Car Rental at Queenstown Airport
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The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 03:05 on 2020-10-19. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.
Travel Information
Language
English
Currency
NZD
Country code
64
Average car rental length
7 days
Economy car rental price
$21.29 / per day
Traffic direction
Left-hand
Speed limit out of town
80 - 100 km/h
50 - 62 mi/h
Speed limit within town
30 - 60 km/h
19 - 37 mi/h
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.05%
Airport Car Rental
Get your rental car at Queenstown Airport! Then drive to the city, park outside the center, and walk around to appreciate the laid-back atmosphere. The mountain scenery at nearby Lake Wakatipu is truly beautiful. People often describe the drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy as one of the most breathtaking in the world, so don’t hesitate to hop in your rental and go—it’s only about an hour away.
Queenstown is all about active fun and recreation—there’s a lot to do, like hiking in the mountains, bungee jumping, riding a jet boat, river, and parapenting. You can even go skiing and snowboarding!
Queenstown is a great place to visit, but the South Island of New Zealand has even more to offer, so why not get a longer-term car rental? Take a day trip to Christchurch, head south and get as close to Antarctica as you can without actually going there, or drive your rental north and take a ferry to North Island. You can even pick up your car at Queenstown Airport and drop it off in a different city. Start planning your adventure now!
The three streets around Queenstown Airport—Lucas Place, Tex Smith Lane, and Sir Henry Wigley Drive—are all named after legendary pilots from New Zealand.
Top international routes
- Auckland
- Christchurch
- Sydney
- Wellington
- Melbourne
- Brisbane
Main airlines
Air New Zealand, New Zealand’s flag carrier, serves the most destinations at Queenstown Airport including all major cities in New Zealand and Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney in Australia.
Jetstar, an Australian low-cost airline provides connections to and from the Gold Coast, Melbourne, Sydney, Auckland, and Wellington. Qantas also Sydney with seasonal service to and from Brisbane and Melbourne. Finally, Virgin Australia also serves the three largest Australian cities.
Finally, Air Milford has flights to Milford Sound and Te Anau, small, but busy, airports in popular tourist destinations.
Jetstar, an Australian low-cost airline provides connections to and from the Gold Coast, Melbourne, Sydney, Auckland, and Wellington. Qantas also Sydney with seasonal service to and from Brisbane and Melbourne. Finally, Virgin Australia also serves the three largest Australian cities.
Finally, Air Milford has flights to Milford Sound and Te Anau, small, but busy, airports in popular tourist destinations.
Terminals
One single-level terminal serves both local and international flights.
Location
The airport is around 8 km (5 miles) from the Queenstown central business district. Motorways 6 and 6A/Frankton Rd. are the main roads connecting Queenstown Airport to the city.
Most popular types of rental car
- Large cars - from $39 per day
- Medium cars - from $21 per day
- People Carriers/Vans - from $53 per day
- Small cars - from $18 per day
- SUVs - from $59 per day
Top car rental companies
- Interrent (Tel: +64021374272)
- Hitch Car Rentals (Tel: +64039010340)
- Go Rentals (Tel: +6434414340)
- Europcar (Tel: +64034425887)
- Enterprise (Tel: 034414637)
- Keddy (Tel: +64034425887)
- Avis (Tel: 6434423808)
- Alamo (Tel: +64034414637)
- Budget (Tel: 6434423450)
- EZU Car Rental (Tel: +64212863456)
- RightCars (Tel: +64021373125)
- Alamo (Tel: +64034414637)
- NUCarrentals (Tel: +64800736825)
- Ace Rent a car (Tel: 6434423801 / 6493092258)
- Goldcar (Tel: +64021374272)
- Surprice (Tel: +6437774110)
Car rental desks
Europcar and Enterprise (including Alamo) have desks in the airport’s terminal near the domestic baggage collection area. If arriving on an international flight, take a left after exiting the international arrivals area.
All other rental companies serving the airport provide shuttles for their customers. A free phone can be found outside of the terminal by the check-in area with which you can call the specific company.
Go Rentals and Areodrive are located right next to the airport. NU (serviced by Scotties), Discount, and Hitch are a few kilometers away.
Find out which are the easiest to find and more in our list of the best rental companies in Queenstown.
All other rental companies serving the airport provide shuttles for their customers. A free phone can be found outside of the terminal by the check-in area with which you can call the specific company.
Go Rentals and Areodrive are located right next to the airport. NU (serviced by Scotties), Discount, and Hitch are a few kilometers away.
Find out which are the easiest to find and more in our list of the best rental companies in Queenstown.
Services and facilities
You’ll find a restaurant, cafés, snack bars, shops, and three duty-free stores. There are also a number of ATMs, a children’s play area, parents rooms, a first aid room, and a pharmacy. Luggage storage is located outside the terminal near the check-in area. Oversized items can be left at the information desk for $10 per item per day. The airport facilities are friendly to travelers with reduced mobility. You can find more information on the airport's official website.
Nearest gas station
A BP station located at the Highway 6 roundabout is on the way to the airport from those coming from most directions. If approaching the airport from the south, it is also the most convenient station, even though it requires a circle to reach, as there are no other stations south of the airport.
If renting from NU, Discount, or hitch, an NPD station located on the roundabout of Highway 6 and Hawthorne Drive is the best station for filling up before returning a rental car. It is directly on the way to the locations of those companies.
If renting from NU, Discount, or hitch, an NPD station located on the roundabout of Highway 6 and Hawthorne Drive is the best station for filling up before returning a rental car. It is directly on the way to the locations of those companies.
Popular one-way rentals
- Christchurch (478 km / 297 mi)
- Auckland (1,547 km / 961 mi)
- Dunedin (273 km / 169 mi)
- Blenheim (779 km / 484 mi)
- Wellington (911 km / 566 mi)
- Greymouth (517 km / 321 mi)
Airport info
Queenstown Airport (ZQN)
- IATA: ZQN
- ICAO: NZQN
- Name: Queenstown Airport (ZQN)
- Size: Medium Airport
- Aircraft movements (per year): 41,769
- Passengers (per year): 1,409,663
- Distance from City: 4.3 miles / 7 km E of town
- Working hours:
- Phone: +64 3 450 9031
Top 14 Locations near Queenstown Airport
-
Car Rental at Dunedin Airport from $21.48 per day152.1 km / 94.5 miles away
-
Car Rental at Invercargill Airport from $51.04 per day158.4 km / 98.5 miles away
-
Car Rental at Christchurch Airport from $9.47 per day347.1 km / 215.7 miles away
-
Car Rental at Nelson Airport from $48.92 per day550.8 km / 342.2 miles away
-
Car Rental at Blenheim Airport from $33.51 per day569.4 km / 353.8 miles away
-
Car Rental at Wellington Airport from $26.10 per day640.6 km / 398.0 miles away
-
Car Rental at Wellington Inter Island Ferry Terminal from $30.85 per day644.0 km / 400.2 miles away
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Car Rental at Palmerston North Airport from $39.74 per day767.0 km / 476.6 miles away
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Car Rental at New Plymouth Airport from $33.51 per day805.0 km / 500.2 miles away
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Car Rental at Napier Airport from $33.51 per day910.0 km / 565.5 miles away
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Car Rental at Rotorua Airport from $24.92 per day993.1 km / 617.1 miles away
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Car Rental at Auckland Airport from $9.31 per day1024.5 km / 636.6 miles away
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Car Rental at Tauranga Airport from $33.51 per day1026.4 km / 637.8 miles away
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Car Rental at Whangarei Airport from $39.95 per day1133.1 km / 704.1 miles away
Map of Car Rental Locations
When are car rental prices cheapest at Queenstown Airport?
The cost of renting a car at Queenstown Airport depends on the time of year. This graph compares month-to-month price changes to help you find the best deal.
Average Rental Price at Queenstown Airport
The cheapest time of the year to rent a vehicle at Queenstown Airport is June when prices for an Economy class start from $24.19. You can see that this is 44% cheaper than the yearly average and 60% cheaper than renting a car in October (when rental prices start at $61.09 for a Compact class). Knowing this can help you find the best price. But remember that these are average numbers. The exact cost of your rental will depend on your rental length and on how far in advance you book the car. Enter your travel dates at the top of the page to see exact prices and offers!
What’s the most popular rental length at Queenstown Airport?
Travel length differs from one month to another: in October the average rental period is 9 days, while in January, the average rental period is only 7 days.
Average Rental Length
Which is the busiest car rental month at Queenstown Airport?
Travelers are most likely to rent a car at Queenstown Airport in January, while the fewest number of travelers rent in June.
Popularity by Monthly Searches
Most Popular Car Models of Rental Suppliers
| Rental Agency | Model | Doors | Luggage | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snap Rentals | Toyota Vitz | 5 | 2 | Small cars |
| Hitch Car Rentals | Mazda Demio | 4 | 1 | Small cars |
| Discount Car Rentals New Zealand | Toyota RAV4 | 5 | 2 | SUVs |
| Discount Car Rentals New Zealand | Toyota Corolla | 4 | 2 | Large cars |
| Snap Rentals | Toyota Aqua | 5 | 1 | Medium cars |
| Snap Rentals | Toyota Corolla | 5 | 1 | Medium cars |
| Hitch Car Rentals | Mitsubishi Outlander | 5 | 4 | SUVs |
| Hitch Car Rentals | Mazda 3 | 4 | 2 | Medium cars |
| Snap Rentals | Toyota Corolla | 5 | 1 | Large cars |
| Snap Rentals | Toyota Yaris | 5 | 2 | Small cars |
FAQ
I am 20 years old. Can I rent a car in Queenstown?
Yes, It is possible for drivers as young as 18 to rent a car in Queenstown, but only from certain rental companies (be sure to select your age when searching). You might be charged an additional young driver fee, though.
How many drivers are allowed?
A maximum of four drivers can be added to the rental contract. Customers can add additional drivers on the booking page of our website or at the rental desk. Note that there is usually an additional fee for each additional driver.
Is it possible to know the registration number of the rental car in advance to be able to book a ferry?
No, in most cases it is not possible to know the license plate number before picking up the car as often times the rental company will not know which exact vehicle they will provide you with. Ferry companies are aware of this and allow you to book ahead (e.g., on Blueridge by choosing Rental Car as the make).
May rental companies don’t allow their cars to be taken on ferries and instead have cars on both sides of the Cook Straight. In this case, you’d drop off a car on one side and pick up another on the other side and book your journey on the ferry as a foot passenger. Be sure to contact the rental company in advance to find out whether you can take the car on a ferry or not.
May rental companies don’t allow their cars to be taken on ferries and instead have cars on both sides of the Cook Straight. In this case, you’d drop off a car on one side and pick up another on the other side and book your journey on the ferry as a foot passenger. Be sure to contact the rental company in advance to find out whether you can take the car on a ferry or not.
After how many days will the rental company unblock the deposit?
It can take up to 20 days for a rental company to unblock the deposit amount from a customer’s credit card after the car is returned. Often this is due to checking for things such as traffic violations.
I would like to rent a 4wd vehicle, how can I be sure that the vehicle I select is such?
AS 4wd vehicles are popular in Queenstown, multiple rental companies offer them. Look for the 4x4 badge in the search results or use the 4x4 filter under the car specifications on the left-hand side of the results. These vehicles are guaranteed to be either 4wd or AWD.
Are snow chains provided for the rental car during winter?
While almost all rental companies have all-season or winter tires on their cars during winter, most do not include snow chains. You can, however, rent them from most companies for an additional fee.
Our Customers Reviews
JM
New Zealand
Toyota Yaris
October 20, 2020
Beautiful part of the country
MM
New Zealand
Toyota Yaris
October 18, 2020
Great place as usual
MB
New Zealand
Toyota Yaris
October 13, 2020
Renting a car is a must in Queenstown. There are so many things to see and do with some truly awe inspiring day trips that you can do by car.
SH
New Zealand
Toyota Yaris
October 8, 2020
Great place. Quite hilly though so car is a good idea for older people. Glenorchy is an hour away, and Arrowtown about 15 minutes. I would not drive to Milford, but the coach/boat trip by Southern Experience is great.
MS
New Zealand
Toyota Yaris
October 4, 2020
Absolutely breathtaking part of Aotearoa!
AF
New Zealand
Toyota Corolla
September 29, 2020
Didn't go into Q. Town. Went to Cromwell, Clyde, Alex, Wanaka,explored around omakau, take time to explore off main drag. Some amazing historic places,recommend Oturehua!!
RN
New Zealand
Toyota Yaris
September 19, 2020
Queenstown beautiful in winter, as was Wanaka, the drive to Milford sound was 4 hrs but worth it.
CS
New Zealand
Toyota Corolla
July 15, 2020
visit Arrowtown and just drive around the area. Drive up to Kingston is beautiful.
LS
New Zealand
Toyota Yaris
July 10, 2020
Love Queenstown, definitely need a rental to get to the outer attractions or just to visit other cities eg: Wanaka
MV
New Zealand
Toyota Corolla
June 21, 2020
Beautiful location and mountains at the door step. Great selection of shops and restaurants.
JP
United Kingdom
Nissan Tiida 2009
May 2, 2019
You'll get to see so much more with your own car in the Queenstown area with much better flexibility. Milford Sound, Franz Josef are easily do-able.
JR
New Zealand
Nissan Tiida
May 1, 2019
Driving around has outstanding views of the lakes!
RD
New Zealand
Toyota Yaris
April 30, 2019
we traveled quite a distanceover 7 days and the car we had was perfect for the two of us, this was also a good price and the car went well.
Top 16 Suppliers at Queenstown Airport in 2020
Interrent
+64021374272
27 Lucas Place, Frankton, Queenstown 9300
Working hours
Mon:07:00-21:00
Tue:07:00-21:00
Wed:07:00-21:00
Thu:07:00-21:00
Fri:07:00-21:00
Sat:07:00-21:00
Sun:07:00-21:00
+64039010340
180 Glenda Dr, Frankton, Queenstown 9371
Working hours
Mon:08:00-20:00
Tue:08:00-20:00
Wed:08:00-20:00
Thu:08:00-20:00
Fri:08:00-20:00
Sat:08:00-20:00
Sun:08:00-20:00
+6434414340
20 Lucas Pl, Frankton, Queenstown 9300
$34 - $34
Working hours
Mon:08:00-17:00
Tue:08:00-17:00
Wed:08:00-17:00
Thu:08:00-17:00
Fri:08:00-17:00
Sat:08:00-17:00
Sun:08:00-17:00
+64034425887
TERMINAL BUILDING
$35 - $107
Working hours
Mon:08:30-20:30
Tue:08:30-20:30
Wed:08:30-20:30
Thu:08:30-20:30
Fri:08:30-20:30
Sat:08:30-20:30
Sun:08:30-20:30
Enterprise
034414637
SIR HENRY WIGLEY DRIVE,
$29 - $143
Keddy
+64034425887
TERMINAL BUILDING
Working hours
Mon:08:00-22:00
Tue:08:00-22:00
Wed:08:00-22:00
Thu:08:00-22:00
Fri:08:00-22:00
Sat:08:00-22:00
Sun:08:00-22:00
Avis
6434423808
Airport Dr Frankton
Working hours
Mon:08:00-20:30
Tue:08:00-20:30
Wed:08:00-20:30
Thu:08:00-20:30
Fri:08:00-20:30
Sat:08:00-20:30
Sun:08:00-20:30
+64034414637
Sir Henry Wigley Drive
Working hours
Mon:08:00-16:30
Tue:08:00-16:30
Wed:08:00-16:30
Thu:08:00-16:30
Fri:08:00-16:30
Sat:08:00-16:30
Sun:08:00-16:30
Budget
6434423450
Terminal Building Queenstown Airport
Working hours
Mon:08:00-20:30
Tue:08:00-20:30
Wed:08:00-20:30
Thu:08:00-20:30
Fri:08:00-20:30
Sat:08:00-20:30
Sun:08:00-20:30
EZU Car Rental
+64212863456
234 Glenda Drive, Frankton, Queentown
RightCars
+64021373125
Meet & Greet
+64034414637
Queenstown Airport, Sir Henry Wigley Dr, Frankton, Queenstown 9300
$29 - $143
+64800736825
121 Glenda Dr, Frankton, Queenstown 9371
Ace Rent a car
6434423801 / 6493092258
Sir Henry Wigly Dr
Goldcar
+64021374272
27 Lucas Place, Frankton, Queenstown 9300
Working hours
Mon:07:00-21:00
Tue:07:00-21:00
Wed:07:00-21:00
Thu:07:00-21:00
Fri:07:00-21:00
Sat:07:00-21:00
Sun:07:00-21:00
Surprice
+6437774110
Shop 1 Ramada Hotel Retail Complex Road - 24 Hawthorne Drive, Queenstown
