Rental cars Queenstown

Gaining the title of Adventure Capital of the World is no small feat, nor is defending that title for years on end against all comers, but that’s exactly what Queenstown has done. As if offering the best thrill-seeking opportunities in the world isn’t enough, this city is also nestled in the shadow of picturesque mountains, on the shore of a crystal clear lake. In other words, Queenstown should be going straight to the top of your bucket list of car hire road trips.

There are a huge number of car rental companies operating at Queenstown Airport. Big-name international brands are trusted and familiar like Avis, Hertz, Budget. But you may also get car rental deals with small local suppliers such as Keddy & Bliss.

While there are plenty of car hire options at Queenstown Airport, we also have rental partners in central Queenstown, including Budget, Avis, and Omega. If you’re staying at Novotel Lakeside, Hertz, Ace, and Thrifty are all next door on Earl Street.

When you search for a rental vehicle, make sure to take note of the depot location to make sure it works for you.  Queenstown suppliers have complimentary shuttle buses that will take passengers from the airport to their car hire desks located outside the terminal.

Pick up your Queenstown car rental and drive away in your chosen vehicle from any of the brands above. With GoSee, you have a choice!

All you need to know about hiring a rental car in Queenstown

A guide to driving in Queenstown 

If you find yourself driving in central Queenstown, you’re likely to see a lot of pedestrians crossing the road and heading for the lakeshore. There are also a few one-way streets, so make sure to pay attention to road signs. Here are some other tips for driving in and around NZ's adventure capital: 

• Keep left! For some international visitors, driving a rental car in Queenstown might be their first experience with driving on the left. If this is the case for you, make sure you keep this in mind. We recommend practicing on a quiet street if you get the chance. 
• Roads like the nearby Crown Range Road can be steep and windy. If you take roads like this, which lead to Cardrona and Wanaka, make sure to drive safely and take your time, especially in the winter months. 
• Speaking of winter, some roads may close during this season due to adverse conditions. The New Zealand Transport Authority website is a great resource for seeing if your driving route is affected by the weather. 
• Speed limits are posted in kilometres per hour (kph), and distances in kilometres. Generally,  100kph is the maximum speed limit for open roads. The speed limit is 50kph in urban and built up areas, and 100kph on open roads. There are exceptions to this, so make sure to keep an eye out for any road signs. Including a GPS with your car rental can help you to keep track of the speed limit, as they often provide that information.
• Watch out for farm animals on the road, especially in rural areas. Please slow down and do not sound your horn.
• Before returning your car hire Queenstown, you'll need to top up your fuel to avoid any additional charges upon drop off. Choose from different petrol stations in the area such as a Mobile Station on McBride Street, a BP and a Z-Queenstown on Frankton.

Car rental Queenstown: What to see and do 

Hiring a car in Queenstown gives you so many options for what you can see and do. It also gives you the opportunity to explore further, taking in some of the picturesque surrounds this region has to offer. We’ve put together a few ideas for you to get started.  

And… action! 

Whether you like a bit of fun or are a full-on thrill-seeker, there’s action and adventure waiting for you in Queenstown. Bungy jumping, canyon swinging or even becoming a human catapult; these are all waiting for you at AJ Hackett Bungee.

If you’re in town during ski season, Coronet Peak is only about 15 minutes drive from downtown. In addition to its slopes, Coronet Peak also offers world-famous views over the Wakatipu Basin. For mountain bikers, you can find Queenstown bike park on Ben Lomond Reserve. Ride up Skyline Road or take the Skyline Gondola to get there.  

Wine and dine 

Queenstown and the surrounding region has no shortage of wine and food options. The True South Dining Room at The Rees Hotel offers ‘sophisticated elegant dining’, while Kobe Cuisine has exquisite Japanese food and breathtaking scenery. Nearby wineries include Gibbston Valley, which boasts a cellar door, restaurant, and accommodation, and Amisfield, set against the backdrop of the majestic Pisa Mountain range.

For something a bit different, head to Broken Heart Gin Garden to experience Queenstown’s first boutique gin tasting room.  

Fun for the whole family 

If you’re in Queenstown with your whole family, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained. Take the Skyline Gondola to the top of Bob’s Peak and then race back down in a luge.

For animal lovers, take a cruise across Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw and disembark at Walter Peak High Country Farm, where you can feed the animals and take a walking tour of the farmyard.

If the weather is more suitable for indoor activities, try Bazooka Ball, and awesome variation on Paintless Paintball suitable for all ages.