Cheapflights insights for Queenstown car hires
Get relevant, data-driven information to help you hire a car in Queenstown, including pricing trends, ideal booking times, and more.
How far in advance should I hire a car in Queenstown?
To get the best deal on car hire in Queenstown, book about 41 days before your trip. At that point, average daily prices are around R573, which is about 1 342% cheaper than the typical rate.
What is the best car rental company in Queenstown?
Based on Cheapflights user feedback, the highest-rated car hire company in Queenstown is Thrifty (rated 10.0/10 with 3 reviews). Rental Cars 247 (rated 9.5/10 with 3 reviews) is also highly rated by our users.
What is the cheapest month to hire a car in Queenstown?
The cheapest month to hire a car in Queenstown is May, when you can expect to pay R399/day on average. The most expensive month to hire a car in Queenstown is December (R1 216/day on average). The average daily car hire price for each month is shown below. Keep in mind that prices will vary based on availability, when you book, and the type of car you hire.
January
R920
February
R868
March
R660
April
R608
May
R399
June
R486
July
R764
August
R660
September
R538
October
R521
November
R643
December
R1 216
What car do most people hire in Queenstown?
The most popular types of cars to hire in Queenstown are the following: SUV cars (Jeep Grand Cherokee or similar), Intermediate cars (Toyota Camry or similar), and Economy cars (Class Economy Car or similar).
Which car hire company has the most locations in Queenstown?
Both Snap Rentals and Thrifty have 3 locations in Queenstown, more than any other car hire company in the area.
Top rental agencies in Queenstown
Explore the leading car hire agencies in Queenstown known for their outstanding service and extensive range of vehicles to choose from. There are currently 8 car hire companies in Queenstown. Reviews were last updated on 18 September 2025.
Thrifty
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Rental Cars 247
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Hertz
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Avis
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Ace Rental Cars
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New Zealand Discount Car Rentals
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Snap Rentals
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Apex
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Car hire FAQs
Find answers to frequently asked questions about car hires in Queenstown, including policies, requirements, and more. FAQs were last updated on 18 September 2025.
What are the requirements to rent a car in Queenstown?
Queenstown is an adventure holiday so finding cheap car rental in Queenstown is a must so you can spend your money on seeing the sights. In order to qualify for Queenstown car rentals you would need a valid native driver's licence or an International Driver's Licence. Positive proof of ID or passport is needed for car rentals in Queenstown and a major credit card for payment and insurance purposes. You have to be 21 years to rent a car but you can pay a youth surcharge at select rental companies.
What are the rules for driving in Queenstown?
Make sure you have brushed up on the road rules before you utilise car rentals in Queenstown. The vehicles drive on the left hand side of the road and there are speed limits on different roads and motorways. For your cheap car rental in Queenstown, whether you have hired an economy car rental or a passenger van rental, it is important to remember both the driver and passengers must wear seatbelts. If the phone rings, don’t answer, as it is illegal unless you have a hands-free car kit. Before you finalise your booking with Queenstown car rentals, it’s a good idea to check with the Queenstown city Department of Motor Vehicles for updated road rules. In New Zealand, the alcohol limit for drivers aged 20 years and over is 250 micrograms (mcg) of alcohol per litre of breath and the blood alcohol limit is 50 milligrams (mg) per 100 millilitres (ml) of blood.
What type of car is recommended for driving in Queenstown?
Rental cars in Queenstown come with a huge variety of car models to choose from to suit your trip. When looking for cheap car rental in Queenstown, then search for a small compact car to get you around town. Although Queenstown is known for adventure, it is also filled with restaurants and shopping experiences where you won't need a big car. Rental cars in Queenstown are known to have a big variety of SUV adventure cars if you want to explore the offbeat landscapes. This is the preferred choice for most car rentals in Queenstown.
What are the best places to park in Queenstown?
Once you have hired your car from a Queenstown car rental, you will find a wide selection of places to park. There are free parking spots around town, pay and display parking spaces on certain streets and car parks where you can park for the day. Make sure you have extra cash before your outing to pay and you won't battle to find a place to park.
Can I rent a car for a month in Queenstown?
Yes, you can hire a car for a month in Queenstown check Cheapflights for the latest prices and car type availability.