Get GOing with GO Rentals for easy car hire from Dunedin to Nelson! Enjoy a wild South Island adventure as you make your way from the wildlife capital of New Zealand to sunny Nelson! With a wide range of modern vehicles from SUVs to minibuses, basic insurance coverage and unlimited kilometres, you can steer into adventure with GO Rentals.
With GO Rentals, you can enjoy the open road at your own pace without rushing to public transport or pick up points. Spanning almost the entire eastern coast line, a Dunedin to Nelson road trip is a perfect chance to see what the South Island has to offer. Start your journey in the South's most quirky city before heading for the wineries and vibrant culture of Nelson. We make it easy to pick up your rental car in Dunedin and drop it off in Nelson on a date you prefer with our one-way 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.
Simply add your itinerary details to our booking widget, including your chosen return location, and click "Find my car". We offer one-way car rentals at all of our 9 locations on both the South and North Islands. If you’re planning on a Dunedin to Nelson trip, 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 peak season 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 happy with the availability on our website, give us a call, and we’ll 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.
At GO Rentals, we want to go beyond making sure you get to your destination safe and sound. With our interactive trip planner and extensive blogs for travel tips, your hire car is the perfect companion for an incredible adventure across New Zealand’s South Island. Here are some must- see stops on the way to Nelson.
Your journey starts in Dunedin, also known as the ‘Wildlife Capital of New Zealand’. Dunedin and the surrounding areas are wild, beautiful and packed with local flora and fauna. Enjoy chance encounters with kiwis, rare birds and cute sea life like penguins and sea lions. The city also features antique Victorian heritage buildings that reflect its fascinating history. Be sure to visit one of New Zealand's only castle at Larnarch castle before you leave!
Before you leave Nelson, it is well worth stopping by the Otago Peninsula. The peninsula is world-famous for beautiful views and thriving local wildlife. Visit the Royal Albatross Centre to see the world’s only mainland breeding colony, or see little blue penguins at Penguin Palace. The peninsula also has over three amazing beaches to explore, like Pilots Beach, Allans Beach and Te Ruaone Beach.
You’ll find plenty of iconic experiences in the South Island's largest city. Enjoy 5-star restaurants and quality goods made by local artisans or strike out on your own to find hidden gems. For a truly unique experience you can only find in Christchurch, visit the International Antarctic Centre. You’ll survive winter storms, befriend huskies and learn more about life in the harsh conditions in the coldest place on earth.
Ready to go whale watching? Kaikoura is world renowned for its whale cruises and scenic flights, offering a 95% chance of spotting whales, dolphins or orcas all year around. For those seeking a bit more of a thrill, you can also find quad-biking and ziplining past dramatic mountain and ocean views.
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in nature, Geraldine is the perfect base, located right by gorgeous mountain ranges, rivers and forest. The town is also renowned for its quality local producers, including the Geraldine Cheese company and Barkers of Geraldine, famous for sauces and preserves. Motor enthusiasts can also appreciate a quick stop by the Gereldine Vintage Car and Machinery Museum.
Experience picturesque mountain views, relaxing natural hot pools and breathtaking ski areas at Hanmer Springs. The village is surrounded by bold mountains and serene forests, and features charming cafes, shops and restaurants to enjoy after a long day at the slopes. Don’t forget to rejuvenate yourself at the spa before you go!
If you’re visiting in summer you won’t regret stopping at Kaiteriteri Beach. The stunning golden sand beach features a unique crescent shape that makes it ideal for relaxing swims. The area also includes a playground, flying foxes and even a minigolf course. If you’re travelling with your friends or family, you can also find plenty of public BBQ space to show off your grilling skills.
Known as the gateway into the Marlborough Sounds, Havelock has a thriving mussel industry and incredible opportunities for outdoor adventures. When you’re not exploring mysterious, awe-inspiring views of ancient sunken river valleys, there’s plenty to do in town. Enjoy celebrated hiking and cycling routes, including a glow-worm viewing, or try out the region's world-famous Sauvignon Blanc.
You’ve finally reached the end of your journey! After almost 10 hours of driving, why not relax and enjoy a few outstanding exhibitions? Enjoy Nelson's motoring history at the Nelson Classic Car Museum, or take in local artwork at the Suter Art Gallery. If you’ve still got some energy left from the road, the Abel Tasman National Park is only an hour's drive away.
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:
Our view of Nelson from our accommodation
Enjoy a great time at Cable Bay, Nelson.
Split Apple Rock: We drove 1 hour from Nelson, onto a very winding, tiny road up to the mountain, hiked down through beautiful bushes in pouring rain, then, in front of us was this spectacular yellow sand beach.
Drove from CHCH, explored around, and drove to Nelson to see family. We all talked about a skydive, and silly me said I would do it. Not thinking it through. Next day - here we are flying up to skydive. Sweating bricks, nervous as, but in the end LOVED IT. Best decision I had.
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.
Dunedin: Traffic is generally light, with occasional congestion in peak hours. You can find street parking and a few paid facilities costing $1 to $3.50 per hour. Free parking is available in suburban areas and certain shopping centres.
Nelson: Traffic in the city is usually light. However, depending on the time of year or local events, traffic may be busier, and roads may be closed. You’ll find both short-term and long-term parking available, with some areas offering free parking. Parking costs tend to be around $2 per hour after a free initial hour.
New Zealand has only three toll roads, and you won’t run into any of them on your Dunedin to Nelson trip.
With the GO Rentals Total Road Care Package, you don’t have to stress about any toll roads you come across if you plan to head to the North Island. This mandatory $3/day package covers you for all toll road fees you may incur, including associated admin costs.
New Zealand roads are generally well-maintained on the North and South Islands, but conditions and speed limits can vary depending on the area. Weather conditions can also be extreme on the South Island. Be wary of black ice and harsh winds. Some roads may also be narrow or winding. Speed limits in cities and urban areas are typically low, around 50km/h, with 100km/h speeds on the open road.
Check out our complete guide to New Zealand's toll roads for more information.
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.
