If you're looking for a convenient car hire or car rental service, GO Rentals offers pick-up locations in New Zealand, including Wellington, Auckland Airport, and others. Once you pick up your vehicle, you're free to explore.
We've got you covered if you're specifically looking for a one-way car hire option to travel along the scenic route from Christchurch to Nelson and the entire Nelson Tasman region in New Zealand's South Island.
Choosing a one-way rental with GO Rentals from Christchurch to Nelson offers the ultimate Kiwi freedom for your New Zealand road trip. Immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes of New Zealand without having to backtrack.
Start your journey by picking up your vehicle with us in Christchurch. Embark on a memorable drive through the South Island's most picturesque scenery. Then, drop your car off at our GO Rentals Nelson branch for a hassle-free, flexible travel experience.
With GO Rentals, your one-way trip from Christchurch to Nelson is more than just a drive. It's an adventure. Enjoy the freedom of unlimited mileage to explore each hidden gem along the way without worrying about extra costs.
Plus, with our partnership with CarbonClick, you can offset your journey's carbon emissions, making it convenient and environmentally friendly. With free basic insurance and the Total Road Care package, you can hit the road with peace of mind, knowing GO Rentals has you covered every mile from Christchurch to Nelson.
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.
If you're looking for a car rental Christchurch to Nelson option so you can start exploring, enter your pick-up date, drop-off location and other itinerary details into our user-friendly booking widget. Whether you're starting your journey in Christchurch, Wellington, or at the Nelson airport, you'll find a range of convenient rental car options to fit your needs.
After you select your vehicle, click "Find My Car" to view available options. We offer one-way car rentals at all nine locations across New Zealand, including key locations like Christchurch, Nelson, Auckland, and Wellington.
Please note that a one-way fee may apply, depending on branch availability. You'll see the exact amount on your booking summary before you check out.
Our minimum one-way car hire period varies between 1 and 7 days, depending on the driving distance between your pick-up and drop-off locations.
While one-way rentals depend on seasonal peaks and vehicle availability at our branches, we always strive to offer good value and flexibility so you can move at your own pace. If your preferred rental car isn't available online, call us, and we'll do our best to accommodate your one-way road trip across New Zealand. We ensure your travel experience is smooth and tailored to your needs.
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.
We love knowing our rental cars do more than just get you from A to B. With an interactive trip planner and an extensive travel blog to inspire you, your one-way car rental in New Zealand is an epic adventure with a GO Rentals car. Here are some must-see stops on your road trip from Christchurch to Nelson:
A couple of hours north of Christchurch, Hanmer Springs is a must-stop for your South Island Road trip. Known for its therapeutic hot pools, this mountain town is the perfect relaxing destination after a long drive. In the winter, there's skiing; in the summer, there are outdoor and adventure activities ranging from hiking to bungee jumping.
The Waipara Valley is a great detour for wine enthusiasts. It's one of the premiere wine regions in New Zealand and is about an hour's drive from Christchurch. The scenic vineyards give the chance to sample Pinot Noir and Riesling wines in a beautiful setting.
Kaikoura offers coastal views and marine life. It's one of the few places you can see sperm whales year-round. Whether you go whale watching, swim with the dolphins or take in the landscape where the mountains meet the sea, Kaikoura can become a highlight on your journey from Christchurch to Nelson.
Before you end your road trip to Nelson, visit Abel Tasman National Park, known for crystal clear waters, golden beaches, and lush native bush. Activities at the national park include hiking, kayaking, or just relaxing on the beach. It's a serene escape whether you visit in winter or summer.
Punakaiki is located on the west coast and is home to the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. The limestone formations are best viewed at high tide because the blowholes are most active.
Located near Nelson, Kahurangi National Park is the second-largest national park in New Zealand. It's an adventurer's paradise with diverse ecosystems, remote wilderness, and the Heaphy Track, one of New Zealand's Great Walks.
Nelson Lakes National Park centres around Lake Rotoiti and Rotoroa. The park offers the tranquillity of the lakes, stunning mountain scenery, and a network of hiking trails. It's a spot for boating or fishing, as well as birdwatching. Many native bird species make their homes in the area.
The Christchurch Gondola features panoramic views of the Canterbury Plains and the distant Southern Alps. At the summit, explore the walking trails and visit the Time Tunnel ride, which takes you through the region's geological and historical past.
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:
Beautiful views from around us. GO Rentals did us proud. Took us places where we wouldn't have gone. Great week exploring the South Island.
Driving from Christchurch to Kaikoura, we needed to stretch our legs, so we stopped at St Anne's Lagoon, where we saw lots of beautiful native birds, including shovellers and spoonbills, and lots of sheep. We didn't see any whales in Kaikoura, but we still had a whale of a time. Beaut day for a drive!
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. Our last night together, camping on Tahunanui Beach in Nelson.
This summer, I was really lucky to have my mum and sister make their first journey over to visit me from the UK. I have lived in Wellington for almost 5 years now. This picture shows them strolling down the beach during our first evening in Golden Bay. Our trusty GO Rentals took us from Nelson Airport over the Takaka hill to our lovely accommodation in Pohara, and we couldn't resist a paddle shortly after we arrived.
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.
Some areas offer free parking, especially in the suburbs or further from the city centre, but time restrictions may apply.
Since Nelson is a smaller town, it generally has less traffic congestion than Christchurch. The city centre can still get crowded during peak times and weekends, especially around popular attractions and shopping areas.
In both cities, follow signage and parking regulations to avoid fines. Many areas now offer digital payment options, making parking management easier.
Navigating traffic
Navigating traffic and finding parking in Christchurch and Nelson can vary depending on the time of day and specific locations within each city, such as the city centre vs areas further out.
Christchurch's traffic flow is generally smooth but can get congested during peak hours, especially in the city centre and major thoroughfares. Regarding parking, Christchurch offers a mix of on-street and off-street options. There are several public car park options and parking buildings throughout the city, with varying costs depending on proximity to central areas.
When driving a rental car in New Zealand, you want to know toll roads and road conditions to ensure a smooth journey. Fortunately, there are no toll roads in Christchurch or Nelson. You can explore these locations without additional costs. However, if your trip extends to other parts of the country, such as Auckland, you may encounter toll roads.
In this case, GO Rentals’ mandatory $3/day Total Road Care Package is your ticket to toll road freedom. Any tolls or associated admin costs you incur on your road trip are covered under this fee.
Road conditions in Christchurch and Nelson are generally well-maintained, and most routes are easy to navigate. The cities and surrounding areas offer a mix of urban and rural roads, each with varying speed limits.
Speed limits in urban locations usually range from 30 to 50 km/h. The limit can go up to 100 km/h on open roads outside the city. Adhere to these limits. Speed cameras are common, and fines can be high.
Always look for updates on road conditions, especially in winter, when snow and ice can affect travel, particularly on mountain passes.
By staying informed about road conditions and tolls and following speed limits, you can ensure a safe and cost-effective trip experience across New Zealand's diverse landscapes.
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.
