If you are looking for a rental car from Invercargill to Christchurch, GO Rentals can get you GOing with an easy one-way hire, no need to circle back. With a friendly team at Invercargill Airport and Christchurch Airport, you could grab the keys to a modern car and plan a stress-free road trip on New Zealand's South Island.
When it comes to exploring the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand's South Island, there's no better way to get GOing than with a one-way rental from GO Rentals.
Start your journey in Invercargill, pick up your one-way car hire, and head north through some of the country’s most stunning scenery. Take your time exploring the Catlins, Dunedin, or the rolling plains of Canterbury – all without the need to circle back.
Once you arrive in Christchurch, simply drop off your vehicle and wrap up your adventure with ease.
Discover the true meaning of Kiwi freedom with GO Rentals' convenient one-way rental service from Invercargill to Christchurch.
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 car hire itinerary details to our booking widget, select Invercargill Airport pickup and Christchurch Airport dropoff, and click "Find my car". We do offer one-way car rentals at all of our 9 locations on both the South and North Islands, but please note:
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 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.
Our car hire branch is conveniently located right inside the Invercargill Airport Terminal, so you can easily pick up your keys and get GOing on your unforgettable South Island road trip.
The beauty of one-way car rentals is the freedom they give you to explore in your own time, especially when paired with GO Rentals unlimited km. Our passionate Kiwi team love the South Island and are always ready to fill your itinerary with local tips.
From dramatic coastlines and remote waterfalls to charming towns and alpine lakes, this route is packed with variety. Whether you're after full-throttle thrills or prefer to take the scenic route in cruise control, this journey has it all. With our New Zealand trip planner, you can easily map out an amazing Kiwi road trip and see why our passionate staff love this country so much.
So buckle up for an Invercargill to Christchurch drive, and get inspired by six must-see stops that’ll turbocharge your road trip and make your Kiwi adventure one to remember.
Whether you're a petrolhead or just curious, Bill Richardson Transport World is a fun start to your trip. The unexpectedly impressive museum in Invercargill is jam-packed with one of the World's largest private collections of vintage trucks, classic cars and retro memorabilia. From interactive exhibits and beautifully curated displays, the innovative museum will kick-start your excitement to be behind the wheel for your trip.
Start your trip with a slight detour South, we promise it will be worth it. Bluff is New Zealand's southernmost town and is home to the legendary Bluff oysters - it's worth the drive just for a taste of one. With rugged coastline views, a charming town and day trips to the stunning Stewart Island, Bluff offers a taste of the deep South.
Driving North of Invercargill, you will hit the beautiful stretch of the Catlins coastline, where lush native forests meet dramatic cliffs and beaches. With sea lions, rare Hector's dolphins and yellow-eyed penguins to spot, it's the perfect self-drive route for nature lovers or a family holiday. Take a walk off the beaten track, chase stunning waterfalls and discover natural wonders on your Invercargill to Christchurch one-way hire.
Dunedin is a spectacular coastal city that blends Scottish heritage and charm with the vibrant energy of a buzzing city. Explore grand architecture, quirky street art, and the stunning Otago Peninsula, home to albatross, penguins, and sea lions. With its mix of culture, wildlife, and coastal beauty, Dunedin offers something for every kind of traveller. Our Dunedin car hire branch is conveniently located for any itinerary changes or for adding additional drivers.
Oamaru is a unique town with charming preserved architecture and steampunk flair. Home to New Zealand's oldest public park, the cute Oamaru blue-eyed penguins and Steampunk HQ, Oamaru is the perfect place to stretch your legs and get lost in a quirky Kiwi town.
The Canterbury region surrounding Christchurch is a stunning area known for rolling plains, pristine lakes and snow-capped Southern Alps mountains. Adventure seekers can detour to the Southern Alps for hiking, biking or skiing at Mt Hutt. Those who prefer a chilled lifestyle can check out the renowned wineries, the beautiful Lake Ellesmere the breathtaking Rakaia Gorge. Christchurch is located in Canterbury so it's a short drive to your final destination with your one-way car hire.
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:
The last stop of 13 days’ adventure, Stirling Point, Bluff. With family of 3. Kid loves the truck, it’s safe and comfortable.
On my way to Invercargill. Stopped to take a photo of the Remarkables with the GO Rentals car.
Stopped at Moeraki Beaches to enjoy the stunning seashore between Christchurch and Dunedin. Just one of many amazing sights seen on our marvellous tour of NZ in our lovely GO Rentals car.
Beautiful views from around us. GO Rentals did us proud. Took us places where we wouldn't have gone. Great week exploring the South Island.
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.
Invercargill is one of the easiest cities to drive around in New Zealand. The light traffic means congestion is rare and the drive is often smooth. Parking is widely available, with many free or low-cost options close to the city centre, shops, and attractions.
Christchurch is a bigger city, so traffic can be heavier, particularly during morning and evening rush hours, and around major intersections or roadworks. However, parking is well-managed, with a mix of metered street parking and secure parking buildings in the central city, often with real-time availability signs to guide drivers.
Great news! There are no toll roads between Invercargill and Christchurch. You can enjoy the entire journey without needing to worry about toll payments or detours to avoid them.
The drive takes you along well-maintained state highways, including State Highway 1 and some scenic inland routes if you choose to detour. Roads are generally in good condition, sealed, and suitable for standard vehicles. Expect some winding sections, especially in hilly or coastal areas like the Catlins and around Dunedin.
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.
