Car Rental at Queenstown Airport
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Cheapest Car Rental Rates
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The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 02:11 on 2022-01-17. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.
Travel Information
Language
English
Currency
NZD
Country code
64
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
Often called the adventure tourism capital of the world, Queenstown attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. Lying on the eastern shore of Lake Wakatipu, the city is as famous for its majestic sights as it is for things to see and do. These are three of its most interesting attractions:
- Winter Sports. Although New Zealand is the southernmost country on the planet, it is also a global hub of skiing and snowboarding. The city is surrounded by alpine scenery and plenty of high-quality slopes like Coronet Peak and the Remarkables. There’s plenty of options for everyone from first-timers to seasoned pros. Also worth checking out is the Snow Farm, an area famous for cross-country skiing — although less breathtaking than going down the mountain, it’s a great way to explore the surrounding nature. The ski season in Queenstown generally runs from late June to the beginning of October.
- Adventure sports. Even if you’ve come to Queenstown during the Southern hemisphere’s summer, don’t despair — there’s plenty of thrill on offer during the warmest time of the year as well. Activities like mountaineering, bungee jumping, parasailing, paragliding, and many more are offered to visiting daredevils by tours and companies all around the city. Visit the adventure section of the city’s official tourism website to learn more.
- Mount Aspiring National Park. A land of green valleys, snow-capped summits, and deep fjords, New Zealand (and especially the South Island) is epitomized by its nature. The national parks of the country are the right places to enjoy this wilderness at its most untouched. Whether you want to feel like a hobbit on a quest by following the hiking trails or try to spot local fauna, Mount Aspiring is the right place. The town of Makarora, a gateway to this national park, is about 130 km (80 miles) north of Queenstown and can be reached in less than two hours. The park can be visited on a day-trip, but there are also lodging options. Fiordland National Park, a similar natural wonder, is about the same distance southwest of Queenstown.
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
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 20 Locations near Queenstown Airport
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Car Rental at Dunedin Airport from $34.50 per day152.0 km / 94.5 miles away
-
Car Rental at Invercargill Airport from $115.33 per day158.1 km / 98.2 miles away
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Car Rental at Christchurch Airport from $12.67 per day347.5 km / 215.9 miles away
-
Car Rental at Nelson Airport from $58.13 per day551.1 km / 342.5 miles away
-
Car Rental at Blenheim Airport from $79.23 per day569.8 km / 354.0 miles away
-
Car Rental at Wellington Airport from $25.95 per day640.9 km / 398.3 miles away
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Car Rental at Wellington Inter Island Ferry Terminal from $33.82 per day644.4 km / 400.4 miles away
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Car Rental at Palmerston North Airport from $73.73 per day767.4 km / 476.8 miles away
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Car Rental at New Plymouth Airport from $51.63 per day805.4 km / 500.4 miles away
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Car Rental at Napier Airport from $47.13 per day910.4 km / 565.7 miles away
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Car Rental at Taupo Airport from $51.63 per day925.5 km / 575.1 miles away
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Car Rental at Rotorua Airport from $43.01 per day993.4 km / 617.3 miles away
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Car Rental at Auckland Airport from $12.35 per day1024.9 km / 636.8 miles away
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Car Rental at Tauranga Airport from $65.03 per day1026.8 km / 638.0 miles away
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Car Rental in Auckland Henderson from $24.28 per day1031.7 km / 641.1 miles away
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Car Rental in Auckland Onehunga from $24.28 per day1033.3 km / 642.1 miles away
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Car Rental in Auckland Penrose from $54.08 per day1035.1 km / 643.2 miles away
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Car Rental in Auckland East Tamaki from $24.28 per day1036.0 km / 643.8 miles away
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Car Rental in Auckland Mount Wellington from $24.28 per day1037.1 km / 644.4 miles away
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Car Rental in Auckland Ponsonby from $14.41 per day1038.6 km / 645.4 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 $23.13. 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 $58.43 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 |
| Discount Car Rentals New Zealand | Toyota Corolla | 4 | 2 | Large cars |
| Discount Car Rentals New Zealand | Toyota RAV4 | 5 | 2 | SUVs |
| Ezu Car Rental | Toyota Alphard | 5 | 4 | Vans |
| Yes Rentals | Toyota Vitz | 5 | 2 | Small cars |
| Ezu Car Rental | Toyota RAV4 | 5 | 2 | SUVs |
| Yes Rentals | Mazda Demio | 4 | 1 | Small cars |
| Ezu Car Rental | Kia Rio | 4 | 1 | Small cars |
| Snap Rentals | Toyota Aqua | 5 | 1 | Medium cars |
| Ezu Car Rental | Suzuki Swift | 4 | 1 | 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
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. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic, verified, and trustworthy.
JC
New Zealand
Toyota Corolla Sedan
January 3, 2022
Reliable company. Great staff. Quick reply on enquires. Great prices
KM
New Zealand
Kia Sportage
January 1, 2022
Queenstown never disappoints. Definitely recommend hiring a vehicle from this crew.but if you're a nit picker, and hard to please? be Kind to this business, or go elsewhere ☺️💯 % algud ! they were
JM
New Zealand
Toyota Corolla
December 30, 2021
Milford sounds is the most amazing place to go for relaxation and awe of the environment. The mountains say relax, enjoy, life is good and explore this wonderland.
RB
New Zealand
Toyota Corolla
December 10, 2021
Just drove to our destination then a day trip and back to pick up office
JS
New Zealand
Mitsubishi ASX
November 11, 2021
Visited arrow town, very pleasant, boutique kind of place. Visited Cromwell, not much there. Went on million Dollar cruise. Would recommend
AS
New Zealand
Toyota Aqua
November 6, 2021
Using a Hybrid car was awesome, we were not too worried about overspending on fuel and cutting back our holiday fun budget. Queenstown is amazing and so much to see and do. I recommend a helicopter ride as a must do
IM
New Zealand
Toyota Vitz
October 27, 2021
Arrowtown is a nice place to visit for lunch
MR
New Zealand
Toyota Vitz
October 19, 2021
Great car to zip around and see the sights of Queenstown
DE
New Zealand
Toyota RAV4
October 9, 2021
Mt Aspiring National Park Blue Lakes is a must trip
GB
New Zealand
Toyota Corolla
October 3, 2021
Highly recommend traveling by car in the south island at this time with Auckland in lock-down as the roads were deserted.
Made for very relaxed travel and no parking hassles.
DD
New Zealand
Kia Rio
September 25, 2021
Milford Sound cruise and bis trip are definetly worth doing, Arrowtown also if you like historic villages. Onsen Pools are a must in winter with the snow on the hills as your own private treat.
RC
New Zealand
Nissan Elgrand
August 1, 2021
Generally a good all round service value for money. Improvements, didn’t get the Nissan as hired, very bad brakes gave us poor confidence, no snow chains available so extra bus trips up mountain. Probably book earlier next time and likely look for 4 wheel drive option.
JN
New Zealand
Toyota RAV4
July 27, 2021
Wanaka is amazing.
Milford Sound is well worth the drive, allow plenty of time to get there. Lots to see on the way.
CD
New Zealand
Nissan Elgrand
July 24, 2021
Queenstown is always a great place to stay
DR
New Zealand
Toyota Corolla
July 20, 2021
Stayed in Queenstown and did day trips to Arrowtown, Wanaka, Lake Tekapo etc. It was wintertime, so snow everywhere but beautiful fine days. Scenery was awesome everywhere. Will definitely be going back for another stay in this region.
SS
New Zealand
Toyota Vitz
July 14, 2021
Milford Sound is really nice place to visit
JM
New Zealand
Toyota Vitz
July 11, 2021
It was fantastic, lots of snow and beautiful scenery
LM
New Zealand
Toyota Highlander
July 1, 2021
I’d be too scared to drive a 2wd up to the Remarkables!
GS
New Zealand
Kia Rio
June 30, 2021
Was Excellent service
MW
New Zealand
Toyota Highlander
June 29, 2021
Great trip other than the busyness of the town. It was difficult to drive around and find parking. But overall amazing trip.
Top 18 Suppliers at Queenstown Airport in 2022
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 / +640508112233
Unit 9, 222 Glenda Drive, Frankton, Queenstown
$87 - $89
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
+6434414340 / 0508246984
20 Lucas Pl, Frankton, Queenstown 9300
$49 - $173
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
Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
$41 - $102
Working hours
Mon:08:30-21:00
Tue:08:30-21:00
Wed:08:30-21:00
Thu:08:30-21:00
Fri:08:30-21:00
Sat:08:30-21:00
Sun:08:30-21:00
034414637
SIR HENRY WIGLEY DRIVE,
$40 - $159
+6437774110
Domestic Arrivals Hall Queenstown Airport, Sir Henry Wigley Drive, Queenstown 9300
$35 - $131
+64034425887
TERMINAL BUILDING
$55 - $60
Working hours
Mon:08:30-21:00
Tue:08:30-21:00
Wed:08:30-21:00
Thu:08:30-21:00
Fri:08:30-21:00
Sat:08:30-21:00
Sun:08:30-21:00
Avis
6434423808
Airport Dr
$120 - $159
Working hours
Mon:08:00-21:00
Tue:08:00-21:00
Wed:08:00-21:00
Thu:08:00-21:00
Fri:08:00-21:00
Sat:08:00-17:00
Sun:08:00-21:00
+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
$119 - $158
Working hours
Mon:08:00-21:00
Tue:08:00-21:00
Wed:08:00-21:00
Thu:08:00-21:00
Fri:08:00-21:00
Sat:08:00-17:00
Sun:08:00-21:00
+6493733925 / +64039744340
121 Glenda Drive, Frankton, Queenstown 9300
$28 - $50
Working hours
Mon:08:30-17:30
Tue:08:30-17:30
Wed:08:30-17:30
Thu:08:30-17:30
Fri:08:30-17:30
Sat:08:30-17:30
Sun:08:30-17:30
Dollar
+640800243789
Sir Henry Wigley Drive, Frankton, Queenstown 9348
Working hours
Mon:07:30-21:30
Tue:07:30-21:30
Wed:07:30-21:30
Thu:07:30-21:30
Fri:07:30-21:30
Sat:07:30-21:30
Sun:07:30-21:30
RightCars
+64021373125
Meet & Greet
+64034414637
Queenstown Airport, Sir Henry Wigley Dr, Frankton, Queenstown 9300
$40 - $159
+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