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One-Way Car Rental Auckland to Queenstown

GO Rentals one-way road trip: Auckland to Queenstown Car Rentals

Planning a road trip from Auckland to Queenstown? GO Rentals makes it easy with convenient one-way rental options that allow you to explore New Zealand at your own pace.

With 24-hour pick-up and drop-off in Queenstown and convenient opening times at our Auckland branches, GO Rentals gives you a smooth, stress-free journey from the North Island to the South.

Why GO One-Way Auckland to Queenstown?

Choosing GO Rentals for a one-way car rental from Auckland to Queenstown ensures a smooth, flexible journey across New Zealand’s beautiful islands. We give you the convenience of starting in Auckland and dropping off in Queenstown without the hassle of a return trip or worrying about what to do with your rental.

Our pick-up and drop-off services for our rental cars at Auckland and Queenstown allow you to travel at your own pace. Explore iconic stops like Rotorua’s geothermal wonders, Wellington’s vibrant culture, or the Marlborough Sounds before arriving at the adventure capital of Queenstown.

With unlimited kilometres, you can take your time and enjoy each part of your journey without worrying about mileage.

GO Rentals also offers a variety of vehicle options to suit every type of traveller. Whether you’re seeking a fuel-efficient hybrid for long distances or a spacious SUV for rugged roads, our diverse fleet is designed to meet any travel needs.

Sustainability is also key at GO Rentals. Our hybrid and electric vehicles let you make your Auckland to Queenstown trip more eco-friendly. Offset your carbon emissions through our partnership with CarbonClick, ensuring you have an adventure that’s as environmentally conscious as it is memorable.

Why GO Auckland to Queenstown 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.

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How to Rent a Car with GO Rentals

Whether you're looking for an affordable rental car or the most convenient location, booking vehicles with GO Rentals is quick and easy. Enter travel details, including your pick-up date and drop-off location, into our booking form and click “Find My Car” to get started.

We offer one-way rentals at all nine locations across the North and South Islands. From Auckland Airport to Queenstown and beyond, planning your New Zealand adventure is simple with our built-in convenience.

Depending on availability at your chosen car rental locations, a one-way fee may apply, ranging from $100 to $1,000. The cost will be outlined in your booking summary before you checkout, so there are no hidden charges. Additionally, the minimum hire period is 1 to 7 days, depending on how far you travel between pick-up and drop-off points.

Availability of vehicles can fluctuate depending on the season and demand, but we can often arrange additional vehicles by moving them between branches. If you don’t see exactly what you’re looking for online, call us, and we’ll do our best to assist you with your one-way car hire.

At GO Rentals, we guarantee flexible options, great value, and the freedom to explore your way.

One-Way Car Rental Customer 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 3 and Tesla Model Y hire cars. Good news: we do not apply a young driver surcharge!
  • Maximum Age: There is no age limit to GO with us! As long as you have a valid licence, we welcome you with open arms.
  • New Zealand Licence Rule: Temporary, restricted and full driver's licences are permitted to rent some vehicles with GO. Photo identification is required if hiring a vehicle with a New Zealand temporary licence. Electric vehicles cannot be hired on a restricted licence.
  • Foreign Licence Rule: Valid, full driver's licences are accepted from overseas travellers but must be translated to English and NZTA approved. Foreign learner's and provisional licences are not valid for renting with GO.
  • 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.

Cruise Auckland to Queenstown with convenient pick-up and drop-off

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.

Map of New Zealand

GO Rentals App for a ridiculously simple pick-up and drop-off

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.

Image of a GO Rentals branch showing its self-service kiosks
The GO Experience (1:58)

What our customers have to say

Auckland to Queenstown One Way Trip Ideas

A road trip from Auckland to Queenstown takes you through some of the most iconic landscapes in New Zealand. This makes the route full of unforgettable stops. From the geothermal pools in the North Island to the rugged mountain ranges in the South, there are plenty of ideas to pack your days with.


When you use our New Zealand car rentals to explore the North and South Islands, your journey will be as exciting as your destination.

  • Auckland City and Skytower

    Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city, offering a vibrant mix of culture, shopping, and dining. Be sure to take the time to properly take in the city and all the hidden surprises it has to offer.

    Some attractions within Auckland, however, are hard to miss. The iconic Sky Tower stands 328 meters tall and provides breathtaking panoramic views of the city and its surrounding harbours. It’s a must-visit attraction for anyone wanting to experience the best of Auckland’s skyline and enjoy fine dining at its rotating restaurant.

  • Hamilton

    Hamilton is a vibrant and beautiful city home to Hamilton Gardens, which we think is a must-see! With a range of themed gardens and stunning walks, it’s a great stop to stretch your legs. If you are a Lord of the Rings fan, then Hamilton is a great base to explore the Hobbiton movie sets in nearby Matamata.

  • Rotorua

    Rotorua is a geothermal hotspot with geysers, bubbling mud pools and hot springs. Explore Te Puia for the Pohutu Geyser or relax in the thermal pools, wherever the day and your mood take you.

    Rotorua is also rich in Maori culture, with opportunities to learn about local heritage and visit traditional villages.

  • Wellington Red Cable Cars

    The iconic Wellington Red Cable Cars offer a unique way to explore the capital city. They provide a scenic ride from the bustling city centre up to Kelburn.

    At the top, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Wellington, visit the Botanic Gardens, and explore the Cable Car Museum. It’s a perfect mix of history and scenery for travellers.

  • Picton

    Get the ferry from the North to the South Island and explore the natural beauty of Picton. With a range of outdoor adventures like kayaking, hiking and wildlife cruises where you can spot cute dolphins, it is the perfect place to stop for a few nights. If history is your jam, then discover the oldest surviving merchant sailing ship in the world at Edwin Fox Maritime Museum.

  • Christchurch

    You have to stop in the largest city in New Zealand’s South Island; you won’t regret it. Explore the cultural art scene or stroll through the stunning Christchurch Botanic Gardens to get a feel of the city. Christchurch is unique due to the way it has recovered from the devastating earthquakes in 2010 and 2011, showing an artistic blend of historic and modern architecture. Visit the Canterbury Museum and the innovative Cardboard Cathedral, which showcases the city's resilience and creativity.

  • Lake Tekapo

    For an iconic New Zealand view of turquoise waters and mountain scenery, you absolutely must stop at the breathtaking Lake Tekapo. This picturesque lake is famous for the Church of the Good Shepherd, a cute stone church that offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. Another cool thing about Lake Tekapo is that it is part of a UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve, making it an ideal location for stargazing and astrophotography enthusiasts.

  • Queenstown Skyline Gondola

    The Queenstown Skyline Gondola is one of the top attractions in the adventure capital of New Zealand. The gondola takes you up to Bob's Peak, where you’ll be treated to incredible views of Lake Wakatipu, the Remarkables mountain range, and Queenstown itself.

At the top, you can dine, hike, or enjoy thrill-seeking activities like the luge or paragliding.

Auckland to Queenstown through the lens of our Snap Happy Customers

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:

  • Jort

    Embarking on our three-week honeymoon journey from the Netherlands, we began in Auckland and eventually made our way to the breathtaking Queenstown. It was at Deer Park Heights where we captured this incredible photo, surrounded by stunning views that made our adventure unforgettable.

  • Sabrina

    Had the best scenic drive of our lives after taking the ferry from North to South Island and making our way from Picton.

  • Jerico

    This was my most favourite photo during our tour with our rental car. We are lucky enough to be able to attend a church service on the day of our tour. Capturing the uniqueness of the church with the gift of nature on its background. We feel so blessed visiting the church that before, we only see on our relatives’ painting. Thank you GO Rentals for making this wonderful experience possible.

  • Chayan

    We travelled to every nook and corner, and it was only possible because of the car provided by GO Rentals.

One-Way Rental Car Options

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.

Image of the Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid

Small cars

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Electric vehicles

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Image of a Hyundai iMax People Carrier parked up at a New Zealand vineyard with rows of vines in the background

Hybrid cars

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Large cars / SUVs

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4 Wheel drives

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Van or people carriers

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Car rental accessories

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Driving in Auckland and Queenstown

Traffic and Parking in Auckland and Queenstown

Auckland experiences heavier traffic, especially on weekday mornings and evenings. Allow extra time when driving in and out of the city. Parking in the Auckland city centre can also be limited, but paid parking lots and garages are available.

Queenstown, while smaller, can also have limited parking, especially during peak tourist seasons. However, parking lots are usually located near popular attractions, and many accommodations offer on-site parking.

Toll Roads and Road Conditions

Driving from Auckland to Queenstown, you’ll encounter a few toll roads on the North Island, like the Northern Gateway Toll Road near Auckland. All toll roads and admin fees are conveniently included in our GO Rentals Total Road Care Package, so you can focus on enjoying the freedom of the open road.

Road conditions are generally good. Yet, in more remote areas, especially during winter, roads can be affected by snow, ice, or strong winds. You may have to be particularly wary of the roads within the alpine regions of the South Island.

Relocation Deals from Auckland to Queenstown

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 one-way hire itinerary matches our deal. Save money and still access our award-winning customer service.

Frequently Asked Questions

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