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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Queenstown
Queenstown
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Queenstown
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Queenstown
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Queenstown
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 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 Hire a Car in Queenstown?
Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand, offers stunning landscapes and a plethora of activities. While tours are available, hiring a car provides unparalleled freedom to explore at your own pace.
Access Remote Locations. Queenstown's beauty extends beyond the city centre. A rental car allows you to reach secluded hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, and hidden gems that are inaccessible by public transport.
Customised Itinerary. With your own vehicle, you can tailor your itinerary to suit your interests, whether it's wine tasting in Gibbston Valley, skiing at The Remarkables, or exploring the Fiordland National Park.
Flexibility and Convenience. Avoid rigid tour schedules and enjoy the convenience of travelling whenever and wherever you please. Stop at roadside attractions, change plans on a whim, and make the most of your Queenstown adventure.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Queenstown
Before booking a rental car in Queenstown, ensure you meet the age criteria (typically 21+), possess a valid driver's licence, and understand the insurance, deposit, mileage, and fuel policies. Be aware of possible extra fees for young drivers or additional features.
Area
8,704 square kilometres (3,361 square miles)
Population
Approximately 46,300 residents
Time Zone
NZST (UTC+12)
Ideal for
Adventure and scenic drives
Rush Hours
Expect heavier traffic 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM and 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies in Queenstown require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Surcharges may apply for drivers under 25.
2. Driver’s Licence & DocumentationA valid driver’s licence is mandatory. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their licence is not in English. A passport is also typically required.
3. Insurance & DepositsStandard rentals include basic insurance, but options like collision damage waiver (CDW) and theft protection are available. A security deposit is usually held on your credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMany rentals offer unlimited mileage, but it's essential to confirm. Fuel policies vary, often requiring you to return the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesExtra charges can apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or extras like GPS and child seats.
Car Rental Prices in Queenstown – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45 per day
Electric:
from £20 / $25 / €22 per day
Classic:
from £10 / $12 / €11 per day
Executive:
from £30 / $38 / €34 per day
7 Seater:
from £35 / $44 / €40 per day
Automatic:
from £22 / $28 / €25 per day
SUV:
from £12 / $15 / €13 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (December to February): Experiences higher demand, increasing prices by 20-30%
Low season (May to September): Often features discounts to attract visitors
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 Queenstown?
Compare prices, select the right car and understand the rental terms to avoid surprises. Book early for better rates, especially during peak seasons. Have your licence, credit card and ID ready for pick-up.
1. Compare Prices - Use a car rental comparison site like rentycars.com to find the best deals based on your travel dates and car preferences.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it’s a compact car for city driving or an SUV for mountain roads.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage and deposit requirements to avoid any unexpected issues.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking early, particularly during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Present your driver’s licence, credit card and identification when collecting your rental.
General Information About Queenstown
Queenstown is an adventure paradise surrounded by stunning landscapes. To make the most of your rental car, familiarise yourself with local traffic regulations, parking options, and fuel availability, especially when venturing beyond the town centre.
Queenstown, nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the Remarkables mountain range, is renowned for its adventure activities and scenic beauty. While the town centre is walkable, a rental car offers the freedom to explore the wider region, including nearby wineries, ski fields, and hiking trails. Driving in Queenstown is generally straightforward, but be mindful of narrow roads in some areas, especially during peak tourist season. Parking can be limited in the town centre, so plan accordingly.
Top Attractions to Discover
Lake Wakatipu
Enjoy the stunning views and activities on Queenstown's iconic lake.
The Remarkables
A mountain range offering world-class skiing and snowboarding in winter.
Gibbston Valley
Explore the wineries and vineyards of this picturesque wine region.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use public garages for secure parking in the town centre.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available but can be limited, especially during peak hours.
Park & Ride
Consider park-and-ride options during busy periods to avoid congestion in the town centre.
Gas Stations in Queenstown
Convenient Locations
Find gas stations along the main roads and in the town centre.
Major Brands
Look for brands like BP, Mobil, and Z.
Refuelling Tips
Refuel before heading out on long trips to remote areas.
Useful Tips for Visiting Queenstown
Plan for Extra Time
Allow extra travel time during peak seasons due to increased traffic.
Check Weather Conditions
Be prepared for changing weather conditions, especially when driving in the mountains.
Respect Local Traffic Laws
Adhere to speed limits and traffic regulations.
Use GPS Navigation
Utilise GPS navigation to find your way around and discover hidden gems.
Key Transportation Hubs in Queenstown
Airports
Queenstown Airport (ZQN)
The primary airport serving Queenstown, located approximately 8 kilometres (5 miles) from the town centre.
Bus Stations
Queenstown Bus Station
Located in the town centre, serving local and regional bus routes.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Queenstown?
Renting a car in New Zealand is generally a simple process, but you'll need to fulfil a few essential requirements before you can hit the road. Here's what you 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, although some may apply additional fees for those under 25.
A valid card in the main driver’s name is needed for the security deposit. Some companies may only accept credit cards for deposits.
A passport or another form of identification may be requested for international renters.
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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.
Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Queenstown as
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.
Pretty relaxed, really.
Ethan Brown
Reviewed: 26.05.2025
Pretty chill, really.
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 20.06.2025
Absolutely loved Queenstown! It was my first time, and having a car let me explore all the hidden gems. Breathtaking scenery everywhere!
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 23.11.2024
Pretty good, really.
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 04.12.2024
Pretty relaxed, overall.
Oliver Wilson
Reviewed: 21.08.2024
Pretty chill vibe.
Maya Rodriguez
Reviewed: 07.01.2025
Family vacation in Queenstown was incredible! Having a car made exploring the region so easy and convenient.
Ava Davis
Reviewed: 08.10.2024
Queenstown was stunning! A spontaneous weekend trip, made easy by having a car. The Fergburger line was longer than expected, but otherwise fantastic.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 26.06.2025