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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 108,704 total reviews
4,299,369
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
  • 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.

Showing 9 of 13 offers

×

Rental rate prices displayed are NZD and were available in response to a search at 12:01 am on June 02, 2026 by a New Zealand resident aged between 30 and 69 years old, for the specified travel dates, with a pickup and return time of 10:00 am. Rates and vehicle availability may change without notice. Use our price comparison tool to get current rental rates. Rates include all mandatory fees for the rental and exclude credit card surcharges and extras.

Rates are in NZD and were last updated on 02 June, 2026

YOU’RE IN GOOD COMPANY

Here’s what VroomVroomVroom customers think

Our customers have rated their Nelson Airport car rental booking experience 4.8/5
(74 reviews)
  • 22 Mar 2026

    So easy to use

    micheal h.
    Booked: Toyota Corolla Hatch or similar
    Nelson Airport
    Toyota Corolla Hatch or similar
  • 13 Feb 2026

    easy to use!

    william n.
    Booked: Hyundai Imax or similar
    Queenstown Airport
    Hyundai Imax or similar
  • 08 May 2026

    Easy

    mark f.
    Booked: Mystery Vehicle or similar
    Queenstown Airport
    Mystery Vehicle or similar
  • 23 Apr 2026

    Easy website to use and book with.

    jamie c.
    Booked: Suzuki Swift or similar
    Queenstown Airport
    Suzuki Swift or similar
  • 25 Apr 2026

    Great booking experience

    dorothy a.
    Booked: Mystery Vehicle or similar
    Christchurch Airport
    Mystery Vehicle or similar
  • 16 Feb 2026

    Easy, fast, clear.

    wendy r.
    Booked: Toyota Rav4 AWD
    Auckland Airport International
    Toyota Rav4 AWD
  • 23 Apr 2026

    Quick with simple insurance options

    mark l.
    Booked: Ford Everest or similar
    Auckland Airport
    Ford Everest or similar
  • 06 Apr 2026

    Easy and simple

    dermarious h.
    Booked: Toyota Corolla Hatch or similar
    Christchurch Airport
    Toyota Corolla Hatch 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) and SUV.
🔑 No. of depotsNine car rental depots at Nelson Airport.
✅ Rental brandsAlamo, Apex, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Europcar, 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

    33%

    44
    83
    Kia Stonic

    Kia StonicCompact Car

    5

    4

    1 large, 1 small

    Rent with

    Thrifty

  • 2

    17%

    42
    77
    Kia Seltos

    Kia SeltosCompact SUV

    5

    5

    1 large, 1 small

    Rent with

    Thrifty

  • 3

    17%

    42
    60
    Mystery Car

    Mystery CarSpecial

    5

    4

    Rent with

    Budget

  • 4

    17%

    92
    117
    Skoda Kodiaq

    Skoda KodiaqFullsize SUV

    7

    4

    2 small

    Rent with

    Hertz

  • 5

    8%

    62
    62
    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, Avis, Budget

  • Ford Puma Hybrid

    Ford Puma HybridHybrid

    5

    4

    2 large

    Providers

    Ezi

Honda vehicles for hire at Nelson Airport

  • Honda Zr-v Sport

    Honda Zr-v Sport

    5

    4

    2 small

    Providers

    Europcar

Hyundai vehicles for hire at Nelson Airport

  • Hyundai Santa Fe

    Hyundai Santa Fe

    7

    4

    2 small

    Providers

    Hertz, Apex

Kia vehicles for hire at Nelson Airport

  • 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 Sorento

    Kia Sorento

    5

    5

    5 small

    Providers

    Avis, Budget

  • 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

    2 small

    Providers

    Avis, Budget

  • Mazda CX-30

    Mazda CX-30

    5

    5

    3 small

    Providers

    Avis, Budget

Mitsubishi vehicles for hire at Nelson Airport

  • Mitsubishi ASX

    Mitsubishi ASX

    5

    5

    1 large, 1 small

    Providers

    Alamo, Apex, Enterprise

  • Mitsubishi Outlander

    Mitsubishi Outlander

    5

    5

    5 small

    Providers

    Avis, Budget, Europcar, Thrifty, Hertz

  • Mitsubishi Outlander 4w.d.

    Mitsubishi Outlander 4w.d.

    7

    5

    1 large, 3 small

    Providers

    Ezi

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

Suzuki vehicles for hire at Nelson Airport

  • Suzuki Swift

    Suzuki Swift

    5

    4

    2 small

    Providers

    Europcar, Thrifty, Hertz

  • Suzuki Swift Hybrid

    Suzuki Swift HybridHybrid

    5

    4

    2 small

    Providers

    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

    5

    1 large, 1 small

    Providers

    Alamo, Ezi, Enterprise

  • Toyota Corolla Hatch

    Toyota Corolla Hatch

    5

    5

    1 large, 3 small

    Providers

    Apex

  • Toyota RAV-4 Hybrid

    Toyota RAV-4 HybridHybrid

    5

    4

    1 large, 1 small

    Providers

    Hertz

  • Toyota Rav4

    Toyota Rav4

    5

    5

    4 large, 3 small

    Providers

    Apex

  • Toyota RAV4

    Toyota RAV4

    5

    4

    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 Yaris

    Toyota Yaris

    5

    5

    1 large, 2 small

    Providers

    Alamo, Enterprise

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

    2 small

    Providers

    Europcar

  • Mystery Car

    Mystery Car

    5

    4

    1 large

    Providers

    Alamo, Budget, Europcar, Enterprise

  • 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 compact car

Next 7 days rates

Per day price range

Today

02 Jun

$49

$103

Wed

03 Jun

$49

$260

Thu

04 Jun

$48

$89

Fri

05 Jun

$40

$66

Sat

06 Jun

$48

$89

Sun

07 Jun

$40

$89

Mon

08 Jun

$49

$102

Next 7 days rates

Per day price range

Today

02 Jun

$55

$58

Wed

03 Jun

$55

$58

Thu

04 Jun

$55

$58

Fri

05 Jun

$48

$55

Sat

06 Jun

$55

$58

Sun

07 Jun

$48

$58

Mon

08 Jun

$55

$58

Price range over the past 12 months for a compact SUV

Next 7 days rates

Per day price range

Today

02 Jun

$54

$104

Wed

03 Jun

$55

$267

Thu

04 Jun

$50

$91

Fri

05 Jun

$47

$68

Sat

06 Jun

$50

$91

Sun

07 Jun

$48

$91

Mon

08 Jun

$54

$105

Next 7 days rates

Per day price range

Today

02 Jun

$59

$118

Wed

03 Jun

$55

$280

Thu

04 Jun

$50

$281

Fri

05 Jun

$48

$85

Sat

06 Jun

$50

$281

Sun

07 Jun

$50

$281

Mon

08 Jun

$55

$108

Next 7 days rates

Per day price range

Today

02 Jun

$69

$193

Wed

03 Jun

$64

$355

Thu

04 Jun

$59

$356

Fri

05 Jun

$57

$149

Sat

06 Jun

$59

$356

Sun

07 Jun

$58

$356

Mon

08 Jun

$64

$181

Next 7 days rates

Per day price range

Today

02 Jun

$213

$262

Wed

03 Jun

$214

$380

Thu

04 Jun

$164

$381

Fri

05 Jun

$124

$174

Sat

06 Jun

$164

$381

Sun

07 Jun

$129

$381

Mon

08 Jun

$184

$206

Next 7 days rates

Per day price range

Today

02 Jun

There is limited availability for pick up at this location on some dates in the next seven days. Use our price comparison tool to get current rental rates and availability.

Limited availability

Wed

03 Jun

$219

$231

Thu

04 Jun

$219

$231

Fri

05 Jun

$204

$219

Sat

06 Jun

$211

$219

Sun

07 Jun

$204

$219

Mon

08 Jun

$219

$231

Next 7 days rates

Per day price range

Today

02 Jun

There is limited availability for pick up at this location on some dates in the next seven days. Use our price comparison tool to get current rental rates and availability.

Limited availability

Wed

03 Jun

$228

$255

Thu

04 Jun

$228

$255

Fri

05 Jun

$225

$240

Sat

06 Jun

$228

$232

Sun

07 Jun

$225

$240

Mon

08 Jun

$228

$255

Next 7 days rates

Per day price range

Today

02 Jun

There is limited availability for pick up at this location on some dates in the next seven days. Use our price comparison tool to get current rental rates and availability.

Limited availability

Wed

03 Jun

$196

$220

Thu

04 Jun

$196

$210

Fri

05 Jun

$182

$196

Sat

06 Jun

$189

$196

Sun

07 Jun

$182

$196

Mon

08 Jun

$196

$210

×

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 02 June, 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 AM - 5:00 PM

    Rental Car Building Trent Dr, Nelson Airport, North Island

  • Apex Nelson Airport

    Apex Nelson Airport

    View details
    4.7 (7)Mon–Sun 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

    12 Quarantine Road, Tahunanui, South Island

  • Avis Nelson Airport

    Avis Nelson Airport

    View details
    No reviewsMon–Fri 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM, Sat 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM, Sun 8:30 AM - 10:00 PM

    Terminal Building (South Island), South Island

  • Budget Nelson Airport

    Budget Nelson Airport

    View details
    5.0 (1)Mon–Fri 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM, Sat 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM, Sun 8:30 AM - 10:00 PM

    Domestic Terminal, South Island

  • Dollar Nelson Airport

    Dollar Nelson Airport

    View details
    No reviewsMon–Fri 7:30 AM - 8:30 PM, Sat 7:30 AM - 2:00 PM, Sun 9:30 AM - 8:30 PM

    Trent Drive, South Island

  • Enterprise Nelson Airport

    Enterprise Nelson Airport

    View details
    2.6 (1)Mon–Sun 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

    Rental Car Building Trent Dr, Nelson Airport, North Island

  • Europcar Nelson Airport

    Europcar Nelson Airport

    View details
    No reviewsMon–Sun 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

    Terminal Building, South Island

  • Hertz Nelson Airport

    Hertz Nelson Airport

    View details
    No reviewsMon–Tue 7:30 AM - 8:30 PM, Wed–Fri 7:30 AM - 9:00 PM, Sat 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM, Sun 9:30 AM - 8:30 PM

    Trent Drive, Nelson, North Island

  • Thrifty Nelson Airport

    Thrifty Nelson Airport

    View details
    No reviewsMon–Fri 7:30 AM - 8:30 PM, Sat 7:30 AM - 2:00 PM, Sun 9:30 AM - 8:30 PM

    Trent Drive, South Island

Frequently asked questions

On hiring a car at Nelson Airport

  • How much does it cost to hire a car at Nelson Airport?

    Prices start at NZD $40 per day for an Economy Car, up to NZD $167 per day for a Premium SUV. Get a live rate for your planned dates and desired vehicle at Nelson Airport.

  • How much does it cost to hire a Minivan or People Mover at Nelson Airport?

    If you’ve got a crowd, but don’t need something as large as a bus, then a 7-seater or 8-seater Minivan hire might be your best option. A Minivan costs between NZD $204 and NZD $240 per day. Check for a live rate by entering your desired car hire dates at Nelson Airport.

  • 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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