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

Home One-way Car Rentals Queenstown to Picton

Can I rent a car from Queenstown to Picton?

Yes, you can rent a car for a one-way trip from Queenstown to Picton. Many major companies offer this service, but there are specific requirements, especially for foreign renters.

Documents required for NZ residents

Documents required for international visitors

Form of ID: A valid physical New Zealand national photo ID
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 cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include Visa, Master, AMEX, DinersClub, and UnionPay.
Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 18-99 years. Young drivers aged 18-20 may incur a fee of NZD 20 (approximately US$ 12.14 per day). For drivers aged 21-24, fees range from NZD 17.5 to NZD 28.75 (approximately US$ 10.63 to US$ 17.46 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 1-3 year(s). Accepted driving licence include:
• Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP)
• Original South Korea Driving Lisense (English version)
• Original driving licence + NZTA Translation or
• Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) + NZTA Translation.
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, AMEX, DinersClub, and UnionPay.
Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 18-99 years. Young drivers aged 18-20 may incur a fee of NZD 20 (approximately US$ 12.14 per day). For drivers aged 21-24, fees range from NZD 17.5 to NZD 28.75 (approximately US$ 10.63 to US$ 17.46 per day).

How much does renting a car from Queenstown to Picton cost?

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

US$ 54/day

Cheapest SUV Rate

Starting from

US$ 53/day

Vehicle Types

Vehicle Types	Daily Rate(One-way Fee Included)	One-way Fee	Total(3-day Trip)	Best For
Small	US$ 72-US$ 143	US$ 0-US$ 445	US$ 161-US$ 309	Solo travelers, couples
Medium	US$ 166	US$ 0	US$ 320	Small families, light luggage
Large	US$ 85-US$ 170	US$ 0	US$ 222-US$ 333	Families, comfort seeker
SUV	US$ 81-US$ 209	US$ 0-US$ 1,186	US$ 159-US$ 547	Large groups, long drivers
Van	US$ 6-US$ 1,621	US$ 0-US$ 1,186	US$ 18-US$ 2,053	Large families, groups
Pickup Truck	US$ 189-US$ 210	US$ 0-US$ 445	US$ 254-US$ 537	Adventure Travelers, heavy luggage

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

Key Consideration：

One-Way Fees: Be aware that many car rental companies charge an additional fee for pickups and returns at different locations.
Cross-Island Restrictions: Some companies may not allow cars to be taken between the North and South Islands without special arrangements.
Fuel Policy: Ensure you understand the fuel policy, such as full-to-full, and refill before returning to avoid higher charges.
Insurance Coverage: Check if your insurance or waiver covers both city and highway driving during single-location rentals.
Road Conditions: Be prepared for varied terrain and ensure the car rental package includes roadside assistance.

Smart Planning Tips:

Book In Advance: Reserve your rental early to secure ideal car types and lower rates for one-way trips.
Explore Stopover Options: Plan your route to include notable stops such as Christchurch and Kaikoura for a richer travel experience.
Check Ferry Connections: Coordinate car collections with ferry schedules if traveling between the islands.
Travel Lightly: Consider the car's storage capacity, especially if transporting luggage on long-term rentals.
Understand Local Laws: Familiarize yourself with New Zealand traffic rules, such as speed limits, to ensure a smooth journey.

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

Refuel Policy Basic

Refuel the car to the same level as when you picked it up to avoid additional charges.

Keep the receipt from the last refueling as proof.

Plan your refueling stops in advance to avoid overpaying at remote stations.

Fuel Cost

The estimated average fuel price along the route is approximately $2.70 NZD per liter.

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a consistent speed, ideally around 90 km/h, for optimal fuel efficiency.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

Avoid using air conditioning excessively, as it increases fuel consumption.

Queenstown Parking

Parking in central Queenstown can be limited and expensive; consider using public car parks.

Some streets offer free parking, but time restrictions may apply.

Utilize parking apps to find available spaces during peak times.

Picton Parking

Picton offers several parking options near the ferry terminal, including paid and free spaces.

Long-term parking is available for those continuing their journey via ferry.

Check local signage to avoid fines and ensure compliance with parking regulations.

Recommended Parking Apps

ParkMate is a useful app for finding and paying for parking in New Zealand.

PayMyPark allows you to manage your parking remotely and extend time as needed.

Google Maps provides real-time parking availability in some areas.

Popular Self-Drive Routes

Prominent Routes Between Queenstown and Picton:

Southern Scenic Route

Scenic Drive 12-14 hours

Experience the coastal beauty and idyllic landscapes along this route, connecting major South Island landmarks.

Invercargill , Dunedin , Christchurch , Kaikoura

Classic Inland Route

Direct Drive 8-10 hours

Simpler route through stunning valleys and plains, offering a faster alternative.

Cromwell , Mount Cook , Ashburton , Blenheim

Alpine Adventure Route

Mountain Drive 10-12 hours

Embrace majestic mountain views and serene lakes on this breathtaking route.

Lake Tekapo , Franz Josef Glacier , Arthur's Pass , Hanmer Springs

Noteworthy Road Trips Along the Way:

Queenstown to Mount Cook

3-4 hours

See the iconic Mount Cook, known for clear views and outdoor adventures.

Mount Cook to Christchurch

4-5 hours

Transition from mountainous terrain to urban excitement in Christchurch.

Christchurch to Kaikoura

2-3 hours

Discover coastal life and whale-watching tours in picturesque Kaikoura.

Kaikoura to Picton

2.5-3.5 hours

Enjoy lush vineyards and scenic drives as you approach Picton.

Road Trip Planning Tips

Choose Optimal Routes: Analyze routes beforehand to determine your priority between scenic views or reduced drive time.

Ensure Car Compatibility: Verify the appropriateness of the rental vehicle for mountain and gravel paths.

Plan Fuel Stops: Calculate necessary refueling spots, especially in rural stretches with limited services.

Book Overnight Stays: Reserve accommodations near major attractions to enhance your travel experience.

Pack Essentials: Bring clothing suitable for varying weather, maps, sunscreen, and chargers.

Manage Rental Costs: Double-check rental agreements for one-way fees and follow guidelines to avoid additional charges.

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
Avis Car Rental	$$$	5/5	5/5	Wide geographical coverage , Premium fleet of vehicles , 24/7 customer support
Budget Car Rental	$$	4/5	4/5	Affordable pricing , Good range of economy cars , Easy reservation system
Hertz	$$$	5/5	5/5	Extensive vehicle range , Excellent customer service , Convenient pick-up and drop-off locations
Thrifty Car Rental	$	3/5	3/5	Budget-friendly options , Flexible drop-off policies , Frequent special offers

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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

Rental Car Center Details for Picton

Operating Hours:

Rental centers in Picton typically operate from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with some offering 24-hour services.

Location:

The major car rental center is located near the ferry terminal and passenger arrival area.

Transport Options:

Courtesy shuttle services are available to transport renters from the transport terminal to the rental center.

Payment Methods:

Major credit cards are accepted, and some agencies also accept online payments prior to pickup.

Pro Tips for Queenstown Airport(ZQN) Car Rentals

Check the fuel policy of your car rental beforehand to avoid extra charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the one-way car rental options available between Queenstown and Picton?

There are multiple rental companies that offer one-way rentals between Queenstown and Picton, including well-known brands like Avis, Hertz, Budget, and others. Each company has different vehicle options and terms for one-way rentals.

Are there additional fees for one-way car rentals?

Yes, most car rental companies charge an additional fee for one-way rentals. This fee covers the cost of relocating the vehicle back to its origin. It's advised to inquire directly with the rental provider for accurate prices.

Is it possible to drop off the rental in Picton and cross to Wellington?

Yes, some rental companies allow you to drop off your vehicle in Picton and then continue your journey via the interisland ferry. Make sure to check if the rental provider has a branch at your ferry terminal for convenience.

What documents are required to rent a car for this route?

You will need a valid driver's license, a credit card for the rental payment, and your booking confirmation. If you're an international traveller, an International Driver's Permit (IDP) may be required depending on your home country's agreement with New Zealand.

Can I choose specific drop-off locations in Picton?

Many rental agencies in Picton allow drop-offs at key locations such as the ferry terminal or local branches. Confirm available drop-off points for your company during booking.

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