Kingston Cheap Car Rentals & Car Hire Deals

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Explore Kingston with Cheap Car Rentals and Car Hire Deals

* Price found within the past 6 days. Click for updated prices.

Economy

Chevrolet Spark
  • 4 people
Kingston, Southland, NZL
Chevrolet Spark
Economy Chevrolet Spark

Compact

Ford Focus
  • 4 people
Kingston, Southland, NZL
Ford Focus
Compact Ford Focus

Midsize

Toyota Corolla
  • 5 people
Kingston, Southland, NZL
Toyota Corolla
Midsize Toyota Corolla

SUV

Jeep Compass
  • 5 people
Kingston, Southland, NZL
Jeep Compass
SUV Jeep Compass

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What you need to know for your Kingston car rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Kingston

Renting a car in Kingston, Southland, provides the freedom to explore the stunning surroundings at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage while visiting key attractions such as Cecil Peak, located 23 km away, perfect for outdoor adventures and breathtaking scenery. Just 24 km from Kingston, Shepherd Creek Hut offers eco-friendly family experiences, while Lake Hope, also 24 km away, is ideal for romantic outings and picturesque views. The convenience of a car allows you to venture to nearby destinations like Fairlight, 10 km away, where you can explore the Kingston Library and Eyre Creek Station. A short 14 km drive leads you to Halfway Bay, featuring Queenstown Gardens and Queenstown Beach, while Garston, located 16 km from Kingston, offers additional family-friendly activities. Renting a car ensures you can tailor your travel plans to fit your desires, whether you seek outdoor activities, scenic spots, or romantic experiences. This flexibility makes car rental a popular choice for visitors wanting to truly experience the beauty and charm of the Kingston area.

Where to stay around Kingston

  • Fairlight: Located 10 km from Kingston, Fairlight is an inviting suburb perfect for those seeking outdoor adventures and romantic scenery. The area boasts stunning landmarks such as Shepherd Creek Hut and Eyre Creek Station, both of which are ideal for eco-friendly family holidays. Additionally, the Kingston Library offers a cultural experience for families. Whether you're exploring the local water features or enjoying the mountainous views, Fairlight is a delightful place to stay.
  • Halfway Bay: Situated 14 km from Kingston, Halfway Bay is a vibrant suburb that promises outdoor excitement and breathtaking scenery. The region is popular for its skiing opportunities, with nearby ski fields and resorts catering to adventure enthusiasts. Key attractions include the picturesque Queenstown Gardens and the inviting Queenstown Beach, both of which are suitable for family and romantic holidays. Halfway Bay is an excellent choice for travellers looking to immerse themselves in nature and adventure.
  • Garston: Located 16 km from Kingston, Garston is a charming suburb that offers a family-friendly atmosphere and captivating scenery. Known for its golf courses and historic village, Garston is a great base for outdoor activities. Visitors can explore attractions like Eyre Creek Station and Shepherd Creek Hut, which cater to eco-friendly family outings. The Kingston Library provides a cultural touch, making Garston a delightful destination for families and history enthusiasts alike.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Kingston

  1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you're looking for an SUV to provide extra space, a convertible for sunny days, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilise filters on Expedia to identify the best option for your journey.
  2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary significantly based on demand, so it's wise to secure your vehicle well ahead of your travel date. By booking early, you are more likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy greater availability, particularly during peak seasons.
  3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance 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 the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
  5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals implement a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most advantageous option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fuel alternatives, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the car empty in such cases.
  6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may justify the 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 unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind should any unforeseen issues arise during your trip. It’s straightforward to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
  9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning long road trips, look for rental options that offer unlimited mileage to prevent extra charges.
  10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Information on Car Rentals

Popular Car Rental Types:
Hire a SUV, Economy, Luxury, Full Size
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Frequently asked questions

How much is a rental car per day in Kingston?
You'll get serious bang for your buck in Kingston, with car rental prices within the past seven days starting from as low as per day.
Can I rent a car from Queenstown Intl. Airport (ZQN)?
You can, and there's plenty of choice. After you touch down and collect your luggage, head on over to the rental car centre in the Terminal building, a three minute walk away. Here you can arrange a booking with reputable companies like Ace, JUCY and Hertz. If you want some more options, also check out Thrifty and Avis.
What happens if I need to cancel my Kingston car reservation?
Cancelling your rental car with six hours notice should allow for a full refund. But this is not always a given. It's worth checking your booking details and rental agreement. Still can't find the answer? Hop on our Customer Service Portal.
What types of cars can I rent in Kingston?
Take the wheel of a compact vehicle in Kingston and you'll be in excellent company. The most in-demand type of rental car, these rides are easy on the wallet, good on gas and a cinch to park. With a compact car, you'll easily handle the busy city streets. Of course, you can always think big. Browse our range of larger rental categories including full-size and premium. However you like to roll, we'll have your ideal ride.
Where can I go on a road trip from Kingston?
Kingston has plenty to keep you busy, but don't restrict yourself to only one place. Organise a set of wheels and hit the road to see what's in the wider region. Here are some great options we've come up with:
  • Dunedin is 153 kilometres from Kingston. Notable tourist attractions like Larnach Castle deserve to be at the top of your list here.
  • Why not enjoy the best of Invercargill too? Unmissable tourist attractions to see here include Bill Richardson Transport World. Invercargill is 121 kilometres from Kingston.
  • Venture into the outdoors and appreciate the serenity at Mount Cook National Park. It's about 225 kilometres from Kingston.
How do I find the best car rental deals in Kingston with Expedia?
It's easy to score an awesome deal with Expedia. All you have to do is choose your preferred car type, select your dates and pickup and drop-off points, and compare offers from all the top providers. Make even bigger savings when you bundle your Kingston car rental with hotel or flight bookings.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in Kingston?
Rental car rules in Kingston require drivers to be at least 21. Are you a younger driver? Some restrictions and surcharges may apply. Most rental providers impose what's known as a young driver surcharge, which is an additional fee to the cost of the rental car. Restrictions usually apply to the categories of cars available to young people too. Age limits may differ between suppliers, so check before you book.
What do you need to rent a car in Kingston?
Before you can hop behind the wheel in Kingston, you'll need a valid driver's licence and a credit card in the same name. If you choose not to take out the company's insurance policy, you may also have to provide proof of other coverage. Requirements may vary, so read the contract terms and conditions before you select a rental company.
What side of the road do you drive on in Kingston?
In Kingston, like the rest of New Zealand, you drive on the left-hand side. Go slower to build confidence driving on the left if it's your first time.
What is the cheapest car rental in Kingston?
We looked into prices over the last seven days and found that daily rates were as low as . The next best price for rental vehicles in Kingston was a day. These rates were available on Expedia, with a rental starting date within the next year. Prices and availability are subject to change and additional terms apply.
Can I rent a car for a month or longer in Kingston?
Click through to our long-term car rental deals page, enter your trip information and then choose your perfect ride. Whether you're staying put in Kingston or venturing far beyond, Expedia will help you find a long-term rental at an amazing rate.
Where can I find a Kingston car rental if I am younger than 25?
The ability to rent a vehicle if you're under 25 years in Kingston often depends on the rental provider you select. Some places apply a surcharge for customers between 21 and 24 years old, but others may not have any extra fees for this age bracket. Make sure you understand the terms and conditions of your prospective car rental dealer to avoid unnecessary costs when picking up your keys.

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