Search for car hire from Christchurch Airport

Christchurch, located in New Zealand's South Island, is a unique city with much to offer the intrepid traveller. A hire car will maximise your time here as the Garden City serves both as a fabulous destination in its own right and a launching pad to further South Island adventures. With Airport Rentals, you can compare prices on hire cars from a range of local and international brands to get the best car hire deal. Book quickly and securely, then pick up your Christchurch Airport hire car and hit the road!

What you need to know about hiring a car from Christchurch Airport

Christchurch Airport is located only a few minutes from State Highway 1, which will take you either north or south from the city. For those planning to stay in the central city before heading off on a road trip, it’s only a 20-minute drive to the CBD.

Flights to Christchurch International Airport from Australia depart from:

• Brisbane
• Cairns
• Gold Coast
• Melbourne
• Sydney

There is a single airport terminal and the international arrivals hall is on the ground floor near doors 7, 9 and 9.

Car hire companies at Christchurch Airport

The following rental companies are conveniently located inside the terminal at Christchurch Airport:

• Alamo
• Avis
• Budget
• Dollar
• Enterprise
• Europcar
• Ezi Car Rentals
• Hertz
• National
• Routes Car Rental
• SIXT
• Thrifty

There are also several car rental companies located a short shuttle ride away, including:

• Ace Rental Cars
• Apex Car Rentals
• Bargain Rental Cars
• Discount Car Rentals
• Ezu
• Go Rentals
• Jucy
• Omega Rental Cars
• Rental Cars 24/7
• Snap Rentals
• Touchdown Car Rentals
• U-Save
• Yesaway
• Yes Rentals

Picking up your hire car from the airport

If you have hired a car from a company located within the airport terminal, you will find their kiosk in the international arrivals hall, or in the case of Enterprise and SIXT, near door 6 in the check-in hall. Once you are at the kiosk, you will receive your rental agreement to sign and the keys to your hire car. The vehicle will be parked at the airport.

If you have hired a car from a company with an off-airport depot, you will need to take a free shuttle from the airport to their location. Arranging the shuttle differs by company, but generally you will be given a phone number to call to arrange a pick up. This and any other information will be provided before you arrive at Christchurch Airport.

Christchurch Airport map

Returning you car hire to the airport

At the end of your car hire period, either return your car to the rental car parking area at the airport, or to the depot you picked it up from. If you are returning to a depot, make sure you allow enough time to get the shuttle back to the airport. Make sure you check the vehicle for any personal belongings before your lock it and return the keys to the desk.

Some rental companies allow after hours returns, but these will need to be arranged in advance. Make sure you park in the dedicated drop off location and then place your keys in the drop box. Note that there may be an extra fee for returning the hire car after hours.

Help help?

If you need help with your booking, you can contact us and one of our award-winning support team will be here to help.

Christchurch is the largest city in New Zealand's South Island and is spread out across numerous suburbs. The city centre has a number of one-way street, so be sure to keep an eye out for signs and plan your route ahead of time. After a devastating earthquake in 2011, there are still some roadworks and construction operations around Christchurch city, which may close off certain routes.

What to see and do in your Christchurch rental car

Christchurch has something new and exciting to offer on every visit, and its transformation is something to be seen and celebrated. The Garden City has been continuously evolving since the earthquake, and impressively combines innovative design with heritage architecture.

A Christchurch car rental is recommended to make the most of your time in this special part of New Zealand, as the hotspots are spread out and you’ll want to explore every corner. Visitors have their pick of activities to choose from, and more than enough to suit all tastes and preferences.

Leisure lovers will adore strolling around the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, river punting on the Avon, or sipping on craft cocktails in the CBD, whilst the action-oriented travellers can get the blood pumping on an Alpine Jet Boat ride, hiking in the Port Hills, or ziplining at the Christchurch Adventure Park. Christchurch is also a great starting point for countless road trips and experiences.

Popular locations to visit with your car hire from Christchurch Airport

Popular locations frequently visited from Christchurch include Hanmer Springs and Akaroa, with each offering spectacular scenery and unique attractions. The majestic beauty of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo also draws crowds from Christchurch as it serves as a great little travel hub for outdoor lovers looking to experience the Southern Alps. If it’s the sealife that calls you, a road trip to Kaikoura will have you whale watching or swimming with dolphins in no time.

Travellers going the distance may head to Queenstown in their rental car, cross Arthur’s Pass to see the glaciers of the West Coast, or drive north to the beautiful beaches of Abel Tasman National Park. Choose your car rental wisely, with consideration of the planned mileage, number of passengers, amount of luggage, and sporting equipment. If you are heading to the mountains or otherwise expect challenging road conditions, opt for a sporty, reliable model.

Some places in New Zealand are remote or hard to get to, so an extra thought about your comfort and safety on a long drive is well worth it. Grab cheap rental cars Christchurch Airport and plan your fuel stops in advance, keeping a few snacks in the vehicle, particularly if you are driving outside of normal business hours.

Other popular car rental pick-up locations for your New Zealand road trip are also available. There are multiple options if you plan to discover Wellington in your own car hire or explore with a rental car from Auckland Airport. The choice is yours!

To discover other areas near or around Christchurch, check out the following car hire locations:

• Christchurch city
• Timaru Airport
• Dunedin Airport
• Queenstown Airport