Small
Nissan March
Autounion- Free cancellation up to 48 h before
- Unlimited mileage
- Automatic
- 5 seats
from €77/7 days
See offer →
Car Rental at Christchurch Airport (CHC)
Compare deals from 41 rental companies right at the airport. Start your trip the moment you land.
LocationAirport
Providers41
Price tipBook 2–4 wks ahead
Min. ageUsually 21+
✅ Check 41 companies
⚡ Live prices
🧾 All terms shown upfront
⭐ Cancel for free
Quick answer: At Christchurch Airport you can compare rental cars from 41 providers. We show prices and terms upfront so you can choose wisely - not just cheaply.
Best priceBook 2–4 weeks ahead for better selection and lower rates.
Zero dramaChoose "full-to-full" fuel and film the car at pickup.
DepositHave a credit card in the driver's name ready - that's where most people get caught out.
Cheapest car rentals in Christchurch Airport right now
7-day rental, pick-up 29 Sep. Prices collected 30 Aug.
AutounionMid-size
Toyota Corolla
GoldStar- Free cancellation up to 48 h before
- Unlimited mileage
- Automatic
- 5 seats
from €69/7 days
See offer →SUV
Mitsubishi ASX
Rentalcars247- Free cancellation up to 48 h before
- Unlimited mileage
- Automatic
- 5 seats
from €313/7 days
See offer →Car rental companies in Christchurch Airport: rating and lowest price
| Supplier | Rating | Pick-up | From |
|---|---|---|---|
 Yes Rentals | (842) | By shuttle bus | €146 |
 Ezu Car Rental | (1 497) | By shuttle bus | €108 |
 Cross Country Rentals | (141) | By shuttle bus | €122 |
 Ezi Car Rental | (130) | Inside the terminal | €1 031 |
| Rentalcars247 | (290) | By shuttle bus | €104 |
| GoldStar | (117) | By shuttle bus | €69 |
 Hertz | (71) | Inside the terminal | €370 |
 Snap Rentals | (561) | By shuttle bus | €182 |
 Thrifty | (68) | Inside the terminal | €351 |
 SIXT | (109) | Inside the terminal | €406 |
 GO Rentals | (84) | By shuttle bus | €288 |
 Budget | (13) | Inside the terminal | €427 |
 Europcar | (112) | Inside the terminal | €422 |
 Mode Car Rentals | (678) | By shuttle bus | €119 |
 EV Hire | (120) | By shuttle bus | €148 |
 Enterprise | (16) | Inside the terminal | €851 |
 yesaway | (779) | By shuttle bus | €735 |
 Discount Car Rentals New Zealand | (1 206) | By shuttle bus | €192 |
 Avis | (7) | Inside the terminal | €554 |
 Bargain Rental Cars | (397) | By shuttle bus | €102 |
 Finalrentals | (6) | By shuttle bus | €205 |
 Jucy | (114) | By shuttle bus | €125 |
 Carwiz | (1) | By shuttle bus | €139 |
 USave Truck & Van Rentals | (92) | By shuttle bus | €421 |
| Autounion | (76) | By shuttle bus | €77 |
 NUCarrentals | (30) | By shuttle bus | €220 |
Prices for a 7-day rental in EUR, collected 30 Aug from Discover Cars, and may have changed. Ratings 1-10 by Discover Cars customers. Search with your dates →
About Renting a Car at Christchurch Airport
Christchurch International Airport (CHC) is the South Island's absolute largest car rental hub with as many as 41 rental companies - one of the best-stocked in all of Oceania. The airport is 12 km northwest of the center and is the starting point for countless road trips in all directions across the South Island. Competition between the rental companies often results in favorable prices.
From the airport you reach Christchurch city center in 20 minutes via Riccarton Road. North to Kaikōura takes 2.5 hours, south to Timaru 1.5 hours, and west to Arthur's Pass 1.5 hours. The terminal is directly adjacent to the Harewood area with good connections to the motorway.
With 41 rental companies, it's worth comparing prices carefully - the differences can be significant for longer rentals. Book a 4WD in good time if you plan winter driving on the South Alps' mountain roads (June–September). Pick up the car the evening before to avoid morning queues at the desk.
How long is the drive from Christchurch Airport to Queenstown? Approximately 490 km and 5–6 hours via the scenic SH8 route past Lake Tekapo and the Mount Cook region. Do rental companies at CHC offer one-way rental to Auckland?
Yes, many rental companies allow it but charge a one-way fee that can be significant. Compare prices between the companies. Is there 24-hour pickup at Christchurch Airport?
Some larger rental companies offer keybox for late arrivals. Check this when booking if you're arriving after 22:00.
We compare prices from all major providers at Christchurch Airport so you can see the total cost upfront - including insurance, fuel terms and any extras. Most bookings include free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup, giving you flexibility if your plans change.
Renting at Christchurch Airport - The Short Version
🚗 1) Pick the Right Terms
- Fuel: "Full-to-full" is usually the fairest deal.
- Extra driver: can cost extra - check before booking.
- Automatic: often pricier and in shorter supply.
Pro tip: Cheapest rate + expensive terms = an expensive rental in disguise.
🪪 2) Bring the Right Documents
- Driver's license (usually held for at least 1 year)
- Passport or national ID
- Credit card in the driver's name for the deposit
A valid license is accepted in most of New Zealand. Check if an IDP is needed.
📸 3) Drama-Free Pickup
- Film the car from all angles + the dashboard.
- Photograph scratches, wheels and windshield.
- Keep your fuel receipt when returning.
60 seconds now can save 6 weeks of email disputes.
Rental Companies at Christchurch Airport
Providers you can compare here (availability varies by date and season).
Essential Info for Renting at Christchurch Airport
Practical answers and tips before you book.
✅ Quick Answers ▼
At Christchurch Airport you can compare rentals from 41 providers on SmartCarRental. We show prices and terms upfront so you know what you're paying.
- Book 2–4 weeks ahead for better selection and prices.
- Choose "full-to-full" fuel whenever possible.
- Have a credit card in the driver's name ready for the deposit.
🚙 Driving in New Zealand ▼
In New Zealand you drive on the Left side.
- Urban speed limit: 50 km/h
- Rural roads: 100 km/h
- Motorway: 100 km/h
- Alcohol limit: 0,0 ‰
🅿️ Parking & Tolls ▼
Parking is usually lätt in cities, but always check signs for fees.
Road tolls: Check if din biluthyrare offer a pass for road tolls.
Frequently Asked Questions - Car Rental at Christchurch Airport
Which rental companies are available at Christchurch Airport?▼
You can compare 41 rental companies at Christchurch Airport on SmartCarRental. Availability varies by season and dates, so the best way to see current options is to search with your travel dates.
Do I need an international driving permit in New Zealand?▼
Requirements depend on your home country. EU, US and UK licenses are generally accepted, but an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your license isn't in Latin script.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
Is there an age limit for renting a car at Christchurch Airport?▼
The minimum age to rent in New Zealand is typically 21 years. Drivers under 25 often pay an additional young driver surcharge.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
What are the traffic rules in New Zealand?▼
In New Zealand you drive on the Left side. Speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 100 km/h on rural roads and 100 km/h on motorways.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
What do I need to bring for pickup?▼
When collecting your car at Christchurch Airport you'll typically need: 1) A valid driver's license (held for at least 1 year), 2) Passport or national ID, and 3) A credit card in the driver's name for the security deposit.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
How does the fuel policy work?▼
Most providers at Christchurch Airport use a "full-to-full" policy: you pick up the car with a full tank and return it full. This is typically the simplest and cheapest option.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
When is it cheapest to rent a car at Christchurch Airport?▼
Generally, booking 2–4 weeks in advance, choosing a mid-week pickup, and avoiding peak season gives you the lowest prices.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
15-Day Weather Forecast for Christchurch Airport
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