$39 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 is especially beneficial for families and outdoor enthusiasts, as a rental car allows for easy luggage management and flexible travel plans. You can conveniently visit key attractions such as Sumner Beach, which offers a great beach experience, or Lyttelton Harbour, known for its beautiful scenery. For a family-friendly outing, Hagley Park is perfect for outdoor activities and relaxation.

With a rental car, you can easily navigate to popular destinations like Christchurch City Centre, where you can explore Hagley Park, Cathedral Square, and the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. You can also access Christchurch Airport and neighborhoods like Riccarton, which features attractions such as Mona Vale. Having your own vehicle means you can tailor your itinerary, making spontaneous stops and enjoying the sights without the constraints of public transportation. Overall, renting a car enhances your travel experience in Christchurch and its vicinity, ensuring you make the most of your visit.

Most popular car rentals in Christchurch

• Compact: The Compact car is a popular choice for travelers in Christchurch, accommodating up to 5 passengers with space for 3 medium suitcases. This option is ideal for solo travelers, couples, or small families who appreciate the ease of navigating city streets and finding parking. Its size allows for efficient fuel consumption, making it a cost-effective option while exploring the region.
• Midsize SUV: The Midsize SUV is perfect for families, couples, or small groups, comfortably fitting 5 travelers and allowing up to 3 large suitcases. This vehicle offers a balance between space and maneuverability, making it suitable for both urban driving and venturing into the surrounding countryside. Its elevated seating provides better visibility, enhancing your travel experience.
• Fullsize SUV: The Fullsize SUV is an excellent choice for larger families or groups, accommodating up to 6 travelers and offering room for either 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This option provides ample space and comfort for longer trips, ensuring that everyone travels with ease. Ideal for those who need extra room for luggage or prefer a more spacious ride, this SUV can handle various travel needs in and around Christchurch.

Top rated car suppliers in Christchurch

• Budget: Budget has three rental locations in the Christchurch area, providing travelers with convenient options for pickup. Known for its friendly service, Budget has an overall rating of 7 out of 10. Popular choices among customers include the Midsize SUV and Fullsize SUV, making it a great option for those looking to explore Christchurch and its surroundings comfortably.
• Europcar: With one rental location in Christchurch, Europcar is praised for its friendly service and meeting customer expectations. Travelers frequently opt for Compact and Midsize SUVs, ideal for navigating the city and nearby attractions. Europcar's focus on customer satisfaction makes it a solid choice for your car rental needs.
• Thrifty Car Rental: Thrifty operates two rental locations in the Christchurch area, making it accessible for tourists. This supplier is known for its selection of Midsize SUVs and Compact SUVs, providing options suited for various travel needs. Thrifty's reliable service ensures a smooth rental experience as you explore the beautiful Canterbury region.

Where to stay in Christchurch

• Christchurch City Centre: This vibrant neighborhood is perfect for families and those seeking a city-themed experience. Located near popular attractions like Hagley Park, Cathedral Square, and the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, it offers a mix of outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and shopping options. With pubs and restaurants nearby, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy local cuisine and drinks. The City Centre is an ideal base for exploring the urban landscape and parks.
• Riccarton: A family-friendly suburb, Riccarton is known for its shopping areas and educational institutions. Key points of interest include Mona Vale and Hagley Park, both suitable for outdoor excursions. The proximity to Cathedral Square adds a cultural aspect to your visit. Dining options and wineries are also available, making Riccarton a balanced choice for both leisure and business travelers.
• Merivale: This quaint suburb caters to families and business visitors alike. Merivale features an array of shopping centers and cafes, creating a lively atmosphere. Attractions such as St. Mary's Merivale and Hagley Park offer cultural and recreational opportunities. Additionally, the proximity to Cathedral Square ensures that you have access to city attractions while enjoying a more relaxed suburban environment.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Christchurch

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 space, a convertible for summer outings, 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 wise to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you’re more likely to lock in lower rates and enjoy a wider selection, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller cars are typically less expensive to rent and easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between 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 premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70. Always verify the age requirements before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is usually the most favorable option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are also acceptable. Just ensure you return the car empty in such cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience might make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies only accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind in case 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 long road trips, seek out rentals with 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 car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Christchurch

The best value period to rent a car in and around Christchurch is June, when prices are at their lowest and demand is also low. May and August are great shoulder months as well, offering slightly lower prices with average demand. In contrast, December is the most expensive month, with high demand, making it less ideal for budget-conscious travelers. January and February also tend to be busy and pricier, as many visitors flock to the area during that time.

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	Average	Slightly Low
September	48.0°F (8.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Low	Average
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 $39.

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.

We all love being rewarded

One Key members save 10% or more on select hotels, cars, activities and vacation rentals. Not only that, earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands: Expedia, Hotels.com and VRBO. Learn more and join today.

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