Getting around Christchurch in a rental car
If you’re planning a trip to Christchurch / Ōtautahi and want to hire a rental car, hit the road running with our insider tips on getting the most out of your journey.
Read on to find out more.
Christchurch / Ōtautahi and its surrounding areas are best explored on a road trip. To help you hit the ground running and assist you in getting the most out of this wonderful city, let us help you compare prices on rental cars in the area.
Driving in Christchurch / Ōtautahi
There are a lot of one-way streets in Christchurch / Ōtautahi, and it can feel like a maze to navigate at times; we suggest renting a GPS unit with your car to make navigating the city a little easier.
Parking can be difficult to find in the city, with the curbside zones and secure garages often at capacity; you may wish to leave your rental car on the outskirts and catch a tram, bus, or gondola to get around.
The speed limit on major highways linking Christchurch / Ōtautahi to other locations in New Zealand is generally 100km/h unless stated otherwise.
Always look before crossing the railway lines; not all of them have active warnings.
Always drive on the left-hand side of the road — learn more about driving in New Zealand.
Where to drive your rental car from Christchurch / Ōtautahi
Hanmer Springs: Whether you are looking for a relaxing holiday or one filled with adventure, the alpine village of Hanmer Springs has the activities you need.
Akaroa: One of the most popular day trips from Christchurch / Ōtautahi, enjoy the picturesque outer bays and immerse yourself in the beauty of Akaroa and the wider South Island.
Arthur’s Pass: A charming township nestled in the Southern Alps of the South Island, Arthur’s Pass is a must-see for hikers and nature lovers alike.
Kaikōura: The coastal town of Kaikōura is a great base for close-up wildlife encounters, coastal walks, and delicious seafood.
Toll roads in Christchurch / Ōtautahi
Although there are no toll roads in Christchurch / Ōtautahi, there are three operating toll roads in New Zealand, all of which are on the North Island. These are the Northern Gateway Toll Road north of Auckland / Tāmaki Makaurau, the Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road, and the Takitimu Drive Toll Road.
Driving distances from Christchurch / Ōtautahi
Christchurch / Ōtautahi to Timaru / Te Tihi o Maru: 162 km and 2 hrs 30 mins.
Christchurch / Ōtautahi to Greymouth / Māwhera: 245 km and 3 hrs 20 mins.
Christchurch / Ōtautahi to Picton / Waitohi: 336 km and 4hrs 20 mins.
Christchurch / Ōtautahi to Dunedin / Ōtepoti: 360 km and 4 hrs 45 mins.
Christchurch / Ōtautahi to Queenstown / Tāhuna: 488 km and 6 hrs 30 mins.
Fuel
To avoid additional charges, you’ll need to fill your rental car with fuel before you return it to the depot. Here are a few conveniently located petrol stations in and around Christchurch / Ōtautahi.
bp: 144 Moorhouse Avenue, Addington.
Z Carlton Corner: 1 Papanui Road, Merivale.
Challenge: 11 Opawa Road, Waltam.
NPD: 33 Lodestar Avenue, Wigram.
