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The easiest way to book a car rental at Nelson Airport (NSN)

Book today, pay later, free cancellation

4.8 
From 106,737 total reviews
4,222,272
Bookings & counting
2001
Trusted since

Great value rental cars from Nelson Airport’s most trusted car hire providers

  • Alamo
  • Apex
  • Avis
  • Budget
  • Dollar
  • Enterprise
  • Europcar
  • Ezi
  • Hertz
  • Thrifty

Car rental rates at Nelson Airport

Nelson Airport (NSN) is a regional airport located around six kilometres southwest of central Nelson, towards the northern tip of New Zealand’s South Island. To travel by taxi between Nelson and the airport should take about 15 minutes. Other centres within driving distance of Nelson Airport include Blenheim / Waiharakeke and Picton / Waitohi.


Search and compare the best rates on Nelson Airport car rentals with VroomVroomVroom. Book today, and you’ll have a vehicle waiting for you from the moment you touch the ground.

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    Here’s what VroomVroomVroom customers think

    Our customers have rated their Nelson Airport car rental booking experience 4.7/5
    (114 reviews)
    • 07 Dec 2025

      Ease of use

      michael d.
      Booked: Mitsubishi ASX or similar
      Nelson Airport
      Mitsubishi ASX or similar
    • 03 Dec 2025

      easy to navigate

      esta m.
      Booked: Kia Stonic or similar
      Nelson Airport
      Kia Stonic or similar
    • 27 Nov 2025

      To good, to easy.

      leonard l.
      Booked: Toyota Corolla Hatch or similar
      Christchurch Airport
      Toyota Corolla Hatch or similar
    • 06 Feb 2026

      Easy to navigate around the site

      christine r.
      Booked: Kia Stonic or similar
      Wellington Airport
      Kia Stonic or similar
    • 18 Nov 2025

      I love using vroomvroom.nz

      dorothy a.
      Booked: Ford Puma Hybrid or similar
      Auckland Airport International
      Ford Puma Hybrid or similar
    • 26 Oct 2025

      Simple to book. Free cancellation and pay at pick up.

      allysa l.
      Booked: Mitsubishi ASX or similar
      Auckland Airport International
      Mitsubishi ASX or similar
    • 11 Dec 2025

      Easy

      karen w.
      Booked: Toyota Corolla or similar
      Auckland City
      Toyota Corolla or similar
    • 21 Oct 2025

      Quick and easy

      stephanie f.
      Booked: Toyota Corolla or similar
      Auckland Airport Domestic
      Toyota Corolla or similar
    ×

    We ask users of our booking service to review it after they've completed their reservation. We present a selection of reviews on this page. Our review scores are calculated by averaging the scores of all the reviews that we collect. We don't publish reviews that violate our guidelines. To learn more about guidelines and our reviews generally, visit Terms and Conditions.

    Learn more about our reviews.

    Quick facts on hiring a car at Nelson Airport

    🚗 Vehicle typesCar, Crossover, Passenger Van, Pick up (double cab), SUV and Sport.
    🔑 No. of depotsTen car rental depots at Nelson Airport.
    ✅ Rental brandsAlamo, Apex, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Europcar, Ezi, Hertz and Thrifty.

    Car models commonly available at Nelson Airport

    Popular rental car models at Nelson Airport last month

    • % of Bookings
      Price range last month

    • 1

      18%

      64
      121
      Mitsubishi ASX

      Mitsubishi ASXCompact SUV

      5

      5

      2 large, 3 small

      Rent with

      Apex

    • 2

      14%

      125
      208
      Toyota Corolla Hatch

      Toyota Corolla HatchCompact Car

      5

      5

      1 large, 3 small

      Rent with

      Apex, Alamo

    • 3

      11%

      68
      147
      Kia Seltos

      Kia SeltosCompact SUV

      5

      5

      1 large, 1 small

      Rent with

      Thrifty

    • 4

      7%

      119
      121
      Ford Puma Hybrid

      Ford Puma HybridEconomy Car

      5

      4

      2 large

      Rent with

      Ezi

    • 5

      7%

      83
      172
      Mazda 3

      Mazda 3Compact Car

      5

      5

      1 small

      Rent with

      Budget

    Ford vehicles for hire at Nelson Airport

    • Ford Everest

      Ford Everest

      7

      4

      4 small

      Providers

      Europcar, Thrifty, Hertz

    • Ford Puma Hybrid

      Ford Puma HybridHybrid

      5

      4

      2 large

      Providers

      Ezi

    • Ford Ranger Wildtrak

      Ford Ranger Wildtrak

      5

      4

      4 large, 6 small

      Providers

      Alamo, Enterprise

    Honda vehicles for hire at Nelson Airport

    • Honda Zr-v Sport

      Honda Zr-v Sport

      5

      5

      2 small

      Providers

      Europcar

    Kia vehicles for hire at Nelson Airport

    • Kia Carnival

      Kia Carnival

      8

      4

      4 large, 4 small

      Providers

      Alamo, Enterprise

    • Kia Carnival or Hyunda Imax or Toyota Previa

      Kia Carnival or Hyunda Imax or Toyota Previa

      8

      5

      2 large, 1 small

      Providers

      Thrifty, Hertz

    • Kia Niro Hybrid

      Kia Niro HybridHybrid

      5

      4

      1 large, 1 small

      Providers

      Thrifty, Hertz

    • Kia Seltos

      Kia Seltos

      5

      5

      1 large, 1 small

      Providers

      Thrifty, Hertz

    • Kia Sportage

      Kia Sportage

      5

      5

      2 large, 2 small

      Providers

      Thrifty, Hertz

    • Kia Stonic

      Kia Stonic

      5

      4

      1 large, 1 small

      Providers

      Thrifty, Hertz

    Mazda vehicles for hire at Nelson Airport

    • Mazda 3

      Mazda 3

      5

      5

      1 small

      Providers

      Budget, Avis

    • Mazda CX-30

      Mazda CX-30

      5

      5

      2 small

      Providers

      Budget, Avis

    Mitsubishi vehicles for hire at Nelson Airport

    • Mitsubishi ASX

      Mitsubishi ASX

      5

      4

      1 large, 1 small

      Providers

      Alamo, Enterprise, Apex

    • Mitsubishi Outlander

      Mitsubishi Outlander

      5

      5

      3 small

      Providers

      Budget, Avis, Europcar, Thrifty, Hertz

    • Mitsubishi Outlander 4w.d.

      Mitsubishi Outlander 4w.d.

      7

      5

      1 large, 3 small

      Providers

      Ezi

    • Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

      Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

      5

      4

      1 large, 2 small

      Providers

      Alamo, Enterprise

    Polestar vehicles for hire at Nelson Airport

    • Polestar 2

      Polestar 2Electric

      5

      4

      1 large, 2 small

      Providers

      Thrifty, Hertz

    Skoda vehicles for hire at Nelson Airport

    • Skoda Kodiaq

      Skoda Kodiaq

      7

      5

      2 small

      Providers

      Thrifty, Hertz

    Suzuki vehicles for hire at Nelson Airport

    • Suzuki Swift

      Suzuki Swift

      5

      4

      1 small

      Providers

      Thrifty, Hertz, Europcar

    Toyota vehicles for hire at Nelson Airport

    • Toyota C-HR

      Toyota C-HR

      5

      4

      1 large, 3 small

      Providers

      Alamo, Enterprise

    • Toyota Corolla

      Toyota Corolla

      5

      4

      1 large, 1 small

      Providers

      Alamo, Enterprise, Ezi

    • Toyota Corolla Cross

      Toyota Corolla CrossHybrid

      5

      4

      1 large, 2 small

      Providers

      Alamo, Enterprise

    • Toyota Corolla Hatch

      Toyota Corolla Hatch

      5

      5

      1 large, 3 small

      Providers

      Apex

    • Toyota Rav4

      Toyota Rav4Hybrid

      5

      5

      2 small

      Providers

      Budget

    • Toyota RAV4

      Toyota RAV4

      5

      5

      3 large, 2 small

      Providers

      Alamo, Enterprise

    • Toyota Rav4 4w.d.

      Toyota Rav4 4w.d.

      5

      5

      4 large, 3 small

      Providers

      Apex

    • Toyota Rav4 AWD

      Toyota Rav4 AWD

      5

      5

      3 large

      Providers

      Ezi

    • Toyota Rav4 Gx Hybrid

      Toyota Rav4 Gx HybridHybrid

      5

      4

      3 small

      Providers

      Europcar

    • Toyota Rav4 Hybrid

      Toyota Rav4 HybridHybrid

      5

      5

      5 small

      Providers

      Avis

    • Toyota Yaris

      Toyota Yaris

      5

      4

      1 large, 2 small

      Providers

      Alamo, Enterprise

    • Toyota Yaris Cross

      Toyota Yaris CrossHybrid

      5

      4

      1 large, 2 small

      Providers

      Alamo, Enterprise

    • Toyota Yaris Gx Hybrid

      Toyota Yaris Gx HybridHybrid

      5

      4

      2 small

      Providers

      Europcar

    Showing 10 of 13 vehicles

    Other vehicles for hire at Nelson Airport

    • 12 Seat Bus

      12 Seat Bus

      12

      4

      12 large

      Providers

      Thrifty, Hertz

    • Chery Tiggo 4 Ultimate

      Chery Tiggo 4 Ultimate

      5

      4

      3 small

      Providers

      Europcar

    • Chery Tiggo 4 Ultimate Hybrid

      Chery Tiggo 4 Ultimate HybridHybrid

      5

      4

      3 small

      Providers

      Europcar

    • Mystery Car

      Mystery Car

      5

      4

      1 small

      Providers

      Europcar, Alamo, Enterprise, Budget

    • Premium DC 4WD Lid Canopy

      Premium DC 4WD Lid Canopy

      5

      4

      2 large, 2 small

      Providers

      Thrifty, Hertz

    ×

    “Or similar” refers to how our rental providers classify cars. Please be advised they cannot guarantee that a specific car model will be available. Partners categorise similar models into “vehicle groups” and confirm availability on this basis. Our team are available to contact the depot on your behalf where you are picking up your vehicle to enquire what models are available under the vehicle group you booked. Please contact customer support for further information.

    Vehicle models are subject to provider availability

    Nelson Airport daily rate data

    Price range over the past 12 months for a economy car

    Price range over the past 12 months for a fullsize SUV

    Price range over the past 12 months for a compact SUV

    Price range over the past 12 months for a intermediate SUV

    ×

    Historical daily rate pricing information is data from actual bookings made using our search engine in the previous 12 months.

    Next 7 days rates are obtained from searches in our reservation system for a 3 day rental duration, by an Australian resident aged between 30 and 69 years old, with a pickup and return time of 10:00 am on the indicated pick up date. Rates and vehicle availability may change without notice.

    Prices are in NZD and include all mandatory fees for the rental and exclude credit card surcharges and extras.

    While we make reasonable efforts to provide accurate and reliable data, the data is provided ‘as is’ and errors or other defects may occur. For more information, click here: Terms and Conditions.

    Rates are in NZD and were last updated on 17 February, 2026

    How do I pick up a rental car at Nelson Airport?

    There is one terminal and a range of on-site car rental brands to select from at Nelson Airport. See below for clear instructions on how to find Nelson Airport’s car hire desks and where to pick up your rental car.

    Nelson Airport Terminal

    • Domestic Terminal

      Nelson Airport has a single passenger terminal serving domestic flights, so there is no need to worry about getting from one terminal to the other.

    Pick up instructions

    • Is your rental company desk on-airport or off-airport?

      Domestic Terminal

      On airport
      You will find the on-airport hire car desks at Nelson Airport located outside the terminal, just a short walk from the terminal.

    • Finalise your rental agreement and collect keys

      Once you are at the hire car company desk, you’ll need to finalise your rental agreement and collect your vehicle keys.

    • Head to the designated car park to pick up your car

      Domestic Terminal

      On airport
      The on-airport hire cars are parked in the rental car parking area, just a short distance from the car rental desks.
      Off airport
      If you booked with an off-airport provider, you’ll need to catch a shuttle to the car rental provider’s premises near the airport.

    • What should I do if the desk is unattended?

      Hopefully the car rental company has left a sign with instructions or a contact number. In this situation, use the number they have provided and let them know that you have arrived or follow the directions out to the car park where a rental attendant will help you.

      If there is no sign, check your booking confirmation email for a contact phone number.

      If you still have no luck finding assistance, contact us. Don’t be alarmed. It’s not unusual to see unmanned desks, and rest assured there’s usually someone who can help out in the car park where the rental cars are located.

      We'll be right back

    Returning a hire car at Nelson Airport

    • On-airport

      To return your on-airport hire car, follow the signs and park in the rental car park area at Nelson Airport — it is just outside the terminal.

      Return your keys to the desk, and if the desk is unattended, or for after-hours returns, place the keys in the drop box located at the counter.

    • Off-airport

      For off-airport rentals, a courtesy shuttle service will take you directly to the designated drop-off point close to the airport terminal.

      For Apex, you will need to return the vehicle to their Nelson Airport depot located at 12 Quarantine Road, Nelson.

    Car rental depots at Nelson Airport

    Find a convenient car hire depot on the map below.

    • Alamo Nelson Airport

      Alamo Nelson Airport

      View details
      No reviewsMon–Sun 8:00–17:00

      Rental Car Building Trent Dr, Nelson Airport, North Island

    • Apex Nelson Airport

      Apex Nelson Airport

      View details
      4.7 (7)Mon–Sun 08:00–17:00

      12 Quarantine Road, Tahunanui, South Island

    • Avis Nelson Airport

      Avis Nelson Airport

      View details
      No reviewsMon–Tue 07:30–22:00, Fri 07:30–22:00, Wed–Thu 07:30–18:00, Sat 07:30–20:30, Sun 08:30–22:00

      Terminal Building (South Island), South Island

    • Budget Nelson Airport

      Budget Nelson Airport

      View details
      5.0 (1)Mon–Tue 07:30–22:00, Fri 07:30–22:00, Wed–Thu 07:30–18:00, Sat 07:30–20:30, Sun 08:30–22:00

      Domestic Terminal, South Island

    • Dollar Nelson Airport

      Dollar Nelson Airport

      View details
      No reviewsMon–Fri 07:30–20:30, Sat 08:30–15:00, Sun 09:30–20:30

      Trent Drive, Nelson, North Island

    • Enterprise Nelson Airport

      Enterprise Nelson Airport

      View details
      2.6 (1)Mon–Sun 8:00–17:00

      Rental Car Building Trent Dr, Nelson Airport, North Island

    • Europcar Nelson Airport

      Europcar Nelson Airport

      View details
      No reviewsMon–Sun 08:00–16:30

      Terminal Building, South Island

    • Ezi Nelson Airport

      Ezi Nelson Airport

      View details
      4.8 (9)Mon–Fri 07:30–20:00, Sat–Sun Closed

      Nelson Airport Terminal, South Island

    • Hertz Nelson Airport

      Hertz Nelson Airport

      View details
      No reviewsMon–Fri 07:30–20:30, Sat 08:30–15:00, Sun 09:30–20:30

      Trent Drive, Nelson, North Island

    • Thrifty Nelson Airport

      Thrifty Nelson Airport

      View details
      No reviewsMon–Fri 07:30–20:30, Sat 08:30–15:00, Sun 09:30–20:30

      Trent Drive, Nelson, North Island

    Frequently asked questions

    On hiring a car at Nelson Airport

    • Why are there no hire cars at Nelson Airport at certain times of the year?

      Our data shows that Nelson Airport, along with other isolated cities in Australia, book out of rental cars during peak seasons (i.e., school holidays and major town events) because of the limited amount of rental cars available by providers in the area. We recommend always booking well in advance for this location.

    • What is the highest-rated hire car at Nelson Airport?

      The highest-rated rental car at Nelson Airport is Mitsubishi ASX Guaranteed Model, based on ratings by our customers within the last 12 months.

    • What is the highest-rated car hire provider at Nelson Airport?

      Budget is the highest-rated car hire provider at Nelson Airport, based on ratings by our customers.

    • Is it cheaper to book a weekly car rental at Nelson Airport?

      The per-day rates of some rental cars may fall if you book for a longer rental period. Prices often change around daily, three-day, five-day and seven-day periods. Also, note that the selection of rental cars available at Nelson Airport may be more limited if you are looking for a long-term car rental, so it’s best to compare a few different booking durations first.

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