Christchurch Airport Cheap Car Rentals & Car Hire Deals

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Christchurch Airport

Renting a car at Christchurch Airport offers the freedom and flexibility to explore attractions at your own pace. This is especially beneficial for families, outdoor enthusiasts, or those seeking city-themed experiences. With a rental car, you can easily manage your luggage and create a travel plan that suits your needs. Key destinations such as Hagley Park and the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, both located 8 km away, provide ideal spots for family outings and outdoor activities. For urban experiences, Bealey Avenue is just 9 km from the airport, allowing for easy access to city life.

Additionally, having a car makes it convenient to venture into Christchurch itself, where you can experience attractions like Sumner Beach and Lyttelton Harbour. The Christchurch City Centre, 9 km away, features notable sites such as Cathedral Square and more parks. Harewood, only 3 km from the airport, also offers attractions like Styx Mill Conservation Reserve. A rental car ensures you can explore these popular destinations without the limitations of public transport, making your trip to Christchurch both enjoyable and hassle-free.

Most popular car rentals in Christchurch Airport

• Midsize SUV: This option accommodates 5 travellers with ample space for up to 3 large suitcases. It is ideal for families, couples, or small groups looking for comfort and versatility during their travels. The midsize SUV provides a great balance between space and manoeuvrability, making it suitable for both city driving and exploring scenic locations around Christchurch Airport.
• Compact: Perfect for solo travellers, couples, or small families, the compact car accommodates 5 travellers with up to 3 medium suitcases. This option is easy to park and navigate through busy areas, making it an excellent choice for those wanting to explore Christchurch Airport with convenience and ease. Its size allows for efficient fuel consumption while still offering enough room for luggage.
• Fullsize SUV: With capacity for 6 travellers and room for either 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases, the fullsize SUV is perfect for larger families or groups. This option offers generous space and comfort, making longer journeys more enjoyable. If you are planning to travel with a bigger party or need extra luggage capacity, the fullsize SUV is a reliable choice for your adventures around Christchurch Airport.

Top rated car suppliers in Christchurch Airport

• Budget: Budget is a well-regarded car rental supplier with a location conveniently situated in Christchurch Airport. Known for its excellent value, Budget allows travellers to choose from a range of vehicles, with the Midsize SUV and Compact SUV being the most booked options. This flexibility ensures you can explore the beautiful surroundings of Christchurch at your own pace, making your journey comfortable and enjoyable.
• Thrifty Car Rental: Thrifty Car Rental also boasts a convenient rental location within Christchurch Airport, catering to the needs of diverse travellers. This supplier is particularly popular for its Midsize SUV and Compact SUV offerings, making it a great choice for those looking to navigate both urban and rural landscapes with ease. Thrifty’s commitment to customer satisfaction enhances your rental experience, allowing you to focus on enjoying your trip.
• Europcar: Europcar offers a reliable car rental service with a location in Christchurch Airport, making it easy for visitors to access their fleet upon arrival. Popular choices from Europcar include the Compact SUV and Standard SUV AWD, which are perfect for tackling varied terrains around Canterbury. With a focus on quality and customer service, Europcar aims to provide a seamless car rental experience, enabling you to make the most of your time in New Zealand.

Where to stay around Christchurch Airport

• Christchurch City Centre: Located 9 km from Christchurch Airport, Christchurch City Centre is ideal for family, outdoor, and city-themed experiences. The area features popular attractions such as Hagley Park, perfect for outdoor activities, and Cathedral Square, which offers cultural insights. Visitors can enjoy a variety of shopping opportunities and dining options, including local pubs and restaurants, making it a vibrant hub for tourists.
• Riccarton: Situated 7 km away from Christchurch Airport, Riccarton is a suburb that caters to families and business travellers alike. The area is known for its shopping centres and educational institutions. Key attractions include Mona Vale and Hagley Park, both of which are suitable for outdoor activities. Riccarton also offers a variety of dining options, including wineries and restaurants, enhancing its appeal for visitors.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Christchurch Airport

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you're seeking an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economical car for budget-friendliness, utilise the filters on Expedia to discover the perfect match for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices vary based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you are likely to access lower rates and enjoy better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller cars are typically more affordable to rent and easier to park in bustling urban areas. Mid-size vehicles offer a balanced compromise between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements prior to making a booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This option is usually the most advantageous. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fuel options, which are also acceptable; just ensure you return the car empty in that scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: You will often incur a surcharge for collecting your rental car at airports, though the added convenience may justify the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies only accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind should something unexpected occur during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking with Expedia is a straightforward process.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning extensive road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Christchurch Airport

The best value period to rent a car in and around Christchurch Airport is June, when both prices and demand are slightly low. May also offers similar benefits, with affordable rates and quiet demand. Following this, July to September see average prices and demand levels, making them decent options. However, February can be the most expensive month, characterised by slightly high prices and low demand. March and April also tend to have high demand, contributing to increased rental costs during that time.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	62.1°F (16.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
February	61.5°F (16.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly High
March	58.5°F (14.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
April	54.0°F (12.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
May	49.6°F (9.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
June	45.1°F (7.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
July	43.7°F (6.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
August	45.5°F (7.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
September	48.0°F (8.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	51.1°F (10.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	55.2°F (12.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	59.4°F (15.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High