Looking for the best one-way car rental from Nelson to Queenstown? GO Rentals makes it easy with flexible one-way car hires between these stunning locations. Whether planning a brief escape or a scenic road trip, our diverse fleet has you covered.
Choosing GO Rentals for your one-way car rental from Nelson to Queenstown means enjoying the ultimate flexibility for your New Zealand adventure. Whether you're planning to explore the stunning Abel Tasman National Park, drive through the scenic Marlborough wine region, or take in the rugged beauty of the West Coast. Our one-way rentals make it easy to craft your ideal itinerary without the hassle of returning your vehicle to its original location.
At GO Rentals, we offer 24-hour pick-up and drop-off at both Nelson and Queenstown locations, allowing you to travel on your schedule. Plus, with our Total Road Care package for $3 per day, you get 24/7 roadside assistance for any breakdown. Our transparent pricing and comprehensive insurance options give you peace of mind on the road.
Looking for a sustainable option? GO Rentals is proud to offer hybrid and electric vehicles so you can travel responsibly through New Zealand's breathtaking landscapes. With our CarbonClick partnership, you can offset your carbon emissions, making your journey as eco-friendly as possible.
Whether your travel plans include Queenstown's adventure activities or Nelson's coastal charm, GO Rentals has a vehicle rental to suit your needs. From compact cars to luxury SUVs, our wide selection offers a comfortable, affordable and stress-free journey.
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.
Renting a car with GO Rentals is quick and hassle-free. Enter your itinerary details—pick-up date, location and drop-off point—into our booking form and hit "Find My Car" to get started.
We provide one-way car rentals at all eight locations across the North and South Islands, so it's easy to plan your trip from Nelson to Queenstown or even further, like Invercargill.
Please note that a one-way fee, ranging from $100 to $1,000, may apply, depending on availability at your chosen locations. This amount will be displayed clearly in your booking summary and rental agreement before checkout. Our minimum hire period for one-way rentals varies from 1 to 7 days, depending on how far you travel.
You'll pick up your vehicle from our rental car kiosk near central Nelson outside the airport terminal.
The availability of our hire car service can fluctuate based on peak season and vehicle availability. Still, we'll do our best to accommodate your needs—even moving vehicles between branches if necessary. If you can't find the right Nelson to Queenstown renal option online, call us, and we'll help you.
With GO Rentals, you get flexible, affordable and stress-free car hire. This allows you to explore New Zealand exactly how you want, starting and ending with convenient pick-up and drop-off locations.
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.
A road trip from Nelson to Queenstown offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the country. The region is known for its spectacular national parks and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to explore pristine beaches, rugged mountain ranges or charming small towns, this route has it all.
To make the most of your journey, we compiled a list of must-see stops for your trip planner that will turn your drive into an unforgettable adventure. Here are some top spots on your one-way trip from Nelson to Queenstown, in addition to other well-known attractions like the Nelson Classic Car Museum and Nelson Lakes National Park.
Known as the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park, Marahau is the perfect starting point for exploring golden beaches, clear waters and lush forests. Whether you're up for a coastal walk, kayaking, or just enjoying the seaside charm, Marahau offers a relaxing yet adventurous stop on your journey from Nelson to Queenstown.
The Buller Gorge Swing Bridge is the longest in New Zealand and offers a thrilling traveller experience. Located near the scenic Buller River, this stop is an adrenaline rush and a chance to enjoy bushwalks, river rafting and stunning views of the surrounding gorge.
The Punakaiki Pancake Rocks are an iconic natural wonder along the West Coast. These limestone formations, shaped like stacked pancakes, are a must-see, especially during high tide, when the blowholes shoot water into the air.
Hokitika is a quaint West Coast town known for its stunning beaches and rich history. Famous for its jade, this stop lets you shop for handcrafted jewellery, visit the local museum or walk along the coast. Hokitika Gorge, with vibrant blue waters, is another nearby attraction.
Franz Joseph Glacier is a renowned destination where you can see a glacier descending into a temperate rainforest. To get a closer look, walk to the glacier's viewpoint or participate in a guided tour. The stop is ideal if you want to experience the famous glaciers of New Zealand up close.
The small town of Makarora is nestled between Lake Wanaka and the West Coast, and we recommend you stop for a river safari or scenic hike. It's a great place to pause, enjoy tranquillity, and appreciate the dramatic landscapes surrounding you. You are welcome for our tip!
A peaceful, picturesque destination, Lake Wanaka offers outdoor activities like biking, hiking and kayaking. It's also home to the Wanaka Tree, a photogenic willow growing out of the lake. Whether you're stopping for a quick visit or spending more time exploring Mt. Aspiring National Park, Lake Wanaka is a serene place to enjoy the beauty of nature.
As you approach Queenstown, the Kawarau Gorge offers breathtaking views and the chance to experience more adventure. It's home to the Kawarau Bridge Bungy, where you can leap from the first commercial bungy jumping site in New Zealand. Even if you're not up for a jump, the gorge views make it worth the stop.
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:
Loved every minute of our drive from Wanaka through the Haast Pass to Franz Josef Glacier. The back seat was filled with “oohs and ahs” the whole way!
The drive from Wanaka to the West Coast of the South Island via the Haast Pass is simply breathtaking. Traversing the lake with vistas of the Southern Alps and then through canyons of this temperate rainforest and along running rivers and streams as you go through the Pass before arriving on the west coast to head north. One of the great drives.
Escape with GO Rentals. Luckily, I had the Limited edition of RAV4. On the West Coast to enjoy a deep sense of relaxation and tranquillity. I found this lovely house sitting in the middle of nowhere. This is the perfect place for experiencing silence, deep connection to native and a more sustainable way of living.
Admiring the turquoise blue waters of the Hokitika Gorge. GO Rentals takes you to the unsurpassed beauty that only New Zealand has to offer.
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.
Nelson is super easy to get around and there is minimal traffic, which we love. We've found that there are many car parking options in this small city, some are paid and some are conveniently free. Trust us, you'll never be too far away from hitting the brakes and strolling to the centre or popular attractions.
On the other hand, Queenstown can be a bit busier, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Parking in the heart of Queenstown may be limited, but several parking lots and garages are available, often at reasonable rates.
Both towns are designed to accommodate travellers, so you'll likely find traffic and parking manageable whether sightseeing or heading to your accommodation.
The roads between Nelson and Queenstown are toll-free, so you don't have to worry about paying these additional fees during your journey.
However, road conditions can vary, especially in more remote areas or during winter months.
Keep an eye on weather forecasts as some roads, particularly in alpine regions near Queenstown, may require caution during snow or icy conditions.
GO Rentals Nelson rental cars are well-equipped, so you can explore while staying safe on New Zealand's picturesque roadways.
Looking for a great deal on your one-way rental? GO Rentals often offers relocation deals between Nelson and Queenstown. These special deals are perfect for travellers who want to save money and, at the same time, get to enjoy the flexibility of a one-way trip. Relocation deals can help you save significantly on rental costs, depending on vehicle availability.
Keep an eye on our deals page or contact us directly to learn about our current relocation offers that could make your journey from Nelson to Queenstown even more affordable.
