Queenstown Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Queenstown

Renting a car in Queenstown offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the stunning surroundings at your own pace. This popular choice allows you to manage your luggage conveniently and adapt your travel plans as needed. Whether you are seeking outdoor adventures, romantic experiences, or family-friendly activities, having a rental car opens up numerous possibilities. You can easily visit key attractions such as the serene Queenstown Gardens, the thrilling Skyline Queenstown gondola, and the picturesque Queenstown Beach, all located within a few kilometres of the city centre. Additionally, exploring nearby destinations like Kawarau Falls, just 4 km away, and the vibrant neighbourhood of Frankton makes your trip even more enjoyable. With a rental car, you can effortlessly transition from the beauty of Queenstown to its surrounding gems, ensuring a memorable experience tailored to your interests.

Most popular car rentals in Queenstown

• Compact: The Compact car is a popular choice for those exploring Queenstown, comfortably accommodating up to 5 travellers and allowing for up to 3 medium suitcases. This option is perfect for solo travellers, couples, or families looking for a practical vehicle that offers good fuel efficiency and ease of handling. With its compact size, navigating Queenstown's streets and parking in tight spaces becomes a breeze, ensuring you can enjoy your trip at your own pace.
• Midsize SUV: Offering more space and versatility, the Midsize SUV is ideal for families, couples, or small groups. It comfortably accommodates up to 5 travellers and has the capacity for up to 3 large suitcases. This option provides a higher driving position and more interior space, making it suitable for those who need extra room for luggage or outdoor gear. With a Midsize SUV, you can explore Queenstown's stunning surroundings with enhanced comfort and confidence.
• Fullsize SUV: If you're travelling with a larger group, the Fullsize SUV is a great choice, accommodating up to 6 travellers with the ability to hold up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This option is perfect for families or groups seeking extra space and comfort during their adventures. With a Fullsize SUV, you can easily manage larger amounts of luggage and enjoy the flexibility that comes with a spacious vehicle, making your time in Queenstown enjoyable and stress-free.

Top rated car suppliers in Queenstown

• Budget: Budget operates two rental locations in the Queenstown area, providing convenient access for travellers. Known for its overall rating of 8.2 out of 10, Budget is a popular choice among renters. The most frequently booked vehicles include Midsize SUVs and Compacts, making it an excellent option for those seeking versatility and comfort in their travels.
• Sixt: Sixt features one rental location in Queenstown and is highly regarded for its selection of vehicles. With Compact and Standard SUV AWD being the most booked cars, Sixt caters well to those looking for reliable vehicles for exploring the stunning landscapes of the region. This supplier is a solid choice for travellers who appreciate quality service and well-maintained cars.
• Europcar: Europcar also offers one rental location in Queenstown, making it easy for visitors to access their services. The most popular vehicles with Europcar are Compacts and Midsize SUVs, providing options for both city driving and outdoor adventures. Known for its attention to customer satisfaction, Europcar ensures a pleasant rental experience for those looking to explore Queenstown and its surroundings.

Where to stay in and around Queenstown

• Queenstown City Centre: Ideal for those seeking a vibrant atmosphere, Queenstown City Centre offers stunning outdoor experiences, breathtaking scenery, and a romantic backdrop. Key attractions include the Skyline Queenstown cable car, providing adventure and family-friendly fun, and the beautiful Queenstown Gardens, perfect for outdoor and romantic strolls. Visitors can also enjoy nearby shopping areas and various dining options, including local wineries and distilleries, making it a bustling hub for tourists.
• Kawarau Falls: Located 4 km from Queenstown, Kawarau Falls is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and sports lovers. This suburb features access to ski fields and golf, along with picturesque views of lakes and mountains. Notable sites include the serene Queenstown Gardens and the scenic Queenstown Beach, which offer great spots for relaxation. With nearby wineries, visitors can indulge in local flavours while enjoying the area's natural beauty.
• Frankton: Surrounding Queenstown, Frankton is a charming suburb known for its outdoor activities and romantic scenery. Guests can explore local shopping areas and ski fields, with attractions like Skyline Queenstown and Queenstown Beach nearby. The beautiful landscapes, including lakes and mountains, set the perfect backdrop for relaxation and exploration. Additionally, Frankton boasts several wineries and distilleries, enhancing the local culinary experience.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Queenstown

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting the vehicle type and features that suit your needs. Whether you're looking for an SUV for extra space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, filters on Expedia can assist you in discovering the perfect option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's wise to secure your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you’re more likely to lock in lower rates and enjoy improved availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre in crowded areas. Mid-size vehicles strike a good balance between affordability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be accessible. This could also apply to renters over 70. Always verify the age restrictions before making your reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most favourable option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fuel options, which can also be convenient. Just ensure that you return the vehicle empty in such cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may justify the cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies primarily accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind in case of unforeseen events during your trip. It's easy to add car rental insurance when you book through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Queenstown

The best time to rent a car in and around Queenstown is May, when prices are at their lowest and demand is also minimal. June through August can be appealing too, with slightly low prices and low demand. March tends to be the busiest month, marked by high demand and average prices. January and February, however, are typically the priciest months, with both high prices and high demand making rentals less accessible during this peak period.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	56.5°F (13.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Slightly High
February	56.7°F (13.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Slightly High
March	53.2°F (11.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
April	47.7°F (8.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	42.1°F (5.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Slightly Low
June	36.7°F (2.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Slightly Low
July	34.9°F (1.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Slightly High
August	36.9°F (2.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
September	39.9°F (4.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
October	44.4°F (6.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	49.8°F (9.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	54.5°F (12.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average