How to find a cheap car hire deal in Christchurch
Pick up a cheap rental car in Christchurch for around $249 a day and hit the road happy. We do the hard work for you by searching all the top rental companies, putting amazing deals at your fingertips.
Daily rental prices in Christchurch start from just $12.
Planning an extended stay and want to go further than the usual stops? $78 is the best rate for a weekly rental.
Here's the secret to booking at the right time. Around three weeks in advance gives you the best window to grab the best price on a Christchurch car hire.
Check out the offers available with Yes rentals, Auto-Union and Bargain Rental Cars. They're some of the most popular providers in the city.
Check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Christchurch car hire policy, whether with Yes rentals or a different supplier. Some companies treat it as an optional extra instead of bundling it in.
Booking one-way could land you a discount on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be relocated. Just click 'Return car to a different location' when searching the range of cars for rent in Christchurch.
Cut down on fuel costs by picking a vehicle that offers a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up your ride with a full tank and refill it before drop-off, so you're only paying for what you use.
Hit the highway without tracking every mile and racking up extra fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and select 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you roam without limits.
Best value car hire options right now
Topping the list for value is this company, with average prices of $137 a day.
Offering daily rates of around $147, [this provider](this provider) comes in next.
The third option also shows up on the list of top-value suppliers. Cruise away in one of their rentals for roughly $92 a day.
After a car that works for most trips? The Large rental category ranks as the top pick for travellers visiting Christchurch.
Flying to Christchurch? Think about an airport pick-up
If you're jetting into Christchurch, be on your way quicker by picking up a car hire at Christchurch Airport. The drive from this airport to the city centre is around 11 kilometres and takes about 20 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Christchurch
Small: These cheap rental cars in Christchurch may be small in size, but they pack a big punch. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're easy to drive, great on mileage, and perfect for city driving or short trips.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine space, comfort and fuel efficiency. Easy to handle in cities and with enough space for longer drives, they work well for most trips.
Large: Long drives fly by in this Christchurch car hire category. Also known as full-size, their bigger engines are built to perform. The extra space and comfort make them a popular choice for families and groups of friends.
SUV: SUVs are adventure on four wheels. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for urban streets and country routes alike.
Van: Featuring options like commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Christchurch handles big loads and group travel with ease. They're roomy, hardworking, and ready to tackle whatever task lies ahead.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers what you'd otherwise have to pay if your Christchurch car hire is stolen or damaged. While not compulsory, it helps cover you in a tough spot. Just remember that insurance policies vary between providers, so make sure you know exactly what's included.
Make driving easier when you rent a car in Christchurch by adding some nifty extras. Think things like a GPS unit to keep you headed the right way, or reverse cameras to park like you're pulling off a choreographed routine.
Good to know
Age requirements for rentals vary by company and even car type, so know the rules before you book. Some companies in New Zealand may rent to younger drivers for an additional fee. If you fall outside the typical age range, simply uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to explore your options.
Planning a trip with the kids? Car seat laws vary depending on where you are, and the correct setup may depend on their age, weight and height. Check if you need to add one to your Christchurch car hire reservation.
You'll need to show some documents when collecting your car. As a rule, bring a valid driver's licence, a credit card with enough balance for the excess (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and additional photo ID. Your booking confirmation will spell it all out.
If you're unfamiliar with driving in New Zealand, don't forget that traffic here sticks to the left side of the road.
Keep within local speed limits of about 45kph through built-up areas and around 95kph on highways. Road signs will indicate if the limit is different.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.05% applies in New Zealand. The only sure way to stay legal to drive is to skip the drinks.
Around 8am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination. Try to avoid busy hours generally for a smoother drive.
The New Zealand dollar (NZD) is the currency you'll be using for everyday purchases and activities. Use cards when it's convenient, but have some cash handy when electronic payments aren't an option.
Best hotels in Christchurch for drivers
Offering accessible parking, SiloStay takes the guesswork out of where to leave your car. This hotel is about 2 kilometres from central Christchurch and also comes with room service and a kitchen.
Browse through the hotels in Christchurch for even more choices. Use the 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' and 'Valet parking' filters to find the right fit. You can also use the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to bring up places with on-site charging.
After you've locked in a car hire deal in Christchurch and your hotel, the only thing left is to decide where to head to first. Begin your sightseeing at top attractions such as Mount Herbert/Te Ahu Patiki, Gemston & Fossil Museum Birdlings Flat and Phytofarm Herbal Learning Garden.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Christchurch
Around 88 kilometres west of central Christchurch, Ashburton deserves a spot on your itinerary. Make your way to must-see sights like Argyle Park and Ashburton Aviation Museum.
Reliable accommodation options with parking in Ashburton include ASURE Adcroft Motel and Bella Vista Motel Ashburton.
The Riverstone and Lilybrook Rangiora Motel are comfortable places to stay in Kaiapoi if you're hanging around for a while. Choose one of these and have somewhere handy to leave your ride.
Keep the momentum going and road-trip it to Timaru, roughly 145 kilometres southwest of Christchurch. Kick things off at Timaru - Little blue penguins, then head to Coastal Walkway.
Book a room at Ashbury Park Motel or Parklands Motor Lodge Timaru. They make it a breeze to experience everything Timaru has to offer. They also come with parking.
