Getting around Queenstown in a rental car
By Vroom Team • Reviewed 30 Jan 2026
If you’re planning a trip to Queenstown / Tāhuna 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.
Located in the South Island on the shore of Lake Wakatipu, the incredibly popular town of Queenstown / Tāhuna is a top destination to visit in New Zealand. With so much to see and do, we know it can be a little overwhelming for you at first. If you’re planning to explore this amazing place with a rental car, here is your complete quick guide to Queenstown / Tāhuna!
Where to drive your rental car in Queenstown / Tāhuna
Central Queenstown: Visit the city centre of Queenstown / Tāhuna to find all the shops, restaurants and bars. Take a stroll in the city's lakeside gardens while you’re in town.
Frankton: As the location of Queenstown Airport, most visitors will pass through Frankton. There are plenty of accommodation options in the region.
Arrowtown: Just north of Queenstown / Tāhuna, visit the delightful, historic settlement of Arrowtown. Follow the hiking trails alongside the river and stop in at the unique eateries.
Arthurs Point: This region also has some unique holiday homes for travellers. It is also the home of the famous Shotover Jet.
Kelvin Heights: With sweeping views of Lake Wakatipu and a world-renowned golf course, it isn't difficult to see why many visitors stop by Kelvin Heights.
Highlights in Queenstown / Tāhuna
It’s time to treat yourself! Make sure you don’t miss the many attractions in Queenstown / Tāhuna such as Skyline Gondola, The Remarkables, Lake Wakatipu, Milford Sound, the Queenstown Garden, Kiwi Birdlife Park, Otago Central, Coronot Peak and Kawarau Suspension Bridge. If you love hiking, climbing the Queenstown Hill is a must.
Driving tips in Queenstown / Tāhuna
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.
Always keep an eye out for road signs.
On open roads and highways the travelling speed is 100 km/h unless otherwise stated.
Remember to keep to the left hand side of the road in New Zealand.
You are not permitted to use your mobile phone while driving.
The highways surrounding Queenstown / Tāhuna can be challenging, with tight bends and corners. Note that from April to October, ice and snow can affect the roads.
The weather can change suddenly. If you’re heading to the mountains, it’s best to check the weather forecast and highway conditions before you get on the road.
Read more about the local road rules in New Zealand here.
Parking in Queenstown / Tāhuna
Usually, parking in the town centre is priced between $1-$2 per hour. However, take note that the town’s parking spaces are filled up swiftly so you may want to arrive early morning or early evening to get a parking space. If you are driving a large campervan, park your camper at the Boundary Street. Illegal parking fees cost between $40-$60.
Toll roads in Queenstown / Tāhuna
There are no toll roads around Queenstown / Tāhuna, nor anywhere on New Zealand’s South Island. There are three toll roads on the North Island — the Northern Gateway Toll Road, the Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road and the Takitimu Drive Toll Road — and they’re all close to or within Auckland / Tāmaki Makaurau.
Driving distances from Queenstown / Tāhuna
Queenstown / Tāhuna to Invercargill: 187 km and 2 hrs 20 mins.
Queenstown / Tāhuna to Dunedin / Ōtepoti: 282 km and 3 hrs 31 mins.
Queenstown / Tāhuna to Milford Sound / Piopiotahi: 287 km and 3 hrs 50 mins.
Queenstown / Tāhuna to Timaru / Te Tihi o Maru: 333 km and 4 hrs.
Queenstown / Tāhuna to Christchurch / Ōtautahi: 482 km and 5hrs 55mins.
Queenstown / Tāhuna to Blenheim / Waiharakeke: 785 km and 9 hrs 40 mins.
Fuel
Be sure to refuel your rental car before returning it to avoid extra charges. There are few petrol stations in Queenstown / Tāhuna proper, but a few to choose from in nearby Frankton, by Queenstown Airport.
Z: 846 Frankton Rd, Frankton
Mobil: 1 McBride St, Frankton
Caltex: 43-45 Gorge Rd Queenstown
bp: 1094 Frankton Rd, Frankton
About the author
Vroom Team
VroomVroomVroom’s writing team brings together decades of writing expertise to share their insights into travelling around New Zealand by rental car. Let our team help you get the most out of your rental car experience.
