Car Rental Christchurch (New Zealand)

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Cheapest Way to Rent a Car in Christchurch

Depending on your needs and preferences, there are several ways to find the cheapest way to rent a car in Christchurch. You can look online for cheap car rental deals or you can call a local rental car provider.

  • There are numerous rental car companies in Christchurch. Some provide airport shuttle services. Some offer car pick-ups in the city center. Others have locations all around the city.
  • The best way to get a cheap rental car in Christchurch is to book in advance. The longer you rent the car, the cheaper it will be. Also, it is a good idea to pick a car rental company that offers all-day parking in car parks.

You may also want to consider a car with four wheel drive. This is the best way to get around the city. If you are planning on visiting the nearby town of Mt. Hutt, you should be prepared to drive through a lot of traffic. Also, make sure to avoid the bypass roads and the toll road.

The best way to find the cheapest way to rent s car in Christchurch is to check out our car rental deals. Our car rental search engine searches hundreds of travel sites to find you the best rental car deals in Christchurch. Also, check out our FAQ page for a quick summary of car rental jargon.

You should also consider the cost of insurance. Most rental companies will offer standard insurance in their daily rate. But, be aware that some companies have egregious insurance fees. You may also want to check with your credit card company to see if you have car rental coverage.

Top Places to Visit in Christchurch, New Zealand

Located on the east coast of the South Island of New Zealand, Christchurch is home to a number of top places to visit. These include the city's historic centre, where old stone buildings stand in stark contrast to newer developments. The Avon River flows through the city and is lined with cycle paths and Hagley Park.

Sumner Beach

Among the best places to visit in Christchurch is Sumner Beach. It is a 400 meter beach that is lined with a host of activities. It is also home to a number of interesting attractions, including the iconic Cave Rock.

Located on the northern bank of the Banks Peninsula, Sumner Beach is one of the most popular summer destinations in Christchurch. The promenade is lined with shops and cafes. It also has a kids' playground.

In addition to Sumner Beach, Christchurch has two other beaches to choose from: Scarborough Beach and Summer Beach. Scarborough Beach is popular with surfers and tourists and offers a number of big breaks. Summer Beach is a favourite with families, as it has excellent sports grounds and a special playground.

Sumner Beach

Botanic Gardens

Located in central Christchurch, the Botanic Gardens are one of the best places to visit in New Zealand. It's a horticultural haven that boasts one of the best collections of exotic plants and flora in New Zealand.

With over 21 hectares of gardens, the Botanic Gardens offer a wealth of plant life. They also feature an extensive collection of native New Zealand plants. The gardens are open every day from 7 am.

The visitor centre is a lovely place to stop in for refreshments and to browse the gift shop. The centre also offers a permanent interactive exhibition.

Crater Rim Walkway

Taking a walk through the Crater Rim Walkway is one of the most iconic hiking experiences in Christchurch. This 5.3 km path follows the length of former volcanic Port Hills and provides panoramic views of Lyttleton Harbour and the South Island.

Walking the Crater Rim Walkway can be done in several segments. During your hike, you will pass through remnants of native vegetation. There are also remnants of the World War II heavy anti-aircraft battery.

This 5.3 km trail can be done in sections. The eastern half of the track is very popular. The track is wide and well maintained. It starts with a steady climb, passes through a forest, and flattens out at the gate. It has excellent views of Lyttleton Harbour and Canterbury Plains.

Crater Rim Walkway

Godley Head Loop Track

Whether you're walking, cycling, or swimming, one of the best places to visit in Christchurch is the Godley Head Loop Track. This beautiful hike boasts spectacular coastal views and historic WW2 landmarks. Depending on the time of year, you can enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean, the rugged coastline, and the Kaikoura Ranges.

Awaroa/Godley Head is a less than 10km loop track that starts at Taylors Mistake Beach. The walk features amazing views of the coast and seabirds. The walk has WWII remnants including gun emplacements on the headland and old military buildings. It is a great introductory half-day hike for kids in Christchurch.

Port Hills

Located in Christchurch, New Zealand, the Port Hills are a range of hills in the Canterbury region. The name of these hills is derived from the fact that they lie between the city of Christchurch and the port of Lyttelton. The hills are known for their ecological, geological and aesthetic qualities.

The Port Hills are a very popular recreation site for locals. Mountain bikers, runners and picnickers flock to the area for its scenic drives and walking tracks. It's also home to a diverse range of wildlife. Native birds include the wood pigeon and song thrush.

Arthur's Pass

Located in the Southern Alps of New Zealand, Arthur's Pass is a unique scenic drive. The highway winds through the mountains from the West Coast to Christchurch. Its roads are engineering marvels.

Arthur's Pass is divided into two halves, and there is a historic railway that separates the two. On the west side you'll find dense rainforest, a rich history and deep river gorges. In the east you'll find dry beech forest.

Arthur's Pass is a major tourist attraction. There are a number of accommodation providers in the village, including tea rooms, restaurants and a post office. There are also lodges and motels. There is a Department of Conservation office, and a visitor centre where you can get more information.

Orana Wildlife Park

Located just 15 minutes from Christchurch International Airport, Orana Wildlife Park is one of New Zealand's largest open-range zoos. It has over 70 different species of animals, including endangered species. It also features daily animal presentations and animal encounters. The park is operated by the Orana Wildlife Trust, a registered charity.

In addition to exotic animals, Orana Wildlife Park is home to some native animals. The park is home to kiwi and meerkats, as well as water buffalo and bison. The park also regularly breeds endangered native birds.

Orana Wildlife Park

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve

Located outside the city center in Christchurch, New Zealand, Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is one of the most popular attractions in the region. It has more than 120 thousand visitors each year, making it a popular family day out. Willowbank is home to a number of exotic and native species, including tuatara, takahe, lemurs, kiwis and much more.

Willowbank is a family-friendly wildlife reserve, offering visitors a chance to interact with many of the animals. It also offers guided tours, animal feedings and nature walks. It's also home to the "Kiwi Guarantee," a program that guarantees that visitors will see at least one kiwi at the park.

The dynamics of price changes based on season

Average price for 7 days rental:

  • 0$ –
  • 22$ –
  • 72$ –
  • 122$ –
  • 172$ –
  • 222$ –
  • 272$ –
  • 322$ –
  • January
    154$
  • February
    133$
  • March
    154$
  • April
    189$
  • May
    224$
  • June
    245$
  • July
    287$
  • August
    322$
  • September
    224$
  • October
    224$
  • November
    154$
  • December
    245$
  • Jan -
    154$
  • Feb -
    133$
  • Mar -
    154$
  • Apr -
    189$
  • May -
    224$
  • Jun -
    245$
  • Jul -
    287$
  • Aug -
    322$
  • Sep -
    224$
  • Oct -
    224$
  • Nov -
    154$
  • Dec -
    245$

List of required documents

Attention!

A valid international driving license is required

1. Driver license
2. Credit card
3. Voucher
4. Passport

Answers to popular questions

Prices can vary based on the company, the season, and the vehicle, but most locations offer discounts if you reserve a car prior to your arrival in Christchurch. The cheapest automatic cars cost from 12$ to 28$ per day. Larger cars can be more expensive due to their higher fuel consumption, so you may want to choose a smaller vehicle, which will also be advantageous on narrower roads.
There is always an increase in demand for car rentals in Christchurch during the summer months, which drives up the prices. During the off-season, particularly the winter, the prices are significantly lower. The duration of your rental also affects the total price. Typically, renting a vehicle for a longer period of time results in a lower daily rate, thus a five-day rental may cost only somewhat more than a three-day rental. If possible, consider spending at least a week exploring Christchurch.

There are several insurance tiers available. The various insurance categories in Christchurch are described as follows:

  • Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) - It restricts the customer's liability throughout the rental period and establishes the maximum sum that the customer will be required to pay in the event of damages.
  • Theft Protection (TP) - If your automobile is stolen, this waiver reduces your liability to the vehicle's deductible/excess amount (proof required are a police report and the car keys). TP is typically included in the cost of renting a car.
  • Third Party Liability (TPL) - often referred to as Supplemental Liability Insurance, Extended Protection, Liability Protection, etc., covers both material and intangible losses caused to other people's vehicles, property, and even medical costs.

Unlimited third-party liability insurance is required in Christchurch and is automatically bundled into the cost of all car rentals. Don't forget to carry evidence of insurance if you are traveling with your own vehicle.
Purchase insurance while booking your car:

Car rental insurance

The freedom to see sights at your own pace and on your own timetable is a major perk of having a rental car while on vacation. It's nice to be able to schedule your travel whenever you'd like, whether that's at the crack of dawn or after midnight to avoid crowded bus or train times.

It depends on the number of passengers and the amount of luggage each person is carrying. However, the following factors to think about before vacationing in Christchurch:

Size: Our major suggestion is to choose a car that is not excessively wide. There are some tiny streets when you are driving through old towns or historical villages. It will be less stressful in a narrower automobile. Toyota Aygo is the most well-liked model among economy classes in Christchurch. From EUROPCAR the daily rate for this vehicle begins at 12$.

Power: Any size car will be able to travel the entire country. However, if you choose an engine that is not the smallest, it will be more comfortable in the highlands.

The rental car companies in Christchurch can only guarantee a certain type of car, not an exact make or model. Car rental companies have cars from many different brands in the same category. These cars should have the same features that were confirmed at the time of the reservation. Here is an explanation of the various car classes:

Car rental models

You may be able to reserve a specific model in some cases. You will notice a special note next to the vehicle in the search results if such a possibility exists.

For online payments, we accept Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.
Please be aware that the local supplier will demand that you leave a security deposit for the car when you take it up. This manifests as a minimal amount (Excess + VAT) being put on the primary driver's credit card as a block. At the rental desk, you must have a credit card with you.
We will accept a debit card if purchase our Platinum Insurance plan for the duration of your rental period.

Rent a car without a deposit

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