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

Home One-way Car Rentals Christchurch to Queenstown

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).

Notes: Provisional licence is not accepted.
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. Accepted credit cards include Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, and Diners Club. XpCard and CtCard are supported.
Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 18-99 years. Young drivers aged 18-20 may incur a fee of US$ 12.14 per day. For drivers aged 21-24, fees range from US$ 3.03 to US$ 17.46 per day, depending on the 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 year(s). Accepted documents include: 1) Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) (IDP is a translation and must be presented with the original licence); 2) Original South Korea Driving License (English version) (English translation must be provided on the back); 3) Original driving licence + NZTA Translation (certified by the New Zealand Transport Agency for self-driving rental vehicles).

Notes: Provisional licence is not accepted.
Form of ID: A valid passport.
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, Diners Club, and UnionPay. XpCard and UnCard are supported.
Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 18-99 years. Young drivers aged 18-20 may incur a fee of US$ 12.14 per day. For drivers aged 21-24, fees range from US$ 3.03 to US$ 17.46 per day, depending on the provider.

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$ 130-719	US$ 0.00-523.90	US$ 67-757	Solo travelers, couples
Medium	US$ 669-885	US$ 485.94-485.94	US$ 804-909	Small families, light luggage
Large	US$ 251-885	US$ 181.02-485.94	US$ 291-909	Families, comfort seeker
SUV	US$ 129-297	US$ 0.00-485.94	US$ 79-362	Large groups, long drivers
Van	US$ 234-2036	US$ 0.00-485.94	US$ 265-2331	Large families, groups
Pickup Truck	US$ 229-276	US$ 0.00-174.63	US$ 434-470	Adventure Travelers, heavy luggage

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

Key Consideration：

One-way fee considerations: Adding a one-way rental fee is common as it compensates the rental company for logistics.
Allowed drop-off locations: Not all branches support one-way rental; verify availability at your desired drop-off location.
Cross-kilometer restrictions: Ensure the route you plan adheres to the rental company's kilometer limits, avoiding extra costs.
Vehicle return requirements: Returning the vehicle in the same condition, including fuel levels, avoids penalties.
Rental agreements review: Read the terms regarding insurance, inclusions, and possible additional fees carefully.

Smart Planning Tips:

Plan your itinerary: Outline your travel stops, factoring in some scenic detours like Mount Cook National Park.
Book early: Securing your rental car in advance ensures better rates and availability.
Fuel up smartly: Consider fueling up in urban areas to avoid higher countryside rates.
Travel during off-peak hours: Maximize your day and avoid traffic by starting early or traveling during quieter hours.
Save your navigation maps: Having pre-downloaded maps ensures navigation in areas with limited connectivity.

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

Mobil - 1 McBride Street, Frankton, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

Z Queenstown - 846 Frankton Road, Frankton, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed to improve fuel efficiency.

Avoid excessive idling to save fuel.

Ensure tires are properly inflated for better mileage.

Christchurch Parking

Use the PayMyPark app for convenient payment and spot finding.

Parking in Christchurch city center is available through metered spots and parking garages. Rates range from $2 to $4 per hour.

Queenstown Parking

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

Queenstown offers limited street parking and several parking facilities. Rates range from $3 to $5 per hour.

Recommended Parking Apps

Apps like ParkMate and Wilson Parking NZ can help users find or book parking in advance.

Tolls and FasTrak

Ensure to check for any temporary road charges or construction detours.

Plan your route using GPS to avoid unexpected delays.

There are no toll roads on the route from Christchurch to Queenstown.

Popular Self-Drive Routes

Main Routes Around Christchurch to Queenstown:

Arthur's Pass Route

Mountain Route 7 hours 30 minutes

Travel through stunning mountain pass landscapes and experience breathtaking views.

Arthur's Pass National Park , Castle Hill Rocks , Lake Pearson

West Coast Scenic Route

Coastal Route 10 hours

Enjoy the southern beauty of New Zealand's rugged west coast.

Franz Josef Glacier , Fox Glacier , Haast Pass

Inland Scenic Route

Scenic Route 9 hours

Traverse through picturesque landscapes, serene lakes, and vineyards.

Methven , Lake Tekapo , Cromwell

Adventurous Trips Around This Area:

Lake Tekapo Visit

3 hours from Christchurch

Famous for its surreal blue water and stargazing on unpolluted skies.

Franz Josef Glacier Trek

6 hours from Christchurch

Experience guided tours on one of the world's most accessible glaciers.

Milford Sound Cruise

4 hours from Queenstown

Discover dramatic fiords, cascading waterfalls, and wildlife.

Wanaka Outdoors

3 hours from Christchurch

Activities include hiking and sightseeing in this beautiful lakeside town.

Road Trip Planning Tips:

Choose Compact Vehicles: Compact cars are economical and easier to handle on narrow routes.

Plan Key Stops: Mark must-see stops along your drive to optimize your route and time.

Locate Fuel Stations: Check for fuel stations along your course; some rural areas have fewer stops.

Check Weather Updates: Severe weather can affect mountain passes; keep informed.

Pack Essentials: Include items like water, snacks, and emergency kits for a safe journey.

Verify Rental Conditions: Understand your rental agreement, including mileage allowances and insurance options.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Choosing the right car rental company can make your trip more convenient and enjoyable. Below are companies offering reliable one-way rentals between Christchurch and Queenstown.

Company	One-Way Fee	Fleet Variety	Location Coverage	Key Advantage
Avis	$$	★★★★	★★★★	Wide selection of vehicles , Excellent customer service , Multiple pickup and drop-off locations
Budget	$$	★★★	★★★★	Affordable pricing , Good network of locations , Simple reservation process
Hertz	$$$	★★★★	★★★★★	Premium vehicle options , Strong presence in major cities , Loyalty rewards program
Europcar	$$	★★★★★	★★★★	Excellent fleet variety , Online check-in options , Competitive one-way fees

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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

Car Rental Center Information for Christchurch and Queenstown

Operating Hours:

The Christchurch and Queenstown rental centers typically operate from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

Pickup and Drop-off Locations:

Rental car centers are conveniently located at both Christchurch and Queenstown Airports.

Shuttle Service:

Free shuttle services are available for transferring between the airport terminals and rental centers.

Rental Car Return:

Follow airport signs to find the designated car return areas when dropping off vehicles.

Book your vehicle in advance and confirm one-way rental policies to avoid unexpected fees or availability issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drop off my rental car at a different location from where I picked it up?

Yes, most rental car companies allow for one-way rentals, enabling you to pick up the car in Christchurch and drop it off in Queenstown. Such arrangements often include a one-way fee to cover logistics.

Is there an additional fee for choosing a one-way rental?

Usually, rental companies charge a one-way fee to cover the return of the car to its original location or additional logistics costs. This fee is typically added during the booking process.

Are there specific vehicle restrictions for one-way rentals?

Most rental companies provide a wide range of vehicles for one-way rentals. However, availability may depend on the demand and specific car fleet at each location. Booking early can secure more options.

Do I need to refuel the car before returning it at Queenstown?

Rental companies typically require you to return the car with the same fuel level as it was when picked up. Refueling before drop-off is recommended to avoid refueling fees.

What are the major routes from Christchurch to Queenstown?

The primary routes are State Highway 1 to Timaru, then transitioning to State Highway 8 through towns like Tekapo, while offering picturesque landscapes and scenic drives.

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Embark on a Scenic Drive from Christchurch to Queenstown