One-Way Car Rental Dunedin to Queenstown

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

Get GOing with GO Rentals for easy car hire from Dunedin Airport to Queenstown! Explore stunning locations in New Zealand with our top-notch vehicles and make your adventure truly unforgettable.

Why GO One-Way Dunedin to Christchurch?

Choosing a GO Rentals one-way car hire from Dunedin to Queenstown gives you the ultimate Kiwi freedom on the road. Start your adventure at our Dunedin Airport branch and explore the breathtaking scenery of the South Island with flexible car rental options. So, why wait? GO grab the wheel and discover the beauty of New Zealand with GO Rentals!

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, including your pick-up location in Dunedin and your chosen return location in Queenstown, to our booking widget and click "Find my car". We offer one-way car rentals at all of our 9 locations on both the South and North Islands. For a convenient and good value rental car experience, just select your pick-up date, time and drop-off location. Please note:

  • A one-way rental fee may apply depending on branch availability. The exact amount will show on your booking summary before checkout.
  • Our minimum one-way car hire period may vary between 1 and 7 days, depending on the driving distance between your pick-up and drop-off locations.
  • While our one-way rentals depend on peak season times and vehicle availability in branches, we can create more one-way availability if we need to move vehicles.

If you’re not satisfied with our website availability, please call us, and we will do our best to accommodate your epic one-way road trip in New Zealand. Our goal is to provide drivers with flexible, convenient options and ensure you get the best value on your journey from Dunedin to Queenstown.

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 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 9 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.

Image of a GO Rentals branch showing its self-service kiosks
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 Queenstown:

  • Moeraki Boulders

    Visit the mysterious Moeraki Boulders along the stunning Otago coast. These massive, spherical stones are perfect for photos and a beach walk.

  • 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.

  • Lake Tekapo

    Stop by the picturesque Lake Tekapo, famous for its turquoise waters and the Church of the Good Shepherd. Enjoy a picnic or a dip in the hot pools.

  • Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park

    Take a slight detour to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Hike with stunning mountain views or take a scenic flight to see New Zealand’s highest peak.

  • Omarama

    Stop in Omarama for stunning glider flights and the unique Clay Cliffs. It's a great spot to stretch your legs and enjoy the landscapes.

  • Cromwell

    Continue to Cromwell, in Central Otago’s wine country. Visit a winery, explore the historic precinct, or enjoy Lake Dunstan.

  • Arrowtown

    Visit the historic Arrowtown before reaching Queenstown. This quaint gold rush village offers charming streets, a fascinating museum, and beautiful autumn colours.

  • Queenstown

    Arrive in Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world. Take the gondola up Bob’s Peak, try bungee jumping, or relax by Lake Wakatipu.

With GO Rentals, your journey from Dunedin to Queenstown 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:

  • Philip

    We had a beautiful drive from Dunedin to Queenstown, and when we got there, we climbed to the top of the Ben Lomond track to watch an epic sunset over the mountains.

  • 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.

  • Sarah

    Mesmerised by the view at the Tesla Supercharger station in Omarama. As Tesla is not in our country, we are thankful to GO Rentals for the opportunity to use Tesla on our 9-day road trip in the South Island. The car has provided immensely useful and easy to drive.

  • Jashren

    Travelled 3 hours on the day we arrived in Queenstown in our trusty little Yaris to make it to Lake Tekapo for sunset and managed to snap this beautiful picture of my wife amongst the lupins.

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 congestion during peak hours. Parking options include street parking and several paid facilities, with rates around $1 to $3.50 per hour. Free parking is more available compared to Queenstown, especially in suburban areas and certain shopping centers. Finding parking in Dunedin is generally easier. For further details, visit Dunedin City Council.

Queenstown: Traffic can be heavy, especially during tourist seasons. Parking options include street parking and various paid facilities, typically costing $2 to $6 per hour. Free parking is limited and mostly found in suburban areas and some shopping centers with strict time limits. Parking is more challenging compared to Dunedin due to high tourist volume. For more details, visit Queenstown Lakes District Council.

Toll Roads and Road Conditions

New Zealand has only three toll roads, and you won't encounter any driving from Dunedin 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 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