Moeraki Boulders
Visit the mysterious Moeraki Boulders along the stunning Otago coast. These massive, spherical stones are perfect for photos and a beach walk.
One-Way Car Rental Dunedin to Queenstown
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.
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 Queenstown?
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 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 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 10 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:
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
Cruise Dunedin 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
Dunedin 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 is an epic adventure with a GO Rentals car. Here are some must-see stops on your road trip from Dunedin to Queenstown:
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 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:
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 Queenstown
Traffic and Parking in Dunedin and Queenstown
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 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 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 Queenstown?
The drive from Dunedin to Queenstown typically takes around 4 hours, covering approximately 280 kilometres. Enjoy scenic views of the South Island’s landscapes along the way.
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 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.