Get GOing with GO Rentals for easy car hire from Nelson to Invercargill! See the very best that South Island has to offer on a 12-hour road trip from Sunny Nelson to the very edge of New Zealand in Invercargill. With our versatile range of SUVs to minibuses, basic insurance coverage and unlimited kilometres, you can steer into adventure with GO Rentals.
With GO Rentals, you can enjoy the wild, untamed roads of the South Island at your own pace. A Nelson to Invercargill road trip lets you explore the most unique sights that New Zealand’s South Island has to offer. Start your journey in Nelson and head down to the southernmost city, Invercargill.
We make it easy to pick up your rental car in Nelson and drop it off in Invercargill within your own schedule with our [one-way rental] (https://www.gorentals.co.nz/services/one-way-car-rental/).
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.
Booking a ride with us is easy. Just add your itinerary details to our booking widget, enter your return locations and hit ‘find my car.’ We offer one-way rentals at all 9 of our locations across New Zealand. If you’re planning on a car rental Nelson to Invercargill, just select your pick-up date and drop-off location for a convenient and great-value rental car experience. Please note:
While our one-way rentals are dependent on season peak times and vehicle availability in branches, we can create more one-way availability if we need to move vehicles to another location. If you are not satisfied with our website availability, please call us, and we will do our best to accommodate your epic one-way road trip.
You can take any GO Rentals vehicle on the Cook Strait Ferry between the North and South Island, which is perfect for a stress-free one-way road trip. We have 9 car rental branches spread evenly throughout New Zealand, in the major destinations. You’re never far from a GO Rentals car.
Get your journey started as quickly as possible thanks to our speedy check-in. Manage your booking online or download our app to get through the check-in process and on the road faster.
Our Nelson Airport branch is right outside the main terminal, so you can hop right into a GO Rentals vehicle and start your adventure as soon as you’ve landed. Using our interactive trip planner, you can make the most of your trip across the South Island. Here are some must-see stops on the way to Invercargill from Nelson.
Be sure to experience everything Sunny Nelson has to offer before heading out! You can find amazing exhibitions across the city, such as the displays at the Suter Art Gallery. Or, you can check out over 150 fully restored vintage vehicles at the Classic Car Museum. Nature lovers can also take an hour-long drive to the breathtaking Abel Tasman National Park.
Get into holiday mode and rejuvenate yourself at Hanmer Springs. This stunning resort town has fantastic views, natural hot pools and an amazing skiing area. If you’re just stopping for the view and a quick rest, the main street has plenty of great cafes and restaurants for a bite before getting back on the trail.
South Island's largest city has plenty of unmissable activities and cultural landmarks to enjoy. Stop by Christchurch’s world-renowned 5-star restaurants or satisfy your shopping addiction in outstanding boutiques and stores. You can also experience a living piece of the city's resilient history at the Christchurch Riverside market, built after a 6.3 magnitude earthquake.
Take a short break from the road by stopping by this charming port city. History enthusiasts should be sure to visit the South Canterbury Museum and Te Ana Maori Rock Art Centre for a taste of the local culture. Nature lovers can enjoy a scenic walk through the Timaru Botanic Gardens, or a stroll along the beautiful Caroline Bay.
Welcome to the ‘Steampunk Capital of New Zealand’! This unique town captures the enduring spirit of the 19th century through its unchanged Victorian limestone architecture. In addition to wonderful artisan shops, cafes and galleries, you can also visit the local blue penguin colony at dusk.
The town is also home to the Steampunk HQ art gallery and regularly hosts the Steampunk festival.
Be sure to stop in the ‘wildlife capital’ while you're on the road! Dunedin and the surrounding regions are famous for their incredible natural beauty and abundant wildlife. You’re never too far from a chance encounter with kiwis, rare birds or sea life like penguins and sea lions. Dunedin also has antique Victorian heritage buildings that embody its fascinating and enduring history.
You’ve finally made it to the City of Water and Lights! Invercargill has plenty of beautiful beaches and long daylight hours during summer, and in winter, you may even catch a glimpse of the Southern Lights (Aurora Australis). The city also has a thriving motor culture, with unique and antique vehicles at the Bill Richardson Transport World and Classic Motorcycle Mecca. For a perfect spot to unwind at the end of your journey, why not take a stroll on the sands of Oreti Beach?
We love that our stress-free rental cars do more than get you from A to B. They become part of your travel memories, and we want to see them!
Submit a happy photo to our Snap Happy Photo Competition and be in with a chance to receive up to $500 back off your booking!
New Zealand is best explored in a modern, reliable car. But don't take our word for it. Cruise through the happy customers revv'd up about their experience:
Giant Sequoia or Redwood tree. Definitely a giant tree! Amazing.
This is taken in the heart of Dunedin. Personally I recommend Go Rentals have always been helpful and kind and cars have been exceptional.
The reception and services I received in the Go Rentals office were very warm. The staff has provided every information in detail and the entire process to rent the car was very smooth. The condition of the car is excellent.
Photobombed by a feathery friend during a traveling toy photo shoot.
With a great selection of affordable vehicles, GO Rentals is ready to get you on the road for a one-way trip. Choose from 4-wheel drives and SUVs for ski or family trips to luxury electric vehicles for a stylish self-drive trip. Put your itinerary details in to see our vehicle availability and start planning your GO trip.
Nelson: Nelson is a great place to drive, with traffic usually light and manageable. However, during major local events, congestion can increase and some roads may be closed. There are plenty of short-term and long-term parking options available throughout the city, including areas with free parking.
Invercargill: Parking in Invercargill is generally easy to find, with many free or low-cost options available in the city centre. It’s also considered one of the most driver-friendly cities in New Zealand, so you’re unlikely to encounter any issues when it comes to parking.
There are only three toll roads in New Zealand, all located on the North Island, so you don’t have to worry about them while you’re heading to Invercargill.
With GO Rentals’ Total Road Care Package, you don’t need to stress about paying for toll roads, even if you are going to the North Island. This mandatory $3/day package covers you for all toll road fees you incur, including associated admin costs.
The roads between Nelson and Invercargill are well-maintained and offer clear signage. However, some roads on the South Island may be winding or narrow. 50km/h speed limits apply in urban and populated areas, and 100km/h limits apply on the open road.
We are regularly updating our relocation deals so you can get GOing on a one-way road trip for cheaper. Check out our latest relocation deals to see if your itinerary matches our deal. Save money and still access our award-winning customer service.
