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South Island great value car rentals
We recommend renting a car in Christchurch Airport and driving to South Island to explore at your own pace
Compact SUV
Toyota RAV4 or Similar
544
From
$25.00/day
Intermediate SUV
Ford Everest or Similar
724
From
$79.00/day
Small SUV
Mazda CX-30 or Similar
544
From
$64.00/day
Compact SUV
Mitsubishi Outlander or Similar
554
From
$25.00/day
Compact SUV
Kia Seltos or Similar
544
From
$22.00/day
Mid-size van
Kia Carnival or Similar
844
From
$79.00/day
South Island car rental tips
The most popular car rental supplier in South Island is EZU. Over the past 12, average daily rates have started from $10.00. Travelers in South Island typically rent a car for 8 days, with the Intermediate SUV (Toyota RAV4) being a highly recommended choice.Most popular car rental company | EZU |
|---|---|
Most popular type | Intermediate SUV |
Typical rental term | 8 days |
Popular car rental cities in New Zealand
Popular car rental cities in Christchurch are Auckland, Queenstown, and Christchurch
Christchurch
Auckland
Queenstown
Wellington
Authentic South Island user reviews
Car rentals in South Island have an overall rating of 4.6 based on 2001 review from verified Trip.com users.
yang soong
Posted Sep 4, 2026
Mazda CX-30
Love the car, it was very new and the pick up and return process is very easy. Great recommendation for evryone
Original text
_TSXX******w7goz
Posted Sep 2, 2026
Toyota Alphard
This time a family of five rented an 8-seater car, the car is in good condition overall, the interior is clean and clean, the car rental is easy to return, the staff service attitude is very good, traveling in New Zealand is really worth a self-drive trip, adding beautiful memories to this spacious journey.
Original text
_TTTH******8233
Posted Sep 1, 2026
Hyundai Santa Fe
This booking resulted in us getting a brand new car, which we were extremely happy with. Picking up the car was convenient, the staff were very helpful, and we got a fuel-efficient car, making our trip of over a thousand kilometers incredibly relaxing. Returning the car was also hassle-free, ending the trip with complete peace of mind.
Original text
E33****5030
Posted Aug 24, 2026
Kia Sportage
The car is 2025, pretty new and in good condition. Very smooth process. Was offered another car but it wasn’t cleaned. They quickly rearranged one for me, which is good. However, due to unplanned swap of cars on spot, neither the company nor myself noticed the fuel tank wasn’t full at pickup but I had to return a full tank. A few dozens of dollars out of my pocket which isn’t a pleasant experience.
Original text
입술러
Posted Aug 6, 2026
Mazda CX-30
This valuable vehicle served as my reliable transportation for four days on New Zealand's South Island, without any time constraints. Its condition was excellent, with mileage around 15,000 km. The pickup, return, and pick-up procedures were simple. However, it is undesirable that they demanded additional insurance, claiming tire damage is separate, even though I purchased full coverage. I initially signed up for full coverage with deductibles in mind, even if it were more expensive; it is upsetting to hear that there is an exception for damage—not just a fine—even though the price was the same. I also hope they rectify the issue of providing a loaner vehicle of a different class. I should have specified the vehicle name from the start, but being asked to choose from a completely different lineup is like reserving Adidas shoes and getting Nike instead. This is something that needs to be reconsidered.
Original text
Anonymous user
Posted Aug 24, 2026
Toyota RAV4
The car was in good condition, and the rental process was smooth. I was able to complete the paperwork online beforehand, which made the rental process very easy.
Original text
Tzu-ling Chen
Posted Jul 20, 2026
Ford Everest
The car was brand new and in excellent condition, making our journey very smooth. Picking up and returning the car was very convenient, and the staff were quite friendly.
Original text
Anonymous user
Posted Sep 3, 2026
Toyota RAV4
The car was clean, in good condition, and comfortable to drive. I didn’t get the exact car I originally requested, but I was given a similar one, which was fine. The pick-up and return/drop-off process was also easy and convenient. The staff could speak English quite well, although one of the staff members was a little rude. Overall, it was a good rental experience.
Original text
E57****079
Posted Jul 16, 2026
Ford Everest
One of the best car rental experience we had so far. Friendly and helpful. Highly recommend dollars car rental
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South Island car rental FAQs
What is the lowest car rental price in South Island?
We recommend picking up your car at Christchurch Airport, near South Island. The lowest price at this pick-up location is $10.00. For the latest prices, please check the Trip.com car rental page.Can I pick up the car directly at South Island?
You can pick up your car at our recommended South Island, then drive to Christchurch Airport to explore the attractions.Does South Island have a free cancellation policy for car rentals?
Christchurch Airport, a popular pick-up point near South Island, offers free cancellation services. You can check the specific cancellation policy when booking.What is the most popular car model at South Island?
Most users usually choose to rent Toyota Corolla at the nearby South Island, then head to Christchurch Airport.How far in advance should I rent a car in South Island to get the best price?
Book your car rental with Trip.com at least 4 weeks in advance to save more and benefit from our free cancellation policy. For peak season trips or popular destinations, secure those great deals even earlier!What does rental car insurance in South Island typically cover?
Trip.com's car rental insurance typically includes the following types. We recommend selecting coverage based on your driving experience, itinerary risks, and existing insurance: Loss Damage Waiver (LDW)/Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): Covers loss or damage to the rental vehicle, including theft, but usually excludes specific parts like glass, tires, or the undercarriage. Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCDW)/Super Loss Damage Waiver (SLDW): Provides the same coverage as CDW/LDW, but with a lower or zero excess. Third-Party Liability (TPL): Covers damage to third-party vehicles/property or personal injury caused while driving. Personal Accident Insurance/Personal Effects Coverage (PAI/PAE/PEC): Covers personal injury to occupants or loss of personal belongings inside the vehicle due to an accident, including compensation for death, medical expenses, etc.How much does it cost to rent a car for 1 day in South Island?
Based on Trip.com price searches, in the last 48 hours, the average daily rate for popular pick-up locations in Christchurch Airport is $10.00Can people under 25 rent a car at South Island?
The age requirements for renting a car in South Island vary by car rental supplier. Generally, most car rental suppliers require drivers to be at least 21 years old to rent a car. However, some car rental suppliers may charge a young driver fee. Please check with your car rental supplier for age restrictions and young driver fees.Can I pick up the car at Christchurch Airport near South Island and then drop off the car at another location?
On Trip.com, you can select "Drop off at a different location" and enter your desired drop-off location. You can then browse car rental suppliers offering this service and their available car models.
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Authentic South Island supplier ratings
South Island suppliers have an average rating of 4.6. All suppliers' ratings are based on authentic user reviews.