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

Home One-way Car Rentals Queenstown to Christchurch

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 years.

Notes: Support NZTA certified translation pickup.
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, Master, DinersClub, and AMEX.
Age requirements: Drivers must be between 18-99 years old. Young drivers aged 18-20 incur a fee of NZD 20/day (US$ 12.14/day), capped at NZD 140 (US$ 85.04) for the rental. Drivers aged 21-24 incur fees ranging from NZD 5-28.75/day (US$ 3.03-17.46/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 1-2 years. 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 on the back of the license); 3) Original driving licence + NZTA Translation (certified by the New Zealand Transport Agency); 4) Original driving licence + Dealer translation (templates provided by car rental companies); 5) Original driving licence + Notarized English translation (authorized by a notary office).

Notes: Support NZTA certified translation pickup.
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, Master, DinersClub, AMEX, and UnionPay.
Age requirements: Drivers must be between 18-99 years old. Young drivers aged 18-20 incur a fee of NZD 20/day (US$ 12.14/day), capped at NZD 140 (US$ 85.04) for the rental. Drivers aged 21-24 incur fees ranging from NZD 5-28.75/day (US$ 3.03-17.46/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$ 43-605	US$ 0.00-485.94	US$ 83-579	Solo travelers, couples
Medium	US$ 77-612	US$ 0.00-485.94	US$ 324-659	Small families, light luggage
Large	US$ 327-612	US$ 273.34-485.94	US$ 357-659	Families, comfort seeker
SUV	US$ 44-337	US$ 0.00-485.94	US$ 85-475	Large groups, long drivers
Van	US$ 105-957	US$ 0.00-485.94	US$ 257-777	Large families, groups
Pickup Truck	US$ 146-462	US$ 0.00-349.27	US$ 521-746	Adventure Travelers, heavy luggage

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

Key Consideration：

One-Way Fees: Be mindful of potential additional fees when returning the car in a different location.
Drop-off Locations: Ensure the drop-off location is convenient and accessible at your destination.
Mileage Limits: Check if there are any mileage restrictions for your one-way journey.
Luggage Space: Plan for vehicles that provide adequate space for your luggage and travel needs.
Vehicle Availability: Make your reservation in advance to secure the preferred type of vehicle for your trip.

Smart Planning Tips:

Travel Off-Peak: Avoid peak times for potentially better vehicle availability and less traffic.
Book Ahead: Secure your booking early for better rates and availability.
Understand Insurance Terms: Review insurance options carefully, especially when driving long distances.
Plan Fuel Stops: Identify gas stations along your route to avoid running low on fuel.
Allow Extra Time: Factor in time for stops and enjoy the scenic drive between Queenstown and Christchurch.

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

Allied Petroleum - 75 Orchard Road, Harewood, Christchurch 8053, New Zealand

BP Connect - 661 Russley Road, Harewood, Christchurch 8051, New Zealand

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed to optimize fuel efficiency.

Avoid unnecessary idling to conserve fuel.

Ensure tires are properly inflated to reduce resistance.

Queenstown Parking

Use free parking spots available near the outskirts of the city.

Parking costs, availability, or specific local advice

Christchurch Parking

Consider parking in designated city lots for security and convenience.

Parking costs, availability, or specific local advice

Recommended Parking Apps

Apps that help users find or book parking in advance

Tolls and FasTrak

Ensure to verify the route for any temporary toll changes.

Plan your route using navigation apps to confirm toll-free paths.

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

Popular Self-Drive Routes

Explore Mesmerizing Routes Between Queenstown and Christchurch:

Lake Tekapo Scenic Route

Scenic Drive 6 hours 30 minutes

A stunning route passing through turquoise lakes, mountain ranges, and MacKenzie Basin.

Lake Tekapo , Aoraki/Mount Cook , Twizel

West Coast Alpine Adventure

Adventure Route 8 hours 15 minutes

Journey through Haast Pass, lush rainforests, and dramatic coastal scenery.

Fox Glacier , Franz Josef Glacier , Arthur's Pass

Central Otago Highlights

Cultural Route 6 hours 45 minutes

Discover the historical towns, vineyards, and unique landscapes of Central Otago.

Cromwell , Alexandra , Dunedin

Unmissable Day Trips and Excursions:

Milford Sound Detour

1 day

Experience the breathtaking fjords, waterfalls, and wildlife.

Wanaka Lakes and Shadows

4 hours

Enjoy serene lakes and stunning mountain shadows in Wanaka.

Arthurs Pass National Park

6 hours

Explore hiking trails and scenic views in this high alpine region.

Banks Peninsula Paradise

2 hours 30 minutes

Discover rolling hills, bays, and picturesque seaside settlements.

Road Trip Planning Tips:

Choose the Right Vehicle: Select a vehicle suitable for varied terrains encountered on the routes.

Plan Your Budget: Account for fuel, accommodation, and possible toll expenses.

Research the Routes: Familiarize yourself with the landscapes, road conditions, and scenic detours.

Locate Fuel Stops: Plan your fuel stops to avoid running low in remote regions.

Weather Considerations: Stay updated on seasonal weather changes and road conditions.

Bring Essentials: Pack necessities like water, snacks, and a first aid kit.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Introduction to company selection, only include companies that offer one-way rental service.

Company	One-Way Fee	Fleet Variety	Location Coverage	Key Advantage
Hertz	$$	High	Wide	Extensive roadside assistance network , Diverse vehicle options for all needs
Avis	$$	High	Wide	Special discounts on one-way rentals , High availability of GPS-equipped cars
Europcar	$$$	Moderate	Wide	Flexible return options , Premium car models available
Budget	$	Moderate	Moderate	Affordable rates , Good customer service

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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 Information for Christchurch Airport

Operating Hours:

The car rental desks at Christchurch Airport operate 24/7 for bookings and returns.

Location:

The car rental center is situated directly opposite the main terminal building in the ground transportation area.

Shuttle Service:

Complimentary shuttles to and from the car rental facility are frequent and available 24 hours.

Nearby Gas Stations:

The nearest gas station is just 2.5 kilometers east of the airport on Memorial Avenue, ideal for refueling before returning the car.

Ensure that you fill the fuel tank before returning your rental to avoid extra charges by the rental company.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main benefits of choosing a one-way rental from Queenstown to Christchurch?

One-way car rentals offer flexibility, allowing travelers to pick up a vehicle in Queenstown and drop it off in Christchurch. This can be very convenient, especially for those planning a road trip through the South Island without having to return to the starting point.

Are one-way rentals between Queenstown and Christchurch more expensive?

One-way car rentals may include an additional 'one-way fee' to cover the cost of returning the vehicle. However, this fee can vary between rental companies, so it is advisable to compare options beforehand.

What types of vehicles are suitable for this route?

The route between Queenstown and Christchurch includes diverse landscapes. Travelers might prefer SUVs or other vehicles equipped for long trips, especially if planning stops like through Arthur's Pass, though standard sedans can also handle the journey comfortably.

Is the route scenic and are there places to stop?

The journey between Queenstown and Christchurch is renowned for its scenic beauty. Popular stops along the way include Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook National Park, and the Canterbury Plains.

Can I drop off my rental car at Christchurch airport?

Yes, most car rental companies in New Zealand offer drop-off services at Christchurch airport, making it convenient for travelers to continue their journey.

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One-Way Car Rentals from Queenstown to Christchurch