Car Rental South Island

Reasons to book a car rental in and around South Island

Renting a car in South Island, New Zealand, provides you with the freedom and flexibility to explore the stunning landscapes at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily manage your luggage and create flexible travel plans, making it an ideal choice for those seeking outdoor adventures, scenic views, or romantic getaways. You can take a short drive to key attractions such as Tekapo-Hotels.d55352.Travel-Guide-Hotels >Lake Tekapo, located 2 miles away, where you can enjoy beach activities and breathtaking scenery. Visit Tekapo Springs, just 7 miles away, for outdoor relaxation and wellness experiences, or explore the cultural significance of the Church of the Good Shepherd, also 7 miles from South Island. Additionally, you can venture to nearby cities like Lake Tekapo and Tekapo, both featuring attractions like the Sheepdog Statue and Mount John Lookout. A rental car allows you to conveniently access these popular destinations and enjoy the journey without the constraints of public transportation. Whether you're traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, having your own vehicle makes your trip around South Island more enjoyable and manageable.

Where to stay around South Island

• Lake Tekapo: Located 7 miles away from South Island, Lake Tekapo is renowned for its stunning outdoor scenery and romantic atmosphere. Visitors can explore popular attractions such as the `Tekapo Springs`, perfect for wellness and relaxation, and the `Church of the Good Shepherd`, which offers cultural experiences. Enjoy the breathtaking views from `Mount John Lookout`, ideal for adventure and romance, or indulge in local food and wine at nearby restaurants and wineries.
• Tekapo: Situated 8 miles from South Island, Tekapo offers travelers picturesque landscapes and a charming ambiance. Key highlights include the `Church of the Good Shepherd` for cultural exploration and the `Sheepdog Statue`, which celebrates local heritage. For a romantic stroll, the `Maclaren Footbridge` provides a scenic route. Visitors can also enjoy access to recreational areas and a variety of nearby shopping and dining options, including wineries.
• Mount Dobson: Located 10 miles from South Island, Mount Dobson is a destination for those seeking outdoor adventures and scenic views. Visitors can experience the ski fields and take advantage of the local shopping areas. Notable attractions such as `Lake Tekapo`, known for its stunning beach and outdoor activities, and the `Church of the Good Shepherd` for cultural insights, make Mount Dobson a worthwhile stop. The area also offers proximity to a national state park, enhancing your nature experience.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around South Island

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you’re looking for an SUV for extra room, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your car well in advance of your trip. By booking early, you’re more likely to access lower rates and enjoy better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically more affordable to rent and easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance among cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals follow a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This option is typically the most advantageous. Others might offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling alternatives, which can also work, but be sure to return the vehicle empty in those cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Most car rental companies accept only credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provide peace of mind if something unforeseen occurs during your trip. It's easy to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, look for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra costs.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a vehicle.

Finding the cheapest car rentals in South Island

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in South Island

Pay at pickup is available, so you don’t have to worry about spending your money until you arrive at your vehicle in South Island. 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 South Island

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

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