The easiest way to book a car rental in Queenstown
Great value rental cars from Queenstown’s most trusted car hire providers
Car rental rates in Queenstown / Tāhuna
Located upon the shores of Lake Wakatipu / Whakatipu Waimāori, in the southern reaches of New Zealand’s South Island, and set against the dramatic Southern Alps, Queenstown / Tāhuna is justifiably famous for both its beauty and outdoors life. Queenstown is about a three and a half hour drive from Dunedin / Ōtepoti and around six hours by car from Christchurch / Ōtautahi.
Getting on the road in Queenstown is easy with VroomVroomVroom. By using our easy to use search to find a competitive car hire rate from our selection of well respected car hire provider, you can book your car in as little as a couple of minutes.
Compact Car
View offerTravel 29 Aug - 03 Sep 2026
from NZD $82/day
Compact SUV
View offerTravel 29 Aug - 03 Sep 2026
from NZD $85/day
Standard SUV
View offerTravel 29 Aug - 03 Sep 2026
from NZD $97/day
Intermediate SUV
View offerTravel 27 Aug - 01 Sep 2026
from NZD $143/day
Fullsize SUV
View offerTravel 27 Aug - 01 Sep 2026
from NZD $168/day
Premium Passenger Van
View offerTravel 29 Aug - 03 Sep 2026
from NZD $185/day
Fullsize Passenger Van
View offerTravel 27 Aug - 01 Sep 2026
from NZD $210/day
Rental rate prices displayed are NZD and were available in response to a search at 12:01 am on August 24, 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 24 August, 2026
YOU’RE IN GOOD COMPANY
Here’s what VroomVroomVroom customers think
- 21 Aug 2026allison b.Booked: Mitsubishi ASX or similarQueenstown Airport
- 17 Aug 2026frank c.Booked: Mitsubishi Outlander or similarQueenstown Downtown
- 12 Aug 2026david f.Booked: Kia Sportage or similarQueenstown Downtown
- 27 Jul 2026kevin m.Booked: Mitsubishi ASX or similarQueenstown Airport
- 26 Jul 2026erin g.Booked: Hyundai Staria or similarQueenstown Airport
- 28 Jun 2026pat a.Booked: Toyota Corolla Hatch or similarQueenstown Airport
- 25 Apr 2026dorothy a.Booked: Mystery Vehicle or similarChristchurch Airport
- 30 Apr 2026annabel s.Booked: VW Tiguan or similarWellington Airport
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.
WE COMPARE CAR HIRE
Unlock Queenstown with car hire made simple
VroomVroomVroom makes comparing car hire quick and easy, getting you great rates from New Zealand’s leading rental providers, including Apex, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Hertz, and Thrifty.
Search, book, drive.
Secure the perfect ride in 2 minutes.
Car rental experts
A friendly customer care team who are here to help
Not just New Zealand
Find a car in 190+ countries, including the Australia, Canada, UK, and USA
Quick facts on hiring a car in Queenstown
| 🚗 Vehicle types | Car, Passenger Van and SUV. |
|---|---|
| 🔑 No. of depots | Seven car rental depots in Queenstown. |
| ✅ Rental brands | Apex, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Hertz and Thrifty. |
Car models commonly available in Queenstown
Popular rental car models in Queenstown last month
- % of BookingsModelPrice range last monthProviders
1
36%
55163Mitsubishi ASXCompact SUV
5
5
2 large, 3 small
Rent withApex
2
27%
104159Toyota Rav4Standard SUV
5
5
4 large, 3 small
Rent withApex
3
11%
97168Toyota HighlanderFullsize SUV
5
5
4 large, 3 small
Rent withApex
4
6%
6375Toyota Corolla HatchCompact Car
5
4
2 large, 1 small
Rent withApex
5
5%
98278Hyundai TucsonStandard SUV
5
5
4 large, 3 small
Rent withApex
Hyundai vehicles for hire in Queenstown
Hyundai I30
5
4
2 large, 1 small
ProvidersApex
Hyundai Imax
8
5
3 large, 4 small
ProvidersApex
Hyundai Santa Fe
5
5
4 large, 3 small
ProvidersApex
Hyundai Santa Fe (H)
7
4
2 small
ProvidersHertz
Hyundai Staria
8
5
3 large, 4 small
ProvidersApex
Hyundai Tucson
5
5
4 large, 3 small
ProvidersApex
Kia vehicles for hire in Queenstown
Kia Carnival
8
5
2 small
ProvidersBudget
Kia Carnival (K)
8
4
2 large, 1 small
ProvidersHertz
Kia Carnival or Hyunda Imax or Toyota Previa
8
5
2 large, 1 small
ProvidersThrifty
Kia Niro HybridHybrid
5
4
1 large, 1 small
ProvidersThrifty
Kia Niro Hybrid (G2)Hybrid
5
4
1 large, 1 small
ProvidersHertz
Kia Seltos
5
5
1 large, 1 small
ProvidersThrifty
Kia Seltos (G)
5
4
1 large, 1 small
ProvidersHertz
Kia Sportage
5
5
2 large, 2 small
ProvidersThrifty
Kia Sportage (J6)
5
4
2 large, 2 small
ProvidersHertz
Kia Stonic
5
4
1 large, 1 small
ProvidersThrifty
Kia Stonic (D)
5
4
1 large, 1 small
ProvidersHertz
Showing 10 of 11 vehicles
Mazda vehicles for hire in Queenstown
Mazda 3
5
5
2 small
ProvidersAvis, Budget
Mazda CX-30
5
5
3 small
ProvidersAvis, Budget
Mitsubishi vehicles for hire in Queenstown
Mitsubishi ASX
5
5
2 large, 3 small
ProvidersApex
Mitsubishi Outlander
5
5
5 small
ProvidersAvis, Budget, Thrifty
Mitsubishi Outlander (I)
5
4
1 large, 1 small
ProvidersHertz
Nissan vehicles for hire in Queenstown
Nissan Xtrail Aw.d.
5
5
4 large, 3 small
ProvidersApex
Skoda vehicles for hire in Queenstown
Skoda Kodiaq
7
5
2 small
ProvidersThrifty
Suzuki vehicles for hire in Queenstown
Suzuki Swift
5
4
1 small
ProvidersThrifty
Suzuki Swift (B2)
5
4
1 small
ProvidersHertz
Toyota vehicles for hire in Queenstown
Toyota Corolla Hatch
5
5
1 large, 3 small
ProvidersApex
Toyota Rav4
5
5
4 large, 3 small
ProvidersApex
Toyota Rav4 4w.d.
5
5
4 large, 3 small
ProvidersApex
“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
Queenstown Airport car hire
Are you flying into Queenstown?
Consider collecting your vehicle from the airport. We work with a range of car hire providers at Queenstown Airport (ZQN).
Local expert tips for hiring a car in Queenstown
Weekends can be busy
Many tourists visit the Queenstown Lakes District — especially over the holidays. So keep your cool and just be patient. Also, always leave room for cyclists and allow extra time for your trip.
Keep an eye on your speed
Always keep an eye out for road signs, and on open roads and highways the travelling speed is 100 km/h unless otherwise stated.
Drive on the left side
Remember to keep to the left hand side of the road in New Zealand, and you are not permitted to use your mobile phone while driving.
Watch the road
The highways surrounding Queenstown can be challenging, with tight bends and corners. Note that from April to October, ice and snow can affect the roads.
Check the weather
If you’re heading to the mountains, note that the weather can change suddenly, and it’s best to check the weather forecast and highway conditions beforehand.
Parking in Queenstown
Usually, parking in the town centre is priced between $1-$2 per hour, but take note that Queenstown’s parking spaces fill up quickly. Illegal parking fines cost between $40-$60.
Car rental depots in Queenstown
Find a convenient car hire depot on the map below.
Apex Queenstown Airport
View details4.5 (29)Mon–Sun 8:00 AM - 5:29 PM32 Lucas Place, Frankton, South Island
Apex Queenstown City
View detailsNo reviewsMon–Sun 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM26 Shotover St, South Island
Avis Queenstown City
View detailsNo reviewsMon–Sun 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM68-70 Stanley Street (South Island), South Island
Budget Queenstown Downtown
View details2.2 (1)Mon–Sun 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM68-70 Stanley St, South Island
Dollar Queenstown Downtown
View detailsNo reviewsMon–Sun 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM1-7 Earl St, St Peters Close, Queenstown, North Island
Hertz Queenstown Downtown
View detailsNo reviewsMon–Sun 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM1-7 Earl St, St Peters Close, Queenstown, North Island
Thrifty Queenstown Downtown
View detailsNo reviewsMon–Sun 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM1-7 Earl St, St Peters Close, Queenstown, North Island
Frequently asked questions
On hiring a car in Queenstown
How much does it cost to hire a car in Queenstown?
For a rental period from 29 August to 3 September 2026, prices range from NZD $82 per day for a Compact Car to NZD $203 per day for a Compact SUV. Enter your planned dates to compare live rental rates for your vehicle in Queenstown.
What is the cheapest car rental in Queenstown?
The cheapest car rental in Queenstown for the rental period from 29 August to 3 September 2026 is a Hyundai I30 from Apex costing NZD $82 per day. Enter your travel dates in the search form and compare live rates from Australia’s most respected rental car providers.
How much does it cost to hire a Minivan or People Mover in Queenstown?
The price of a minivan hired in Queenstown from 29 August to 3 September 2026 ranges from NZD $185 to NZD $246 per day before any added extras. Enter your travel dates and compare live rates for a minivan rental in Queenstown.
What is the highest-rated hire car in Queenstown?
The highest-rated rental car in Queenstown is Toyota Rav4 4w.d. or similar, based on ratings by our customers within the last 12 months.
What is the best car rental company in Queenstown?
Apex is our highest-rated car hire provider in Queenstown, scoring an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on actual bookings by our customers.
Is it cheaper to book a weekly car rental in Queenstown?
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 in Queenstown 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.
Can I pick up a rental car in Queenstown and return it to another location?
Yes, just untick the “Return to the same location” option in our search form and select your preferred return location. Take note though that there will be a one-way fee charged by the car rental provider in your booking, and that will be included in the prices we compare for you.
Have a question we haven’t answered?
