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Car rental in Invercargill - Search, Compare, and Save

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No Hidden Fees

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4.67/5

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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Invercargill

Invercargill

Mini

Fiat 500 or similar

4

1

3

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

24

per day

Invercargill

Economy

Toyota Yaris or similar

5

2

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

29

per day

Invercargill

Compact

Volkswagen Golf or similar

5

3

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

33

per day

Invercargill

Intermediate

Skoda Octavia or similar

5

4

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

39

per day

The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.

Why Rent a Car in Invercargill?

Invercargill, the southernmost city in New Zealand, offers a unique blend of urban attractions and stunning natural landscapes. While public transport is available, a rental car provides the freedom to explore at your own pace.

Explore the Catlins Coast. Discover dramatic cliffs, secluded beaches, and diverse wildlife along the scenic Catlins Coast, easily accessible with a rental car.

Visit Stewart Island. Drive to Bluff and catch a ferry to Stewart Island, a haven for nature lovers. A car allows you to explore Bluff and its surroundings before your ferry departure.

Discover Local Attractions. From Queens Park to the Southland Museum and Art Gallery, Invercargill has much to offer. A car makes it easy to visit these attractions and enjoy the city's charm.

Rental Terms and Conditions in Invercargill

Before booking a rental car in Invercargill, be aware of the standard rental terms and conditions. These guidelines ensure a smooth and hassle-free rental experience.

Area

Approximately 491 square kilometres (190 square miles)

Population

Approximately 57,000 residents

Time Zone

NZDT (UTC+12)

Ideal for

Exploring Southland

Rush Hours

Expect moderate traffic 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM and 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM

Rating

4.8/5

1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies in Invercargill require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may incur a young driver surcharge.

2. Driver’s Licence & DocumentationA valid driver’s licence is essential. International visitors may need to present an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their original licence if it is not in English.

3. Insurance & DepositsRental agreements typically include basic insurance coverage. Additional coverage options, such as Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), are often available. A security deposit is usually required and held on a credit card.

4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary; some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies generally require you to return the car with the same fuel level as when it was picked up.

5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for options like additional drivers, GPS units, child seats, or one-way rentals.

Car Rental Prices in Invercargill – How Much Does It Cost?

Car rental prices in Invercargill vary based on the season and type of vehicle. Understanding these costs helps in budgeting for your trip.

Business:

from £35 / $44 / €42

Electric:

from £20 / $25 / €24

Classic:

from £10 / $12 / €12

Executive:

from £28 / $35 / €33

7 Seater:

from £30 / $38 / €36

Automatic:

from £22 / $28 / €26

SUV:

from £12 / $15 / €14

Seasonal Trends

Peak season (December to February): Experiences higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%

Low season (May to September): Often comes with discounts, providing budget-friendly options

Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.

How to Book a Car in Invercargill?

Booking a rental car in Invercargill is simple when you follow a few key steps. This ensures you get the best deal and the right vehicle for your needs.

1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best deals from various rental companies in Invercargill.

2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your travel needs, considering factors like size and fuel efficiency.

3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental agreement for mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements.

4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better availability by booking your rental car well in advance, especially during peak season.

5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, credit card, and identification to collect your rental car.

General Information About Invercargill

Invercargill is a vibrant city known for its friendly locals, historical architecture, and access to stunning natural landscapes. Renting a car allows you to explore the region at your own pace.

Invercargill offers a mix of urban attractions and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for travellers. While the city centre is easily walkable, a rental car provides the freedom to explore beyond the city limits, including the Catlins Coast and Stewart Island.

Top Attractions to Discover

  • Queens Park

    A beautiful park featuring gardens, walking tracks, and a variety of plants and animals.

  • Southland Museum and Art Gallery

    Features a unique collection of tuatara, a native New Zealand reptile.

  • Bill Richardson Transport World

    An extensive collection of vintage vehicles and automotive memorabilia.

Where to Find Parking

  • City Centre Car Parks

    Several public car parks are available in the city centre, offering convenient parking options.

  • On-Street Parking

    Metered on-street parking is available, but time limits and fees apply.

  • Queens Park Parking

    Free parking is available within Queens Park, providing easy access to the park's attractions.

Gas Stations in Invercargill

  • BP

    Located throughout the city and surrounding areas, offering fuel and convenience store items.

  • Z Energy

    Another major fuel provider with stations in Invercargill and nearby towns.

  • Gull

    A budget-friendly fuel option with several locations in the region.

Useful Tips for Visiting Invercargill

  • Plan for Weather Changes

    Invercargill's weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared for sudden changes.

  • Allow Extra Travel Time

    Roads in the region can be winding, so allow extra time for travel.

  • Check Local Events

    Check the local events calendar for festivals and activities during your visit.

  • Respect Local Customs

    New Zealanders are known for their friendliness and hospitality, so be polite and respectful.

Key Transportation Hubs in Invercargill

Major Bus Stations

Invercargill Bus Terminal

Located in the city centre, serving regional bus routes.

Railway Stations

Invercargill Railway Station

Offers limited passenger services, primarily scenic routes.

Airports

Invercargill Airport (IVC)

Serves domestic flights to major New Zealand cities.

What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Invercargill?

Renting a car in New Zealand is a straightforward process, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before hitting the road. Here’s what you’ll need.

  • If you're from New Zealand, your standard licence is sufficient. Visitors from most countries can use their home-country licence for up to 12 months, but some may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).

  • Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, though some may charge extra fees for drivers under 25.

  • A valid card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit. Some rental companies only accept credit cards for deposits.

  • A passport or another form of identification may be required for international renters.

Our Content Quality

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This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.

Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process — a multi-step review that includes human editing, localisation accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.

Learn more about our Content Quality Standards

This page was edited by experts

This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.

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Our Customer Reviews

Our clients rate such place as Invercargill as

4.8

To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.

Southland was stunning! Cruising around Invercargill in my rental car was a breeze.

OG

Olivia Garcia

Reviewed: 02.07.2025

Invercargill was fine; the weather was unexpectedly chilly, but having a car made exploring easy.

AL

Ava Lee

Reviewed: 25.11.2024

Loved exploring Invercargill and the surrounding areas during the summer holidays! Having a car made it so easy to get around and discover hidden gems. The scenery was breathtaking.

SM

Sarah Miller

Reviewed: 28.09.2024

A fantastic spontaneous weekend in Invercargill! Exploring the region by car was so easy and enjoyable.

AJ

Amelia Jones

Reviewed: 11.12.2024

Invercargill surprised me! It was so easy getting around with my rental car, and catching up with friends there was a highlight. Beautiful scenery too!

CD

Chloe Davis

Reviewed: 02.11.2024

Invercargill was a delightful surprise! Never having been before, I explored the region with ease thanks to my car, discovering hidden gems and stunning scenery.

ER

Evelyn Reed

Reviewed: 21.03.2025

Exploring Southland with a car was brilliant! Invercargill itself was charming, and the drives were stunning.

LO

Liam O'Connell

Reviewed: 04.09.2024

Southland's beauty was easily accessible! Having a car in Invercargill made exploring the region a breeze, and the drives were stunning.

BH

Benjamin Harris

Reviewed: 20.05.2025

Invercargill exceeded expectations! Exploring the region by car was so convenient and fun.

JW

Jessica Wilson

Reviewed: 31.07.2025

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