Car Rental Franz Josef Glacier

Search and Compare from Car Companies in Franz Josef Glacier

I have a discount code

Featured car rental suppliers

Compare from agencies

car suppliers logo

  • protection illustration

    Change your mind

    Penalty-free cancellation on many/select car rentals
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    One Key members save 10% or more on over 1 million car rentals
    Learn about One Key
  • package illustration

    Shop smart

    Compare car suppliers and package your flight, hotel, and car to save

Top Car Deals in Franz Josef Glacier

* Price found within the past 6 days. Click for updated prices.

Economy

Chevrolet Spark
  • 4 people
Franz Josef Glacier, West Coast, NZL
Chevrolet Spark
Economy Chevrolet Spark

Compact

Ford Focus
  • 4 people
Franz Josef Glacier, West Coast, NZL
Ford Focus
Compact Ford Focus

Midsize

Toyota Corolla
  • 5 people
Franz Josef Glacier, West Coast, NZL
Toyota Corolla
Midsize Toyota Corolla

SUV

Jeep Compass
  • 5 people
Franz Josef Glacier, West Coast, NZL
Jeep Compass
SUV Jeep Compass

Don't see what you're looking for?

See all car rentals in Franz Josef Glacier
View all cars

What you need to know for your Franz Josef Glacier car rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Franz Josef Glacier

Renting a car in and around Franz Josef Glacier offers travelers the freedom and flexibility to explore at their own pace. With easy luggage management and adaptable travel plans, you can enjoy your journey without the constraints of public transportation. This is particularly beneficial for those seeking outdoor adventures and stunning scenery. With a rental car, you can visit key attractions such as the Glacier Hot Pools, which are perfect for relaxation, and the striking Franz Josef Glacier located just 6 miles away. You can also experience the cultural charm of Our Lady of the Alps within the suburb. Additionally, a car allows you to conveniently explore nearby destinations like Westland Tai Poutini National Park, 8 miles away, known for its breathtaking landscapes including Aoraki / Mount Cook and Fox Glacier. Don’t miss out on the scenic beauty of Waiho, 9 miles from Franz Josef Glacier, where you can find the Glacier Hot Pools and St James Anglican Church. For those interested in nature, Okarito, located 11 miles away, offers picturesque spots like Lake Mapourika and Lake Wahapo - Wahapako. A rental car ensures a comfortable and enriching travel experience in this beautiful region.

Where to stay around Franz Josef Glacier

  • Westland Tai Poutini National Park: Located 8 miles from Franz Josef Glacier, this suburb is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers. With stunning scenery, you can explore hiking trails and other recreational areas. Key attractions nearby include the Franz Josef Glacier, Aoraki / Mount Cook, and Fox Glacier. Restaurants are also available for dining options, making it a great base for your adventures.
  • Waiho: Situated 9 miles from Franz Josef Glacier, Waiho offers a mix of outdoor activities and relaxation. Travelers can enjoy body treatments and spa facilities, alongside access to beautiful trails. Nearby landmarks include the Glacier Hot Pools for wellness and relaxation, as well as cultural sites like Our Lady of the Alps and St James Anglican Church. Dining options are available to complement your stay.
  • Okarito: Located 11 miles from Franz Josef Glacier, Okarito is a charming suburb ideal for romantic getaways and outdoor exploration. With ski fields and amazing trail access, adventure awaits. Key points of interest include the Glacier Hot Pools and picturesque lakes such as Lake Mapourika and Lake Wahapo - Wahapako, perfect for scenic views and romantic outings. Restaurants nearby provide ample dining choices.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Franz Josef Glacier

  1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle types and specific features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer fun, or an economy car to save money, utilize the filters on Expedia to identify the perfect 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 reservation well before your trip. By booking early, 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: Compact cars usually come at a lower rental price and are easier to maneuver and park in crowded areas. Mid-size vehicles strike a good balance 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—may not be available. This can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify age requirements prior to booking.
  5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the most favorable option. Other policies may include full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which can be convenient as well; just ensure you return the vehicle empty in that case.
  6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at the airport often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may make it worthwhile.
  7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies accept only 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 of unforeseen events during your trip. It’s easy to add rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
  9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning on taking long road trips, look for rental options that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
  10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is mandatory for renting a car.

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Franz Josef Glacier

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in Franz Josef Glacier

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

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.

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.

Car Rental Information

Popular car types
SUV, Full Size, Economy
Car suppliers available
Our best deal of the day
Our second best deal of the day
Our third best deal of the day
From the airport to your hotel
Airport Transportation
From popular domestic and international airports
Airport Car Rentals

Frequently asked questions

What are the best cheap car rental companies in Franz Josef Glacier?
You can find cheap car rentals in Franz Josef Glacier from $25 a day with Hertz's compact suv. Ezi offers an economy 4-5 door car starting from $27 a day, while Budget has a compact 4-5 door car starting from $30 a day. These options provide great value for exploring the region. Compare suppliers on Expedia to find a cheap car rental in Franz Josef Glacier that fits your budget. For more options, explore Economy Car Rentals in Franz Josef Glacier.
What are the best luxury car companies in Franz Josef Glacier?
For luxury car rentals in Franz Josef Glacier, you can find premium options through providers on Expedia like Thrifty Car Rental and Ezi. Thrifty Car Rental offers premium pickup extended cab vehicles starting from $134 a day, providing a robust and comfortable option. Ezi also has premium SUV options starting from $66 a day, which can offer a more elevated driving experience. These premium rentals often come with enhanced features and comfort for your journey. For more options, explore Luxury Car Rentals in Franz Josef Glacier.
Can I rent a car one-way in Franz Josef Glacier?
A one-way car rental in Franz Josef Glacier is an excellent option for regional road trips, with prices starting from around $30 a day. Providers like Thrifty Car Rental, Avis, Budget, and Ezi may have flexible one-way policies, allowing you to pick up your vehicle in Franz Josef Glacier and drop it off at another location. These are good options for one-way car rental in Franz Josef Glacier, offering flexibility for travelers planning to explore more of New Zealand. For more options, explore Standard Car Rentals in Franz Josef Glacier.
Can I rent a car round-trip in Franz Josef Glacier?
Franz Josef Glacier is well suited to round-trip rentals, with round-trip rentals starting from $25 a day. Picking up and dropping off at the same location generally avoids one-way drop-off fees, which can make it the most cost-effective option for exploring areas near Franz Josef Glacier and returning to the same spot. Popular nearby destinations include:
  • Lake Tekapo, approximately 49 miles away
  • Aoraki / Mount Cook, approximately 18 miles away
  • Franz Josef Glacier, approximately 7 miles away
Providers like Thrifty Car Rental, Avis, Budget, and Ezi also offer wide round-trip availability. For more options, explore Fullsize Car Rentals in Franz Josef Glacier.
What are the best car rentals in Franz Josef Glacier?
Car rentals in Franz Josef Glacier offer extensive vehicle variety. The most popular car classes available include:
  • Compact SUV
  • Premium pickup extended cab
  • Economy 4-5 door
  • Fullsize SUV
  • Compact 4-5 door
Most come with automatic transmissions. Families visiting attractions prefer SUVs or minivans for space; couples and solo travelers do fine with economy or compact cars. Choose based on passenger count, luggage needs, and budget, ensuring you have enough room for your travel companions and gear. For more options, explore Minivan Car Rentals in Franz Josef Glacier.
What are the best car rentals in Franz Josef Glacier for solo travelers?
The best car rentals in Franz Josef Glacier for solo travelers are economy and compact classes—small, easy to park, and cheap to run for one person exploring at their own pace:
  • Economy 4-5 door, starting from $27 a day—fits up to 5 people and up to 2 medium suitcases, nimble on roads and simple to slot into small parking spaces
  • Compact 4-5 door, starting from $30 a day—fits up to 5 people and up to 3 medium suitcases with a little more room for luggage while staying fuel-efficient
Both comfortably fit a solo traveler plus a bag or two. If you're planning longer drives to spots like Lake Tekapo, consider sizing up to a compact SUV for extra highway comfort and a higher ride. For more options, explore Compact Car Rentals in Franz Josef Glacier.
What are the best car rentals in Franz Josef Glacier for couples?
The best car rentals in Franz Josef Glacier for couples balance comfort and easy handling for two:
  • Midsize SUV, starting from $32 a day—fits up to 5 people and up to 3 large suitcases with smooth cruising for two
  • Compact SUV, starting from $47 a day—fits up to 5 people and up to 3 medium suitcases with a higher ride for day trips around the region
Both give a couple comfortable seating and trunk space without being hard to park. For a special trip, consider a convertible for scenic drives around Franz Josef Glacier, offering an open-air experience. For more options, explore Midsize Car Rentals in Franz Josef Glacier.
What are the best car rentals in Franz Josef Glacier for families?
The best car rentals in Franz Josef Glacier for families are the ones with room for everyone and their gear:
  • Fullsize SUV, starting from $30 a day—seats up to 5 people with room for 4 large suitcases, offering ample space for family adventures
  • Premium passenger van, starting from $82 a day—seats up to 10 people with room for 6 large suitcases, ideal for larger families with strollers and full luggage
SUVs and minivans have room for the whole family plus car seats, strollers, and luggage, making them the most comfortable fit for trips around Franz Josef Glacier. Book 4+ weeks ahead, as family-sized vehicles can have lower availability during the December and February peak months, and consider adding GPS if you're new to the area. For more options, explore SUV Car Rentals in Franz Josef Glacier.
Are there any car rental companies that provide electric cars in Franz Josef Glacier?
Franz Josef Glacier has excellent electric and hybrid vehicle options. Thrifty Car Rental offers electric vehicles starting from $25 a day, and Avis provides electric options starting from $25 a day as well. Budget also has electric vehicles available from $25 a day, while Ezi offers hybrid options starting from $27 a day. Multiple rental companies in Franz Josef Glacier carry electric and hybrid cars, widely available on Expedia. EVs save on fuel, as charging costs less than equivalent gas cars. Book EVs 4-6 weeks ahead as demand is high, and plan charging stops for trips beyond 200 miles.
What is the best time to book a car in Franz Josef Glacier?
From August, prices in Franz Josef Glacier are typically lower—rentals can start from as little as $27 a day during this period. December tends to be the busiest month, when high demand can lead to higher prices, with February also seeing increased demand. During major holidays and special events, rates may also fluctuate. Demand climbs as travelers head to popular spots and activities such as:
  • Lake Tekapo
  • Aoraki / Mount Cook
  • Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike
  • Franz Josef Heli Hiking Guided Tour
Booking 3-4 weeks ahead can help with availability and pricing. Many bookings allow free cancellation 24+ hours before pickup—book early and rebook if rates drop.
What is the weather like for driving in Franz Josef Glacier?
Driving in Franz Josef Glacier is shaped by its local conditions, so conditions shift through the year. Traffic and demand tend to build around December, when routes to spots like Lake Tekapo get busiest—plan drives for quieter periods where you can. For wet or slippery stretches, a compact SUV class offers reliable grip and traction. Check the forecast before longer trips and carry water and an emergency kit for remote routes, especially since New Zealand drives on the left.
What are the best car companies in Franz Josef Glacier?
Car rentals in Franz Josef Glacier are available from providers like Thrifty Car Rental, Avis, Budget, and Ezi, offering vehicles suited to local roads and conditions. Thrifty Car Rental has compact SUV and premium pickup extended cab options that are easy to park and fuel-efficient for city streets, while Avis offers compact SUV and midsize SUV vehicles with more space and stability for highways and rougher terrain. Budget rounds out the choices with compact 4-5 door and midsize SUV vehicles, and Ezi provides economy 4-5 door and fullsize SUV options. Choose a higher-clearance or all-wheel-drive class for mountain driving, and a compact class for easy maneuvering and better mileage on longer highway stretches. For more options, explore Premium Car Rentals in Franz Josef Glacier.
What are good day trip destinations from Franz Josef Glacier by rental car?
Top day-trip destinations and activities within easy reach from Franz Josef Glacier include:
  • Franz Josef Glacier, approximately 7 miles away, offering activities like the Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike and Franz Josef Heli Hiking Guided Tour
  • Aoraki / Mount Cook, approximately 18 miles away
  • Mount Cook National Park, approximately 17 miles away
  • Lake Tekapo, approximately 49 miles away
  • Lake Pukaki, approximately 57 miles away
These distances are manageable for most car types, though an SUV can offer extra comfort for longer drives or exploring scenic routes. Booking a car with flexible cancellation policies can be beneficial if your day trip plans are weather-dependent. For more options, explore Convertible Car Rentals in Franz Josef Glacier.
Are there any hidden fees when renting a car on Expedia?
Expedia aims to show the key price and important rental details clearly during booking, so you know what to expect before you reserve. In some cases, car rental companies may apply additional charges at pick-up or during the rental, such as security deposits, tolls, fuel charges, extra driver fees, or local requirements, so it's worth checking the supplier's rental terms before you book.
Are there any long-term car rentals in Franz Josef Glacier?
Yes, there are several long-term car rental options available in Franz Josef Glacier. Whether you're planning an extended holiday with the family, relocating temporarily, or simply need a vehicle for several weeks or months, many car rental providers offer flexible long-term rental plans tailored to your needs. Click on our long-term car rental deals page, enter your trip information and then book a ride that suits.
Do you need insurance to rent a car in Franz Josef Glacier?
No, you don't need personal auto insurance to rent a car in most cases. You will, however, be required to purchase some insurance to cover the duration of the rental. Rental companies will offer this insurance when you rent the car. Certain personal car insurance policies can also be applied to rental cars, and travelers can even use non-owner car insurance if they rent cars often but don't have a car of their own. Additionally, some car rentals simply include rental car insurance within the price of the rental.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Franz Josef Glacier?
Budget car rental in Franz Josef Glacier can be easy to find, with prices based on rates seen within the past seven days . To find some of the cheapest options, sort your search results by price and use filters to match your budget and travel needs. For added flexibility, it's also worth exploring one-way car rentals.
What are the top car rental deals in Franz Josef Glacier?
No matter what kind of vehicle you're looking for, Expedia makes it easy to find a great car rental deal in Franz Josef Glacier. The easiest way to get a good deal on a rental car is to use our filters. At the top of the filter list, you'll find a section featuring our best car rental offers. Check the filter for "Great Deal," and your search results will be filled with specials. Compare offers from trusted rental providers, choose the option that fits your trip, and book with confidence. For even more value, bundle your Franz Josef Glacier car rental with a hotel or flight to unlock additional savings.
What do I need to rent a car in Franz Josef Glacier?
To rent a car in Franz Josef Glacier, a current driver's license and a credit card in the same name are essential. If you're opting out of the company's insurance plan, then you may also need proof of other coverage. Rules may differ between rental companies, so read through your policy.
What happens if I need to cancel my Franz Josef Glacier car rental?
If you need to cancel your Franz Josef Glacier car rental, read over the policy to be sure, but almost all prepaid rentals are eligible for a complete refund if you notify us at least six hours prior to the pickup time, though there may be some exclusions so check your itinerary for more information, or just click through to our Customer Service Portal.
Why should I rent a car in Franz Josef Glacier with Expedia?
Booking your car rental on Expedia makes it easier to get more out of your trip from the start. With a wide choice of car rentals, you can compare prices, suppliers and deals all in one place, then bundle your car with a hotel which could help you save even more. Join our free One Key™ travel rewards program to instantly unlock additional savings.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia