Car Rental at Christchurch Airport

Cheapest car rental rates




































































































Why book with us?




- Cheapest car rental rates
- Why book with us?
- Travel information
- Airport travel guide
- Top international routes
- Main airlines
- Terminals
- Location
- Most popular types of rental car
- Car rental desks
- Services and facilities
- Nearest gas station
- Popular one-way rentals
- Airport info
- Top 20 locations near Christchurch Airport
- Map of top car rental locations
- When to book at Christchurch Airport and for how long?
- Car rental information
- Most popular car models of rental suppliers
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Here's what travelers say about renting a car at Christchurch Airport
- Car rental statistics
- Top 39 suppliers at Christchurch Airport in 2025
- Award-winning service
Travel information
Airport travel guide

The largest city on New Zealand’s South Island, Christchurch is one of the main gateways to everything that this majestic, sparsely populated region has to offer, as well as being an interesting destination in its own right. Continuing to admirably recover from the series of earthquakes that plagued the city at the beginning of the 2010s, it is home to a surprising number of landmarks and things to do and has many great places around it that are perfect for day trips. Here are some of them:
- International Antarctic Centre. One of the southernmost cities in the world, Christchurch is a global hub for the exploration of the relatively-nearby Antarctica. Shared by the New Zealandic, Italian, and American Antarctic programs, the International Antarctic Centre is a fascinating place to learn about the majestic seventh continent. Attractions include the experience of what an Antarctic field trip is like, a snow storm room, and even a rescue center for the kororā (or little blue penguin). Visit the centre’s website to find out about visiting.
- Orana Wildlife Park. The largest of its kind in New Zealand, Orana is a wildlife sanctuary dedicated to the protection of threatened species. With minimal fencing and many of the animals roaming free, it feels more like a safari than a zoo (visitors, instead of animals, are kept inside portable cages where barriers are necessary). Some of Orana’s inhabitants include silverback gorillas, lions, and many native animals. It also has educational programs about conservation.
- Arthur’s Pass National Park. Named after a mountain pass in New Zealand’s Southern Alps, this is one of the largest and most popular nature reserves in the area. Retaining its original wilderness, Arthur’s Pass National Park is also a great place for climbing, hiking, skiing, or simply taking in the mountain views. Located about 135 km (84 miles) northwest of Christchurch, Arthur’s Pass takes less than two hours to reach and can thus be visited on a day trip (although there are opportunities for accommodation in and around the park). Other, smaller nature areas closer to Christchurch include the Torlesse Tussocklands Park and Waimakariri River Regional Park (both are on the way to Arthur’s Pass), as well as the Banks Peninsula to the east.
- Arts Centre. Located on Worcester Boulevard, in the city itself, this is one of the most important art spaces of Christchurch and South Island. The center is made up of a complex of stunning Gothic buildings that used to house local boys and girls’ high schools. There are 23 buildings in total, 21 of which have been given heritage status. The area was badly damaged in 2011, but impressively, about 75% of them have since been reopened.
- Akaroa. The famous little town on the Banks Peninsula around an hour's drive away from Christchurch. The harbor on which Akaroa was built is famous for its wildlife visitors — hector dolphins. Wildlife-watching boat tours are a major tourist attraction in the area. Akaroa is a great first stop on a road trip around the South Island.
- Kaikoura. Located around a two-hour drive North of Chistchurch is Kaikoura, a beautiful little town that lies at the bottom of the Seaward range. Hiking, surfing, and wildlife watching are the top attractions in Kaikoura. In 2016, Kaikoura suffered a lot of damage from the earthquake, when the water level in the bay rose by up to two meters in places! Whale-watching tours are a must-do when visiting Kaikoura.
Top international routes
- Auckland
- Wellington
- Nelson
- Dunedin
- Invercargill
- Sydney
- Palmerston North
- Queenstown
- Hamilton
- Blenheim
Main airlines
Air New Zealand, the countries flag carrier, provides service from the major cities of New Zealand and Australia in addition to Singapore. Jetstar Airways, Air New Zealand’s low-cost subsidiary, provides service from Auckland and Wellington in New Zealand and Melbourne and the Gold Coast in Australia.
Qantas, Australia’s flag carrier, provides service between Christchurch and the three largest cities in Australian, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney.
Virgin Australia provides year-round service between the airport and Brisbane and Melbourne and seasonal service to Rarotonga and Sydney.
China South Airlines and Emirates serve international routes to Guangzhou in southern China and Dubai, respectively.
Terminals
There is a single passenger terminal located at the intersection of two runways, which serves both local and international flights.
Location
Christchurch Airport is about 12 km (7.4 miles) from the city center. Memorial Avenue and Fendalton Road are the main streets connecting the airport to Christchurch.
Most popular types of rental car
Car rental desks
The rental desks for those companies that are located at the airport are in the International arrivals hall across from the customs and biosecurity screening exit. The domestic Baggage Claim area is next to the desks.
The rental companies that are located outside of the airport all provide shuttles to their locations. These shuttles can be found outside of the Regional Lounge at the opposite side of the terminal (exit through Doors 1 or 2).
Services and facilities
There are many restaurants, cafeterias, and bars, stores, ATMs, a stretch and relaxation area, a beauty salon, a fitness center, a lost and found office, and a prayer room. The airport is disabled friendly. The Luggage Solutions office, which provides luggage storage services, is located in the check-in hall. You can find more information on the airport's official website.
Nearest gas station
An Allied Fuel gas station is located right next to the airport, at 75 Orchard Rd., from which the rental car returns of the companies located at the airport is just one kilometer away. Lucky Rentals is even closer to the station. It is open 24/7.
For renters returning cars to companies that are not located at the airport, other gas stations may be more convenient. Those returning cars to GO Rentals or Discount Car Rentals are best served by a BP station located on the roundabout of Highway 1 and Harewood Rd, which is directly on the way to those companies’ locations.
If coming from the city center of Christchurch and returning a rental car to Hitch or Right Cars, A Z service station on Wairakei Rd. is the best station to use. If coming from the north along Highway 1, the previously mentioned BP station would be best. And if coming from the south along Highway 1 a Caltex station located at the intersection of Highway 1 and Highway 73, though a little further away, may be the best choice.
Popular one-way rentals
- Timaru (159 km / 99 miles)
- Queenstown (478 km / 297 miles)
- Blenheim (308 km / 191 miles)
- Dunedin (357 km / 222 miles)
- Nelson (409 km / 254 miles)
- Westport (331 km / 206 miles)
Learn more about our Editorial Policy.
Airport info
Top 20 locations near Christchurch Airport
- Christchurch (Downtown)from €10.41 per day9.7 km / 6.03 miles away
- Nelson Airportfrom €21.30 per day249.6 km / 155.09 miles away
- Wellington Airportfrom €15.24 per day303.9 km / 188.83 miles away
- Wellington (Downtown)from €12.90 per day305.2 km / 189.64 miles away
- Wellington Inter Island Ferry Terminalfrom €27.19 per day308.6 km / 191.76 miles away
- Dunedin Airportfrom €19.96 per day328 km / 203.81 miles away
- Queenstown Airportfrom €10.18 per day347.1 km / 215.68 miles away
- Palmerston North Airportfrom €24.11 per day434.4 km / 269.92 miles away
- Invercargill Airportfrom €24.65 per day464.7 km / 288.75 miles away
- New Plymouth Airportfrom €25.46 per day516.4 km / 320.88 miles away
- Napier Airportfrom €24.26 per day574.6 km / 357.04 miles away
- Rotorua Airportfrom €28.54 per day677.1 km / 420.73 miles away
- Tauranga Airportfrom €22.14 per day716.6 km / 445.27 miles away
- Auckland Airportfrom €6.42 per day745.1 km / 462.98 miles away
- Auckland Onehungafrom €10.98 per day754.4 km / 468.76 miles away
- Auckland East Tamakifrom €11.21 per day754.8 km / 469.01 miles away
- Auckland Penrosefrom €31.22 per day755.4 km / 469.38 miles away
- Auckland Hendersonfrom €11.18 per day756.4 km / 470.01 miles away
- Auckland Mount Wellingtonfrom €11.21 per day757.3 km / 470.56 miles away
- Auckland (Downtown)from €11.56 per day762.1 km / 473.55 miles away
Map of top car rental locations





When to book at Christchurch Airport and for how long?
When are car rental prices the lowest at Christchurch Airport?
The cost of renting a car at Christchurch Airport varies by season. The table and graph below can help you find the best time of year to save on a rental car.
Saver's insights
Cheapest monthJune | Most expensive month December | ||
Average price €23 | A good deal €9 | Cheapest supplier Autounion | Cheapest car type Small cars |
€47
in January
€45
in February
€34
in March
€31
in April
€20
in May
€19
in June
€26
in July
€24
in August
€21
in September
€25
in October
€32
in November
€62
in December
The cheapest month of the year to rent a car at Christchurch Airport is June — when rental costs average €19.12 per day. This is 17% cheaper than the yearly average and 69% cheaper than renting a car in December (when prices average €62.18 per day).
This information can help you identify the low season. But these are only average numbers. How much your car rental will cost will depend on the type of vehicle you rent, how long you’ll rent it for, and how far ahead you book. Simply enter your dates in the form at the top of the page to see the exact prices.
What is the most popular time of year to rent a car at Christchurch Airport?
Based on how many users search for a car in at Christchurch Airport, travelers are most likely to rent a car in December, while they are least likely to rent in in June.
1.4 times in January
1.5 times in February
1.3 times in March
1.1 times in April
0.5 times in May
0.4 times in June
0.6 times in July
0.6 times in August
0.6 times in September
0.8 times in October
1.3 times in November
1.7 times in December
For how long do renters keep their vehicles at Christchurch Airport?
How long travelers keep their rental cars varies by the time of year: in January the average rental period is 12 days, while in June, the average rental period is only 8 days.
12 days in January
12 days in February
11 days in March
10 days in April
9 days in May
8 days in June
9 days in July
8 days in August
9 days in September
9 days in October
10 days in November
10 days in December
Car rental information
🔥 Popular suppliers | Ezu Car Rental, Discount Car Rentals New Zealand, Yes Rentals, Mode Car Rentals, Bargain Rental Cars |
🚗 Popular car types | SUVs, Small cars, Medium cars, Large cars |
🤑 Lowest price | €8 per day |
👛 Cheapest supplier | Autounion |
Most popular car models of rental suppliers
Rental Supplier | Model | Doors | Luggage | Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
Discount Car Rentals New Zealand | Toyota RAV4 | 5 | 2 | SUV |
Discount Car Rentals New Zealand | Toyota Yaris | 5 | 2 | Small car |
Discount Car Rentals New Zealand | Toyota Corolla | 4 | 2 | Large car |
Bargain Rental Cars | Mazda Demio | 4 | 2 | Medium car |
Yes Rentals | Toyota Corolla | 5 | 1 | Medium car |
Ezu Car Rental | Toyota Corolla | 4 | 2 | Medium car |
Rentalcars247 | Mitsubishi ASX | 5 | 2 | SUV |
Jucy | Suzuki Swift | 5 | 1 | Small car |
Ezu Car Rental | Toyota Yaris 2016 | 5 | 1 | Small car |
Ezu Car Rental | Toyota Aqua | 5 | 2 | Small car |
Frequently Asked Questions
Here's what travelers say about renting a car at Christchurch Airport































































Car rental statistics
Top 39 suppliers at Christchurch Airport in 2025



















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