Car Rental in Nelson
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Cheapest Car Rental Rates
Nelson Airport Car Rental
Economy
Suzuki Swift
or similar
$42.92
/ per day
Nelson Airport Car Rental
Intermediate SUV
Mitsubishi Eclipse
or similar
$52.43
/ per day
Nelson Airport Car Rental
Premium Extended Cab Pickup
Ford Ranger
or similar
$78.72
/ per day
Nelson Airport Car Rental
Standard SUV
Nissan X-Trail
or similar
$80.39
/ per day
Most Popular Car Rental Deals
Nelson Airport Car Rental
Compact
Hyundai i30
or similar
$130.56
/ per day
Nelson Airport Car Rental
Full-size Van
Kia Carnival
or similar
$303.85
/ per day
Nelson Airport Car Rental
Economy
Toyota Yaris
or similar
$43.01
/ per day
Nelson Airport Car Rental
Compact
Toyota Corolla
or similar
$43.50
/ per day
The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 15:18 on 2023-12-04. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.
Travel Information
Languages
English, Samoan
Currency
NZD
Drive on
Left-hand side
Country code
+64
Average car rental price
$97 per day
Average car rental length
7 days
Speed limit within town
30 - 50 km/h or 19 - 31 mph
Speed limit out of town
80 - 100 km/h or 50 - 62 mph
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.05%
Average gasoline price
$1.65 per liter or $6.25 / 1 gallon
Lowest gasoline price
$1.53 per liter or $5.78 / 1 gallon
Highest gasoline price
$1.78 per liter or $6.76 / 1 gallon
Why rent a car in Nelson?
A city of just 51,000 inhabitants, Nelson punches way above its weight when it comes to being a hub for tourism. The oldest settlement on the South Island is home to a lot of historic attractions but also has interesting museums, a special atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and access to some of New Zealand’s most iconic natural wonders.
One-Way Car Rentals in Nelson
The most popular one-way rental options for pick up in Nelson and drop off in another city include:
- From Nelson to Christchurch - 7 offers from $87.22 per day
- From Nelson to Auckland - 7 offers from $185.57 per day
- From Nelson to Picton - 7 offers from $87.22 per day
- From Nelson to Blenheim - 7 offers from $87.22 per day
Top ways to enter Nelson
- Nelson Airport: Located just a short ride southeast of the city center, Nelson Airport provides connections with the largest cities on both islands of New Zealand, as well as some smaller regional destinations.
- Christchurch Airport: By far the busiest on the South Island, Christchurch Airport has flights to many destinations in New Zealand and Australia, as well as all across South and East Asia. For many foreign visitors who travel straight to the South Island, it serves as the first point of entry. Located about 410 km (255 miles) south of Nelson, the trip between them takes about five hours.
- Wellington Airport: Located right across the Cook Strait, Wellington Airport serves the capital of New Zealand. In addition to domestic flights, there are also a number of connections with Australia and Fiji. It is possible to pick up a car in Wellington and then take a ferry to the South Island, but you should make sure you pick a ship that permits taking a vehicle onboard; also, you should check with your rental car company. The trip between Nelson and Wellington, including the ferry ride, takes about six hours.
Top destinations and activities
- Architecture. Established 180 years ago, Nelson is one of the most interesting destinations for heritage tourism in New Zealand. The city is home to a variety of different architectural styles and notable buildings and areas. These include the Founders Heritage Park dedicated to the first European settlers and their homes; other notable Victorian and colonial buildings like Cabragh, Fairfield, and Amber Houses; and Christ Church Nelson Cathedral. Another fun place to learn about the history of the city and the region is the Nelson Provincial Museum.
- World of Wearable Art. Also known as the WOW, the World of Wearable Art was a design competition that used to take place in Nelson. Although the competition has now relocated to Wellington, it has left behind a very fun museum where visitors can appreciate the boundless creativity of artists and designers put into things that can be worn. The museum shares its space with the Classic Cars Museum and its 140 classy exhibits.
- Tahunanui Beach. Though there are a number of stunning, wild beaches near Nelson, if you’re searching for a more tranquil experience, look no further than Tahunanui. Often named among the nicest urban beaches in all of New Zealand, it is as famous for the shoreline as for its cozy coastal cafe. The beach is situated on a wide peninsula just some 3 km (2 miles) north of the city center.
Toll roads
All of the toll roads in New Zealand are in the northern part of the North Island, meaning there are none in or around Nelson.
The toll roads of New Zealand all serve as short bypasses of congested areas. The tolls are therefore quite low. The toll roads use a license plate capturing system with no physical booths. Payment can be made either by having a setup account, by paying online before or within five days of using a toll road, or with cash in some BP and Caltex petrol stations (though a small fee will be added).
Many rental companies offer some system, with a fee, to pass on toll payments to you without you having to do anything. Of course, it may be better just to pay the toll yourself and save on paying that fee. The toll roads can all be avoided quite easily by avoiding the bypass roads and transiting through the towns (in addition to being able to see more).
Ideas for day trips
- Abel Tasman National Park. Although the smallest in New Zealand, Abel Tasman National Park is a great place to enjoy the natural beauty of this part of the country. Situated along the Golden and Tasman Bays, the park is made up of long beaches, scenic coves, wooded hills, and plenty of hiking trails. There are multiple accommodation options in the area, but you can also stay in one of the eight conservation huts inside the park. Located about 60 km (37 miles) northwest of Nelson, the nearest corner of the national park can be reached in about one hour by car.
- Nelson Lakes National Park. Another lovely place to visit, this inland nature preserve is named after the several highland lakes that it contains. The scenery of cragged peaks and forested slopes is inhabited by many local fauna species including the South Island robin and Cupola gecko. The drive from the city of Nelson to the national park takes about an hour and 15 minutes.
- Golden Bay. If you look at a map of Golden Bay, together with Farewell spit, its main attraction, you'll see that its shape starkly resembles the kiwi — New Zealand’s national bird. Wharariki Beach is another must-see spot in the Golden Bay area. It’s a famous white sand beach with many rock formations and seal pups hanging out in the tidal pools.
Car Rental Prices in Nelson
- Large cars - from $47 per day
- Medium cars - from $44 per day
- Vans - from $304 per day
- Premium cars - from $79 per day
- Small cars - from $43 per day
- SUVs - from $52 per day
Fact checked by
Marta Kulesza
This article was reviewed and updated by Marta, who spent the last 17 years living as a digital nomad and traveling the World before settling in a small alpine village in Austria. When it comes down to designing road trips for hiking enthusiasts around the Southern Alps of New Zealand, the Canadian Rockies, the Italian Dolomites, or Norway, she considers herself an expert. When she's not sitting at her computer and editing photos from her last trip, you can find her skiing or hiking with her dog in the mountains.
Top 20 Cities near Nelson
-
Blenheim Car Rentals from $56.74 per day58.6 km / 36.4 miles away
-
Picton Car Rentals from $63.41 per day65.2 km / 40.5 miles away
-
Wellington Car Rentals from $23.54 per day132.2 km / 82.1 miles away
-
Whanganui Car Rentals from $133.40 per day212.7 km / 132.2 miles away
-
Palmerston North Car Rentals from $56.84 per day228.8 km / 142.2 miles away
-
Christchurch Car Rentals from $22.93 per day249.6 km / 155.1 miles away
-
New Plymouth Car Rentals from $49.31 per day267.2 km / 166.0 miles away
-
Napier Car Rentals from $56.74 per day370.1 km / 230.0 miles away
-
Taupo Car Rentals from $35.30 per day374.5 km / 232.7 miles away
-
Rotorua Car Rentals from $34.74 per day442.5 km / 275.0 miles away
-
Tauranga Car Rentals from $82.33 per day477.3 km / 296.6 miles away
-
Whakatane Car Rentals from $93.16 per day492.2 km / 305.8 miles away
-
Auckland Car Rentals from $21.61 per day495.8 km / 308.1 miles away
-
Gisborne Car Rentals from $48.44 per day500.2 km / 310.8 miles away
-
Waiheke Island Car Rentals from $51.57 per day525.2 km / 326.3 miles away
-
Queenstown Car Rentals from $28.66 per day550.8 km / 342.3 miles away
-
Dunedin Car Rentals from $47.52 per day568.9 km / 353.5 miles away
-
Whangarei Car Rentals from $48.44 per day623.1 km / 387.2 miles away
-
Kerikeri Car Rentals from $48.44 per day673.9 km / 418.7 miles away
-
Invercargill Car Rentals from $62.27 per day691.2 km / 429.5 miles away
Top 20 Locations near Nelson
-
Nelson Airport Car Rentals from $42.92 per day
-
Downtown Car Rentals from $23.54 per day130.0 km / 80.8 miles away
-
Wellington Inter Island Ferry Terminal Car Rentals from $77.22 per day130.6 km / 81.2 miles away
-
Wellington Airport Car Rentals from $23.63 per day132.2 km / 82.1 miles away
-
Palmerston North Airport Car Rentals from $56.84 per day228.8 km / 142.2 miles away
-
Christchurch Airport Car Rentals from $25.40 per day249.6 km / 155.1 miles away
-
Downtown Car Rentals from $22.93 per day253.0 km / 157.2 miles away
-
New Plymouth Airport Car Rentals from $49.31 per day267.2 km / 166.0 miles away
-
Napier Airport Car Rentals from $56.74 per day370.1 km / 230.0 miles away
-
Rotorua Airport Car Rentals from $34.74 per day442.5 km / 275.0 miles away
-
Tauranga Airport Car Rentals from $88.69 per day477.3 km / 296.6 miles away
-
Auckland Airport Car Rentals from $22.00 per day495.8 km / 308.1 miles away
-
Auckland Onehunga Car Rentals from $21.61 per day505.0 km / 313.8 miles away
-
Auckland East Tamaki Car Rentals from $21.61 per day505.6 km / 314.2 miles away
-
Auckland Penrose Car Rentals from $64.53 per day506.1 km / 314.5 miles away
-
Auckland Henderson Car Rentals from $21.61 per day506.8 km / 314.9 miles away
-
Auckland Mount Wellington Car Rentals from $21.61 per day508.0 km / 315.7 miles away
-
Downtown Car Rentals from $21.61 per day512.7 km / 318.6 miles away
-
Auckland Glenfield Car Rentals from $21.61 per day518.8 km / 322.4 miles away
-
Waiheke Island Port Car Rentals from $51.57 per day525.2 km / 326.3 miles away
Map of Car Rental Locations
What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Nelson?
Car rental prices in Nelson vary by time of year. This graph shows the average prices per month to help you find the best time of year to rent.
Average rental costs per day in Nelson
The cheapest month to rent a car in Nelson is September (when prices average $36.32 per day). This is 41% cheaper than the yearly average and 61% cheaper than renting in April (when prices average $93.46).
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.
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’s the usual rental length in Nelson?
How long travelers keep their rental cars for varies from month to month: in May, the average renter keeps their car for 9 days, and in June, they keep their car for 3 days.
Average number of rental days in Nelson
What's the most popular month to rent a car in Nelson?
Based on the number of searches by our customers, the most popular month for renting a car in Nelson is January, and the least popular is August.
Monthly searches in Nelson by pick-up date relative to the average
Car Rental Information
| Car rental locations | 1 |
| Airport locations | 1 |
| Popular suppliers | RightCars, Hertz, Go Rentals, Ezi Car Rental, Europcar |
| Popular car categories | SUVs, Medium cars, Small cars, Large cars |
| Lowest price | $43 per day |
| Cheapest supplier | Alamo |
Most Popular Car Models of Rental Suppliers
| Rental Supplier | Model | Doors | Luggage | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hertz | Hyundai i30 | 5 | 2 | Medium cars |
| Go Rentals | Toyota Corolla Sedan | 4 | 2 | Large cars |
| RightCars | Nissan Wingroad | 5 | 3 | Station wagons |
| RightCars | Mazda Demio | 4 | 1 | Small cars |
| Go Rentals | Toyota Corolla | 5 | 1 | Medium cars |
| RightCars | Mazda Premacy | 5 | 3 | Vans |
| RightCars | Toyota Passo | 4 | 2 | Small cars |
| RightCars | Nissan Tiida | 4 | 3 | Medium cars |
| Europcar | Nissan X-Trail | 4 | 3 | SUVs |
| Ezi Car Rental | Toyota Yaris Cross | 4 | 2 | Small cars |
Our Customers' Reviews
Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have an option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic, verified, and trustworthy.
PW
New Zealand
Toyota Passo
April 13, 2023
Visited my bach for Easter
YA
Israel
Nissan X-Trail
February 16, 2023
It was all great ,nature amazing all the waespecialy for us was amazing Milford sound in the rain.
FA
New Zealand
Mazda Demio
October 13, 2022
Go to takaka - an amazing place not to miss and stay .
BT
New Zealand
Mazda Premacy
October 1, 2022
Had great trip with places easy to find
CW
New Zealand
Mazda Demio
September 14, 2022
Car rental was essential as travel required to Golden Bay for a funeral service.
Car met our requirements except phone charger didn't fit mobile phone; otherwise fine.
RE
New Zealand
Mazda 6
August 16, 2022
Seeing Nelson was abs amazing
KA
New Zealand
Nissan Tiida
May 3, 2022
We rented a car just to get to the Abel Tasman track and back after our walk. It just sat in a carpark for days, yet still felt like good value as it gave us flexibility
TS
New Zealand
Toyota Corolla
April 16, 2021
Abel Tasman is awesom. Cable Bay 1.6km zipline was a highlight. Visiting Pics peanut butter was great.
CN
New Zealand
Toyota Corolla
October 13, 2020
Great place for nature walks, sightseeing, beaches, Able Tasman, Marlborough Sounds and Marlborough vineyards.
Car Rental Statistics
Highest rated company
Hertz
9.5 / 10
Lowest rated company
Firefly
8.4 / 10
Total number of reviews
9
Total rental companies
12
Average daily price
$96.92
Lowest daily price
$42.92
Total cars available
35
Top 12 Suppliers in Nelson in 2023
Hertz
1 location
$155 - $305
Thrifty
1 location
Europcar
1 location
$192
RightCars
1 location
Ezi Car Rental
1 location
$52 - $83
Go Rentals
1 location
$67 - $82
Alamo
1 location
$43 - $235
Budget
1 location
$131
Routes Car Rental
1 location
$104
Keddy
1 location
$68 - $143
Avis
1 location
$132 - $139
Firefly
1 location
Why book with us?
Special offers
As a market leader (see SimilarWeb), we get special offers like contactless pick-ups, great prices, and free upgrades.
Award-winning
World's Leading Car Rental Booking Website in the World Travel Tech Awards (3 years in a row).
Highly-rated
A combined rating of 4.5 with 90k total reviews on platforms like Trustpilot, Google, and Review Center.
4M users
Have already booked on one of the fastest-growing car rental booking websites.
Awards
World Travel Tech Awards - World's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2022
World Travel Tech Awards - World's Best Car Rental Booking App 2022
Magellan Awards Gold Winner 2022
Travel & Hospitality Awards 2021
FT 1000: Europes Fastest Growing Companies - Top 300 Companies 2021
FT 1000: Europe's Fastest Growing Companies - Top 100 Companies 2020
Uzakrota Travel Awards - World’s Leading Car Rental Website 2022
Inc. 5000 Europe - Top 500 Companies 2019
Highly recommended by our customers
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