Car Rental at Queenstown Airport
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Cheapest Car Rental Rates
Economy
Toyota Vitz
or similar

$9.62
per day
Compact
Toyota Aqua Hybrid
or similar

$9.62
per day
Intermediate
Toyota Corolla
or similar

$21.53
per day
Mini
Suzuki Swift
or similar

$22.81
per day
Most Popular Car Rental Deals
Standard
Toyota Camry
or similar

$26.08
/ per day
Standard Elite
Toyota Corolla
or similar

$28.55
/ per day
Economy Elite
Toyota Corolla
or similar

$30.59
/ per day
Premium Van
Toyota Alphard
or similar

$32.71
/ per day
The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 18:32 on 2023-05-25. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.
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Awards
Travel Information
Language
English,
Samoan
Samoan
Currency
NZD
Drive on
Left-hand side
Country code
+64
Average car rental price
$22.69 / per day
Average car rental length
6 days
Speed limit within town
30 - 50 km/h
19 - 31 mph
Speed limit out of town
80 - 100 km/h
50 - 62 mph
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.05%
Average gasoline price
$1.68 per liter
Highest gasoline price
$1.77 per liter
Lowest gasoline price
$1.59 per liter

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 four 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. Queenstown is also a fantastic destination for hiking enthusiasts, with many trails at your disposal.
- 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.
- Queenstown Gardens. Bordering Lake Wakatipu, the gardens are one of the nicest nature experiences you can have without leaving the city boundaries. In addition to many local flora species, the gardens have plants from various faraway destinations. Although good for a picnic, the gardens can also be explored by following its main walking trail, which is just over 3 km (2 miles) long.
- Fiordland National Park - The drive between Queenstown, Te Anau, and Milford Sound is one of the best drives you will find on the South Island. Ending at the glacier-carved Milford Sound with Mitre Peak proudly hovering above the area, it’s a view you won’t forget. For a slightly less-crowded experience, book a tour to Doubtful Sound instead.
- The Remarkables Park. Particularly beloved amongst winter sports enthusiasts, the Remarkables is Queenstown's most popular ski area. Not a fan of skiing? It’s a great place to visit in the summer, with great trails for beginner to advanced hiking enthusiasts.
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)

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.
Airport info
Queenstown Airport (ZQN)
- IATA: ZQN
- ICAO: NZQN
- Name: Queenstown Airport (ZQN)
- Distance from city: 4.3 miles / 7 km
Top 20 Locations near Queenstown Airport
-
Car Rental at Dunedin Airport from $35.12 per day152.1 km / 94.5 miles away
-
Car Rental at Invercargill Airport from $44.17 per day158.4 km / 98.4 miles away
-
165.2 km / 102.7 miles away
-
Car Rental at Christchurch Airport from $9.81 per day347.1 km / 215.7 miles away
-
Car Rental in Christchurch (Downtown) from $19.13 per day351.7 km / 218.5 miles away
-
Car Rental at Nelson Airport from $31.18 per day550.8 km / 342.3 miles away
-
Car Rental at Wellington Airport from $23.12 per day640.6 km / 398.1 miles away
-
Car Rental in Wellington (Downtown) from $19.13 per day641.1 km / 398.4 miles away
-
Car Rental at Wellington Inter Island Ferry Terminal from $35.40 per day644.0 km / 400.2 miles away
-
Car Rental at Palmerston North Airport from $34.82 per day767.0 km / 476.6 miles away
-
Car Rental at New Plymouth Airport from $34.82 per day805.0 km / 500.2 miles away
-
Car Rental at Napier Airport from $53.76 per day910.0 km / 565.4 miles away
-
Car Rental at Rotorua Airport from $38.81 per day993.1 km / 617.1 miles away
-
Car Rental at Auckland Airport from $13.83 per day1024.5 km / 636.6 miles away
-
Car Rental at Tauranga Airport from $38.81 per day1026.4 km / 637.8 miles away
-
Car Rental in Auckland Henderson from $19.13 per day1031.4 km / 640.9 miles away
-
Car Rental in Auckland Onehunga from $19.13 per day1033.0 km / 641.9 miles away
-
Car Rental in Auckland Penrose from $58.43 per day1034.7 km / 642.9 miles away
-
Car Rental in Auckland Mount Wellington from $20.70 per day1036.7 km / 644.2 miles away
-
Car Rental in Auckland (Downtown) from $19.13 per day1039.8 km / 646.1 miles away
Map of Car Rental Locations
When are car rental prices the lowest at Queenstown Airport?
The cost of renting a car at Queenstown Airport varies by season. This graph compares prices from month to month in order to help you find the best time of year.
Average rental costs per day at Queenstown Airport
The cheapest month of the year to rent a car at Queenstown Airport is May — when rental costs average $38.34 per day. This is 47% cheaper than the yearly average and 66% cheaper than renting a car in December (when prices average $112.54 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.
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.
For how long do renters keep their vehicles at Queenstown Airport?
How long travelers keep their rental cars varies by the time of year: in February the average rental period is 8 days, while in June, the average rental period is only 5 days.
Average rental length at Queenstown Airport
What is the most popular time of year to rent a car at Queenstown Airport?
Based on how many users search for a car in at Queenstown Airport, travelers are most likely to rent a car at Queenstown Airport in January, while they are least likely to rent in in May.
Monthly searches at Queenstown Airport by pick-up date relative to the average
Car Rental Information
Popular suppliers | Yes Rentals, Ezu Car Rental, Mode Car Rentals, Discount Car Rentals New Zealand, Snap Rentals |
Popular car categories | SUVs, Small cars, Medium cars, Vans |
Lowest price | $10 per day |
Cheapest supplier | Yes Rentals |
Most Popular Car Models of Rental Suppliers
Rental Supplier | Model | Doors | Luggage | Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
Discount Car Rentals New Zealand | Toyota RAV4 | 5 | 2 | SUVs |
Yes Rentals | Toyota Aqua Hybrid | 5 | 1 | Medium cars |
Jucy | Suzuki Swift | 5 | 1 | Small cars |
Yes Rentals | Toyota Vitz | 5 | 2 | Small cars |
Yes Rentals | Toyota Corolla | 5 | 2 | Small cars |
Yes Rentals | Mazda Demio | 4 | 1 | Small cars |
Ezu Car Rental | Toyota Yaris 2013 | 4 | 1 | Small cars |
Discount Car Rentals New Zealand | Toyota Corolla | 4 | 2 | Large cars |
Yes Rentals | Toyota RAV4 | 5 | 2 | SUVs |
Yes Rentals | Toyota RAV4 | 5 | 2 | SUVs |
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 car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic, verified, and trustworthy.
LS
New Zealand
Toyota Corolla Sedan
April 19, 2023
We went to a wedding at Lake Ohau. So it was great
LW
United States of America (USA)
Toyota RAV4
April 17, 2023
New Zealand is amazingly beautiful. The people were calm & friendly in our experience. So much to see there!
MO
Japan
Suzuki Swift
April 13, 2023
Thanks to the car, we could go around a lot. We’ve seen beautiful views while driving.
MC
New Zealand
Toyota RAV4
April 13, 2023
We have a very good trip on nature using a very good condition of the car roving around.
MJ
New Zealand
Toyota Aqua Hybrid
April 12, 2023
Yes Rentals were great to deal with as they provide a shuttle service when picking up an dropping off the car. Getting out and about around Otago was easy with roads in great condition and gorgeous scenery around every corner. Traffic is busy in Queenstown and it's hard to find a parking space so best to park at your hotel and walk to town if you can.
HC
Australia
Toyota Yaris
April 4, 2023
Lake Wanaka and surrounds, Glenorchy animal farm, Queenstown gondola and luge
AC
Australia
Toyota Corolla Hatch
April 3, 2023
Queenstown and surrounds were amazing with so much to do from hiking, fishing, hunting to adventure activities like the Shotover jet boats or trip on TSS Earnslaw & Gourmet BBQ at Walter Peak farm to restaurants, breweries and bars! This place has everything at your finger tips!!! The scenery will leave you breathless!!!
DS
United States of America (USA)
Toyota RAV4 (2014 - 2016)
April 2, 2023
The Toyota RAV4 gave us reliable access to great hiking and tramping spots. The manual override transmission enabled engine braking and safer descent in several locations (Devil’s Staircase and Crown Range Road near Queenstown, Takaka Hill near Abel Tasman).
EF
New Zealand
Suzuki Swift
April 2, 2023
Onsen hot pools were awesome. Highly recommend Tatsumi.
DH
New Zealand
Mitsubishi ASX
March 30, 2023
Oooh everything in Otago really. Queenstown, Wanaka, Alexandra, Clutha, over the magnificent Crown Range, Arrowtown etc etc etc.
We walked, we drove ( such stunning scenery everywhere) we ate, we drank the local wines - all absolutely top notch!!
DL
Australia
Toyota Corolla Sedan
March 29, 2023
Amazing sites and attractions everywhere
RK
Australia
Toyota Corolla Sedan
March 27, 2023
We travelled to Te Anua, did the glow worm tour, which was amazing, then did a Milford Sound boat tour, that was fantastic! We then drove to a beautiful little town called Wanaka, very pretty spot, then drove to Lake Tekapo, and
we were supposed to do a Glacier Express tour, but it got cancelled, due to weather, but we got to see the glaciers anyway! Then drove to Queenstown, and spent 5 nights there, skydiving, doing the Shotover Jet, going up on the cable car in Queenstown, riding the Luges, and enjoying all that Queenstown has to offer! Would recommend to anyone to go, but definitely hire a car and see the amazing scenery!
HS
Singapore
Honda CR-V
March 27, 2023
Took the car in Queenstown and returned in Christchurch. The journey was amazing and we had many stops to enjoy the nature South Island has to provide.
KO
Australia
Toyota Corolla
March 26, 2023
South Island especially Queenstown, Wanaka, lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo and Mount Aoraki Village was just amazing and stunning. It was just picture perfect and the service that we get everywhere we go was just amazing.
GA
New Zealand
Mitsubishi ASX
March 25, 2023
nature walks and finding a house to buy.
SS
Australia
Toyota RAV4
March 23, 2023
So glad we hired a car & drove ourselves to Milford Sound from Queenstown, so we could stop when, where & how long we liked. Highly recommend it. The return trip was a long day but so worth it doing it in our own time. Had both brunch & dinner at Te Anau 😍
HK
New Zealand
Suzuki Swift
March 19, 2023
Beautiful scenery, friendly Southland people, scrumptious food like the Bluff oysters, blue cod and venison. Also great op-shopping, particularly in the smaller towns.
JM
New Zealand
Suzuki Swift
March 18, 2023
Lake Dunstan cycle
Lake Manapouri
JB
Australia
Mazda Demio
March 17, 2023
Used the car in Queenstown, drove to Wanaka, Mount Aspiring National Park, and Milford Sound
RV
Australia
Toyota Highlander
March 14, 2023
We absolutely loved going to Milford sound via cruise
Skyline gondola visit is must
Hopping around town is top spot to spend evenings at bars
Bombay Masala restaurant is the best Indian restaurants in Queenstown service provided by Puneet was amazing and spectacular
Car Rental Statistics
Highest rated company
Go Rentals
9.4 / 10
Lowest rated company
NUCarrentals
7.7 / 10
Total number of reviews
280
Total rental companies
29
Average daily price
$22.69
Lowest daily price
$9.62