South Island car rentals

Driver's age: 25-65

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Car Rental Deals

Cheap car rentals in South Island

These are the best prices for Jul 1 - 8.
Suzuki Swift car
Suzuki Swift
or similar Small
2
2
4-5
68 ﷼/day
View Deal
Toyota Corolla car
Toyota Corolla
or similar Small
4
2
4-5
85 ﷼/day
View Deal
Ford Ranger car
Ford Ranger
or similar Large
5
2
2/4
650 ﷼/day
View Deal
Toyota RAV4 car
Toyota RAV4
or similar SUV
2
2
4-5
207 ﷼/day
View Deal
Mitsubishi Montero car
Mitsubishi Montero
or similar SUV
5
2
4-5
569 ﷼/day
View Deal
Class Full-size Truck car
Class Full-size Truck
or similar Pickup truck
5
2
2/4
588 ﷼/day
View Deal
Toyota C-HR car
Toyota C-HR
or similar SUV
4
2
4-5
262 ﷼/day
View Deal
Mitsubishi Outlander car
Mitsubishi Outlander
or similar SUV
5
3
4-5
376 ﷼/day
View Deal
Booking Insights

KAYAK insights for South Island car rentals

Get relevant, data-driven information to help you rent a car in South Island, including pricing trends, ideal booking times, and more.

How far in advance should you book a rental car in South Island?

You should book your rental car in South Island around 72 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.

What is the cheapest month to rent a car in South Island?

The cheapest month to rent a car in South Island is June at an average cost of 107 ﷼/day. February is the most expensive month to rent a car in South Island when prices are 275 ﷼/day on average, which tends to be 511% above the yearly average rental price for South Island.

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South Island car rental price comparison by vehicle type

Find the right rental car in South Island by comparing prices across vehicle types.

Small cars

85 ﷼ - 264 ﷼

All Car Types

194 ﷼ - 422 ﷼

How much does it cost to rent a small car in South Island?

How much does it cost to rent a medium car in South Island?

How much does it cost to rent an SUV in South Island?

How much does it cost to rent a van in South Island?

How much does it cost to rent a pickup truck in South Island?

How much does it cost to rent a luxury car in South Island?

Small car rentals in South Island typically cost around 152 ﷼ per day. The best time to book is July, when prices average 85 ﷼ per day which is about 45% less than the yearly average. Small cars are usually 52% cheaper than the average rental in South Island, making them ideal for budget-conscious travelers.

Medium car rentals in South Island typically cost around 207 ﷼ per day. The best time to book is July, when prices average 97 ﷼ per day which is about 54% less than the yearly average. Medium cars are usually 35% cheaper than the average rental in South Island, offering a good balance of space and value.

SUV rentals in South Island typically cost around 256 ﷼ per day. The best time to book is August, when prices average 137 ﷼ per day which is about 47% less than the yearly average. SUVs can be 19% cheaper than the average rental in South Island, providing extra space and capability for groups or road trips at a reasonable price.

Van rentals in South Island typically cost around 676 ﷼ per day. The best time to book is May, when prices average 434 ﷼ per day which is about 36% less than the yearly average. Vans are typically 54% more expensive than the average rental in South Island, but are the best choice for families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity.

Pickup truck rentals in South Island typically cost around 566 ﷼ per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average 225 ﷼ per day which is about 61% less than the yearly average. Pickup trucks are typically 45% more expensive than the average rental in South Island, ideal for hauling gear or outdoor adventures.

Luxury car rentals in South Island typically cost around 369 ﷼ per day. The best time to book is June, when prices average 125 ﷼ per day which is about 67% less than the yearly average. Luxury cars are typically 15% more expensive than the average rental in South Island, but deliver premium comfort and style for special occasions.

Good to know

Most popular car type

Small

Top tips for renting a car in South Island

  • When driving in South Island, ensure you keep within the speed limit set by the law. Like other towns in New Zealand, maintain 20 km/h (12 mph) when approaching and passing a school bus, 40 km/h (25 mph) in residential areas, and maintain 80 km/h (50 mph) when driving on limited-access urban arterial roads, winding rural roads, and rural access roads. However, as you hit the motorways and expressways, you can drive as high as 110 km/h (68 mph).
  • As you drive on rural roads in South Island, keep in mind that some of them can be narrow and winding. It is thus not surprising to find bridges or single-track roads only wide enough to allow passage for one car. Therefore, keep an eye on signs indicating winding roads and narrow streets, particularly when overtaking. Also, bear in mind that vehicles closest to the bridge, or those going uphill, have the right of way.
  • The New Zealand seatbelt law requires that every car be equipped with front and back seatbelts. To this end, every car occupant must wear a seatbelt, whether sitting at the front or back. Furthermore, kids aged seven or younger must be strapped in an approved child-restraint device when traveling in vans or cars. Usually, car rental companies provide this child restraint equipment at a small fee.
  • It is critical to consider your needs before setting out to hire Southland Island car rentals. Typically, your budget and the destinations you want to visit are the most likely determinants of the type of car you will rent. A compact car is recommended if you will be confined within the town center where roads are smooth. However, if you plan to venture outdoors in rural areas, consider a pickup truck or a 4X4 SUV.

FAQs about renting a car in South Island

  • How can I find car rentals near me in South Island?

    Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.

  • Should I rent a car in South Island?

    You won’t regret renting a car when visiting South Island. Besides the flexibility it offers when exploring the hidden gems on your bucket list, South Island car rentals offer comfort and privacy when touring the area. With fixed routes and specific departure schedules, public transportation in this area is restrictive, as you cannot conveniently move around to experience the beautiful parts of the town. In addition, car rentals have different types of cars in their fleet, and you will have several options based on your needs. If you are here for a few days, you will find South Island car rentals cheaper than taxis. Lastly, car rentals are also cheaper if you are traveling with your friends or family.

  • What is driving like in South Island?

    Traffic laws in South Island are the same as those in other parts of New Zealand. The steering wheel is on the right, and people drive on the left. The roads are narrower, steeper, and more winding than expected. There are few motorways; the roads are mostly two-way, with one lane in each direction. South Island implements strict Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) laws where drivers aged 20 or younger should have 0% BAC. For those aged 21 or older, you must not drive if your BAC is greater than 0.05%, lest you incur heavy fines. Remember, there’s a special category of vehicles that have the right of way, particularly emergency vehicles with flashing lights, and school buses.

  • How old do you have to be to rent a car in South Island?

    You need to be 18 years old to rent a car in South Island. However, the age may vary depending on the company and vehicle category, with some South Island car rentals applying a surcharge policy to renters below 25, and the fees are paid at the counter. You also need a valid driving license from your home country, which you must have held for at least a year. It is important to remember that an International Driving Permit is only permissible when presented with a valid driver’s license. You can pay for your rental via debit, credit cards, or cash (New Zealand Dollars only).

Car rental directory

  • thrifty

    Thrifty car rental locations in South Island

    12 Locations

  • hertz

    Hertz car rental locations in South Island

    9 Locations

  • sunnycars

    Sunnycars car rental locations in South Island

    9 Locations

  • apex

    Apex car rental locations in South Island

    7 Locations

  • avis

    Avis car rental locations in South Island

    7 Locations

  • budget

    Budget car rental locations in South Island

    7 Locations

  • firefly

    Firefly car rental locations in South Island

    7 Locations

  • dollar

    Dollar car rental locations in South Island

    6 Locations

  • ezi

    EZI car rental locations in South Island

    6 Locations

  • acerentalcars

    Ace Rental Cars car rental locations in South Island

    5 Locations

  • apollo

    Apollo Car Rentals car rental locations in South Island

    4 Locations

  • europcar

    Europcar car rental locations in South Island

    4 Locations

Car rental locations in South Island

Everything you need to know for your car rental in South Island

Complete your trip to South Island

Flights to South Island
Hotels in South Island