One-Way Car Rental Queenstown to Christchurch

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

Ready to explore New Zealand from Queenstown to Christchurch? With GO Rentals, pick up your car at Queenstown Airport and drop it off in Christchurch. Discover stunning landscapes and vibrant cities hassle-free. So, GO grab the wheel and see where the road takes you—let’s GO and make the most of your Kiwi journey!

Why GO One-Way Queenstown to Christchurch?

Ready to embrace the Kiwi freedom of the open road? With GO Rentals, you can pick up your car in Queenstown and drop it off in Christchurch, making your journey as flexible as you are adventurous. Our GO branches in Queenstown and Christchurch are strategically located to ensure your trip starts and ends with ease. Imagine starting your drive surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of Queenstown and finishing in the vibrant, ever-evolving city of Christchurch.

Why GO Queenstown 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.

How to Rent a Car with GO Rentals

Simply add your itinerary details to our booking widget, including your chosen return location, and click "Find my car." We offer one-way car rentals at all of our 9 drop-off locations across both the South and North Islands. For your trip from Queenstown to Christchurch, here are some important details:

  • A one-way rental fee may apply, depending on branch availability. The exact amount will show in your booking summary before checkout.
  • Our minimum one-way car hire period for Queenstown to Christchurch is typically between 1 and 7 days, depending on the driving distance.
  • One-way rentals depend on peak seasons and vehicle availability at branches, we can create more one-way availability if we need to move vehicles to another location. If you're not satisfied with our website availability, please call us, and we'll do our best to accommodate your epic one-way road trip.

With convenient pick-up dates and good value, GO Rentals ensures you pay a fair price for your rental car. Whether you're planning a trip from Queenstown to Christchurch or anywhere else in New Zealand, our drivers will find the perfect vehicle for your journey.

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 Queenstown 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.

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

Queenstown to Christchurch One Way Trip Ideas

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. Planning an epic road trip across New Zealand’s South Island? Here are eight must-see stops on your journey from Queenstown to Christchurch. Whether you’re exploring in winter or summer, these locations offer unforgettable experiences.

  • Te Anau

    Start your adventure by visiting the charming town of Te Anau, the gateway to Milford Sound. Explore the serene beauty of Lake Te Anau and the glowworm caves.

  • Milford Sound

    Visit Milford Sound, known as the eighth wonder of the world. Enjoy breathtaking views, boat cruises, and the chance to see dolphins and seals.

  • Arrowtown

    Discover the historic Arrowtown, known for its gold rush heritage. Wander through charming streets and visit the local museum.

  • Cromwell

    Stop in Cromwell, located in Central Otago’s wine country. Visit a local winery for a tasting and explore the historic precinct.

  • Wanaka

    Visit the picturesque town of Wanaka, surrounded by mountains and lakes. Enjoy activities like hiking, biking, and skiing at Cardrona and Treble Cone.

  • Omarama

    Stop by the small town of Omarama, known for its unique clay cliffs and hot tubs. It's an excellent place to relax and take in the natural beauty of the South Island.

  • Mount Cook

    Drive to Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. The journey to Mount Cook Village offers stunning views of the Southern Alps and Lake Pukaki.

  • Lake Tekapo

    Head towards the stunning Lake Tekapo, known for its turquoise waters and the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd. It's a great spot for stargazing in the dark sky reserve and enjoying the hot pools.

Queenstown 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:

  • Kristen

    Renting a car for a few days while we were in Queenstown was the best decision!! We travelled with family from Northern Queensland, that have never touched snow before. Finding snow in October was always going to be rare (especially this year!), but the snow Gods were on our side and we were able to touch, throw and slide in it at Coronet Peak. The RAV4s we hired were perfect for travelling between Queenstown and Wanaka to really fully take in all the beautiful scenery. Thanks so much!

  • Chris

    Hired a RAV4 from GO Rentals for our holiday in Queenstown and used it to travel very comfortably to Milford Sound, Arrowtown, Glenorchy and everywhere in between. Here is a photo of our RAV4 parked at Glenorchy near the Red Shed.

  • Valerie

    It was our first time trying out a Tesla, and it was an absolute treat! We sometimes found ourselves spending more time looking at the car than at the view. Our Queenstown trip was an absolutely great time - Arrowtown, Coronet Peak, Cardona, Wanaka, and Queenstown itself. We'll be back.

  • Bilal

    Stopped near Omarama in South Island NZ while travelling between Queenstown & Christchurch, one of the most amazing road trips of my life, all thanks to a very reliable and economical Toyota Corolla hatchback from GO Rentals. Thank you, team GO Rentals.

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.

Driving in Queenstown and Christchurch

Traffic and Parking in Queenstown and Christchurch

Queenstown: Traffic can be heavy, especially during tourist seasons. Parking options include street parking and various paid facilities, typically costing $2 to $6 per hour. Free parking is limited to suburban areas and certain shopping centers with strict time limits. Compared to Christchurch, parking is more challenging due to high tourist volume. For more details, visit Queenstown Lakes District Council.

Christchurch: Traffic is moderate, with congestion mainly during peak hours. Parking includes street options and several paid facilities, with rates ranging from $3 to $5 per hour. Free parking is available in some suburban areas and shopping centers. Christchurch generally has more parking available relative to Queenstown, making it easier to find spaces. For further details, visit Christchurch City Council.

Toll Roads and Road Conditions

The drive between Christchurch and Queenstown is free of tolls. The route between Christchurch and Queenstown is well-maintained. Following speed limits and keeping informed about road conditions will help ensure a smooth and safe journey.

If you find yourself travelling elsewhere in New Zealand and encounter a toll road, you still don’t need to worry about paying for it. With GO Rentals’ compulsory $3/day Total Road Care Package, you’re covered for all toll road fees, including associated admin costs.

Relocation Deals from Queenstown to Christchurch

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.

Frequently Asked Questions