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One-Way Car Rental Queenstown to Dunedin

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

If you’re looking for a reliable, stress-free one-way car rental from Queenstown to Dunedin, GO Rentals has you covered. With our range of one-way car hires, you can explore New Zealand on your terms at your own pace.

Why GO One-Way Queenstown to Dunedin?

Opting for a one-way car rental from Queenstown to Dunedin with GO Rentals gives you the flexibility to curate your perfect South Island adventure. Whether you’re heading to the historic city of Dunedin or exploring the landscapes along the way, you know you can trust your mode of transport with us.

Here at GO Rentals, we offer a seamless experience that lets you travel without the hassle of returning your rental vehicle to the same location. This means you can finish any road trip with us knowing that there are no loose ends when it comes to your car rental.

At both Queenstown and Dunedin, we provide convenient 24-hour pick-up and drop-off services. Plan your trip at your own pace with the guarantee that you can leave your vehicle with us at any time.

With the addition of unlimited kilometres that GO Rentals includes, you can explore popular stops like Cromwell and the Moeraki Boulders without worrying about mileage limits. Our transparent pricing guarantees you know exactly what you’re paying for with no hidden costs, providing you with peace of mind throughout your journey.

At GO Rentals, we are committed to supporting sustainable travel. We offer hybrid and electric vehicle options and, through our CarbonClick partnership, you can offset your carbon emissions for a trip that’s as environmentally friendly as it is enjoyable.

We’re not just about convenience but also about providing an eco-friendly experience for our travellers, allowing you to explore with a clear conscience.

Why GO Queenstown to Dunedin 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

Booking a car with GO Rentals is as simple as the trip is enjoyable. Enter your travel details into our online booking form, such as your pick-up date and preferred drop-off location. Then, it’s just a matter of hitting the “Find My Car” button to get started.

All nine of our locations throughout the North and South Islands include one-way rental options from Queenstown to Dunedin. If you want to add another leg to your trip by the end, we can also help you with that.

Drive in style and comfort with an electric vehicle, SUV, or a more compact option that your travel requires. We always have a range of choices to suit your trip and preferences.

Remember that a one-way rental fee may apply, which typically ranges from $100 to $1,000, depending on the vehicle availability at your time of booking. You’ll see the exact cost displayed in your booking summary before you checkout. Our minimum hire period for one-way rentals is 1-7 days, based on the distance between your pick-up and drop-off points.

When peak seasons affect availability and vehicle demand, we’re happy to make additional cars available by moving them between branches if needed. If you don’t see the exact rental you’re looking for, especially for one-way trips from Queenstown, contact us, and we’ll do our best to help.

At GO Rentals, we pride ourselves on offering flexible car hire options, competitive rates, and the freedom to explore at your own pace for the best overall car rental experience.

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 Dunedin 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 Dunedin One Way Trip Ideas

During our car rental for a Queenstown to Dunedin road trip, you're offered a wealth of stunning landscapes, thrilling adventures and hidden gems. Here are a few must-see stops to make your one-way trip as memorable as it is exciting.

  • Devil’s Staircase

    A dramatic section of road just south of Queenstown, The Devil’s Staircase offers views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains. The road is winding, climbing and descending steeply, making it an exhilarating drive with plenty of scenic viewpoints along the way.

  • Invercargill City Parks

    While slightly off the main route from Queenstown to Dunedin, Invercargill is known for beautiful city parks like Queens Park and Anderson Park. During your road trip, you can experience lush greenery, walking trails and even an animal reserve in Queens Park when you include this stop.

  • The Catlins Coast

    A hidden gem along the southern route, the Catlins Coast blends rugged coastline, waterfalls and native forests. Must-sees include the Nugget Point Lighthouse and Purakaunui Falls.

    The Catlins are not just great for scenic beauty but also for potential wildlife encounters, such as sea lions and penguins. Be sure to stop by if you want to get in touch with the wild side of New Zealand.

  • Kawarau Gorge

    Right near Queenstown is Kawarau Gorge, famous for its scenic beauty and adventure activities like bungee jumping. If it’s an adrenaline rush you need, Kawarau Gorge will be sure to provide it.

    Driving through the gorge, you’re also greeted by impressive cliff faces and the turquoise waters of the Kawarau River. Stunning sights are available from even the comfort of your car.

  • Moeraki Boulders

    Just north of Dunedin are the Moeraki Boulders, an unmissable natural wonder. These large, spherical stones are along Kohekohe Beach and are steeped in local Maori legends. You’re sure to miss out if you don’t add these boulders to your itinerary.

  • Larnach Castle

    One of the two main castles in New Zealand, Larnach Castle, is a unique cultural and historical experience outside Dunedin. Set on the Otago Peninsula, the castle boasts beautiful gardens and panoramic city and coastline views for all visitors to enjoy.

  • Te Anau

    Te Anau is a must-see stop if you’re taking the route from Queenstown to Dunedin via Fiordland. It’s known as the gateway to Fiordland National Park for a good reason.

    Te Anau offers lake views, boat cruises, and Milford and Doubtful Sounds. With so much in one convenient spot, any Fiordland driver needs to pull over once they see the signs towards Te Anau.

  • Cromwell

    Cromwell is a small, charming town between Queenstown and Dunedin, known for wineries and fruit orchards. Sample some Central Otago wines or stroll through Old Cromwell Town, taking things at your own pace.

For those looking for a more leisurely road trip, this is a stop you should make the most of.

Queenstown to Dunedin 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:

  • Liana

    We booked a trip to Queenstown and used GO Rentals to travel to Invercargill. Obviously, we had to make pit stops before heading down to Invercargill. GO Rentals definitely helped us with commuting from one place to another. My kids especially enjoyed the car as it had a sunroof and was able to distract them from a long trip.

  • Teresa

    For an adventure like this, we needed a car to match. GO left us a big and comfortable car capable of taking us to the most beautiful corners of the country. If we had been able to handle them, we would’ve even been able to fit a Moeraki rock in the boot!

  • Jan-Hendrik

    Normally, you have a great view of the Lanarch Castle, but on this morning, it was super foggy, which made it an incredible atmosphere. Due to that atmosphere, we felt it was the perfect spot for our reliable travel partner! :)

  • Clara

    We’re studying abroad in NZ for the semester and loved using GO Rentals for our free week road trip! We drove to Te Anau from Queenstown and enjoyed the whole trip!

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 Dunedin

Traffic and Parking in Queenstown and Dunedin

Queenstown can sometimes experience heavy traffic, especially during peak tourist seasons. Extra time should be provided if you are driving to a strict schedule. Parking in Queenstown, particularly in the city centre, can be limited. However, paid car parks are available near popular attractions, giving you some additional options when most needed.

Conversely, Dunedin has lighter traffic and more readily available parking options on-street and in garages. Finding a parking spot will be far simpler than expected.

Toll Roads and Road Conditions

There are no toll roads between Queenstown and Dunedin. However, some roads can be winding and narrow, especially in mountainous areas.

Hence, it’s always a good idea to check weather conditions ahead of time, especially in winter when snow and ice may affect the area.

Relocation Deals from Queenstown to 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 one-way hire itinerary matches our deal. Save money and still access our award-winning customer service.

Frequently Asked Questions