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

Home One-way Car Rentals Queenstown 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 1-3 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. Accepted cards include Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, and Diners Club. Some policies also support UnionPay and specific card attributes like XpCard, CtCard, and UnCard.
Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 18-99 years. Young drivers aged 18-25 may incur additional fees ranging from NZD 10.63 to NZD 20.7 per day, depending on the provider. Some policies restrict the maximum driver age to 80 years.

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 1-3 year(s). Accepted documents include: Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP), Original South Korea Driving Licence (English version with translation on the back), or Original driving licence + NZTA Translation (certified by the New Zealand Transport Agency).
Form of ID: A valid passport
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted cards include Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, and Diners Club. Some policies also support UnionPay and specific card attributes like XpCard, CtCard, and UnCard.
Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 18-99 years. Young drivers aged 18-25 may incur additional fees ranging from NZD 10.63 to NZD 20.7 per day, depending on the provider. Some policies restrict the maximum driver age to 80 years.

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$ 169-186	US$ 0.00-109.33	US$ 399-398	Solo travelers, couples
Medium	US$ 196-196	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 443-443	Small families, light luggage
SUV	US$ 171-255	US$ 0.00-109.33	US$ 407-624	Large groups, long drivers
Van	US$ 252-269	US$ 0.00-109.33	US$ 647-720	Large families, groups
Pickup Truck	US$ 286-308	US$ 0.00-109.33	US$ 640-654	Adventure Travelers, heavy luggage

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

Key Consideration：

One-Way Fee: Check if the rental company charges an additional one-way fee, as it can vary between providers.
Cross-Border Restrictions: Confirm that your rental coverage includes driving from one region to another in New Zealand.
Refueling: Ensure you refuel the car at a nearby station before returning it to avoid extra charges.
Flexibility in Booking: Some rental agreements might include limitations; check flexibility on dates and locations.
Insurance Policies: Understand and evaluate the insurance provided, especially for one-way rentals.

Smart Planning Tips:

Plan Your Route in Advance: Research the best scenic stops and ensure rest breaks during the drive.
Check Car Return Hours: Confirm the operating hours of the return destination point in Dunedin.
Consider Weather Conditions: Be informed about weather patterns along the route, especially in winter.
Verify One-Way Rental Availability: Not all cars might be available for one-way rental; confirm during booking.
Understand Mileage Limitations: Some rentals have mileage caps; ensure your planned journey adheres to these.

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

Maintain steady speeds and avoid rapid acceleration.

Ensure tires are properly inflated to improve mileage.

Remove excess weight from the vehicle to reduce fuel consumption.

Queenstown Parking

Arrive early to secure convenient parking spots.

Parking in Queenstown can be limited during peak seasons; consider using designated parking facilities.

Dunedin Parking

Utilize parking apps to find available spaces quickly.

Dunedin offers several parking options, including street parking and public parking structures.

Recommended Parking Apps

Apps like ParkMate and PayMyPark can assist in locating and booking parking in advance.

Tolls and FasTrak

No toll fees are applicable for this route.

Confirm with your rental provider about any additional fees.

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

Popular Self-Drive Routes

Recommended Routes Around Queenstown and Dunedin:

Queenstown to Dunedin via SH6

Scenic Highway 3 hours 30 minutes

A direct and picturesque route along State Highway 6 featuring awe-inspiring landscapes and tranquil Otago countryside.

Cromwell , Clyde , Alexandra

Queenstown to Dunedin via Lindis Pass

Mountain Pass 4 hours

This route takes you through the rugged Lindis Pass, offering incredible views of dramatic high-country terrain.

Wanaka , Cromwell , Omarama

Queenstown to Dunedin via Catlins Coast

Coastal Route 5 hours 30 minutes

This scenic detour adds natural wonders and coastal beauty through the Catlins Forest Park and beaches.

Gore , Balclutha , Nugget Point

Exciting Detours and Day Trips:

Lake Wanaka Loop

1.5 hours from Queenstown

Explore crystal clear waters, hiking trails, and a serene atmosphere at Lake Wanaka.

Otago Wine Trail

2 hours from Queenstown

Savor world-class pinot noirs and enjoy vineyard tours in Central Otago.

Encounter with Dunedin Wildlife

30 minutes from Dunedin

Spot Yellow-Eyed Penguins, Albatross, and Sea Lions on the Otago Peninsula.

Fiordland National Park Adventure

4 hours from Queenstown

Discover majestic fjords, brilliant lakes, and diverse flora and fauna.

Road Trip Planning Tips

Choose Proper Vehicle: Select a car suitable for your planned route and number of passengers to ensure comfort and safety.

Plan Your Stops: Pre-arrange stops at key destinations to make your travel smooth and enjoyable.

Understand Insurance: Ensure you are familiar with the rental vehicle's insurance policies, coverage limits, and liabilities.

Know Road Conditions: Be aware of the terrain and typical weather conditions along your chosen route.

Check Fuel Stations: Plan refueling stops as distances between gas stations can be significant in rural areas.

Respect Local Driving Rules: Familiarize yourself with New Zealand road rules, such as speed limits and right of way.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

When selecting a car rental company for a one-way journey from Queenstown to Dunedin, it's important to consider additional fees, vehicle options, and operating presence.

Company	One-Way Fee	Fleet Variety	Location Coverage	Key Advantage
Hertz	$$	High	Excellent	Prestigious brand , Convenient city and airport locations , Wide range of vehicles
Avis	$$	High	Excellent	Global presence , Flexible rental options , Friendly customer service
Budget	$	Medium	Good	Affordable prices , Convenient booking system , Compact cars available
Europcar	$$$	High	Excellent	Premium service , Wide selection of electric vehicles , Frequent locations

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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

Queenstown and Dunedin Rental Car Centers Information

Operating Hours:

Queenstown: 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM, Dunedin: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Locations:

Queenstown: Main terminal at Queenstown Airport; Dunedin: Near terminal at Dunedin Airport

Shuttle Frequency:

Shuttles available every 15 minutes

Insurance Options:

Collision damage waiver, theft protection, and liability insurance options available

Book your vehicle in advance and confirm one-way drop-off policies to ensure a smooth experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the estimated travel time between Queenstown and Dunedin by car?

The drive from Queenstown to Dunedin typically takes around 3.5 to 4.5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. Allow extra time for rest stops and sightseeing along the way.

Are there any scenic spots to visit during the drive?

Yes, the route features several scenic spots, such as Cromwell, Roxburgh Gorge, and various vineyards. The remarkable landscape changes as you travel further towards Dunedin.

Can I rent a car in Queenstown and drop it off in Dunedin?

Yes, many car rental agencies offer the convenience of one-way rentals. Make sure to check with the rental company regarding any drop-off fees that may apply.

What should I consider when planning a one-way rental?

Consider factors such as rental availability, possible additional fees for one-way rentals, and the respective office hours of the rental locations in both Queenstown and Dunedin.

Is there public transportation as an alternative between these cities?

Yes, buses are available as an alternative to car travel. However, renting a car provides more flexibility to explore points of interest along the way.

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Explore the Scenic Route From Queenstown to Dunedin