Queenstown car rental guide
Top 10 Car Rental Companies in Queenstown
The best car rental companies in Queenstown are Hertz, Avis, Europcar. Prices start from NZD 68/day for an economy car, the minimum age is 21, and airport pickup adds about 10%.
✓ Free cancellation options✓ No booking fee✓ Full-to-full suppliers✓ You book direct
Ranked comparison
Top 10 rental companies in Queenstown
Ranked by customer rating, price transparency and pickup convenience. Each opens a pre-filled search.
#1
Hertz
Editor’s pickFull-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from NZD 900Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
FromNZD 74/day
all-in estimate
View Hertz deal
#2
Avis
Top ratedFull-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from NZD 860Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
FromNZD 72/day
all-in estimate
View Avis deal
#3
Europcar
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from NZD 850Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
FromNZD 70/day
all-in estimate
View Europcar deal
#4
Budget
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from NZD 810Min age 21Free cancellationAirport
FromNZD 68/day
all-in estimate
View Budget deal
#5
Sixt
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from NZD 940Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
FromNZD 79/day
all-in estimate
View Sixt deal
#6
National
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from NZD 900Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
FromNZD 77/day
all-in estimate
View National deal
#7
Thrifty
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from NZD 720Min age 21Free cancellationAirport
FromNZD 65/day
base rate
View Thrifty deal
#8
GO Rentals
Local pickFull-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from NZD 680Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
FromNZD 63/day
base rate
View GO Rentals deal
#9
Jucy Rentals
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from NZD 630Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
FromNZD 59/day
base rate
View Jucy Rentals deal
Prices are indicative market estimates · Last checked 2026-07-22 · 2 public sources (DiscoverCars + market data)
Price guide
Prices by car type in Queenstown
| Car type | From / day | Example | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | NZD 68 | Toyota Yaris | 5 |
| Compact | NZD 83 | Toyota Corolla | 5 |
| SUV | NZD 117 | Toyota RAV4 | 5 |
| Minivan (7-seat) | NZD 166 | Toyota Estima | 7 |
| Luxury | NZD 230 | BMW 3 Series | 5 |
Pickup locations
Where to pick up a car in Queenstown
Airport — Queenstown Airport (ZQN)
ZQN sits about 8km northeast of central Queenstown, roughly a 15-minute drive, with rental desks in the terminal. New Zealand drives on the left.
Downtown — Queenstown town centre
Desks in central Queenstown suit travelers who want a car mainly for day trips to Glenorchy, Arrowtown, or the road south to Milford Sound.
Fees
Fees at a glance
| Fee | Typical amount | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Airport surcharge | ~10% of base rate | ZQN airport pickup |
| Young-driver fee (21–24) | 18–36 NZD/day | Drivers under 25 |
| Additional driver | 11–18 NZD/day | Per extra driver |
| Winter tyre/chains fee | 14–27 NZD/day | June–September mountain driving |
| One-way drop fee | 108–270 NZD | Returning to a different North/South Island city |
| Refundable deposit | 630–940 NZD | Standard hold at pickup |
Local intelligence
Things to know before renting in Queenstown
- Queenstown Airport (ZQN) sits about 8km northeast of the town centre, roughly a 15-minute drive, with rental desks in the terminal building.
- New Zealand drives on the left-hand side of the road, and mountain routes often involve narrow, winding sections.
- Prices are displayed in NZD, the local currency.
- The road to Milford Sound is one of the most scenic drives in the country but can close in winter due to snow and avalanche risk — check conditions before setting out.
- Winter (June–September) often requires snow chains or tyres for mountain passes like the Crown Range Road between Queenstown and Wanaka.
- Queenstown is New Zealand's self-styled "adventure capital", and a car makes it easy to reach bungy, ski, and hiking sites scattered around the lake.
- Fuel stations are sparse on remote routes such as Milford Sound and Glenorchy — fill up in town before long day trips.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about renting a car in Queenstown
Do you need a car in Queenstown?
The town centre is walkable, but a car is genuinely useful for day trips to Milford Sound, Glenorchy, Wanaka, and Arrowtown.
How far is Queenstown Airport from town?
About 8km, roughly a 15-minute drive, with rental desks in the terminal at ZQN.
Do I need snow chains in Queenstown?
In winter (June–September), yes for some mountain passes like the Crown Range Road — many rentals include or offer chains as an add-on.
Can I drive to Milford Sound?
Yes, it's about a 4.5-hour round trip via Te Anau, but the road can close in winter due to snow and avalanche risk.
What currency are prices shown in for Queenstown?
Prices are displayed in NZD, the local currency.
Should I fill up before driving to Glenorchy or Milford Sound?
Yes, fuel stations are sparse on these remote routes — top up in Queenstown before setting out.
What is the cheapest car type in Queenstown?
Economy cars like a Toyota Yaris start around 68 NZD/day. An SUV starts around 117 NZD/day.
