More Reasons to GO
Easy pickup, unlimited kilometres and friendly local support.
The Queenstown region is the adventure capital and is home to New Zealand's biggest ski field, Cardrona Alpine Resort, and a number of awesome mountains with diverse terrain for all levels. Whether you are looking to book a ski trip from Australia or hit the slopes with your snow-fanatic friends, there is nothing better than the freedom of the alpine roads.
With a Queenstown ski car rental, you can plan a South Island winter road trip and hit up a few ski fields in one holiday. With 5-star ANCAP safety rating 4WD cars, snow chains and ski racks to hire from Queenstown Airport, we have you covered for the winter roads. Your safety is a priority. With 24-hour roadside assistance for ANY breakdown included in our Total Road Care package, you can hit the snowy roads with confidence.
Beginner 30%, Intermediate 40%, Advanced 30%
10
June - October
4WD or 2WD with snow chains
Not mandatory, but may be required in heavy snowfall
Sealed until the final few kilometres, which is unsealed
5 and shuttle bus
6.6km/11 min drive from Queenstown Airport
Beginner 20%, Intermediate 25%, Advanced 30%, Expert 25%
47
June - October
4WD recommended
Mandatory on The Crown Range road
Highest road in NZ and unsealed
3 and shuttle bus
40.7km/43 min drive from Queenstown Airport
Beginner 20%, Intermediate 45%, Advanced 35%
42
June - September
4WD or 2WD with snow chains
Must be carried
Fully sealed
7 and shuttle bus
23.6km/31 min drive from Queenstown Airport
Beginner 18%, Intermediate 41%, Advanced 41%
22
June - September
4WD recommended
Mandatory on The Crown Range road
Highest road in NZ and unsealed
2 and shuttle bus
96.3km/1 hour 50 min drive from Queenstown Airport
If you want to wait for the perfect Queenstown snowfall before choosing your ski trip, we have you covered with last-minute ski car rental bookings. We understand that nothing beats the rad feeling of a fresh, groomed run, which is why you can hire a GO Rentals car even on the day of pick-up.
With easy online check-in or app booking management, you can provide all your paperwork straight away. This means all we have to do is fit your ski racks, show you how to fit snow chains and give you the keys.
Check out the snow report for your favourite Queenstown ski field and get GOing!
Hit the slopes with money left over for a thick hot chocolate with GO Rentals ski car rental deals, offering up to 15% off on your car hires.
We recommend a 4WD or AWD for the unsealed Treble Cone ski area or for first-time winter mountain drivers. 4x4 tyres can offer a deeper or more rugged tread pattern, giving you more control on snowy or icy roads. If you want peace of mind on challenging terrain, book one of our 4WD vehicles with a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Bigger is better for any mountain drive, and the majority of alpine roads can be tackled with a 2WD SUV. If you are a confident driver or regularly head to the slopes, a 2WD with snow chains could be the ideal choice.
Most mountain locations in New Zealand are easy to get to with a compact 2WD and snow chains if necessary. A compact 2WD is ideal for 2-3 people with minimal luggage and who are confident drivers. Our compact 2WD ski rental cars are modern and have 5-star ANCAP safety ratings.
Save on fuel and GO green with a fuel-efficient hybrid car. Most Kiwi ski resorts have ambitions to be carbon-neutral or sustainable, and with our GO Zero carbon emission offset partnership, you can book a more environmentally friendly ski trip. With a lower fuel economy rating in a hybrid car, you can ensure your fuel goes further for longer. How's that for a ripper trip?
If you want an even more sustainable car for your ski trip, unfortunately, electric vehicles cannot be fitted with snow chains or ski racks.
If you have a group of 6 or more, 8, 9, or 10-seater people movers may be the way to go. Rent a car big enough to fit your best mates and ski gear comfortably, and get ready for an unforgettable holiday. This would suit you if you're a confident driver with experience with alpine driving.
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Ski and snowboard racks are the ideal way to transport your group equipment to the snow. Our ski and snowboard racks can hold up to 4 pairs of skis or 2 snowboards. Note: racks have a usable width of 60 cm.
To hire a rack, add your itinerary details into the booking widget, select a ski rack-compatible car and add the ski rack to your reservation. Our team can fit your ski rack, so all you have to do is pick up the keys, load up your equipment and get GOing.
Our ski and snowboard racks are compatible with:
Please note: Ski racks and snowboards can cause damage to the boot, which is not covered under rental car insurance. We strongly advise booking a ski rack-compatible car.
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You may not require snow chains, but it is advisable to carry them in case the weather changes.
To book our snow chains, add your itinerary details in the booking widget, select a ski rack-compatible car and add the snow chains to your reservation. Our team can show you how to fit snow chains so you can be confident on the road.
Snow chains are compatible with the following cars:
Please note: Damage from snow chains is not covered under rental car insurance. Ensure you fit your snow chains correctly for the best traction on the road without causing damage to the car.
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Our basic insurance cover is included in the cost of every car hire with two upgraded insurance options available!
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.
In partnership with CarbonClick, you can choose to offset the carbon emission of your GO Rentals road trip.
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.
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.
A comprehensive $3 per day fee ensures your journey is simple and stress-free, we include the following services:
Complimentary callout service for ALL types of breakdowns.
Covers registration costs, safety inspections and road user charges.
Enjoy free passage on all toll roads, we cover all costs including admin fees.
With Total Road Care, we handle all the essentials so you can focus on the adventure ahead.
If you're in Queenstown, The Remarkables is a must-visit ski field! With stunning alpine views, varied terrain for all skill levels, and an easy 40-minute drive from town, it’s the perfect winter playground. Plus, GO Rentals has you covered with vehicles equipped for mountain adventures – just don’t forget to grab snow chains if conditions require them!
Always pack a spare pair of gloves and socks for your winter road trip. If you need to fit snow chains, use an old pair of gloves – not your ski gloves – so you don’t end up with soggy hands on the slopes!
When putting on snow chains, the ground can be wet and muddy – so bring a towel or knee pad to stay comfortable and dry. A little prep goes a long way to keeping you warm and ready for the road ahead!
For a smooth and safe drive on snowy roads, our top vehicle picks are the Toyota RAV4 AWD Hybrid and Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4x4. Make sure to add snow chains for extra grip and upgrade with a ski/snowboard rack to keep your gear secure and give yourself more space inside the car.
Your car rental rate and Total Road Care package with GO Rentals include 24-hour AA roadside assistance and complimentary callout service for ALL types of breakdowns.
Your stress-free car rental experience is a priority and our insurance coverage has peace of mind built right in.
Cost per day
$0 extra cost. Included as standard in our rental fees which varies depending on the rental vehicle.
Excess
Excess liability paid by the hirer in the event of an accident or damage covered under the rental terms. The excess amount for this package is dependent on the vehicle selected.
Bond
A pre-authorised amount to be paid at pick-up and returned to hirer if no damage is caused. The bond amount differs depending on the vehicle and hire period selected.
Credit or Debit
A credit card with the main hirer’s name is required for this insurance option.
Cover
Full comprehensive cover including third-party liability, windscreen and tyre damage. The hirer is liable for the excess amount only if conditions under the agreement are met.
Cost per day
A fee per day will be charged for the full duration of your hire period depending on the rental vehicle. This is an insurance premium and non-refundable.
Excess
Excess is reduced from the maximum depending on the vehicle selected. This is only to be paid by the hirer in the event of an accident or damage covered under the rental terms.
Bond
Starting from $0 depending on the rental vehicle. A pre-authorised amount will be paid at pick-up and returned to hirer if no damage is caused.
Credit or Debit
A credit card with the main hirer’s name is only required for rental vehicles with a bond deposit.
Cover
Full comprehensive cover including third-party liability, windscreen and tyre damage. The hirer is liable for the excess amount only if conditions under the agreement are met.
Cost per day
A cost per day depends on the rental vehicle selected. The upgrade fee is an insurance premium and non-refundable.
Excess
From $0 excess liability and calculated based on the rental vehicle chosen. The hirer may have to pay an excess in the event of an accident or damage covered under the rental terms.
Bond
A credit card with the main hirer’s name is only required for rental vehicles with a bond deposit.
Credit or Debit
A credit card or debit card can be used.
Cover
Full comprehensive cover including third-party liability, windscreen and tyre damage.
Have peace of mind when you GO green! All of our coverage options cover our electric car fleet with the following amendments:
The Tesla dedicated roadside assistance must be utilised before our AA roadside assistance.
A security bond on GO Basic and GO Assured insurance options will be required for a Tesla booking and therefore needs a credit card upon pick-up.
For full details on the electric car insurance, please read our terms.
Our Snap Happy Photo Competition has rippers hyped up about our ski car hire in New Zealand! Submit a cool photo of your GO winter travel memory and be in with a chance to WIN up to $500 back from your booking.
We’ve had a brilliant family holiday in Queenstown this week to celebrate our 10th Wedding Anniversary and 2 of our daughter’s birthdays! Thank goodness for GO Rentals, as we’ve had this awesome car to take us to Wanaka, Arrowtown, Cromwell and even up to Coronet Peak today for our daughter’s 3rd birthday and her first time playing in snow!
Loved the GO Rentals team, and driving this car has been an amazing experience on NZ roads. It was the best ever scenic drive with snow peaks and lakes with a sunshine, all in one photo + GO Rentals super amazing smooth car drive.
Nature’s Fire: The untouched beauty of Wilson’s Bay at sunset, where the fiery sky meets the serene snow-capped peaks on the road back from Glenorchy. Captured in its purest form, without a single edit. My experience with GO Rentals was stress-free, with a smooth online check-in process which got me on the road quickly.
At the Pukaki Lookout, with the stunning snow-capped mountains in the background and my rented Tesla Model 3.
With ski fields on both the North and South Island, you can get GOing on a winter trip from any of our 10 branches:
Our Christchurch branch is perfectly located for a trip to the breathtaking Mt. Hutt or stunning Ohau, ideal for beginner to intermediate skiers and snowboarders. With extended pick-up hours from 07:00 to 01:30 every day and drop-off 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, we are always ready to get you on the road in a Christchurch ski car hire.
Driving across New Zealand in winter presents stunning sights of snowy mountains and fields of sleet. However, the cold weather poses unique risks to drivers unfamiliar with colder temperatures.
Embark on an unforgettable winter adventure as you hit the road to New Zealand’s snow-capped wonderland! With its breathtaking landscapes and thrilling snowy peaks, the journey promises excitement and adrenaline.
New Zealand is home to some unbelievable scenic beauty. In order to see the very best of it all, it can be necessary to take on some treacherous roads. During winter months, these roads are prone to build-ups of snow and ice.
There’s nothing worse than when you’re all set to kick off the next leg of your road trip, but your car windows and windscreen are foggy and obstructing your vision.
If your ski rack is a universal kit, it can fit on almost any car. However, most ski racks are designed with certain vehicle models in mind and cannot be used on different types of vehicles.
Luckily, our ski and snowboard racks are compatible with the following SUVs, 4WD and 2WD:
Toyota Corolla Hatch
Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
Toyota RAV4 AWD Hybrid
Mitsubishi ASX
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 4x4
Mitsubishi Outlander
Toyota Highlander 4x4 Hybrid
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Hybrid
For peace of mind in snowy or icy conditions, a four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive provides the most traction on the road. The tyre tread and off-road capabilities lead to safer driving on steep, alpine roads.
We recommend booking at least 3 months in advance to ensure you get the right vehicle for your travelling needs ahead of time. However, we do take last-minute bookings if you want to wait for the guaranteed perfect snowfall.
First things first, don't panic. In a GO Rentals car, we will get you GOing again.
If you get stuck in snow, there are a few things you can do yourself:
Clear any obvious snowfall
Disable the traction, some vehicles have a specific button for “ski” or “skid”
Ask your group to help rock the car back and forth
Lay a mat under the driving wheels
Sprinkle salt or sand if you have any to help gain traction
Pull away in a low gear, very slowly
If these tricks don't work, then you are still covered. Call your 24-hour roadside assistance, covered in the Total Road Care package.
Weather conditions change very quickly in New Zealand, and some roads will have mandatory snow chain restrictions in place. All cars, including 4WD, should carry snow chains for winter driving. Although the need to fit them on a 4WD is less likely than a 2WD.
During winter, two areas impose rules on carrying snow chains at all times. The Milford Sound Highway and Queenstown Lakes District local authorities can fine you if you do not carry snow chains with you.
Other areas may impose a ski chain rule in extreme conditions and will usually provide a bay area to fit the chains.
Generally, ski resorts, including passes, rentals and accommodation, are cheaper than Australia. Pair this with the fact that the Australian dollar is worth more than the New Zealand dollar, and you can have a bargain snow trip to NZ.
New Zealand also has a lot more ski fields to choose from, so you can cruise the snow every winter and not get bored.
Cardrona has an expansive terrain for absolute beginners and excellent first-timer ski and snowboarder lessons for all ages. For those who are a little nervous about their first go, the Cardrona First Timer package includes all the gear and passionate teachers to get you riding the trails in no time.
July is the most popular month for snow seekers in Queenstown. School holidays in Australia and New Zealand fall around this time, and many families and groups head to the mountains for an epic ski season. With regular snowfall and temperatures ranging between 0 and -5 degrees, you can find freshly powdered trails for all skill levels.
The route from Queenstown to Wanaka takes you on the Alpine Crown Range Road. It is mandatory to carry snow chains through the Crown Range in winter, and you may be required to pull over and fit your chains in extreme snowy or icy conditions.
It is advisable to carry snow chains on the drive from Queenstown to The Remarkables. The winter driving conditions quickly, and local authorities can impose a mandatory snow chain requirement.
Coronet Peak is only a 20-minute drive from downtown Queenstown and is accessible via an easy, sealed road. You could pick up a ski car rental from our Queenstown Airport location and be at Coronet Peak within 26 minutes.
