Queenstown Cheap Car Rentals & Car Hire Deals

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Explore Queenstown with Cheap Car Rentals and Car Hire Deals

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

Compact Elite SUV

Mercedes GLA 200

5 people
Unlimited mileage

AU$168

total

found 11 hours ago

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Lowest prices found within the past 11 hours. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

What you need to know for your Queenstown car rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Queenstown

Renting a car in Queenstown offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the stunning surroundings at your own pace. Whether you are travelling with family, carrying luggage, or seeking romantic experiences, a rental car provides an ideal solution for comfortable travel. With your own vehicle, you can easily access key attractions like the Queenstown Gardens, perfect for family outings and romantic strolls, or take a ride on the Skyline Queenstown gondola for breathtaking views and adventure. Located less than 1 km away, Queenstown Beach is also a convenient stop for a relaxing day by the water.

Additionally, a rental car allows for easy day trips to nearby destinations such as Kawarau Falls, just 4 km from Queenstown, where you can enjoy more of the region's natural beauty. Areas like Frankton and Queenstown City Centre feature attractions like Steamer Wharf and provide a vibrant atmosphere for exploration. Having your own vehicle means no need to rely on public transport, letting you create a travel plan that suits your interests and schedule perfectly.

Most popular car rentals in Queenstown

Compact: The Compact car is a popular choice for tourists in Queenstown, accommodating up to 5 travellers and allowing for up to 3 medium suitcases. This option is ideal for solo travellers, couples, or families seeking an efficient and manoeuvrable vehicle for their adventures. Its size makes it easy to navigate the winding roads of Queenstown while providing ample space for luggage, ensuring a comfortable travel experience.
Midsize SUV: The Midsize SUV is a versatile option that comfortably accommodates 5 travellers with room for up to 3 large suitcases. Perfect for families, couples, or small groups, this vehicle offers a balance of space and comfort. With a higher driving position and more robust features, it makes exploring the stunning landscapes of Queenstown a pleasure, providing stability and flexibility for your journey.
Fullsize SUV: For larger groups or families, the Fullsize SUV is an excellent choice, accommodating up to 6 travellers and allowing for either 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This vehicle is designed for those who require extra space and comfort during their travels. With its capacity to handle both passengers and luggage, the Fullsize SUV is perfect for groups looking to explore Queenstown and its breathtaking surroundings with ease.

Top rated car suppliers in Queenstown

Budget: With 4 rental locations in the Queenstown area, Budget is a popular choice for travellers seeking flexibility. Renowned for their Midsize SUV and Compact SUV options, they provide a great balance of space and comfort. Whether you're navigating the scenic roads or heading to local attractions, Budget ensures a reliable and convenient rental experience.
Sixt: Sixt operates 1 rental location in Queenstown, making it a straightforward option for your car rental needs. They offer a selection of vehicles, with their Standard SUV AWD and Compact models being the most booked. Sixt is known for its friendly service, ensuring that your car rental process is smooth and hassle-free, allowing you to enjoy your trip to the fullest.
Thrifty Car Rental: With 2 convenient locations around Queenstown, Thrifty Car Rental is another excellent choice for visitors. Their fleet includes popular options like Midsize SUV and Compact SUV, catering to various travel needs. Thrifty is committed to providing a great value rental experience, ensuring you can explore the stunning landscapes of Queenstown and beyond with ease.

Where to stay in and around Queenstown

Queenstown City Centre: Located in the heart of Queenstown, this vibrant neighbourhood is perfect for travellers seeking outdoor adventures and romantic experiences. With nearby attractions like the stunning Skyline Queenstown cable car and the beautiful Queenstown Gardens, visitors can enjoy breathtaking scenery. The area is also home to a variety of shopping options and dining venues, including local wineries and distilleries. Ideal for families and adventure seekers alike, Queenstown City Centre offers something for everyone.
Kawarau Falls: Just 4 km from Queenstown, Kawarau Falls is a suburb known for its outdoor activities and picturesque scenery. This area is popular for skiing and golfing, making it a great choice for sports enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the nearby Queenstown Gardens and enjoy the serene views around the lake and mountains. Kawarau Falls also offers access to local wineries, providing a delightful experience for those who enjoy fine wines amidst stunning landscapes.
Frankton: Nestled around the Queenstown area, Frankton is an appealing suburb for those who appreciate outdoor activities and romantic getaways. With its proximity to the beautiful Queenstown Beach and the Skyline Queenstown, Frankton provides excellent opportunities for outdoor exploration. The suburb features shopping areas and dining options, including local wineries. Visitors can enjoy the scenic views of the lake and mountains, making it a wonderful spot for relaxation and adventure.

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

Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for extra space, a convertible for the summer months, or an economical car for budget-friendliness, utilise filters on Expedia to assist you in finding the ideal match for your journey.
Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your car well in advance of your trip. By booking early, you are likely to obtain lower rates and benefit from better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals offer a good compromise between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—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.
Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, which means 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 fuel options, which are acceptable too. Just ensure that you return the car empty in that scenario.
Save on city and airport pickups: You will often incur a surcharge for collecting your rental car at airports, but this may be worthwhile for the added convenience it provides.
Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides you with added peace of mind should anything unexpected occur during your trip. It is straightforward to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
Consider unlimited mileage: If you are planning extended road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra fees.
Bring your driver's licence and ID: A valid driver's licence is necessary to hire a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Queenstown

The best value period to rent a car in and around Queenstown is May, when both prices and demand are slightly low. April and June also offer reasonable options, with average demand and moderate pricing. As the year progresses, July tends to be the busiest month, with higher demand and average prices. Following closely, December is the most expensive month for rentals, characterised by slightly high prices and average demand. January and February are also relatively busy, particularly with slightly high demand in January.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	56.5°F (13.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
February	56.7°F (13.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly High
March	53.2°F (11.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
April	47.7°F (8.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	42.1°F (5.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
June	36.7°F (2.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
July	34.9°F (1.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Average
August	36.9°F (2.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Average
September	39.9°F (4.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	44.4°F (6.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
November	49.8°F (9.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
December	54.5°F (12.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High

Information on Car Rentals

Car Rental Suppliers Available:
Popular Car Rental Types:	Hire a SUV, Economy, Luxury, Full Size
Today's Best Car Rental Offer:	AU$168
Second Best Car Rental Deal:
Third Best Car Rental Deal:
Airport to hotel transportation:	Airport Transportation

Frequently asked questions

How much is a rental car per day in Queenstown?

Low-priced car rentals started at AU$168 a day in Queenstown, based on prices within the past seven days. With rates like this, we make it easy to grab some keys and cruise off for less.

Can I rent a car from Queenstown Intl. Airport (ZQN)?

Yes, and you have plenty of choice. After arriving at Queenstown Intl. Airport (ZQN), just walk to the rental car centre in the Terminal building, a three minute walk away. Here you can choose from reputable companies like Ace, JUCY and Hertz. If you'd like some more options, check out the deals from Thrifty and Avis.

What happens if I need to cancel my Queenstown car reservation?

Not a problem! If you cancel your reservation more than six hours prior to the pickup time, you may qualify for all of your money back. Be sure to read the rental policy as there are some exceptions. Jump onto our Customer Service Portal if you still have questions.

What types of cars can I rent in Queenstown?

Not too small yet not too big, compact cars are the first choice for many travellers to Queenstown. Featuring exceptional mileage and easy handling and parking, they're well-suited to exploring the city. A compact car is slightly roomier than an economy vehicle, so you can cruise around in a little more comfort and style. Prefer a bit more legroom? Check out our standard, intermediate and full-size options.

Where can I go on a road trip from Queenstown?

Once you've visited all of the fabulous places in Queenstown, there's loads more to discover in the surrounding area. Pick up the keys to a rental car, stow your bags in the trunk and get out on the open road. Here are some drives you're sure to enjoy:

You'll find Larnach Castle and many more amazing sights in Dunedin. From Queenstown, it's about 177 kilometres away.
Why not see everything on offer in Invercargill too? Notable tourist attractions in this colourful city include Bill Richardson Transport World. Invercargill is roughly 153 kilometres from Queenstown.
Make your way to Mount Cook National Park to discover some local nature. Pack a picnic to enjoy or just relax and unwind. From Queenstown, it's around 209 kilometres away.

How do I find the best car rental deals in Queenstown with Expedia?

Browse our fantastic selection of car rentals, check out customer recommendations and compare prices from big-name suppliers. In a few easy clicks, Expedia will help you get the best deal on your ride. Got a flight or hotel booking? Add on your Queenstown car rental to save even more money.

How old do you have to be to rent a car in Queenstown?

Queenstown requires drivers to be 21 and above before they can rent a vehicle. However, young drivers can expect a surcharge and some choice restrictions. Most suppliers impose a daily young renter fee in addition to the standard car rental rate. This covers the extra risk of accident or damage. While many car categories (like compact and economy) are available to young drivers, restrictions generally apply to luxury and specialty vehicles.

What do you need to rent a car in Queenstown?

Most rental companies will ask for these two things — a current driver's licence and credit card. If you decide to opt out of the supplier's insurance plan, proof of your own coverage may also be needed. Read through your policy so you know what to bring with you to the rental counter.

What side of the road do you drive on in Queenstown?

If you're renting a vehicle in Queenstown or planning a big road trip in New Zealand, you'll be driving on the left. Also, the steering wheel will be on a different side to what you're accustomed to in the U.S. This may take a while to get the hang of, so take things slow at the start.

What is the cheapest car rental in Queenstown?

The two cheapest daily rates on offer in Queenstown within the past seven days were AU$168 and . How's that for a bargain? 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 Queenstown?

Yes, and you'll find your ideal ride on our long-term car rental deals page. Simply enter your trip details and we'll list fabulous options from a range of trustworthy companies.

Where can I find a Queenstown car rental if I am younger than 25?

This depends on the car rental companies that are in Queenstown. They often have different policies when it comes to minimum ages. If you've found a place that does cater to drivers under 25 years of age, take note that additional costs may apply. Do some research into what those charges could be before picking up the keys to your vehicle.

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