What is the Best Car Rental in Queenstown?
Starting your trip from Queenstown puts you right in the heart of the South Island beauty, but which car rental company in Queenstown is the right one for you? Use our comparison of the best car rentals in Queenstown to make the decision that will lead to an awesome road trip in New Zealand.
Before we get started with our comparison of the best car rental companies in Queenstown, be sure to make the most of Queenstown before you hit the road by checking out The Complete Travel Guide to Queenstown and the 50 Best Things to Do in Queenstown.
Table of Contents
5 Things to Look at When Comparing Car Rental Companies in Queenstown
Our comparison of the best car rentals in Queenstown 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.
1. Location
In Queenstown, most car rental companies are based close to Queenstown Airport, with a few exceptions in the centre of Queenstown. Are they convenient for you? Are there any extra fees you will need to pay for the “premium” location, i.e. the airport?
Also, consider where you are ending your trip and whether the drop-off locations are convenient for you, too.
2. Prices and Inclusions
The price of car rental in Queenstown 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.
Plus, when comparing prices of car hire in Queenstown, 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 actually covers.
3. Vehicles Offered
Most car rental companies in Queenstown 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.
See What is the Best Type of Vehicle to Rent in New Zealand? for more advice.
4. Service
Once you have picked a few car rental companies in Queenstown 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.
5. 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 Booking.com or DiscoverCars.com?
© NZPocketGuide.comSnap Rentals – The Easiest to Use Car Rental in Queenstown
Snap Rentals is one of the most trusted and easy-to-use car rental companies in New Zealand, with a strong focus on young drivers.
The minimum hire age is just 18 years old, and insurance costs are the same for all ages. They’re also one of the few rental companies in Queenstown that hire to drivers with a restricted or provisional license, making them a go-to choice for younger travellers, making them a top contender in The Best New Zealand Car & Campervan Rentals for Ages 18 to 25.
Needless to say, Snap Rentals has built a solid reputation as a positive disruptor on the Queenstown car rental scene, prioritising people and ensuring a smooth experience.
Even better, you can score an exclusive 10% discount with the code POCKET10 when booking directly at snaprentals.co.nz.
Pick-up and Drop-off Locations
A courtesy shuttle is available for airport branches offering airport pick-ups and drop-offs. They also do accommodation shuttle pick-ups and drop-offs for airport locations. Also note that their one-way fees are only charged during periods of high demand.
Queenstown pick-up location: Queenstown Airport.
Drop-off locations: Auckland Downtown (Parnell), Auckland Airport, Wellington Airport, Nelson Airport, Christchurch Airport and Queenstown Airport.
Vehicles Available
Small cars, large cars, station wagons, 4WDs/utes and people movers.
Vehicle age range: 0 to 14 years old.
Inclusions
- 1 driver (18+ years old)
- Basic insurance
- Roadside assistance
Insurance
Free insurance is included in the rental with NZ$3000 excess and NZ$2000 bond (cash or credit card) or get an insurance add-on for NZ$29-$34 per day for NZ$0 to $500 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!
© ApexApex Car Rentals – The Best Queenstown 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.
Learn more about Apex Rental Cars at apexrentals.co.nz.
Pick-up and Drop-off Locations
A courtesy shuttle is available for airport branches offering airport pick-up and drop-offs.
Queenstown pick-up location: Queenstown (Shotover Street) and Queenstown Airport.
Drop-off locations: Auckland City Centre (Victoria Street West), Auckland Airport, Blenheim Airport, Christchurch Airport, Christchurch City (Kilmore Street), Greymouth Railway Station, Invercargill Airport, Napier Airport, Nelson Airport, Picton Ferry Terminal, Queenstown Airport, Tauranga Airport, Wellington (Victoria Street) and Wellington Airport.
Vehicles Available
Small cars, large cars, station wagons and 4WD and vans/people carriers.
Vehicle age range: 3 to 7 years old.
Inclusions
- Multiple drivers (21+ years old)
- Basic insurance
- Roadside assistance
- Free one-way rental available
Insurance
Free insurance with NZ$3,300 excess or insurance add-ons for NZ$40.46-$46.97 per day to reduce the excess. Need an explanation of how rental car insurance works? Check our guide, New Zealand Rental Car Insurance: Explained!
© GO RentalsGO Rentals – The Best All-Rounder Queenstown Car Rental
GO Rentals has a large fleet of rental cars in all the major arrival cities in New Zealand. Their modern fleet means less chance of a breakdown, however, should it happen, roadside assistance is included in every rental. The Queenstown car rental company also offers hundreds of discounts on activities around the country.
What’s more, GO Rentals is one of the first car rental companies in New Zealand to offer EV rentals – find out more about How to Travel Around New Zealand in an Electric Car. Note that there is a premium location fee for airport depots but this is minimal.
Check out the latest Go Rentals deals on DiscoverCars.com.
Pick-up and Drop-off Locations
A courtesy shuttle is available for airport branches offering airport pick-up and drop-offs.
Queenstown pick-up location: Queenstown Airport.
Drop-off locations: Auckland City Centre, Auckland Airport, Waiheke – Matiatia, Wellington Airport, Nelson Airport, Christchurch Airport, Queenstown Airport, Invercargill Airport and Dunedin Airport.
Vehicles Available
Small cars, large cars, station wagons, 4WDs, vans/people movers and EVs.
Vehicle age range: 0 to 4 years old.
Inclusions
- 1 driver (21+ years old)
- Basic insurance
- Roadside assistance
- GO Play discount card (discounts on 200+ activities, restaurants and accommodations).
Insurance
© ace rental carsAce Rental Cars – The Best Queenstown Car Rental for Families
With a fleet of new and late-model vehicles, Ace Rentals has cars that are more likely to be reliable and fuel-efficient. With plenty of drop-off locations, this 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.
At least this saves you on ferry fees. Check out the latest Ace Renal Cars deals on Booking.com.
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 Queenstown Airport between 8 am and 8:30 pm.
Queenstown pick-up location: Queenstown Airport.
Drop-off locations: Auckland City (Victoria Street West), Auckland Airport, Wellington Airport, Wellington City, Picton Ferry Terminal, Greymouth Train Station, Christchurch Airport, Dunedin Airport and Queenstown Airport.
Vehicles Available
Small cars, large cars, station wagons, 4WDs, people movers 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$5,900 excess depending on the vehicle and NZ$200 bond to pay or insurance add-ons for NZ$35-$46 per day with less excess and NZ$200 to pay.
Need an explanation of how rental car insurance works? Check our guide, New Zealand Rental Car Insurance: Explained!
© OMEGAOmega Rental Cars – The Best Queenstown Car Rental for Inclusions
With so many pick-up and drop-off locations with no one-way charges, Omega is 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.
You’ll also find Omega Rental Cars listed in The Best Car Rental Companies in New Zealand.
Pick-up and Drop-off Locations
A courtesy shuttle is available for airport branches offering airport pick-up and drop-offs.
Queenstown pick-up locations: Queenstown (Beach Street) and Queenstown Aiport.
Drop-off locations: Auckland City, Auckland Aiport, Wellington City (Pipitea), Wellington Airport, Picton Ferry, Nelson Airport, Blenheim Airport, Christchurch Airport, Queenstown City and Queenstown Airport.
Vehicles Available
Small cars, large cars, station wagons, SUVs, 4WDs and people movers.
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 guidebook with activity discounts
- Free seats for children
- Postcard and pen
Insurance
Free insurance with NZ$2,500 excess and a NZ$2,000 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 in NZ are NZ$40-$50 per day with either no excess or NZ$400 excess.
Need an explanation of 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.
© Ezi Car RentalsEzi Car Rental – The Best Queenstown Car Rental for New Vehicles
With a fleet of 1,800 vehicles, there are plenty of options with Ezi Car Rental. Most of the models are late models, with the exception of a few, so if you are looking for reliability then Ezi is for you! As a good all-rounder, Ezi easily makes it into our comparison of the best car rentals in Queenstown.
Check out the latest Ezi Car Rentals deals on Booking.com.
Pick-up and Drop-off Locations
The Ezi Car Rental kiosk is located inside the airport.
Queenstown pick-up location: Queenstown Airport.
Drop-off locations: Auckland Domestic and International Airports, Auckland City, Gisborne Airport, Gisborne City, Hamiton Airport, Hamilton City, Napier Airport, New Plymouth Airport, Palmerston North Airport, Rotorua Airport, Taupo Airport, Tauranga Airport, Blenheim Aiport, Christchurch Airport, Christchurch City, Wellington Airport, Greymouth Train Station, Hokitika Airport, Invercargill Airport, Nelson Airport, Dunedin Airport and Queenstown Airport.
Vehicles Available
Small cars, large cars, station wagons, 4WDs, utes, and people movers.
Vehicle age range: 0 to 3 years old.
Inclusions
- 2 drivers (21+ years old)
- Basic insurance
- Roadside assistance
Insurance
Free insurance with NZ$5,999 excess or insurance add-ons for NZ$35-$44 per day with less or no excess. Need an explanation of how rental car insurance works? Check our guide, New Zealand Rental Car Insurance: Explained!
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© SIXTSIXT – The Best Queenstown Car Rental for Luxury Vehicles
If you want to make luxury part of your getaway from Queenstown then set your sights on SIXT. With supercars among their upscale fleet of European, Japanese and American brands, their vehicles are certainly chosen to impress.
If that seems a little much for your road trip, however, high-end compact cars, SUVs, EVs and people movers will still do the trick in style. Download their app so you can open your vehicle electronically with your phone for extra pizazz!
Check out the latest SIXT deals on DiscoverCars.com.
Pick-up and Drop-off Locations
A courtesy shuttle is available to and from the airport and rental depots.
Queenstown pick-up location: Queenstown Airport.
Drop-off locations: Auckland City, Auckland Airport, Wellington Airport, Christchurch Airport, Queenstown Airport and Dunedin Airport.
Vehicles Available
Small cars (VW Sharan), medium cars (Toyota Corolla Hatch), EVs (Audi e-tron, Polestar 2), SUVs (VW T-Roc, VW Tiguan, people-movers (Hyundai Staria, Ford Transit) and supercars (McLaren GT, Porsche, Jaguar and Land Rover).
Vehicle age range: 0 to 2 years old.
Inclusions
- Multiple drivers (21+ years old)
- Basic insurance
Insurance
Free Loss Damage Waiver insurance with NZ$5,000 excess plus third-party insurance. The option to reduce the excess amount comes at a daily fee of approximately NZ$49-$58.
Need an explanation of how rental car insurance works? Check our guide, New Zealand Rental Car Insurance: Explained!
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© Yes RentalsYes Rentals – The Fastest Queenstown Car Rental for Pick-up and Drop-off
An effortless transition from airport to road awaits when renting with Yes Rentals. The Queenstown car rental company offers free transfers between the airport and their depot, while check-in is available online to speed up the process. Also boasting free cancellations, Yes Rentals is a peace-of-mind option if your travel plans are a bit iffy.
Check out the latest Yes Rentals deals on DiscoverCars.com.
Pick-up and Drop-Off Locations
A courtesy shuttle is available for airport branches offering airport pick-up and drop-offs between airports and depots.
Queenstown pick-up location: Queenstown Airport.
Drop-off locations: Christchurch Airport, Auckland Downtown, Auckland Airport and Queenstown Airport.
Vehicles Available
Small cars, large cars, hybrids, AWDs, SUVs and vans/people carriers.
Vehicle age range: 5 to 17 years old.
Inclusions
- Multiple drivers (21+ years old)
- Basic insurance
- 24/7 helpline
- Free cancellation
- Free travel guide
Insurance
Free collision waiver damage and theft waiver insurance with NZ$4,900 excess. Insurance add-ons for NZ$22-29 per day are available with less or no excess to pay.
Need an explanation of how rental car insurance works? Check our guide, New Zealand Rental Car Insurance: Explained!
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© Budget Rent A CarBudget Rent A Car – The Best Queenstown Car Rental for Locations
Boasting around 35 locations across New Zealand, Budget‘s main enticement is the flexibility to pick up and drop off vehicles almost anywhere!
Despite the price of vehicles not being as “budget” as the name implies, nor with as many inclusions as other rental companies in Queenstown, they maintain an up-to-date fleet including hybrids, as well as offer locations ideal for a more flexible road trip from Queenstown.
Check out the latest Budget deals on DiscoverCars.com or Booking.com.
Pick-up and Drop-Off Locations
Queenstown pick-up location: Queenstown Downtown (Stanley Street) and Queenstown Airport.
Drop-off locations: Queenstown, Auckland Airport, Auckland Downtown, Auckland Penrose, Auckland North Shore, Blenheim Airport, Christchurch Airport, Christchurch Downtown, Christchurch Sheffield Crescent, Dunedin Airport, Dunedin Downtown, Gisborne Airport, Greymouth Railway Station, Hamilton Airport, Hamilton Downtown, Hokitika Airport, Invercargill Airport, Kerikeri Airport, Napier Airport, Nelson Airport, New Plymouth Airport, Palmerston North Airport, Rotorua Airport, Taupo Airport, Taupo Downtown, Tauranga Airport, Wellington Airport, Wellington Downtown, Petone Lower Hutt and Whangarei Airport.
Vehicles Available
Small cars, large cars, hybrids, SUVs, utes and vans.
Vehicle age range: 2 to 10 years old.
Inclusions
- 1 driver (21+ years old) + 1 free additional driver if they are the main driver’s spouse and over 25 years old
- Basic insurance
Insurance
Free loss or damage liability insurance is included with all rentals with NZ$5,350-6,150 excess depending on the vehicle. Excess reduction or zero excess is available for an additional daily fee of NZ$31-$43. Need an explanation of how rental car insurance works? Check our guide, New Zealand Rental Car Insurance: Explained!
© AlamoAlamo (Redspot Car Rentals) – The Best Queenstown Airport Car Rental
The Australian-based company, Alamo, has a fleet of Kia, Toyota and Mitsubishi cars available to rent from Queenstown Airport. They have a convenient rental depot within walking distance of the airport.
However, there are a number of restrictions to renting a car with Alamo that are worth knowing about:
- There is a young driver surcharge that applies at NZ$13 per day for drivers between 21-24 years old and you must have held your license for at least one year
- They charge an airport surcharge of around NZ$45, which is much higher than the usual
- You are not permitted to take rental cars above the snow line in winter, so their vehicles are not suitable for driving to the Queenstown ski fields.
Check out the latest Alamo Rentals deals on DiscoverCars.com or Booking.com.
Pick-up and Drop-off Locations
Queenstown pick-up location: Queenstown Airport.
Drop-off locations: Queenstown, Auckland Airport, Christchurch Airport and Wellington Airport.
Vehicles Available
Small cars, large cars, station wagons and people movers.
Vehicle age range: 0 to 6 years old.
Inclusions
- 1 driver (21+ years old)
- Basic insurance
Insurance
Free insurance with NZ$4,500 excess or insurance add-ons for NZ$34-$44 per day with less excess and bond to pay (the excess can only be reduced to NZ$340 for drivers aged 21-24 years old). Roadside assistance and tire/windshield cover are an additional daily rate.
Need an explanation of how rental car insurance works? Check our guide, New Zealand Rental Car Insurance: Explained!
© JucyJUCY Rentals – The Best Queenstown Car Rental for Small Cars and People Movers
With a low minimum age and a great range of budget options, JUCY Rentals is worth considering for a budget trip around New Zealand. Be aware that they do charge a “premium location fee” for the Queenstown Airport.
However, this fee is minimal. Check out the latest JUCY deals on DiscoverCars.com or Booking.com.
Learn more about their campervan fleet in The Best Motorhome & Campervan Rentals in Queenstown.
Pick-up and Drop-off Locations
A courtesy shuttle is available for airport branches offering airport pick-up and drop-offs.
Queenstown pick-up location: Queenstown Airport.
Drop-off locations: Auckland Airport, Queenstown Airport and Christchurch Airport.
Vehicles Available
Small cars, large cars, 4WDs, vans/people movers, and campercars and campervans.
Vehicle age range: 0 to 10 years old.
Inclusions
- 1 driver (18+ years old)
- Roadside assistance
- Basic insurance
- Activity discounts
Insurance
Free insurance with NZ$3,000 excess and NZ$3,000 bond. Or insurance add-ons for NZ$30-$45 per day with less excess and no bond to pay.
Need an explanation of how rental car insurance works? Check our guide, New Zealand Rental Car Insurance: Explained!
More About the Best Car Rentals in Queenstown
That’s it for the best car rentals in Queenstown. For even more car rental tips, check out the following guides:
- 20 Ways to Save Money on Car Rental in New Zealand
- Renting a Car in New Zealand: The Essential Guide
- Travel By Car: How to Plan a Road Trip in New Zealand
Now that you’ve found the best car rental companies in Queenstown, do you need some road trip ideas? Check out the following itineraries for the best road trip routes:
- South Island in 1 Week: Road Trip Itinerary
- South Island in 2 Weeks: Road Trip Itinerary
- New Zealand in 3 Weeks: Road Trip Itinerary
- New Zealand in a Month: Road Trip Itinerary
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Complete Travel Guide to Queenstown and The Best Travel Guide to New Zealand.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
- Immigration New Zealand (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2025])
- New Zealand Customs Service (Customs and Biosecurity - Updated [2025])
- New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD online platform - Updated [2025])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2025])
- Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2025])
- Stats NZ (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2025])
- Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2025])
- DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2025])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2025])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2025])
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
