Christchurch Cheap Car Rentals & Car Hire Deals

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Christchurch

Renting a car in Christchurch offers you the freedom to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily visit popular attractions like Sumner Beach, which is perfect for a day by the water, or Lyttelton Harbour, known for its stunning scenery. If you're travelling with family, you can take a leisurely drive to Hagley Park, an urban park ideal for outdoor activities and relaxation. The convenience of having your own vehicle allows for flexible travel plans, making it easy to manage your luggage as you explore. You can also venture into the Christchurch City Centre to see key sights such as Cathedral Square and the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. For those arriving via Christchurch Airport, having a rental car simplifies your travel, enabling you to reach your accommodation or attractions like Riccarton, where you can enjoy beautiful sites like Mona Vale and Hagley Park. Whether you're seeking family-friendly outings, outdoor adventures, or city experiences, a rental car is a practical choice for navigating Christchurch and its vicinity.

Most popular car rentals in Christchurch

• Compact: The Compact car option is a popular choice for travellers in Christchurch, accommodating up to 5 individuals with space for 3 medium suitcases. This vehicle is ideal for solo adventurers, couples, or small families looking for a nimble and efficient way to explore the region. Its size makes it easy to navigate through the city while providing the comfort and convenience of personal space for your journey.
• Midsize SUV: For those needing a bit more space, the Midsize SUV is an excellent option, comfortably seating 5 travellers and allowing for 3 large suitcases. This type of vehicle is well-suited for families, couples, or small groups who wish to enjoy the flexibility of driving around Christchurch with additional luggage capacity. Its elevated stance also provides a better view of the surrounding landscapes, enhancing your travel experience.
• Fullsize SUV: The Fullsize SUV is perfect for larger parties, accommodating up to 6 travellers and offering room for either 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This vehicle is ideal for families or groups seeking ample space and comfort during their travels in and around Christchurch. With its generous capacity, the Fullsize SUV ensures that everyone can enjoy the journey together without compromising on comfort or storage.

Top rated car suppliers in Christchurch

• Budget: Budget operates 3 rental locations within Christchurch, making it a convenient choice for travellers. Known for its popular Midsize SUV and Compact SUV options, Budget provides flexibility for exploring the region. Many customers appreciate the ease of managing their luggage and adjusting their itineraries with these vehicle types, ensuring a comfortable travel experience.
• Thrifty Car Rental: With 2 rental locations in Christchurch, Thrifty Car Rental is another excellent option for visitors. The Midsize SUV and Compact SUV are the most booked vehicles here, catering to those who seek practicality and comfort. Thrifty's presence in the area allows for straightforward access and a smooth rental process, enhancing the overall travel experience.
• Europcar: Europcar features 1 rental location in Christchurch and is well-regarded for its selection of Compact SUVs and Standard SUV AWD vehicles. These options provide a great balance of space and capability for navigating both urban and rural areas. With Europcar, travellers can enjoy a hassle-free rental experience, allowing them to make the most of their time in Christchurch and beyond.

Where to stay in Christchurch

• Christchurch City Centre: A vibrant neighbourhood offering a mix of family, outdoor, and city-themed experiences. Here, you can explore popular attractions such as Hagley Park, perfect for a family outing or a leisurely stroll. The iconic Cathedral Square serves as a cultural hub, while the Christchurch Botanic Gardens provides a picturesque setting for outdoor activities. The area boasts a variety of dining options, including pubs and restaurants, making it an ideal base for your stay.
• Riccarton: This suburb is well-suited for families and business travellers alike, featuring a range of shopping areas and educational institutions. Key points of interest in Riccarton include Mona Vale, an urban park that is perfect for outdoor relaxation, and Hagley Park, which is also accessible. Cathedral Square is nearby, offering additional cultural experiences. Dining options, including wineries, enhance the appeal of this neighbourhood for visitors.
• Merivale: Known for its family and business-friendly atmosphere, Merivale offers a variety of shopping experiences, from malls to boutique shops. Local attractions include St. Mary's Merivale, a charming church ideal for cultural exploration, and the ever-popular Hagley Park, which is perfect for outdoor activities. Nearby dining options cater to diverse tastes, making it a convenient and pleasant area to stay during your visit.

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

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle types and features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for the summer months, or an economical car for budget-friendliness, utilise the filters on Expedia to discover the ideal match for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it is advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you are likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are generally 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 30 years may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain types of vehicles—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 before making a booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is usually the most advantageous option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling options, which are also acceptable; just ensure to return the vehicle empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: You are likely to incur a surcharge for collecting your rental car at airports, but the added convenience may justify the cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can shield you from unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind in case of unexpected events during your trip. It is straightforward to add car rental insurance when booking with Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you are planning extensive road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to avoid extra 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

The best value period to rent a car in and around Christchurch is June, when both prices and demand are at their lowest. May also offers slightly low prices with low demand, making it an appealing choice. Following June, July to September sees average prices and demand, providing a balanced option. However, January is typically the most expensive month, with high demand, while February can also be pricier despite slightly lower demand compared to January.

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