Lake Tekapo
Head towards the stunning Lake Tekapo, known for its turquoise waters and the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd. It's a great spot for stargazing in the dark sky reserve and enjoying the hot pools, especially in winter.
One-Way Car Rental Christchurch to Queenstown
Discover the ease of one-way car hire from Christchurch to Queenstown Airport with GO Rentals. Our convenient car rental options make exploring New Zealand’s stunning landscapes a breeze. Let’s GO grab the wheel and start your adventure today!
More Reasons to GO
Easy pickup, unlimited kilometres and friendly local support.
Modern Hybrid and EV options.
Modern Hybrid and EV options.
Why GO One-Way Christchurch to Queenstown?
Choosing a one-way rental from GO Rentals between Christchurch and Queenstown means more than just a convenient travel option; it's about embracing the Kiwi freedom of the open road. With branches in both Christchurch and Queenstown, you can easily pick up your car at one location and drop it off at another, saving you time and effort. Whether you're starting your journey in the vibrant city of Christchurch or finishing up at the adventure-packed Queenstown, GO Rentals ensures a smooth, hassle-free experience.
Why GO Christchurch to Queenstown with us?
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FREE basic car rental insurance
Our basic insurance cover is included in the cost of every car hire with two upgraded insurance options available!
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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.
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Offset carbon emissions
In partnership with CarbonClick, you can choose to offset the carbon emission of your GO Rentals road trip.
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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.
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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.
How to Rent a Car with GO Rentals
Simply add your itinerary details, including Christchurch as your pick-up location and Queenstown as your return location, to our booking widget, and click "Find my car". We offer convenient one-way car rentals across 10 pick-up and drop-off locations in New Zealand. Please note:
One-Way Car Rental Customer Facts
Cruise Christchurch 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 10 car rental branches spread evenly throughout New Zealand, in the major destinations. You’re never far from a GO Rentals car.
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.
The GO Experience (1:58)
What our customers have to say
Christchurch to Queenstown One Way Trip Ideas
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 can turn into an epic adventure with GO Rentals. Here are eight must-see stops on your journey from Christchurch to Queenstown. Whether you’re exploring in winter or summer, these locations offer unforgettable experiences.
Mount Cook
Drive to Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. The journey to Mount Cook Village offers stunning views of the Southern Alps and Lake Pukaki.
Omarama
Stop by the small town of Omarama, known for its unique clay cliffs and hot tubs. It's an excellent place to relax and take in the natural beauty of the South Island.
Wanaka
Visit the picturesque town of Wanaka, surrounded by mountains and lakes. Enjoy activities like hiking, kayaking, biking, and skiing at Cardrona and Treble Cone.
Cromwell
Stop in Cromwell, located in Central Otago’s wine country. Visit a local winery for a tasting and explore the historic precinct.
Arrowtown
Discover the historic Arrowtown, known for its gold rush heritage. Wander through charming streets and visit the local museum.
Milford Sound
Take a detour to Milford Sound, known as the eighth wonder of the world. Enjoy breathtaking views, boat cruises, and the chance to see dolphins and seals.
Te Anau
Before reaching Queenstown, visit the charming town of Te Anau, the gateway to Milford Sound. Explore the serene beauty of Lake Te Anau and the glowworm caves.
Christchurch 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:
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!
Adrian
On our way to Wanaka we stopped to visit the Clay Cliffs in Omarama. Such a different landscape from what we had been seeing in New Zealand it was a really wonderful stop. A nearby river and amazing views made it worth the visit as well.
Patrick
Here's a photo from our camping trip at Lake Wanaka. It was such a peaceful and beautiful spot, with the lake and mountains making a stunning backdrop for our tent. We had a great time just relaxing by the water, taking in the views, and enjoying the quiet of nature. Definitely a trip to remember!
Josh
One of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been to! We drove from Queenstown to Te Anau to spend the night before driving on to Milford Sound. We spent 4 hours in the car that day and the drive to and from the Sound was almost as beautiful as the Sound itself. Made all the more enjoyable in our comfortable Toyota SUV, which did the whole journey from QT to Milford and back on a single tank of petrol. Can’t ask for much more!
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.
Driving in Christchurch and Queenstown
Traffic and Parking in Christchurch and Queenstown
Queenstown: Expect heavy traffic during tourist seasons. Parking is available on streets and in paid facilities, usually costing $2 to $6 per hour. Free parking is scarce and generally found in suburban areas and some shopping centres with time restrictions. Parking is tougher compared to Christchurch due to tourist demand. For details, visit Queenstown Lakes District Council.
Christchurch: Traffic is moderate, with peak hour congestion. Parking options include street and paid facilities, ranging from $3 to $5 per hour. Free parking is more accessible in suburban areas and shopping centers. Christchurch has more parking options compared to Queenstown, making it easier to find a spot. For details, visit Christchurch City Council.
Toll Roads and Road Conditions
New Zealand has only three toll roads, and you won't encounter any driving from Christchurch to Queenstown. All of New Zealand’s toll roads are on the North Island, so you may encounter one if you travel there.
However, thanks to GO Rentals’ Total Road Care Package, you don’t need to stress about paying for them. This mandatory $3/day package covers you for all toll road fees you incur, including associated admin costs.
The roads between these cities are well-maintained with clear signage. Speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas and 100 km/h on open roads.
Read our blog post for more info on New Zealand's toll roads.
Relocation Deals from Christchurch 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 itinerary matches our deal. Save money and still access our award-winning customer service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it More Expensive to Rent a Car One Way?
The price of our rental vehicles does not increase for one-way hires. However, depending on the location availability, a relocation fee of between $100 - $1,000 may apply and will be shown within your booking summary before checkout.
Can I Take a Car Rental from the North Island to the South Island?
All of our car rentals can go on the Cook Strait ferry from the North to the South Island. Book your one-way car rental in advance and secure a place on the ferry from Wellington to Picton, ensuring a stress-free road trip across New Zealand.
Can Someone Else Return My One-Way Car Rental?
You can add an additional driver to your booking at any time and they can return your one-way rental. The additional driver will need to meet the minimum licence requirements and be able to present this licence at any of our branches before being added to the rental agreement.
What is Your Kilometre Allowance for One-Way Car Rentals?
You are not restricted to a kilometre limit on any of our GO Rentals car classes. This means you can pick up your one-way car rental, drive the whole of New Zealand, and not be charged an additional fee when you drop off. Get GOing on your epic Kiwi trip today!
How Long Does it Take to Drive from Christchurch to Queenstown?
The drive from Christchurch to Queenstown typically takes around 6 to 7 hours without extended stops. However, with many beautiful locations to explore along the way, you might want to spread the journey over a couple of days to fully enjoy the South Island's stunning scenery.
How many days should I spend in Christchurch?
Plan to spend at least 2-3 days in Christchurch to fully experience its unique blend of urban regeneration and historic charm. Key highlights include the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, the Canterbury Museum, and a stroll along the Avon River.
How Many Days in Queenstown is Enough?
To truly experience the adventure and beauty of Queenstown, we recommend spending at least 3 to 4 days. This allows you enough time to enjoy activities like bungee jumping, gondola rides, and exploring nearby attractions such as Milford Sound and Te Anau.
What is the Best Month to Travel to Queenstown?
Queenstown is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on what you want to do. For skiing and snowboarding, visit between June and August. For hiking, biking, and outdoor activities, the summer months of December to February are ideal. Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) offer milder weather and fewer crowds, making it a great time to explore.
Can Tourists Rent Cars in New Zealand?
Yes, tourists can rent cars in New Zealand. You just need a valid driver's licence in English or with an NZTA-approved translation. Check out our driver’s licence blogs for more details: