VroomVroomVroom can help you find a cheap car rental at Christchurch Airport. With Alamo, Avis, Budget, Europcar, Enterprise, Hertz, National and Thrifty all offering a fantastic range of rental cars at the best rate, you can find a vehicle on our website that will get your South Island holiday rolling. Currently, all our suppliers have their fleets based at the airport which makes it more convenient for pick up and drop off.
Christchurch is an easy airport to navigate, as the domestic and international terminals are in adjoining buildings. You may see some unusual aircraft out on the tarmac, as the airport is the hub for the air logistics operations of the US, Italy and New Zealand to McMurdo Sound, Antarctica. Look out for the RNZAF Hercules, or a US Airforce C-17 Globemaster.
Christchurch Airport is a 20-minute drive via Memorial Avenue from the CBD. Known as a perfect location to start your road trip, it’s a gateway to lush scenery and world-class national parks, mountains, and towns.
You can land, pick up your car rental and start exploring the area with ease. Picking up your car rental at Christchurch Airport is easy. Simply walk to the arrivals hall to find the car rental counters. There are also many parking options available including short and long stay options.
Servicing both domestic and international flights, Christchurch Airport is the perfect starting point for those wanting to explore the South Island of New Zealand. For convenience, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, and Thrifty car rentals are available at the airport.
Christchurch Airport Address: Christchurch Airport, Christchurch 8053, New Zealand
Number of On-Site Suppliers: 6. Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Enterprise, Thrifty
Car Rental Opening Hours: Car rental is available 24 hours at Christchurch Airport, 7 days a week.
Need to pick up/drop off a hire car early morning or late evening? These depots have extended hours.
 | Avis Christchurch Airport: Monday to Sunday from 5 am to 12:30 am. |
 | Budget Christchurch Airport: Monday to Sunday from 5 am to 12:30 am. |
 | Enterprise Christchurch Airport: Monday to Friday from 5 am to 2 am. |
 | Europcar Christchurch Airport: Monday to Sunday 24 hours. |
 | Hertz Christchurch Airport: Monday to Sunday from 5 am to 1:30 am. |
 | Thrifty Christchurch Airport: Monday to Sunday from 5 am to 2 am. |
The best way to get an idea of renting a car is to read about fellow traveller’s real recent experiences. Our team have reached out to some of our customers who recently rented from Christchurch Airport and their experiences are shared below.
Whitney (September 2019): Whitney picked up her rental car from Thrifty at Christchurch Airport. She booked a full-size car for 2 days and rated the condition of the car a 10/10. She said her experience in collecting and returning the vehicle was good. She also shared one valuable tip: Make sure you have a credit card on you!
VroomVroomVroom can help you find the best deals when it comes to hiring a car. Below are some of the many great reasons to book a rental car with us:
Pooling resources and sharing a car can make for significant savings for groups. Once you have your car, you are about a 20-minute drive to the city centre. The journey from Christchurch to Queenstown is a popular trip. It is more than 480 kilometres in distance.
The drive from Christchurch to Lake Tekapo would take three hours. Note that the route from Christchurch to Queenstown via Cromwell and State Highway 6 is not the only way. Another driving route you could take is via Wanaka, the Cardrona Valley, and Crown Range Road. For more day tips ideas from Christchurch, click here.
Car rental offices are located in Domestic and International Arrivals. This is where you will pick up your keys. The car rental agents will instruct you where to collect the car.
You will return your rental car in the same location you picked it up.
Yes, there is. Both International and Domestic terminals at Christchurch Airport are in the same building.
Unless the car rental is visibly dirty, you do not have to clean it. If it is dirty, you may be charged a cleaning fee. In this instance, it is recommended to wash the car.
Caltex: 202 Withells Rd, Avonhead, Christchurch 8042, New Zealand. This petrol station is open Monday to Friday from 6 am to 10 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 7 am to 9 pm.
No, there are no toll roads on the South Island of New Zealand.
While there is still rebuilding to do in Christchurch, it is very much back in business for tourism with a great choice of things to do. VroomVroomVroom has come up with a list of activities, accommodation, and restaurants/bars that you can visit during your stay in your reliable car rental. Some of them are just a few minutes away from Christchurch Airport so you can call in before your flight.
Attractions | Accommodation | Restaurants & Bars
Dolphin Swimming Adventure by Black Cat Cruises
Address: Akaroa Main Wharf, Akaroa, 7520
Willowbank
Address: 60 Hussey Road, Northwood, Christchurch 8051
The family-owned park is one of the favourite attractions of animal lovers travelling to Christchurch. It houses more than 50 species of animals and many can be found free-ranging while just a few of them live in enclosures. Willowbank is known for their kiwi breeding program so you can find several species including the North Island Brown. Apart from the wildlife, you can also enjoy a Maori cultural experience and dine in their restaurant.
Amross Court Motor Lodge
Address: 61 Bealey Ave Christchurch Central, Christchurch 8013
Haka Lodge
Address: 518 Linwood Avenue, Christchurch 8062
Haka Lodge is a backpacker's haven because of its relaxed atmosphere, spacious accommodation, modern facilities, and best of all, cheap rates. The lodge is surrounded by towering trees and lush gardens. It is located just outside the CBD and near the public transport, attractions, and shops. Take advantage of their free Wi-Fi, cosy lounges, and widescreen entertainment. They also offer tours for those who want to explore more of New Zealand.
The George
Address: 50 Park Terrace, Christchurch 8013
The George boasts of its tranquil surrounding and breathtaking views of the Avon River and Hagley Park. The boutique hotel has easy access to the main attractions of Christchurch. Expect excellent service during your stay because this luxurious accommodation has a one-to-one staff to guest ratio. The George takes pride in its award-winning restaurants and numerous recognitions including “New Zealand's Leading Boutique Hotel” for six years.
Burgers & Beers Inc.
Address 1: 355 – 357 Colombo Street, Sydenham, Christchurch
Address 2: 478 Cranford Street, Redwood, Christchurch
Address: 357 Colombo Street, Sydenham
After munching on some burgers, why not continue the fun with some cocktails? Head to Dragons Den Social Lounge, which is also situated along Colombo Street. This sophisticated late night venue offers a wide selection of fine wines, well-crafted cocktails, boutique beers, and strong tipplers. Pair your drink with their delectable snacks served in small plates or shared platters.
The Lotus-Heart
The Lotus-Heart has received numerous awards and recognition for their global cuisine, including "New Zealand's Favourite Veggie Restaurant" for 2013 and 2014. Lotus-Heart is managed by the Sri Chinmoy students and their main goal is to promote healthy eating. They use organic and the freshest ingredients in their dishes. This is the ideal restaurant for vegans and diners who practice raw food and gluten-free diets.
The Monday Room
Address: Level One, Strategy House, Corner Moorhouse Avenue & Madras Street, Christchurch
The perfect place to unwind is at The Monday Room, which is situated in the Strategy Building in Moorhouse Avenue. It was named as "Christchurch Bar of The Year" in 2014. The interiors of the cosy café and wine bar features a roaring fireplace, botanical artwork, exposed bricks, and encyclopedic bar. Make sure to try their signature Japanese Fried Chicken, yakitori, and tapas as well as their excellent list of beers and wines.
Christchurch Garden Tours
Further afield, the Giant's House and Gardens in Akaroa are a truly magical experience. The gardens are filled with mosaic sculptures by artist Josie Martin, and have been awarded with the title of Garden of National Significance.TranzAlpine Railway
One of the world's great train journeys, from Christchurch, across the Southern Alps to Greymouth.
Aoraki Mount Cook Day Tour
You can admire the majestic beauty along the way including the Canterbury Plains, Lake Tekapo and the Church of the Good Shepherd, Aoraki/Mt Cook and Lindis Pass. Try a scenic flight if the weather is fine.
Avon River
The Avon River is the life-blood of Christchurch city, rising from springs in the western suburbs, and winding its way through the city centre, and the north-eastern part of the city. Take a punt on the Avon River and see the stunning gardens situated on the riverbanks. Your guide, in his elegant Edwardian dress propels the punt by pushing against the river bed with a pole.
Antarctic Centre
The Antarctic Centre is a fun family attraction right by the airport. You can experience a real snowstorm, (don't worry, warm coats are provided) view penguins or have an exciting Hagglund ride.
