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One-Way Car Rental Nelson to Christchurch

GO Rentals one-way road trip: Nelson to Christchurch Car Rentals

Planning a journey from Nelson to Christchurch? With GO Rentals, your car hire is sorted. We make it easy to explore New Zealand’s stunning South Island at your own pace with our one-way car rental options.

Whether you’re picking up your vehicle at Wellington, Auckland Airport, Nelson Airport, or any of our other convenient New Zealand locations, our fleet provides a smooth, enjoyable ride, as you discover the landscape between Nelson and Christchurch.

Why GO One-Way Nelson to Christchurch?

Choosing a one-way rental from Nelson to Christchurch with GO Rentals gives you the ultimate sense of Kiwi freedom. Explore the South Island without returning your vehicle to the starting point. Start your adventure with a pick-up at our Nelson branch.

You'll then begin a journey that will take you through some of the most scenic landscapes New Zealand offers. Then, at the end of your trip, drop your car off at our Christchurch location. There’s no need to backtrack or adjust plans.

With GO Rentals’ one-way option, you can craft a flexible itinerary that aligns with your travel style. Whether you’re planning to take a leisurely drive down the coastline, explore the rugged terrain of the mountains, or detour through the vineyards of Marlborough, we make it easy.

You can make the most of your time on the road and enjoy the journey as much as the destination. Plus, with unlimited kilometres, you'll also know you're taking advantage of cheap car rentals.

Why GO Nelson 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.

Learn more

How to Rent a Car with GO Rentals

When you hire car services with GO Rental, the booking process is simple and convenient. Add your itinerary details to our booking form widget, including your pick-up date and chosen drop-off location. Click “Find My Car” to get started.

We offer one-way rental cars at all 9 locations across the North and South Islands, from Auckland to Wellington and beyond, so planning your New Zealand adventure is easy. Our locations are conveniently located, and we offer everything, whether you're looking for a luxury vehicle, a compact SUV or something else.

Please note that a one-way fee may apply. This will depend on availability at our branches. You’ll find the exact amount in your booking summary before you pay at checkout. Our minimum one-way car hire period varies 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 seasonal peak times and vehicle availability, we can often create additional availability if we need to move vehicles between locations. If you can’t find what you need regarding Nelson rental cars on our website, please call us, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your one-way road trip.

With GO Rentals, when you hire cars with us, you can expect a rental car experience that offers flexibility, good value, and the freedom to explore New Zealand on your terms.

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 Nelson 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.

Map of New Zealand

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

Nelson to Christchurch One Way Trip Ideas

Embark on a road trip across the amazing region of New Zealand’s South Island from Nelson to Christchurch with GO Rentals, also known as the Nelson Tasman region. Whether planning a summer adventure or winter escape, the journey offers thrilling activities, unique stops, and stunning landscapes.


If you book a Nelson car rental, here are some must-see locations to explore. For more ideas, check out our trip planner.

  • Nelson to Picton

    You can start your journey in Nelson, known for its art galleries, beaches, Golden Bay, and nearby spectacular national parks. The Nelson Classic Car Museum also showcases over 150 classic and vintage vehicles.

    You can head east towards Picton, the gateway to the Marlborough Sounds. You’ll drive through rolling hills and lush forests before you arrive in Picton. From there, walk along the Queen Charlotte Track or explore the local wineries.

    Another option is Nelson Lakes National Park, which is around 1 1/2 hours southwest of Nelson. Abel Tasman National Park is about an hour from Nelson. It's a must-see and just a short detour from your route. Or, there’s Kahurangi National Park, which is the second-largest in New Zealand.

  • Picton to Kaikoura

    Continue south along the coastline as you go to Kaikoura in your Nelson airport car rental. Kaikoura is known for its marine life, and along the way, you’ll see mountains dramatically meeting the sea. Once in Kaikoura, you can swim with dolphins or watch whales. During winter, you can enjoy the fresh coastal air while seeing the contrast with snow-capped peaks.

  • Kaikoura to Hanmer Springs

    Head inland towards Hanmer Springs, a destination for both adventure and relaxation. Nestled in the mountains, natural hot pools make it the perfect retreat to relieve stress. Other area activities include hiking and mountain biking.

  • Hanmer Springs to Christchurch

    Going from Hanmer Springs to Christchurch, consider stopping at the Waipara wine region for a tasting. Once you’re in Christchurch, ride the Christchurch Gondola for views of the city, the distant Southern Alps and the Canterbury Plains. In the winter, ski resorts like Mount Hutt are nearby and offer snowboarding as well.

Nelson 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:

  • Claire

    This summer, I was really lucky to have my mum and sister make their first journey over to visit me from the UK. I have lived in Wellington for almost 5 years now. This picture shows them strolling down the beach during our first evening in Golden Bay. Our trusty GO Rentals took us from Nelson Airport over the Takaka hill to our lovely accommodation in Pohara, and we couldn't resist a paddle shortly after we arrived.

  • Leigh

    The amazing views were endless as we drove from Nelson to Christchurch in our Toyota Corolla. I snapped this shot out the car window of Poplars Range.

  • Bernadette

    This is my second car rental with GO Rentals in the same month. Loyal customer only comes as testament to great service. This is my north coast of the South Island trip, passing by scenic St. Arnaud Lake Rotoiti on the way back to Christchurch. Superb side trip! Will do this again.

  • Chris

    We had a fantastic drive, putting the Ranger where it should be off-road!! Beautiful scenery of spoiled landscapes. The Ranger had its own beauty too.

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.

Image of the Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid

Small cars

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Image of the Tesla Model 3

Electric vehicles

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Image of a Hyundai iMax People Carrier parked up at a New Zealand vineyard with rows of vines in the background

Hybrid cars

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Image of the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

Large cars / SUVs

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Image of the Toyota Rav4 AWD Hybrid

4 Wheel drives

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Image of a Hyundai iMax People Carrier parked up at a New Zealand vineyard with rows of vines in the background

Van or people carriers

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Car rental accessories

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Driving in Nelson and Christchurch

Traffic and Parking in Nelson and Christchurch

Traffic is generally light even in central Nelson, and parking in most places is fairly easy to find in your rental vehicle. There are free parking options in some locations. As Christchurch is a bigger city, there tends to be more traffic, especially during peak hours. However, parking facilities are ample throughout the city, with the cost varying by location. Some areas offer free car park options to simplify city exploration, especially on the outskirts.

Toll Roads and Road Conditions

When driving your rental car between locations like Nelson and Christchurch, there are no toll roads on the South Island, helping to keep your travel costs down.

If your New Zealand adventure takes you to the North Island, you may encounter toll roads. Fortunately, you can enjoy free passage on all toll roads thanks to GO Rentals’ mandatory $3/day Total Road Care Package. It covers all of your toll road fees, including associated admin costs.

The roads are generally in great condition so it’s a smooth journey between cities. Speed limits tend to be well-marked and vary depending on the area. The speed limit is typically around 50 km/h in the city centre and up to 100 km/h on open roads. Always be mindful of the road conditions, especially in the winter.

Relocation Deals from Nelson to Christchurch

We regularly update our relocation deals so you can take a one-way road trip for less. Check out our latest relocation deals to see if your itinerary matches our deals for your car hire dates. You can save money while still accessing our award-winning customer service.

Frequently Asked Questions

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