$31 Car Rental Christchurch

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Christchurch

Renting a car in Christchurch provides the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. This metropolis is an excellent destination for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and road trippers looking to experience a variety of attractions. With a rental car, you can easily visit stunning spots like Sumner Beach, a perfect location for beach experiences, and Lyttelton Harbour, known for its scenic views and beach activities. Families will find that a rental car simplifies travel, allowing for easy luggage management and comfortable journeys to places like Hagley Park, which is ideal for outdoor and city experiences.

In addition to these attractions, a rental car gives you the convenience to explore popular destinations such as the Christchurch City Centre, featuring Hagley Park and the iconic Cathedral Square, or visit Christchurch Airport, home to the International Antarctic Centre. Areas like Riccarton, with its Wolfbrook Arena and University of Canterbury, are also easily accessible. Whether you're traveling with family or seeking outdoor adventures, having your own vehicle ensures a more enjoyable and personalized experience in and around Christchurch.

Most popular car rentals in Christchurch

• Compact: Ideal for solo travelers, couples, or small families, compact cars comfortably fit 5 travelers along with up to 3 medium suitcases. This option is particularly well-suited for navigating the streets of Christchurch, allowing for easy parking and maneuverability while exploring the city and its surroundings.
• Midsize SUV: A great choice for families, couples, or small groups, midsize SUVs can accommodate 5 travelers and up to 3 large suitcases. These vehicles offer a balance of space and comfort, making them perfect for road trips in and around Christchurch, providing ample room for both passengers and luggage.
• Fullsize SUV: Perfect for larger families or groups, fullsize SUVs can seat up to 6 travelers and hold up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This option provides extra space and comfort for those planning extended trips, allowing for a relaxed travel experience while exploring the diverse attractions in and near Christchurch.

Top rated car suppliers in Christchurch

• Budget: Budget has three rental locations in the Christchurch area, making it an accessible choice for travelers. It is known for its friendly service and has an overall rating of 7 out of 10. Popular vehicle options from Budget include the Midsize SUV and Fullsize SUV, providing ample space and comfort for your adventures in and around Christchurch.
• Snap Rentals: With a rental location in Christchurch, Snap Rentals is recognized for its friendly service. This supplier is a great option for those looking for efficiency and convenience. The most booked vehicles include Standard and Compact options, perfect for navigating the city and surrounding areas with ease.
• Europcar: Europcar operates one rental location in Christchurch and is well-regarded for its reliable service. Travelers often choose Compact and Midsize SUVs from Europcar, which are ideal for both city driving and exploring the beautiful Canterbury region. This supplier ensures a smooth rental experience, allowing you to focus on enjoying your trip.

Where to go in Christchurch

• Christchurch City Centre: A vibrant neighborhood ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts, Christchurch City Centre is a hub of activity. Popular attractions include the scenic Hagley Park, perfect for leisurely strolls, and the iconic Cathedral Square, which offers a cultural experience. The Te Pae Christchurch Convention and Exhibition Centre serves as a key venue for business events. With a peak in visitor numbers from January to March, this area provides a lively city experience throughout the year.
• Christchurch Airport: Located conveniently near the city, Christchurch Airport is a bustling suburb with a range of attractions for visitors. Notable sites include the International Antarctic Centre, which offers unique cultural insights, and the historic University of Canterbury. For outdoor lovers, Hagley Park is also easily accessible. The area sees steady traveler arrivals all year, making it an excellent choice for families and city explorers alike.
• Riccarton: A charming suburb known for its shopping and educational opportunities, Riccarton attracts visitors year-round. Key highlights include the expansive Hagley Park, ideal for outdoor activities, and Wolfbrook Arena, which caters to entertainment needs. The historic University of Canterbury adds cultural depth to the area. With peak visitor numbers in March to April and July, Riccarton offers a balanced mix of family-friendly and business experiences.

10 tips to save on your Christchurch car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and desired features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for additional space, a convertible for those summer days, or an economical car to save on costs, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your vehicle well ahead of your trip. Booking early often allows you to lock in lower prices and enjoy greater availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Generally, smaller vehicles are less expensive to rent and easier to maneuver and park in crowded areas. Mid-size cars offer a good compromise between affordability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70. Always verify the age restrictions before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the most favorable option. Other policies may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling, which can also be acceptable; just ensure you return the vehicle empty in that scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but this may be justified by the added convenience it provides.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unplanned expenses and offers peace of mind if something unforeseen occurs during your trip. It’s simple to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning extensive road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a vehicle.

Best time to rent a car in and around Christchurch

The best value period to rent a car in and around Christchurch is May, when prices are slightly low and demand is average. June also offers good value, with low demand and slightly low prices. March and April are decent options too, featuring average prices and demand. In contrast, December is the most expensive month, with high demand driving up rental rates. January and February are also busy and pricier, making them less ideal for budget-conscious travelers.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	62.1°F (16.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Slightly High
February	61.5°F (16.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	High	Slightly High
March	58.5°F (14.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
April	54.0°F (12.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	49.6°F (9.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
June	45.1°F (7.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Slightly Low
July	43.7°F (6.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Average
August	45.5°F (7.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Low	Average
September	48.0°F (8.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
October	51.1°F (10.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	55.2°F (12.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	59.4°F (15.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Slightly High

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Christchurch

Using our Search Wizard

If the deals that are available on our page do not suit your needs, then enter Christchurch into the search wizard at the top of the page. We will compare all the best deals available for your car rental in Christchurch and provide you with a list of the cheapest options, with no added fees.

Renting a car in Christchurch

Pay at pickup is available, so you don’t have to worry about spending your money until you arrive at your vehicle in Christchurch. We partner with reliable partners that guarantee an enjoyable experience for solo travelers, couples, and families. Package your car with a flight or hotel to unlock even more savings from Expedia.

Expected prices in Christchurch

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $31.

Flexibility & Cancellation

Most car suppliers offer penalty-free cancellations, so you don’t have to worry about losing money if your plans change. To cancel your booking log into your account through the Trips portal. Click manage booking and cancel this car. If you needed to alter your booking, then you can create a new one once you have canceled.

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Car classes available from Expedia in 2026

The classes of vehicles available will change depending on your chosen location.

• Compact car rentals    
• Convertible car rentals    
• Economy car rentals    
• Fullsize car rentals    
• Luxury car rentals
• Midsize car rentals    
• Mini car rentals    
• Minivan rentals    
• Pickup car rentals    
• Premium car rentals
• Sportscar rentals    
• Standard car rentals    
• SUV rentals    
• Van rentals