Inter Island Car Rental New Zealand

Can I take any car rental from the North Island to the South Island?

Explore the South and North Island to your heart's content with GO Rentals. All of our cars can be taken on the Cook Strait ferry from Picton to Wellington.

Do I need to change vehicles at Picton/Wellington, or can I keep the same one?

Nope, we make inter-island car rentals super easy for you! You can take your car hire on the ferry from the North to the South Island without needing to change your vehicle.

How far in advance should I book the inter-island ferry?

We recommend booking all ferry trips as soon as possible. If travelling in peak hours, such as summer, then book several weeks or months in advance if you can.

You can book refundable, flexible tickets for a higher price, which can give you peace of mind.

Can I book my ferry crossing through GO Rentals?

Yes, our team are happy to book your ferry crossing for you. All you need to do is let us know the dates of your crossing, and we’ll do the rest. Contact us at info@gorentals.co.nz to get started.

Are there hidden fees for inter-island travel?

No, we don't add any surcharge fees for using the ferry between the North and South islands.

Is there a minimum rental period for inter-island travel?

Our minimum hire period is 24 hours, including for multi-island travel. However, if you want to hire a one-way rental between faraway locations, such as Invercargill to Auckland, we may impose a longer minimum rental period to ensure you have enough time to drive between locations. Input your itinerary details to start.

What is your kilometre allowance for North to South Island car rentals?

We have unlimited kilometres for all of our car rentals on both islands. 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!

Is my insurance cover still valid on the ferry and after crossing?

Insurance cover is valid while on the ferry.

What happens if the car is damaged on the ferry?

Please gather all details relating to the incident, including all contact details from any other parties involved. Where possible, take clear photos of the damage and of any other vehicles involved, and upload these to your online claim form.

If the incident was reported to ferry staff, please also provide their details along with any reference number or information they may have issued.

Is roadside assistance available on both islands?

Yes, we have 24/7 roadside assistance for both islands. You can travel on the ferry crossing from the North to the South Island without a break in your roadside assistance cover.

What documents should I present at the ferry check-in?

1. Your booking confirmation or ticket. Don't worry about printing, it can be shown on your phone!
2. Photo ID, such as your passport or driver's licence.
3. Your vehicle booking ticket for the rental car.
4. Bring your evidence if you opted for a concession fare, like your student ID or senior's card.

Can I rent a car in Auckland and return it in Queenstown?

Of course, our Auckland to Queenstown one-way car rental is the perfect way to see both the North and South islands. Just enter your itinerary details and we'll show you our vehicle availability for your booking dates. With branches in Auckland Airport, Auckland city and Queenstown Airport, you can easily pick up a car for an epic Kiwi road trip.