Car hire Nelson: Gateway to the South Island
You’ll soon find upon picking up your Nelson car hire that this little city at the top of the South Island is a sun-soaked, laid back haven with a unique and creative culture. It combines the best of both worlds: large enough to keep you well entertained, but small enough to feel homely and welcoming. Nelson’s eclectic collection of shops and cafes are a delight to wander through and sample before heading off to enjoy phenomenal nature in every direction.
Car hire Nelson: Everything you need to know
Picking up your Nelson Airport car hire is a straightforward process, with kiosks located onsite or via a quick shuttle ride.
![There are also good bits of rough road and terrain for those seeking a Nelson rental cars adventure!]()
There are three main areas comprising Nelson: Richmond, Stoke and Nelson City. All face the Tasman Sea, and offer their own unique local character. Shops, services and cafes can be found all over, but are most densely available in the city centre.
Keep an eye on the speed limit, as it varies and can change multiple times along the same road. Be prepared for narrow roads and roundabouts in built up areas. Looking for a car park? Parking is a bit easier to come by than in larger cities, with more free parking opportunities and lower rates. If you’re venturing outside of the city, stick to the main highways and keep your supplies stocked.
What to see in your Nelson car hire
The beachside location, lush landscape and dynamic culture are a winning combination that draws crowds to Nelson all year long. Get amongst it and take your Nelson Airport car hire from the terminal along the coast to Tahunanui Beach, where you will find shimmering gold sands and turquoise blue waters at every turn.
Hire a kayak on a tour or with friends to explore the coastline and find out why this is the number one place in New Zealand for water sports. Nelson also claims the title of one of the best kitesurfing spots in the country, and keen mountain bikers and hikers will love the abundant bush tracks through ruggedly beautiful terrain.
![Being the sunshine capital of NZ, a great car hire Nelson trip may include just basking under the sun on a good spot like a lake by Cable Bay.]()
Nelson has long been known for its exquisite wines, but is quickly growing in reputation for its craft beer and culinary scene. Sauvignon Blanc is the leading vine in the region, and you’ll see locally produced bottles for sale on shelves all over the world. Stop your Nelson car hire at any one of the countless artist workshops and galleries in Nelson and surrounds, or simply visit the weekly Saturday markets in Montgomery Square to see a collection of their wares (as well as more fresh produce and tasty morsels).
By the time you drop your Nelson car rentals back at airport you’ll be eager to book a second trip to this gorgeous section of New Zealand.
If you're looking to start your New Zealand adventure in a different location, you could pick up your car rental from Christchurch Airport. Visiting Queenstown with your rental car is also a not to miss itinerary and it can be reached in a few days from Nelson. Alternatively, you can choose to take the ferry to Wellington or start in Auckland and explore the North Island. The choice is yours!
Choosing the right Nelson rental car
Find and compare all available car hire options for Nelson airport in one spot, including rental cars from Omega, Budget, Hertz, Avis, Keddy, and more. Consider comfort, safety and price when browsing through the options, as city-only driving will have very different requirements than road tripping through mountainous terrain and national parks like Kahurangi National Park, Abel Tasman National Park, and Nelson Lakes National Park.
Smaller economy sized vehicles are great for fuel mileage and manoeuvering in and out of tight parking spaces, but lack the power and stability of larger vehicles. The number of passengers in your party as well as pieces of luggage will also determine the size of Nelson car hire you will need.
![There is something for the whole family in any Nelson holiday, like having a dip on wondrous Tahunanui Beach.]()
The Tasman and Marlborough Regions are full of winding roads, so a higher-set vehicle like an SUV may be preferred for passenger comfort. Always book well in advance—Nelson is a popular region for travel, particularly during peak periods like summer holidays and long weekends.
