Car Rental South Island

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Top Car Deals in South Island

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

Economy

Chevrolet Spark
  • 4 people
South Island, NZL
Chevrolet Spark
Economy Chevrolet Spark

Compact

Ford Focus
  • 4 people
South Island, NZL
Ford Focus
Compact Ford Focus

Midsize

Toyota Corolla
  • 5 people
South Island, NZL
Toyota Corolla
Midsize Toyota Corolla

SUV

Jeep Compass
  • 5 people
South Island, NZL
Jeep Compass
SUV Jeep Compass

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What you need to know for your South Island car rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around South Island

Renting a car in South Island, New Zealand, offers significant freedom and flexibility for your travel plans. With a rental car, you can explore attractions at your own pace, making it easy to manage your luggage and adjust your itinerary as needed. This is especially beneficial for those seeking outdoor adventures, stunning scenery, or romantic experiences. For instance, you can easily visit Tekapo-Hotels.d55352.Travel-Guide-Hotels >Lake Tekapo, located just 2 miles away, which is perfect for enjoying beautiful lakeside views. Additionally, Tekapo Springs, a hot spring ideal for relaxation, is only 7 miles from South Island. The Church of the Good Shepherd, also 7 miles away, provides a cultural experience worth visiting. A rental car further enhances your ability to explore nearby cities like Tekapo, 8 miles away, where you can find attractions such as the Sheepdog Statue and Maclaren Footbridge. Mount Dobson, 10 miles away, offers more scenic views and outdoor activities. Overall, having a rental car allows you to enjoy South Island's natural beauty and attractions conveniently, making it an ideal choice for travelers of all types.

Where to stay around South Island

  • Lake Tekapo: Located 7 miles away from South Island, Lake Tekapo is a picturesque suburb known for its breathtaking outdoor scenery and romantic ambiance. Ideal for relaxation, visitors can enjoy attractions like the rejuvenating Tekapo Springs, the culturally significant Church of the Good Shepherd, and stunning views from Mount John Lookout. The area also offers nearby dining options, including restaurants and wineries, making it a perfect spot for both adventure and leisure.
  • Tekapo: Situated 8 miles from South Island, Tekapo attracts travelers seeking outdoor adventures and scenic beauty. Notable points of interest include the Church of the Good Shepherd, the Sheepdog Statue, and the romantic Maclaren Footbridge. With recreational areas and shopping venues nearby, visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture while enjoying a variety of food and drink options, including wineries and restaurants.
  • Mount Dobson: About 10 miles away from South Island, Mount Dobson is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts and those looking for a romantic getaway. The area features a ski field and offers access to beautiful landmarks, such as Lake Tekapo and the culturally enriching Church of the Good Shepherd. Visitors can also explore local shopping areas, making it a wonderful place to unwind and enjoy the serene natural landscape.

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 selecting vehicle type and features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer driving, or an economy car for budget-friendly options, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the best fit 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 vehicle well ahead of your travel dates. Booking early often results in lower rates and improved availability, especially during peak seasons.
  3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact 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 fees, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be accessible. This can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify age requirements before finalizing your booking.
  5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements stipulate a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most favorable option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling choices, which can also be convenient. Just ensure you return the car empty in that case.
  6. Save on city and airport pickups: You may incur a surcharge for picking up your rental car at airports, but this additional cost can be justified by the convenience it offers.
  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 unexpected expenses and provide 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 plan on taking long road trips, seek out 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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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
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Frequently asked questions

What happens if I need to cancel my South Island car reservation?
Canceling a booking six hours before the scheduled pickup time should allow for your money back. But this is not always the case. It's worth looking through your booking details and rental agreement. Still can't find the answer? Jump onto our Customer Service Portal.
How do I find the best car rental deals in South Island with Expedia?
Check out customer ratings, choose your car class and compare offers from top suppliers. Expedia makes it a cinch to track down the best deal on your rental wheels. Combine your South Island car rental with flight or hotel bookings and cruise off with even more in your wallet.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in South Island?
In most cases, the rules are 21 years of age and over in South Island. It's important to note that most outlets will charge a young renter fee. Do your research before you book, as rules may differ between rental car providers. Keep in mind that if you want to rent a specialty ride or a large car like a premium SUV, you may need to be older than 21.
What do you need to rent a car in South Island?
Renting a car in South Island is easy as pie. Usually, all you'll need is your driver's license and a credit card in your name. After settling on the perfect set of wheels, read the terms and conditions to make sure there are no additional requirements prior to the pickup date.
Can I rent a car for a month or longer in South Island?
Yes, so you won't have to rebook a rental vehicle in the middle of your vacation. Head to our long-term car rental deals page, enter your information and find a set of wheels to call your own for the length of your break.
Where can I find a South Island car rental if I am younger than 25?
This will depend on the rental companies that operate in South Island. They often have different age policies. If you've found a supplier that does cater to drivers under the age of 25, take note that additional fees may apply. Conduct some research into what those charges could be before picking up your vehicle.
What insurance should I choose for my car rental in South Island?
It's a good idea to have collision protection to cover your South Island car rental against theft, accident damage and vandalism. And with Expedia, you can easily add this insurance to your vehicle during the booking process. Providing up to $35,000 in primary coverage, it also offers 24-hour emergency assistance and no deductible if you need to make a claim. Have your plans changed? If you cancel your policy before your scheduled collection time, you'll receive a complete refund.