Inter Island Car Rental New Zealand
GO between the North and South Island with a car hire that you can take on the ferry!
Explore New Zealand without limits with our multi-island car rental. With GO Rentals, there's no need to change your vehicle. Book your spot, drive on board the Wellington to Picton ferry, then continue your journey without disruption.
No vehicle exclusions, no ferry surcharge, and no pause in insurance cover.
Set sail with a super convenient inter-island car hire that suits your trip.
Taking your car rental on the ferry
If you want to island hop, our car hire can cross the currents with you on the North to South Island ferry.
Inter Island Car Rental Smooth Sailing Perks
One simple car hire booking
Car rental can go on the ferry
Any vehicle type included
No hidden ferry surcharge
Covered by our car rental insurance
No vehicle swap required
Unlimited kilometres
24/7 roadside assistance
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How to book an inter-island car rental:
Book your car hire with GO Rentals for the duration of your trip. You can choose to return to the same location or select a one-way car rental (minimum hire period and one-way fee may apply).
Choose your Interislander or Bluebridge ferry in advance.
Either book directly or ask our friendly team to secure your tickets. Email info@gorentals.co.nz.
Things to bear in mind:
The ferry is busy during peak hours, such as weekends, school holidays, summer and Christmas. Always book as far in advance as possible for a choice of travel dates.
Vehicle fares are calculated on vehicle type, size and passengers.
The ferry crossing takes around 3.5 hours, so allow time in your North and South Island travel plans.
Arrive for the ferry crossing early so you have time to check in and drive your rental car on board. Vehicle check-in closes 1 hour before
You cannot stay in your car while on the ferry, so pack everything you need to take onto the passenger deck.
The Cook Strait can sometimes be rough, so pack motion sickness tablets if required.
The weather can change on the deck, even in summer, so we recommend packing a jumper or jacket!
The views are incredible, especially as you approach the Marlborough Sounds on the South Island. Consider setting up your perfect shot for a chance to receive up to $500 back on your booking with our Snap Happy Photo Competition!
Frequently asked questions
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?
Your booking confirmation or ticket. Don't worry about printing, it can be shown on your phone!
Photo ID, such as your passport or driver's licence.
Your vehicle booking ticket for the rental car.
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.
Why GO 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.
Hassle-Free One-Way Rentals
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 hire in New Zealand is an epic adventure with a GO Rentals car.
Whilst we don't have any hidden ferry surcharge fees, we do have some extra conditions for one-way rentals:
A one-way rental fee may apply between $100 - $1,000, depending on the availability of our branches. 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
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
You can easily add on child seats, booster seats, roof racks and snow chains with a one-way car hire. Great for the whole family or a ski car rental self-drive trip!
Relocation Deals from the North to the South Island
We are regularly updating our hot deals and 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.
- Up to 20% off Hot Deals Secure the best deals for your car rental in New Zealand. From discounted bookings across our most popular cars to relocation deals for one-way trips. Discover how you can save with GO. See all deals
- 15% off AA Member Discount AA Members get an exclusive 15% off the daily rate from every GO Rentals car booking. Book online or call us with your membership number to redeem this offer. Get the discount
- Win up to $500 Snap Happy Your travel memories matter to us! Snap a picture of your adventure around New Zealand, and be in to win up to $500 of the cost of your rental back. GO Snap Happy
GO between the North and South Island in New Zealand
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.
Customer Reviews
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.
GO Rentals Customer Quick Facts
Car Rentals 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:
Michelle Dunn
Wellington Golf Course
Annual girls golfing weekend, shared with friends and laughs.
Amanda Paterson
Lake Tekapo, New Zealand
I was solo road-tripping in my Go rental Toyota around the south island of NZ for a few weeks. On this day, I was struggling to take a self-timer photo in front of beautiful blue Lake Tekapo. Another solo traveller noticed me struggling and walked over the rocks and offered to take a photo of me, and she did such a lovely job!
Dereck Sioneloto
Queenstown Luge
Family photo taken on our first day in Queenstown, big smiles enjoying the beautiful views.
Mat Pennefather
Bayonet peak
We recently eloped in Queenstown and had the most perfect few days traveling around afterwards made possible by GO rentals.
New Zealand Holiday Deals
Save 15% with your AA Membership!
We’ve teamed up with AA to give members 15% off car hire across New Zealand. Enjoy modern vehicles, award-winning service, and convenient locations – all at an exclusive member rate.
Stay & Save: Exclusive 10% OFF at Sudima Hotels
Make your journey even more comfortable with 10% off Sudima Hotel stays across New Zealand. Whether you're winding down after an adventure or exploring a new city, enjoy stylish accommodation and warm Kiwi hospitality for less.
Save 10% on RealNZ adventures - your roadie just got real
Make your South Island roadie epic with 10% off RealNZ experiences. Whether it’s cruising Milford Sound or exploring Queenstown – enjoy unforgettable moments for less.
