What is the Best Car Rental in Christchurch?
Renting a car provides you with the ultimate freedom to explore New Zealand. Starting your trip from Christchurch? Then check out this comparison for the best car rentals in Christchurch. This Christchurch car rental comparison will look at the Christchurch car rental market leaders that provide the best value for money. All the car rental companies listed below offer extremely competitive daily rental prices.
What gives good value for money when comparing car rentals in Christchurch? We’re looking at what’s included in the car rental, where you can pick up and drop off the vehicle, what insurance is provided, and more.
After you’re done with the car rentals in Christchurch, consider The Best Campervan Rental Companies in Christchurch too.
5 Things to Look at When Comparing Car Rental Companies in Christchurch
Our comparison of the best car rentals in Christchurch includes the most important details about each company with the exception of rental rates, as these change from season to season. Below is an overview of why each feature is important in your car rental comparison. Alternatively, head to How to Compare Car and Campervan Rental Companies in New Zealand.
Location: In Christchurch, you will collect your car hire either near the Christchurch Airport or in the city. Figure out how you are going to get to these locations. Are they convenient for you? Are there any extra fees you will need to pay for the premium location? Also, consider where you are ending your trip and whether the drop-off locations are convenient for you.
Prices and inclusions: The price of car rental in Christchurch changes largely depending on the season. Read our 20 Ways To Save Money on Car Rental in New Zealand to see when the best time to rent a car usually is. Also, when comparing prices or car hire in Christchurch, compare what’s included in that price to understand the true value of the car rental. We have added the inclusions in the comparison below. Additionally, be aware that no two insurance policies are the same, so compare what the insurance offered actually covers.
Vehicles offered: The best car rentals in Christchurch will maintain even their oldest cars to the highest standards, however, a more modern vehicle is less likely to give you any problems. You also need to find a car type that meets your needs. Get more advice in our guide, What is the Best Type of Vehicle to Rent in New Zealand?
Service: Once you have picked a few Christchurch car rental companies from this comparison, send some questions to the companies and see how helpful they are with their answers. Service will become very important should anything go wrong during your trip.
Reviews: It’s worth checking multiple review websites to compare customers experiences. Why not ask the question in a New Zealand travel Facebook Group or check out reviews on RentalCars.com?
© Bargain Rental CarsBargain Rental Cars – The Best Cheap Christchurch Car Rental
Bargain Rental Cars is all about competitive prices. Not only are their rates super affordable but they are one of the very few of the best car rentals in Christchurch with a “best price guarantee”. They have several convenient pick-up and drop-off locations. Plus, they also accept young drivers.
However, be aware of the location fee for all airport locations, which is a little higher than the usual at around NZ$30 – but with their low rental rates, they are still likely to be one of your more affordable car rental options. Finally, we also list Bargain Rental Cars in The Best Car Rental Companies in New Zealand.
Pick-up and Drop-off Locations
A courtesy shuttle is available for airport pick-up and drop-offs.
Christchurch pick-up location: Christchurch (Hornby).
Drop-off locations: Christchurch, Auckland (city centre, Onehunga, Glenfield, Mount Wellington, Grey Lynn and East Tamaki), Hamilton (Frankton) and Wellington (Cuba Street).
Vehicles Available
Small cars, large cars, scooters, van/people carriers, trucks and trailers.
Vehicle age range: 0 to 18 years old.
Inclusions
- Multiple drivers (18+ years old)
- Basic insurance (for drivers over 25 years old)
- Roadside assistance
Insurance
Free insurance with NZ$2500 excess for a 25+-year-old driver or a mandatory NZ$15 per day insurance with NZ$3500 excess for an 18-24-year-old driver. Alternatively, there are insurance add-ons for NZ$10-$19 per day with less excess and bond to pay. A NZ$250 bond is only payable if you cannot supply credit card details. Windscreen liability with no excess can be added for around NZ$5 a day.
Need an explanation for how rental car insurance works? Check our guide, New Zealand Rental Car Insurance: Explained!
© Snap RentalsSnap Rentals – The Best Christchurch Car Rental for Young Drivers
Snap Rentals is an extremely budget-friendly car rental company, especially for young drivers with insurance costs being the same for drivers of any age – they feature in The Best New Zealand Car & Campervan Rentals for Ages 18 to 25. Snap Rentals are also one of the limited car rental companies in Christchurch that hires to drivers with a restricted license. Check out the latest Snap Rentals deals on DiscoverCars.com or RentalCars.com.
Pick-up and Drop-off Locations
A courtesy shuttle is available for airport branches offering airport pick-up and drop-offs. They also do accommodation shuttle pick-up and drop-offs for airport locations.
Christchurch pick-up location: Christchurch Airport.
Drop-off locations: Christchurch, Auckland City (Parnell), Auckland Airport and Queenstown Airport.
Vehicles Available
Small cars, large cars, station wagons, 4WD/ute and people carriers.
Vehicle age range: 0 to 14 years old.
Inclusions
- Multiple drivers (18+ years old)
- Basic insurance
- Roadside assistance
Insurance
Free insurance included in the rental with NZ$2000 excess and NZ$2000 bond (cash or credit card) or get an insurance add-on for NZ$16-$24 per day for NZ$0 to $200 excess and bond to pay. There is also insurance available for restricted or P Plate licenses.
Need an explanation for how rental car insurance works? Check our guide, New Zealand Rental Car Insurance: Explained!
© ace rental carsAce Rentals – The Best Family Christchurch Car Rental
With a fleet of new and late-model vehicles, Ace Rental Cars has cars that are more likely to be reliable and be fuel-efficient. With plenty of drop-off locations, this car rental company allows you to be more flexible. There is a premium location fee for airport depots but this is minimal.
Note also that Ace Rental Cars’ do not permit their vehicles to cross between the North Island and South Island, so separate bookings will need to be made to/from their Picton or Wellington branches if travelling on both islands. We also list Ace Rental Cars as one of The Best Family Car Rentals in New Zealand.
Pick-up and Drop-off Locations
Courtesy shuttle available to and from the Christchurch Airport between 7.30am and 6.30pm. Outside of these hours incurs a fee.
Christchurch pick-up location: Christchurch Airport.
Drop-off locations: Christchurch, Auckland City, Auckland Airport, Wellington Airport, Picton, Greymouth, Dunedin Airport and Queenstown Airport.
Vehicles Available
Small cars, large cars, station wagons, 4WD, people carriers and campervans.
Vehicle age range: 0 to 8 years old.
Inclusions
- 1 driver (18+ years old)
- Basic insurance
- Roadside assistance
Insurance
Free insurance with up to NZ$2500 excess depending on the vehicle and NZ$750 bond to pay or insurance add-ons for NZ$20-$27 per day with less excess and no bond to pay.
Need an explanation for how rental car insurance works? Check our guide, New Zealand Rental Car Insurance: Explained!
© Omega Rental CarsOmega Rental Cars – The Best Christchurch Car Rental for Inclusions
With so many pick-up and drop-off locations and no one-way charges, Omega is a rental car company well worth considering if you plan to start and end your trip on different islands. What’s more, the possibility of changing rental vehicles in Wellington and Picton to reduce ferry costs is appealing.
Pick-up and Drop-off Locations
A courtesy shuttle is available for airport branches offering airport pick-up and drop-offs.
Christchurch pick-up location: Christchurch Airport.
Drop-off locations: Christchurch, Auckland City, Auckland Aiport, Wellington (Pipitea), Wellington Airport, Picton, Nelson, Blenheim, Queenstown and Queenstown Airport.
Vehicles Available
Small cars, large cars, station wagons, SUV, 4WD and people carriers.
Vehicle age range: 3 to 11 years old.
Inclusions
- Multiple drivers (18+ years old)
- One way hire available
- Option to leave a vehicle at Wellington/Picton and pick up another vehicle after the ferry crossing to reduce the cost of the ferry
- Basic insurance
- Maps and guide book with activity discounts
- Free seats for children
- Postcard and pen
Insurance
Free insurance with NZ$2500 excess and a NZ$2000 bond for 21+-year-old drivers. Different conditions apply to 18-20-year-old drivers or drivers with a restricted license. Insurance add-ons for drivers over 21 years old of NZ$25-$28 per day with either no excess or NZ$400 excess.
Need an explanation for how rental car insurance works? Check our guide, New Zealand Rental Car Insurance: Explained! Plus, learn more about age restrictions in Age Restrictions When Renting a Vehicle in New Zealand.
© HitchHitch – The Best Budget Christchurch Car Rental
Given the right season, Hitch offers some extremely affordable cars. Their budget range might have some older vehicles, as expected, but they are low mileage making for a more reliable journey.
Pick-up and Drop-off Locations
A courtesy shuttle is available for airport branches offering airport pick-up and drop-offs.
Christchurch pick-up location: Christchurch Airport.
Drop-off locations: Christchurch, Auckland Airport and Queenstown Airport.
Vehicles Available
Small cars, large cars, SUVs and van/people carriers.
Vehicle age range: 0 to 10 years old.
Inclusions
- Multiple drivers (21+ years old)
- Basic insurance
- Roadside assistance
Insurance
Free insurance with NZ$2000 excess and NZ$1000 bond by way of credit card or insurance add-ons for NZ$10-$17.50 per day with less excess.
© Apex Car RentalApex Car Rentals – The Best Christchurch Car Rental for One-Way Trips
For ultimate flexibility, Apex Car Rentals has a huge number of depots around the country with no extra costs for one-way trips. Their fleet is large and modern for a more premium experience on a budget. It’s also possible to hire vehicles without a credit card but with a debit card if you prefer.
Pick-up and Drop-off Locations
A courtesy shuttle is available for airport branches offering airport pick-up and drop-offs.
Christchurch pick-up location: Christchurch City (Kilmore Street) and Christchurch Airport.
Drop-off locations: Christchurch, Auckland City Centre (Victoria Street West), Auckland Airport, Blenheim Airport, Greymouth, Napier Airport, Nelson Airport, Nelson City, Picton Ferry Terminal, Queenstown Airport, Queenstown, Wellington (Victoria Street) and Wellington Airport.
Vehicles Available
Small cars, large cars, station wagons and 4WD and van/people carriers.
Vehicle age range: 3 to 7 years old.
Inclusions
- Multiple drivers (21+ years old)
- Basic insurance
- Roadside assistance (call out fee applies)
- Free one-way rental available
Insurance
Free insurance with NZ$2000 excess or insurance add-ons for NZ$17-$27 per day to reduce the excess.
Need an explanation for how rental car insurance works? Check our guide, New Zealand Rental Car Insurance: Explained!
© Drive NZ Rental CarsDrive NZ Rental Cars
– The Best Christchurch Car Rental for Affordability
Drive NZ is not only an affordable rental company but they also offer a price-beat guarantee. They provide a great range of cars from new to older models. There’s a minimal airport surcharge but no/minimal bond to pay. However, you will need to supply credit card details.
Pick-up and Drop-off Locations
A courtesy shuttle is available between the airport and rental depot.
Christchurch pick-up location: Christchurch Airport.
Drop-off locations: Christchurch, Auckland Airport, Waiheke Island and Queenstown.
Vehicles Available
Small cars, large cars, station wagons, 4WD, convertibles, people carriers and campervans.
Vehicle age range: 1 to 15 years old.
Inclusions
- Multiple drivers (18+ years old)
- Basic insurance
- Roadside assistance
- Free cancellation (more than 21 days prior to hire date)
- Brochures and maps
Insurance
Free insurance with NZ$2000 excess or insurance add-ons for NZ$14-19 per day with less excess. No bond is paid but credit card details are taken.
Need an explanation for how rental car insurance works? Check our guide, New Zealand Rental Car Insurance: Explained!
© Christchurch Car HireChristchurch Car Hire – The Best Independent Christchurch Car Rental
Christchurch Car Hire offers affordable car rentals with the option for one-way hire at an additional cost. They have a huge range of vehicles in the budget category. Note that unlimited kilometres only apply on rentals over three days.
Pick-up and Drop-off Locations
A courtesy shuttle is available for airport branches between 8am and 6pm offering airport pick-up and drop-offs.
Christchurch pick-up location: Christchurch Airport.
Drop-off locations: Christchurch, Dunedin City, Dunedin Airport, Greymouth, Nelson, Picton, Queenstown and Queenstown Airport.
Vehicles Available
Small cars, large cars, 4WD, station wagons, van/people carriers, and minibuses.
Vehicle age range: 5 to 10 years old.
Inclusions
- 1 driver (21+ years old)
- Roadside assistance
- Basic insurance
- Maps
Insurance
Free insurance with NZ$2000 excess for a 25+-year-old driver or NZ$2500 excess for a 21-24-year-old driver or NZ$3000 if under 21 years old. Or insurance add-ons for NZ$12.50-$20 per day with less excess to pay. A bond is also required.
Need an explanation for how rental car insurance works? Check our guide, New Zealand Rental Car Insurance: Explained! Plus, learn more about age restrictions in Age Restrictions When Renting a Vehicle in New Zealand
© Abell RentalsAbell Rentals – The Best Christchurch Minibus Rental
Abell Rentals, who are also Letz Rent a Car, have a wide range of rental vehicles including minibuses. They offer competitive base prices on their rentals. Note that there is a shuttle fee should you want to get picked up or dropped off from the airport.
Pick-up and Drop-off Locations
Christchurch pick-up locations: Christchurch (Riccarton) and Christchurch Airport.
Drop-off locations: Christchurch.
Vehicles Available
Small cars, large cars, station wagons, convertibles, people carriers, minibuses and trucks.
Vehicle age range: 1 to 10 years old.
Inclusions
- 1 driver (21+ years old)
- Basic insurance
- Roadside assistance
- Brochures and maps
- Luggage storage
Insurance
Free insurance with NZ$3500 excess.
Need an explanation for how rental car insurance works? Check our guide, New Zealand Rental Car Insurance: Explained!
© ANZED RentalsANZED Rentals – The Best Christchurch Car Rental for Families
With a great range of budget vehicles available for rent, ANZED Rentals is well worth considering for an affordable trip around New Zealand. Plus, they have quite a generous offering of inclusions with your rental. The free phone rental is a good addition but it goes without saying that you will need to pay for the credit you use on the phone. ANZED Rentals also features in The Best Family Car Rentals in New Zealand.
Pick-up and Drop-off Locations
Courtesy shuttle available within Christchurch (accommodations, airport, etc.) to and from the rental depot.
Christchurch pick-up location: Christchurch (Burnside)
Drop-off location: Christchurch, Picton and Queenstown.
Vehicles Available
Small cars, large cars, station wagons, sedans, 4WD, people carriers and classic convertibles.
Vehicle age range: 1 to 12 years old.
Inclusions
- Multiple drivers (18+ years old)
- Basic insurance
- Roadside assistance
- Mobile phone rental
- Brochures and maps
- Briefing on New Zealand road rules
- Option for free baby/child seats
Insurance
Free insurance with NZ$2000 excess for over 25-year-old drivers or more for drivers under 25 years old. Or insurance add-ons for NZ$10 per day with less excess and bond to pay. Glass cover is available for an additional daily fee.
Need an explanation for how rental car insurance works? Check our guide, New Zealand Rental Car Insurance: Explained!
© JucyJucy Rentals – The Best Christchurch Car Rental for Small Cars and People Movers
With a low minimum age and a great range of budget options, Jucy Rentals are worth considering for a budget trip around New Zealand. Be aware that they do charge a “premium location fee” for the Christchurch Airport, however, this fee is minimal.
Pick-up and Drop-off Locations
A courtesy shuttle is available for airport branches offering airport pick-up and drop-offs.
Christchurch pick-up location: Christchurch Airport.
Drop-off locations: Christchurch, Auckland Airport and Queenstown Airport.
Vehicles Available
Small cars, people carriers, campercars, campervans and motorhomes.
Vehicle age range: 3 to 150 years old.
Inclusions
- 1 driver (18+ years old)
- Roadside assistance
- Basic insurance
- Activity discounts
Insurance
Free insurance with NZ$2500 excess and NZ$2500 bond. Or insurance add-ons for NZ$20-$25 per day with less excess and less bond to pay.
Need an explanation for how rental car insurance works? Check our guide, New Zealand Rental Car Insurance: Explained!
© McDonald's Rental Cars[CLOSED] McDonald’s Rental Cars
With relatively late vehicle models and competitive prices, McDonald’s Rental Cars is a good option for renting a car in Christchurch. They are a family business that operates on a personal level – quotes and information for your rental can be obtained by contacting them directly.
Pick-up and Drop-off Locations
Courtesy shuttle available within Christchurch (accommodations, airport, etc.) to and from the rental depot.
Christchurch pick-up location: Christchurch (Rangiora).
Drop-off locations: Christchurch, Picton, Wellington, Rotorua and Auckland.
Vehicles Available
Small cars, large cars, station wagons and people carriers.
Vehicle age range: 5 to 6 years old.
Inclusions
- 1 driver (21+ years old)
- Basic insurance
- Roadside assistance
- Free baby seats available
Insurance
Free insurance with NZ$2000 excess and bond to pay for a 21+-year-old driver.
More About the Best Car Rentals in Christchurch
That’s it for the best car rentals in Christchurch. For even more car rental tips, take a look at the following guides:
- 20 Ways To Save Money on Car Rental in New Zealand
- Guide to Renting a Car/Campervan in New Zealand
- Travel By Car in New Zealand: The Ultimate Guide
Now that you’ve found the best car rental companies in Christchurch, do you need some road trip ideas? Check out the following itineraries for the best road trip routes:
![Travel By Car: How to Plan a Road Trip in New Zealand đ [2023]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=MjE4NTozNTU=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMzAwIDE5OSIgd2lkdGg9IjMwMCIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxOTkiIHhtbG5zPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2ZyI+PC9zdmc+)
