Moeraki Boulders
Start your South Island road trip by visiting the mysterious Moeraki Boulders along the Otago coast. These massive, spherical stones are perfect for photos and a beach walk.
One-Way Car Rental Dunedin to Christchurch
Get GOing with GO Rentals for easy car hire from Dunedin to Christchurch! Explore stunning locations in New Zealand with a reliable vehicle from our diverse fleet, starting at Dunedin Airport and heading to Christchurch.
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 Dunedin to Christchurch?
Choosing a GO Rentals one-way car hire from Dunedin to Christchurch gives you the ultimate Kiwi freedom on the road. Start at our Dunedin Airport branch and drop off your vehicle at our convenient Christchurch location. Explore stunning locations in New Zealand without the hassle of backtracking. So, why wait? GO grab the wheel and experience the beauty of the South Island!
Why GO Dunedin to Christchurch 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.
How to Rent a Car with GO Rentals
Simply add your itinerary details to our booking widget, including your chosen return location in Christchurch, and click "Find my car". We offer one-way car rentals at all of our 10 locations on both the South and North Islands. If you're planning a trip from Dunedin to Christchurch, just select your pick-up date and drop-off location for a convenient and good value rental car experience. Please note:
Whilst our one-way rentals are dependent on seasonal 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.
One-Way Car Rental Customer Facts
Cruise Dunedin to Christchurch 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
Dunedin to Christchurch 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 is an epic adventure with a GO Rentals car. Here are some must-see stops on your road trip from Dunedin to Christchurch:
Oamaru
Head to Oamaru, known for its Victorian architecture and steampunk museum. Don’t miss the little blue penguins at the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony.
Timaru
Stop in Timaru to explore Caroline Bay, a beautiful beach perfect for a picnic or a swim. Visit the South Canterbury Museum to learn about the area's history.
Lake Tekapo
Take a detour to the stunning Lake Tekapo, famous for its turquoise waters and the Church of the Good Shepherd. Enjoy a relaxing dip in the Tekapo Springs hot pools.
Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
Visit the breathtaking Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park for incredible mountain views and scenic hikes. This detour offers a chance to see New Zealand’s highest peak up close.
Geraldine
Visit the charming town of Geraldine, known for its boutique shops and delicious local food. The Geraldine Vintage Car and Machinery Museum is a highlight for car enthusiasts.
Ashburton
Stop in Ashburton to explore the Ashburton Domain, a beautiful park with gardens and walking tracks. The Ashburton Aviation Museum is also worth a visit for aviation buffs.
Rakaia Gorge
Before reaching Christchurch, stop by the Rakaia Gorge for a scenic walk and breathtaking views of the mountains. It's a perfect spot to stretch your legs and take in the natural beauty of the South Island.
With GO Rentals, your journey from Dunedin to Christchurch is filled with stunning locations and thrilling experiences. So, what are you waiting for? GO grab the wheel and let the adventure begin!
Dunedin to Christchurch 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:
Richard
Stopped at Moeraki Beaches to enjoy the stunning seashore between Christchurch and Dunedin. Just one of many amazing sights seen on our marvellous tour of NZ in our lovely GO Rentals car.
Tom
We were driving our Yaris Cross around the beautiful Lake Tekapo and stopped at this amazing location. Later that night, we returned to this exact spot, where I then proposed to my girlfriend under the stars. A place and time we will never forget. Oh, and in case you were wondering, she said yes!
Dennis
We were completing some installation work at the refurbished Haka House at the beautiful Aoraki / Mt Cook for a day and experienced out-of-season snow. The Ranger was an excellent vehicle for these conditions.
Chase
Exploring NZ was made easy thanks to the amazing staff and vehicles available at GO Rentals! We absolutely loved our Mitsubishi Pajero and the places it took us!
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 Dunedin and Christchurch
Traffic and Parking in Dunedin and Christchurch
Dunedin: Traffic is generally light, with occasional peak-hour congestion. Parking includes street parking and several paid facilities, costing around $1 to $3.50 per hour. Free parking is more available compared to Christchurch, especially in suburban areas and some shopping centres. Finding parking in Dunedin is easier overall. For details, visit the Dunedin City Council.
Christchurch: Traffic is moderate, with peak hour congestion. Parking options include street parking and several paid facilities, ranging from $3 to $5 per hour. Free parking is available in some suburban areas and shopping centres, but is more limited than in Dunedin. Christchurch has more parking options overall, making it easier to find a spot. For more 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 Dunedin to Christchurch. 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.
For more info on New Zealand's toll roads, read our blog post.
Relocation Deals from Dunedin to Christchurch
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 and you can have a stress-free road trip across the whole of 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 Dunedin to Christchurch?
The drive from Dunedin to Christchurch typically takes around 4.5 to 5 hours, covering approximately 360 kilometres. Enjoy scenic views of the South Island’s landscapes along the way.
What is halfway between Dunedin and Christchurch?
Timaru is roughly halfway between Dunedin and Christchurch. It’s a great spot to take a break, explore Caroline Bay, and visit the South Canterbury Museum.
What is there to see between Dunedin and Christchurch?
Between Dunedin and Christchurch, you can explore the Moeraki Boulders, Oamaru’s Victorian precinct, and Lake Tekapo’s stunning turquoise waters. Each stop offers unique attractions and beautiful scenery.
Is Dunedin worth visiting?
Absolutely! Boasting a genuine old-world feel and rich in some of the most beautiful architecture in New Zealand, Dunedin on the South Island's south-east coast is the Otago region's crowning gem, with some of the best examples of Victorian and Edwardian construction this side of the equator.
How many days should I spend in Dunedin?
Plan to spend at least 2-3 days in Dunedin to explore its rich heritage, beautiful architecture, and natural beauty. Highlights include the Otago Peninsula, Larnach Castle, and the Dunedin Botanic Garden.
How many days should I spend in Queenstown?
Queenstown deserves at least 3-4 days to fully enjoy its adventure activities, stunning landscapes, and vibrant nightlife. Don’t miss out on the gondola ride, bungee jumping, and exploring Lake Wakatipu.