city center to save on costs.

Parking costs in Christchurch vary depending on the area, with metered parking available in the city center.

Picton Parking

Arrive early to secure parking, especially during peak travel seasons.

Picton offers a variety of parking options, including free and paid parking spaces near the ferry terminal.

Recommended Parking Apps

Apps such as ParkMate and PayMyPark can help users find or book parking in advance.

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Tolls and FasTrak

Ensure to check for any temporary tolls or road charges before traveling.

Plan your route in advance to avoid unexpected delays.

There are no toll roads on the route between Christchurch and Picton.

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Popular Self-Drive Routes

Explore Scenic Drive Options from Christchurch to Picton:
The Alpine Route via Arthur's Pass
Mountainous 7 hours

This route takes you through the breathtaking Arthur’s Pass, where you’ll encounter snowcapped peaks and dramatic scenery.

Arthur's Pass Village , Greymouth , Murchison
The Coastal Path via Kaikoura
Coastal 6 hours

Travel alongside the stunning coastline of New Zealand, with opportunities to spot whales and seals in Kaikoura.

Kaikoura , Blenheim , Havelock
The Central Route via Hamner Springs
Scenic 6.5 hours

A relaxing journey with stops at hot pools in Hanmer Springs and vineyards near Blenheim.

Hanmer Springs , Culverden , Blenheim
Road Trip Planning Tips:

Navigational Planning: Chart your route beforehand and ensure offline maps are ready for areas with limited signal.

Time Management: Allocate extra time for unscheduled stops to appreciate landmarks or scenic views.

Vehicle Checks: Inspect the rental car condition, fuel policies, and included accessories like GPS.

Food and Supplies: Stock up on essentials, particularly for remote area drives.

Safety Precautions: Familiarize yourself with local driving laws, road conditions, and emergency contacts.

Cost Awareness: Understand the rental policies to avoid additional charges such as late returns or cleaning fees.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

When selecting a car rental company for a one-way trip from Christchurch to Picton, choosing the right provider is crucial. Consider the company's customer service quality, its coverage in both cities, applicable one-way fees, and the variety of vehicles available.

CompanyOne-Way FeeFleet VarietyLocation CoverageKey Advantage
Hertz$$HighExtensive coverage Wide range of vehicles including compacts and SUVs , Strong presence at airports for convenient pickups
Avis$$$Very HighWidespread coverage Luxury vehicles available , Exceptional customer support and add-on features
Budget$MediumGood Affordable prices for budget travelers , Reliable vehicles for straightforward trips
Thrifty$$HighExtensive in main cities Competitive pricing , No-hassle online booking system
QEEQ

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Exclusive Features

One-Dollar Freeze & Price Drop Protector

Explore QEEQ Car Rentals
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

Car Rental Centers in Christchurch and Picton

Operating Hours:

Most rental centers in Christchurch and Picton operate from 8 AM to 6 PM. Always verify with your rental provider.

Location Information:

Rental centers are conveniently located at Christchurch International Airport and in central Christchurch. Picton’s rental centers are near the ferry terminal and in downtown.

Shuttle Services:

Free shuttle services are provided between the Picton ferry terminal and the downtown rental offices.

Vehicle Return Policies:

Ensure vehicles are returned under the same fuel level condition to avoid extra charges.

Always confirm the one-way rental surcharge and ensure it’s included in your budget when planning this route.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a one-way car rental?

A one-way car rental allows you to pick up a car at Christchurch and return it at the rental agency in Picton, instead of returning it to the original pick-up location.

Are there additional fees for one-way rentals?

Yes, many rental agencies charge an additional fee for one-way rentals to cover the cost of returning the vehicle to its original location.

What types of vehicles are available for this route?

Rental agencies typically offer a range of vehicles including compact cars, sedans, SUVs, and vans. Availability may vary by agency.

What documents are required for renting a car?

You will need a valid driver's license, a credit card, and identification (like a passport if you are an international renter). Make sure to check with the specific rental company for any additional requirements.

Can I include additional drivers for the rental?

Yes, most rental agencies allow adding additional drivers, though they may charge an extra fee and require each driver to present a valid driver’s license.

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ