Looking for an easy, affordable way to explore New Zealand? GO Rentals offers stress-free one-way car hire from Queenstown to Auckland. So get in gear and plan your next adventure with GO Rentals.
With branches across New Zealand, you can enjoy flexible itineraries and discover the beauty of both islands at your own pace. Whether you want a compact car or an eco-friendly hybrid, GO Rentals has the perfect vehicle for your trip. Book now and hit the road confidently!
Choosing one-way car rentals with GO Rentals lets you make the most of your journey from Queenstown to Auckland without the need to circle back. Whether exploring the adventure capital of Queenstown, enjoying scenic stops along the Southern Alps or heading up to the vibrant urban life of Auckland, GO Rentals provides the flexibility needed to create your perfect itinerary.
With nine locations across New Zealand, including branches in Queenstown and Auckland, GO Rentals ensures you’re never far from a drop-off or pick-up point for your car hire. This convenience lets you focus on enjoying the stunning landscapes and towns you’ll pass through, like Lake Tekapo and Rotorua, without worrying about vehicle logistics.
Sustainability is at the heart of our services. Our growing sustainable fleet includes hybrid and electric cars, allowing you to explore New Zealand while reducing your carbon footprint. Plus, with our CarbonClick partnership, you can offset your journey’s emissions and travel while knowing you’re supporting a greener future.
It’s not just about convenience—our no hidden costs, unlimited mileage, and 24-hour roadside assistance mean you can drive with peace of mind, knowing you’re covered every step. Choose GO Rentals for your car hire from Queenstown to Auckland and experience the ultimate 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 for your journey from Queenstown to Auckland is easy and hassle-free. You enter your travel details using our booking widget, which includes pick-up and drop-off locations. Then, click “Find My Car” to begin. Whether planning a quick trip or an extended holiday, our range of one-way rental cars makes it convenient to explore New Zealand at your own pace.
With 9 locations across the North and South Islands, including Auckland and Queenstown, you’ll have plenty of options regarding vehicle types– whether you’re looking for a luxury ride, a spacious SUV, or an eco-friendly hybrid.
Please note that a one-way fee may apply, ranging from $100 to $1,000, depending on availability at our branches. Your booking summary will show your exact cost before you complete checkout. The minimum hire period for one-way trips varies from 1 to 7 days, based on the driving distance between pick-up and drop-off points.
If one-way rentals are limited due to peak season or vehicle availability, we often create additional options by relocating vehicles between branches. If you can’t find the right vehicle for your Queenstown to Auckland trip on our website, feel free to call us, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your plans.
With GO Rentals, you can count on flexibility, value and the freedom to explore New Zealand on your own terms.
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.
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 rental in New Zealand can turn into an epic adventure with GO Rentals. Here are eight must-see stops on your journey from Queenstown to Auckland:
Start your adventure in Queenstown with a thrilling ride on the Shotover Jet, one of the most famous adrenaline activities in New Zealand. Speed through narrow canyons and experience high-speed spins in the crystal-clear waters of the Shotover River. It’s an unforgettable way to kick off your road trip.
Milford Sound, located in the stunning Fiordland National Park, is a must-see on any trip through New Zealand. Known for its dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and marine life, this breathtaking location is best experienced by boat or kayak. Though it’s a bit of a detour from the Queenstown-to-Auckland route, the beauty of Milford Sound is well worth the extra miles.
Lake Tekapo is a stunning glacial lake known for its vibrant turquoise waters. The Church of the Good Shepherd is a picturesque stone church overlooking the lake. It’s also one of the best stargazing spots in New Zealand, so consider staying overnight to witness the beauty of the southern night sky.
Kaikoura, located on the South Island’s east coast, is famous for its marine life encounters. Take a whale-watching tour to see sperm whales or visit the local seal colonies. If you’re a seafood lover, don’t miss the chance to taste fresh Kaikoura crayfish while enjoying the coastal views.
Home to the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a must for hikers and nature lovers. Even if you don’t plan to hike the full trail, the park offers shorter walks and breathtaking views of volcanic landscapes.
Rotorua, located in the heart of the North Island, is known for its geothermal wonders and rich Maori culture. Visit bubbling mud pools, relax in natural hot springs, or learn about Maori traditions at a cultural village. It’s a great place to recharge before continuing your journey.
As you head up the North Island, stop at Mount Maunganui, a beachside town famous for its golden sands and vibrant surf culture. Climb to the summit of "The Mount" for panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Tauranga, or simply relax at one of the many beachside cafes.
The Waitomo Caves are a magical stop on your way to Auckland, known for their glowing bioluminescent glowworms. Take a boat tour through the dark caves, where thousands of glowworms light up the underground caverns like a starry sky—an experience not to be missed!
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:
Photo captured shortly after free-falling, then swinging through the canyon! Our GO Rentals car made it so easy and time-efficient to get to our destination with no fuss of booking an Uber or bus. The rental took us everywhere we needed to go and made our holiday go very smoothly :)
We rented an environmentally-friendly electric car from GO Rentals to visit the beautiful Kaikoura. It's great to be able to easily rent a car with a smaller carbon footprint which may in turn help to preserve the beautiful natural landscapes of New Zealand. We hope to be back one day to explore more of New Zealand too!
We did the Redwoods Treewalk as a last-minute decision and it was one of our most iconic moments on the trip to Rotorua thanks to GO Rentals as we wouldn’t have been able to get there as easy without our hire car.
This photo was taken from our stay in Devonport. Our experience with GO Rentals was fantastic and allowed us to explore areas outside of Auckland, such as Mount Maunganui and Waihi Beach.
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.
In Queenstown, traffic is generally light but can get congested during peak tourist seasons. Depending on the location, parking is available in town, including paid and free options. In Auckland, traffic can be heavy, especially during rush hours. Plan for possible delays and aim to park in one of the many paid parking buildings in the city or use on-street parking in less crowded areas.
As you drive from Queenstown to Auckland, most of your journey will occur on New Zealand’s state highways, which are free to use. However, as you approach Auckland, you may encounter toll roads like the Northern Gateway Toll Road.
Fortunately, with GO Rentals’ mandatory $3/day Total Road Care Package, you can enjoy free passage on all toll roads. It covers all your toll road fees, including associated admin costs.
For more info, read our guide on New Zealand's toll roads.
Check out GO Rental's relocation deals if you plan a one-way trip from Queenstown to Auckland. These offers provide significant discounts for drivers willing to help relocate cars between branches. It’s a great way to save money on your journey and enjoy the benefits of a one-way rental. Keep an eye on our Deals Page for the latest offers because we’re here no matter what for your North and South Island adventures.
