Go to Homepage
Sign in Check-in Manage booking

Car Hire South Island New Zealand

GO the distance with an affordable car rental!

Two men unpacking a car by a mountain lake during a scenic road trip
White SUV parked by a mountain lake with two people enjoying the scenic view

More Reasons to GO

Easy pickup, unlimited kilometres and friendly local support.
Modern Hybrid and EV options.

South Island Car Hire Locations

Fly into any South Island airport and get behind the wheel of a stress-free Kiwi-owned car hire.

The South Island is renowned for its spectacular landscapes, world-class national parks, and premier ski resorts. It's the perfect starting point for an unforgettable New Zealand road trip.

We're passionate local Kiwis, full of travel tips and insider knowledge to help you make the most of your trip. With 6 locations across the South Island, you are never too far away from an easy and reliable car rental.

Shift gears and check out:

Map of New Zealand

Nelson Airport

Address: Terminal Building Trent Drive, Nelson Airport, Nelson 7011

Office open hours: 08:00 - 17:00, 7 days a week

Terminal Location: Outside the main terminal.

Pick up & Drop off: 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week.

Situated at the top of the South Island, Nelson is a quintessential New Zealand town with majestic national parks, stunning beaches and fresh seafood. Our branch is located right outside the terminal at the rental car building, so you can check in online, skip the paperwork, grab your keys, and GO. Jump into an award-winning car hire and cruise to Abel Tasman National Park for sweeping mountain views, pristine lakes and a coastal paradise you won't believe is real.

Greymouth Railway Station

Address: Greymouth Train Station, Greymouth 7805

Office open hours: 10:00 - 16:00, 7 days a week

Pick up & Drop off: 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week.

Our Greymouth location is your gateway to the wild West Coast. Pick up a rental car and explore rugged coastlines, lush rainforests and iconic sights like Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and the nearby glaciers. With the freedom of your own car, you can take your time discovering one of New Zealand’s most untamed regions.

Christchurch Airport

Address: 155 Orchard Road, Christchurch Airport, Harewood, Christchurch 8051

Office open hours: 07:30 - 18:00, 7 days a week

Terminal Location: Located a short distance from the terminal and we offer a shuttle service. Call us or request a pick-up via our app.

Pick up & Drop off: 07:00 - 01:30 pick-up, 24 hrs a day drop-off, 7 days a week.

Request a convenient shuttle as soon as you land, and our staff will pick you up from the terminal and take you straight to your car hire. Check in online and skip the paperwork so you can get behind the wheel and get GOing on a Christchurch drive. With historic architecture, interactive museums and a gondola ride to see sweeping views of the Southern Alps, Christchurch is a relaxing starting point for a South Island holiday.

Queenstown Airport

Address: Sir Henry Wigley Drive, Frankton, Queenstown, 9300

Office open hours: 08:00 - 17:00, 7 days a week

Terminal Location: 1-minute walk from the arrival hall.

Pick up & Drop off: 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week.

Stretch your legs with a short one-minute walk from the terminal and collect your keys from our Queenstown Airport location. Often hailed as the “Adventure Capital of the World”, Queenstown is the place to shift gears and put the pedal to the metal for an adrenaline-fueled adventure. Buckle up for a trip to world-renowned ski fields or cruise into the awe-inspiring Southern Alps. Trust us, you won't regret it.

Dunedin Airport

Address: Terminal Building, Dunedin Airport, Dunedin 9073

Office open hours: 08:00 - 17:00, 7 days a week

Terminal Location: Located inside the terminal at the rental car hall.

Pick up & Drop off: 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week.

We're not biased, but Dunedin is one of the most historic and picturesque areas of New Zealand's South Island! Located near the breathtaking coastal hills of the Otago Peninsula, the Dunedin region is best explored by car. Our branch is located right outside the arrivals terminal, so you can seamlessly collect your luggage, grab the keys and switch on the ignition for your stress-free holiday.

Invercargill Airport

Address: Terminal Building, 106 Airport Avenue, Invercargill 9810

Office open hours: 08:00 - 17:00, 7 days a week

Terminal Location: Right outside the arrival terminal.

Pick up & Drop off: 05:00 - 20:00, 7 days a week.

Conveniently located inside the terminal, you can switch from a plane seat to the driver's seat. Check in online to skip the boring paperwork and be on your way to an Invercargill road trip in no time. Situated at the bottom of the South Island, Invercargill is the perfect starting point to soak up the stunning deep south. Take a short trip to Bluff for award-winning food or cruise the Southern Scenic Route for pristine coastal views.

Why GO with us?

  • FREE basic car rental insurance

    Our basic insurance cover is included in the cost of every car hire with two upgraded insurance options available!

  • One-way car rentals

    We can organise one-way rentals with pick-up in one location and drop-off in another. Stick to your dream itinerary without worrying about circling back.

  • Offset carbon emissions

    In partnership with CarbonClick, you can choose to offset the carbon emission of your GO Rentals road trip.

  • 24hr AA roadside assistance

    All GO Rentals hire cars have access to the AA 24-hour mechanical breakdown assistance and our Tesla EVs have access to Tesla Roadside Assistance.

  • GO App

    With our GO Rentals App, you can book a car, check in faster and even control your Tesla car functions, right from the palm of your hand.

GO Rentals Benefits

Total Road Care

A comprehensive $3 per day fee ensures your journey is simple and stress-free, we include the following services:

  • Roadside Assistance

    Complimentary callout service for ALL types of breakdowns.

  • Government Road Taxes

    Covers registration costs, safety inspections and road user charges.

  • Toll Road Freedom

    Enjoy free passage on all toll roads, we cover all costs including admin fees.

With Total Road Care, we handle all the essentials so you can focus on the adventure ahead.

Terms and Conditions

GO Rentals Customer Quick Facts

  • Minimum Age: You must be 21 years old to cruise in a standard GO Rentals hire car and 25 to experience the Tesla Model Y hire car. Good news: we do not apply a young driver surcharge!

  • Maximum Age: There's no upper age limit to GO with us.

  • Licence Rule: All drivers need to be 21 or over (25 for EVs) and hold a full driver licence. We can't accept learner, restricted or provisional licences.

  • New Zealand Temporary Licence: Bring photo ID as well as your temporary licence.

  • Foreign Licence Rule: Overseas full driver licences are accepted. If your licence isn't in English, you'll also need an English translation from an NZTA-approved translator.

  • Credit Card Requirement: A credit card is required for bookings with the Basic or Assured insurance options that require a bond deposit. A debit card is acceptable for the upgraded Peace of Mind or some Assured insurance options without a bond requirement.

  • Additional Drivers: Simply pop in to any of our branches and show us your driver's licence to add you onto a booking.

  • Family needs: You can hire baby capsules, child seats and booster seats for your little ones! Add them onto your booking quote and we will fit them ready for you to GO.

  • Documents for collection: You will need your valid driver licence and your debit or credit card in your name. Note that a credit card is required for bookings with the Basic or Assured insurance option that requires a bond deposit.

South Island Car Rental Deals

Cruise the best deals and relocations for an affordable car rental. Make the most of your New Zealand adventure for less with GO.

Customer Reviews from our South Island Locations

Qualmark Gold

Qualmark is New Zealand tourism’s official quality assurance organisation, providing a trusted guide to quality travel experiences. In 2023, GO Rentals achieved Qualmark Gold which recognises the best sustainable tourism businesses in New Zealand, with the delivery of exceptional customer experiences an integral part of everything they do.

A Gold Sustainable Tourism Award identifies those businesses leading the way in making the New Zealand tourism industry a world class sustainable visitor destination. When you see a business displaying the Qualmark Gold symbol you can be assured that the business has met stringent quality, environmental, economic, social and health & safety criteria - earning New Zealand tourism’s official quality mark.

Learn more at qualmark.co.nz

Qualmark gold award logo

Wind Through Dramatic Landscapes on the South Island

There's nothing quite like the freedom of the open road, especially on the beautiful South Island of New Zealand. With the Southern Alps, jaw-dropping national parks, and remarkable coastal landscapes rolling past your window, you could have an unforgettable trip without ever leaving the driver’s seat.

But where’s the fun in that? We love this island, and our passionate team has put together a list of our favourite spots for you to park up, stretch your legs, and fall in love with the South Island all over again.

  • Kayakers paddling along a golden beach in Abel Tasman National Park

    Abel Tasman National Park

    Ideal for hikers, kayakers and beach lovers, the famous Abel Tasman National Park's scenic beauty will blow your mind. Complete an awesome bushland hike, then swim or row in oceans as turquoise as the kind of water you thought only existed in movies. You can thank us later. Our Nelson Airport car hire location is just a 1-hour drive away with a range of SUVs, hybrids and minivans.

  • Person looking at the calm waters and dramatic peaks of Milford Sound

    Milford Sound

    You cannot visit the South Island without visiting the most iconic landscape on the island. Fact check us, it's true. Milford Sound is an extraordinarily enchanting Fiordland with a phenomenal dark sky for stargazing, a riveting underwater observatory and striking waterfalls. Jump into a Queenstown Airport car hire and cruise the 3-hour scenic drive for a trip of a lifetime.

  • Two people skiing downhill with a mountain and lake view at sunset

    South Island Skiing

    With a ski car rental in Queenstown, we are ready to get you on the road in a 4WD with ski racks, snow chains and 24-hour roadside assistance. Hit the South Island slopes like Cardrona (NZ's largest ski field), The Remarkables and Coronet Peak and see why Queenstown is known as the “Adventure Capital of the World”. With ski fields for all levels and lessons for children, families and beginners, there is no better place for ski trips in Winter.

  • Bridge winding through the steep mountain valley of Arthur’s Pass

    Arthur's Pass National Park

    Arthur's Pass is the gateway to the spectacular Southern Alps. Base yourself in the quaint alpine Arthur's Pass village and explore the dense rainforests and pristine rivers in the national park. Hire a 4WD (with snow chains in Winter) to make your way up the highest pass in the Southern Alps, which is a whopping 3,020 feet above sea level. You will be rewarded with epic snow-capped mountain views!

  • Fishing boats docked at Bluff harbor during a colorful twilight

    Bluff

    Visit the southernmost town on the South Island for incredible food, adventures and unique Māori and European history. Famous for Bluff Oysters, you can feast on exquisitely fresh oysters that are often hailed as the best in the world. Take a boat trip to the magnificent Stewart Island, a protected national park full of native wildlife such as penguins, albatross, kiwi birds and dolphins. We're not bluffing, you absolutely should visit Bluff.

  • Hikers walking toward snowy peaks in Mount Cook National Park

    Mount Cook National Park

    All nature lovers should visit Mount Cook National Park at least once in their lives. With vast glaciers, dramatic peaks and unbelievable panoramic viewpoints, it's a world-renowned destination deserving of its name. Hiking trails range from relaxing strolls to thrill-seeking expert grades, such as the "Stairway to Heaven", made up of over 2,000 steps.

Travel Through Our Customer's Lens

We love that our rental cars become part of your travel memories! Submit a snap happy photo to our snap happy competition and be in with a chance to receive up to $500 off your booking!

New Zealand is best explored in a reliable car. Don't take our word for it, check out the happy customers revv'd up about their experience:

  • Person kayaking on a mountain lake under a blue sky

    Simon

    Our holiday was a road trip loop around the top of the South Island from Christchurch, across to Franz Josef, then Hokitika, Greymouth, Nelson, Blenheim, Hanmer Springs, Kaikoura then back to Christchurch. We made an unscheduled stop at St Arnaud at Lake Rotoiti because the weather was perfect and the views were spectacular - particularly when kayaking on this lake. With the mountain backdrop and pristine water and conditions, this was a shot we could not have achieved without our hired car to get us there, compliments to GO Rentals! Thanks guys! =)

  • Man posing next to a black SUV with a lake and mountains in the background

    Natanael

    Snapshot of my dad with our reliable GO Rentals Pajero Sport with the backdrop of the majestic Lake Hawea! As of writing this, we have travelled from Christchurch to explore the amazing wonders of NZ: Mount Cook, Lake Wanaka, and Clay Cliffs. We have paid our visit to see the penguins in Oamaru as well. We can’t wait to explore the rest of South NZ Queenstown, Milford and Doubtful Sound and Dunedin! We won’t be able to make this trip without GO Rentals!

  • Silver car by the ocean with a signpost

    Mark

    I was travelling alone, so I named my little Toyota Mel after her number plate, MEL716. Mel was a great companion for my epic two-week road trip across the whole of the South Island. We covered almost 3,000km together and travelled through some spectacular New Zealand scenery. This is Mel at the southernmost point that we could get to together, Stirling Point in Bluff.

  • Two people sitting in the back of a white car with mountains in the background

    Arjay

    Taking a break while soaking in the beauty around us ☀️ Thanks to this car from #GORentals for taking us to places we could never imagine!

One-Way Rentals

Whether you're exploring the entire South Island or on a quick getaway, pick up your car in one location and drop it off in another, no backtracking needed. Travel from Nelson to Dunedin, Christchurch to Queenstown, or even cross islands from Queenstown to Auckland. With a one-way rental, the road really is yours to take, one way or another.

With unlimited kilometres, free basic insurance and 24-hour roadside assistance, you can accelerate your self-drive trip without any hidden rental car bumps in the road.

South Island Car Rental FAQs

Do I need insurance to rent a car in New Zealand?

Yes, you do need insurance to rent a car in New Zealand, but the great thing is, you don't need to organise this yourself. Car rental companies must legally provide the following basic rental car insurance coverage for every rental:

  • Collision Damage Waiver/Loss Damage Waiver

  • Theft Protection

GO Rentals protects you even further with extra cover for windscreen and tyre damage, and third-party damage and injuries.

All GO Rentals hires come with GO Basic insurance cover. To reduce excess liability, we also offer GO Assured and GO Peace of Mind cover for a fee depending on the rental vehicle.

What documents do I need to hire a car in New Zealand?

For GO Rentals in New Zealand, you will need a physical payment card and a driver's licence.

If you have opted for GO Basic or GO Assured, which require a bond payment, we will require a credit card. If you opt for GO Assured without a bond or GO Peace of Mind, only a debit card is required.

Driver licence requirements: All drivers need to be 21 or over (25 for EVs) and hold a full driver licence. We can’t accept learner, restricted or provisional licences.

  • New Zealand Full Licence: Just bring your full licence, easy as.

  • New Zealand Temporary Licence: Bring your temporary licence plus photo ID.

  • Overseas Licence: Overseas full driver licences are accepted. If your licence isn’t in English, you’ll also need an English translation from an NZTA-approved translator.

Can you hire a car in NZ with an Australian licence?

Yes, you can hire a car in New Zealand with an Australian licence. With a full Australian licence you can drive here for up to 12 months from when you arrive, after which you’ll need to switch to a New Zealand licence.

To hire with GO Rentals, every driver needs a full driver licence. We can’t accept learner, restricted or provisional licences, including Australian P1 and P2 licences, even though they’re legal to drive on in New Zealand.

How old do you have to be to rent a car on the South Island?

Every driver on your booking needs a full driver licence. You’ll need to be 21 or over, or 25 or over to hire an EV.

We can’t accept learner, restricted or provisional licences. That includes New Zealand restricted licences and Australian P1 and P2 licences.

If your licence isn’t in English, you’ll also need an English translation from an NZTA-approved translator. Bring your physical licence card with you to pick up.

Is it easy to drive in the South Island, New Zealand?

It's generally pretty easy to drive around New Zealand's South Island in a reliable 2WD. However, as with any self-driving trip, you should take extra care to know the roads:

  • Roads are often winding and narrow, so they can take a little longer.

  • Winter driving can be a challenge, and you should rent snow chains for your car.

  • There may be gravel on rural roads.

  • Arthur's Pass is the highest pass in the Southern Alps and may take extra time and care to drive up the steep, winding bank.

What is the most scenic route in the South Island, New Zealand?

It's hard to pick just one out of the many stunning routes on the South Island, but the Te Anau to Milford Sound drive has to be our favourite. This scenic self-drive winds through glacial valleys, lush rainforests, and tunnels carved into solid granite, with cinematic views unfolding around every corner.

One of the most jaw-dropping highlights is the Avenue of the Disappearing Mountain, an optical illusion where the mountain appears to shrink the closer you get. You will be thankful you opted for a car hire to take your time on this drive, instead of a packed tour bus.

Can I take my rental car from the South to the North Island?

Yes, you can take your GO Rentals car on the Cook Strait Ferry between the North and South Island.

There are two ferry companies that operate between the North and South Islands, known as Interislander and Bluebridge. Simply book in advance on their websites or ask our GO Rentals team to secure your ticket.

What can you do on the South Island in Summer?

The South Island in summer offers stunning weather, pristine waters and dry weather for outdoor adventures. Try your hand at bungy jumping in Queenstown or swimming in turquoise waters in Abel Tasman National Park.

For road trips, we'd recommend Queenstown to Milford Sound to immerse yourself outdoors and take advantage of the extra daylight hours.

What is the best thing to do on the South Island in Winter?

Winter on the South Island is all about skiing, snowboarding, and exploring the stunning alpine regions. With snow-capped peaks, fresh powder, and world-class ski resorts, it’s the ultimate cold-weather playground.

Pick up a ski car rental and hit the road for an unforgettable South Island winter road trip!