Very helpful with changes we made. We made quite a few changes due to organising from Australia
Jenny Witney
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Explore the south with an Invercargill Airport car rental
Right down in the very south of New Zealand’s South Island is the stately city of Invercargill. With a range of museums (primarily vehicle-related), great outdoor spaces, heritage buildings, and some amazing seafood available, this is a fantastic base from which to explore a stunning and remote part of the country.
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All you need to know for your Invercargill Airport car hire
A car hire from Invercargill Airport makes it easy to get around the city centre and the region of Southland, neither of which are known for their public transport options. All of the main highways at the bottom lead to—and from—Invercargill, so there are plenty of options for anyone heading out on a road trip to see some amazing NZ sights.
Airport guide
Invercargill Airport (IATA: IVC) has a main terminal, backup terminal and one runway which is the third-longest civilian runway in the country. It is located less than two kilometres from central Invercargill, a drive of less than five minutes.
Inside the terminal travellers will find a cafe, tourist information centre, meeting rooms, an ATM, and toilets with baby changing facilities. There is also a Koru lounge for frequent flyers. The airport has one rental car park for both short and long-term parking—the first 20 minutes are free.
Hire car counters are located inside the Arrivals hall.
Driving tips for Invercargill car rental
A safe trip is the best kind of trip. To ensure that yours falls into that category, you’ll need to hit the roads equipped with a bit of local knowledge. We want you to have a great experience in your rental vehicle from Invercargill Airport—so here are a few top tips to help you stay sharp and out of trouble with the law.
- In New Zealand, all traffic drives on the left. If you are visiting from a country with the opposite arrangement, you may wish to take an hour or two to practice on quiet roads near the airport before driving on the main highways.
- The driver and all passengers must wear a seatbelt. Using a cellphone while driving is prohibited.
- Invercargill and Southland can experience ice and snow in the winter. Always slow down in inclement conditions. You can view weather warnings and road closures on the New Zealand Transport Agency website.
- Many roads in New Zealand are steep and winding. Take care and brake to slow speeds before tight corners. Always pull over to enjoy views—don’t take your eyes off the road while using your car hire Invercargill!
- All distances are posted in kilometres and speed limits are in kilometres per hour.
- The blood alcohol limit for drivers in New Zealand is 0.05%.
Where to go with a car hire in Invercargill
Having the freedom of your own set of wheels is invaluable in Invercargill. While the city itself is quite small and walkable, many of the attractions that visitors want to see are a little further out. There are many, many fantastic options for places to go and things to see in the region. So many that it can be difficult to decide which ones to include in your itinerary! To help, we’ve put together a few ideas—these are some top destinations within two hours of Invercargill.
Bluff
This windswept port town has desolate beauty and recognition for several important positions it holds: the South Island’s southernmost port, the start of State Highway one which runs the full length of the nation, and home of the famous Bluff Oysters. It also has a favourite photo opportunity for travellers: the iconic signpost at Stirling Point which points out the distances to cities and places around the world. Try some oysters, visit the Bluff Maritime Museum to check out fascinating ship wrecks, then head to Bill Richardson Transport World to see the famous Classic Motorcycle Mecca, and take in the views from Motupohue. If you stil have more time, you can also visit Stewart Island on a ferry and have a relaxing day tour.
Curio Bay
An hour away on the Catlins Coast is this lovely small locale which is a base for bird and wildlife watching. Some visitors even get a glimpse of Hector’s dolphins playing in the surf or yellow-eyed penguins nesting. The Petrified Forest, best viewed at low tide, dates back to the Jurassic period—a fascinating relic of the past. Nearby Porpoise Bay is ideal for swimming in the summer.
Te Anau
Gorgeous lakeside town Te Anau is just under two hours drive from Invercargill, and is the home base for those visiting the magnificent Fiordland region. Many will book accommodation in Te Anau and make a day trip to iconic Milford Sound. The town itself is also a lovely place to explore, with opportunities to get out on the lake, head your rental cars Invercargill to a native bird sanctuary, and enjoy the local glowworm caves.
Tuatapere and Te Waewae Bay
This beautifully remote area is ideal for adventure seekers. From Tuatapere, visitors can access hunting, fishing, whitebaiting, and jet boating in the Waiau River. The sweeping Te Waewae Bay has majestic vistas. At the western end you’ll find Blue Cliffs Beach, a gorgeous underdeveloped section of sand. The area is a designated mammal sanctuary, and whale or dolphin sightings are not uncommon.
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Car rental Invercargill Airport: Frequently asked questions
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How much does it cost to hire a car at Invercargill Airport?
Prices for rental cars Invercargill Airport will depend on the supplier, vehicle availability, and the desired rental time of year. They might range from around NZD$150 per day for the cheapest (small compact cars) to more than NZD$300 per day for a station wagon or SUV.
With GoSee’s simple search engine and results page, it’s easy to see and compare the different vehicles at various price points and find one that fits your budget.
What is the cheapest car hire agency at Invercargill Airport?
The suppliers offering cheap car rental at Invercargill Airport include Thrifty and Budget.
Which car rental suppliers are based in or around Invercargill Airport?
The rental suppliers servicing Invercargill Airport include Hertz, Avis, Thrifty, and Budget. Also, there are other off-airport location providers like Apex car rentals that offer free pick up service for your convenience. You just have to check their pick up service policies for more details.
Which car hire companies in Invercargill have updated their vehicle cleaning and safety policies because of coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Most car hire companies in Invercargill and around New Zealand will have updated their policies in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is noted in the search listings as “Enhanced Cleaning”, and you will be able to find out more on each suppliers’ website.
Can I collect a car from Invercargill Airport and return somewhere else?
Yes, most rental companies have branches elsewhere in New Zealand and will allow you to create a one-way booking. You can collect your car hire in Invercargill and complete your tour in Christchurch, Queenstown, or Dunedin. There may be a small fee added. Specify the pick-up and drop-off locations when searching to see the possibilities.
Which car rental companies will pick you up at the airport: Invercargill Airport?
All of the rental suppliers on GoSee currently have counters inside the airport terminal, so no shuttles are required.
Is it cheaper to rent a car ahead of time or at the airport?
Booking your rental car in advance is a good idea for many reasons. Prices may rise as you get closer to the rental period, and supply may dwindle. You could end up having to pay for a more expensive model if you leave it to the last minute, or find yourself with no car available.
What happens if you don’t return a rental car on time?
The rental car Invercargill Airport supplier will often charge an additional day of rental if you return the car after the agreed time. The terms and conditions you can read before or after booking will provide information on the penalties applicable to your specific vehicle and company.
Where is the nearest petrol station to refuel the car at Invercargill Airport?
There is a Z station on Airport Avenue, very close to the airport.
What is the speed limit in Invercargill?
When visiting the capital of New Zealand's Southland, the default speed limit in built-up areas is 50 kilometres per hour. However, you should always look for posted signs as these have the most accurate information. Always follow the recommended speed limits when driving your car rental Invercargill.
