How to find a cheap car rental deal in Queenstown Airport (ZQN)
It's time to trade your seatbelt for a steering wheel. Pick up a cheap Queenstown Airport rental car for around $162 a day and drive off happy. We do the hard work for you by searching trusted rental companies, so you can quickly compare prices and book.
The cheapest daily rental price at Queenstown Airport is $56.
Staying a little longer in Queenstown and want to explore beyond the main attractions? $173 is the lowest rate for a weekly rental.
To land the cheapest price, book your ZQN car hire around two weeks in advance.
At Queenstown Airport, you can pick up a ride from top-rated providers such as Yes rentals, Hao Rentals and mode rentals.
Whether you book with Yes rentals or another supplier, be sure to check the coverage on your Queenstown Airport car rental. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as an optional extra.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to land a bargain if the provider needs to move vehicles between sites. Find the best available rates for a car for hire in ZQN by clicking 'Return car to a different location.'
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car rental in Queenstown Airport with a full tank, so you're only paying for what you use. No hidden refueling charges at drop-off either.
Hit the road without counting the miles and racking up extra charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and select 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you explore without limits.
Best value car rental options right now
You'll find the best value with this company. Prices average $107 a day.
Taking second place is this provider, which offers daily rates of around $211.
The third option also keeps costs manageable. Expect to pay roughly $176 a day for one of their rentals.
Want a car that's the reliable option for most getaways? The Compact rental category ranks as the top pick for travelers at ZQN.
Compare car rental types from Queenstown Airport (ZQN)
Small: Whether you're zipping around busy cities or simply planning a quick trip, this cheap Queenstown Airport rental car category delivers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can look forward to easy handling and excellent fuel efficiency.
Medium: A solid choice when you need something that has a few more features but is still easy to drive. This category includes compact and intermediate models that offer a bit of extra room compared to smaller options.
Large: You've got the kids, the bags, the snacks, the lot. Large vehicles have got the space to handle it all effortlessly. Great for longer journeys, this ZQN car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: SUVs are adventure on four wheels. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for urban streets and scenic routes alike.
Van: With options like commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Queenstown Airport is built to handle heavier loads and bigger groups. They're roomy, reliable, and built to take on any task.
Insurance and optional extras
Adding excess insurance to your ZQN car hire can take the stress out of driving. It protects you from paying a big excess fee in case of theft or a collision. Insurance policies can differ between rental providers, so take the time to shop around.
Make life easier when you rent a car in Queenstown Airport by adding some handy extras. Think things like a navigation system to keep your trip on track, or reverse cameras that take the pain out of parking.
Good to know
Rental age requirements aren't always the same across the board. Companies can set their own policies, and if you're under the minimum age, you could face extra fees or restrictions. Check the specific rules for each supplier before booking your car rental in New Zealand.
Add a car seat to your ZQN car rental booking if you're bringing the kids. Rules can change from one place to another, but using a child seat suited to their age and size is always the safest approach.
You'll be asked to provide some documents when you get to the rental desk. As a general rule, bring your physical driver's license, a credit card with enough funds for the excess (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and additional photo ID. Your booking will outline the exact requirements.
If you're unfamiliar with driving in New Zealand, don't forget that traffic here keeps to the left side of the road.
Local speed limits can vary, but it's usually around 30mph in built-up areas and 60mph or so along highways. Always obey the road signs.
In New Zealand, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.05%. If you intend to have a few drinks, get someone else to do the driving or arrange a taxi or ride-share instead.
Drive smarter from the start
With a ZQN car hire, you're in control when it comes to your next move. If central Queenstown is the first place you're exploring, it's around 5 miles west of the airport and a trip of about 15 minutes.
Driving from Queenstown Airport to the city center during peak hour can take as long as 20 minutes.
One of the busiest times for traffic in this destination is around 8am. Get where you're going faster by avoiding rush hours in general.
Don't need a set of wheels as soon as you arrive? Think about collecting a car rental in Queenstown instead of at the airport. That way, you won't pay for days you don't use.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Queenstown Airport (ZQN)
You'll want to experience the leading attractions in Queenstown before doing anything else. Air Milford and Glenorchy-Queenstown Road are a great way to kick things off.
Shift gears and head toward Cromwell. Around 25 miles east of ZQN, you'll find must-do sights like Heliview Flights and Burn Cottage Vineyard.
Add Wanaka to your vacation plans. Roughly 30 miles northeast of the airport, head there in your Queenstown Airport car rental to explore top attractions like ThatWanakaTree and Lake Shore walkway to Wānaka Tree.
Got a little fuel left in the tank? Motor on to Ashburton, about 170 miles northeast of ZQN. From CharRees Vineyard to Devon Park, your journey will end on a high note.
