As the main entry point to the South Island, Christchurch Airport serves as an ideal location to start your road trip through Canterbury, the Southern Alps, and additional destinations. Renting a car at this airport is straightforward: after retrieving your bags, contact your rental company and take the complimentary shuttle to the depot to collect your vehicle. In the following sections, this guide provides an overview of the arrival procedures, required documentation, pickup process, associated costs, and important considerations for driving in the South Island.
Where do you collect a rental car at Christchurch Airport?
Some companies have desks inside the terminal, but many affordable options are just a short drive away and offer free shuttle service. For example, Rental Cars 247 is at 79 Stanley Road, Harewood, just a quick ride from the terminal, with free 24-hour, 7-day-a-week shuttles. For more details about the terminal and transport, check Christchurch Airport’s official website.
After you land:
- Collect your luggage.
- Phone your rental company (Rental Cars 247: 03 662 9026).
- Make your way to the shuttle collection area (see below).
- Ride to the depot, finish the paperwork, and collect your car.
How do I find the shuttle from the terminal?
Walk through the terminal and past the check-in counters. Go out through Door 1 or Door 2, turn right, and wait at the shuttle collection area for your company’s marked shuttle. The depot is a short drive from there. If you are picking up with us, our Christchurch Airport branch page has live pickup details and a map.
Here’s a helpful tip: many depots, including ours, run the courtesy shuttle 24 hours a day, even if the front desk has set office hours. If your flight is late or early, just give your flight details when you book.
- A full, valid driver's licence in English. If it is not in English, bring an International Driving Permit or an NZTA-approved translation, plus your original licence.
- A credit or debit card in the main driver’s name for the security bond.
- Your booking reference and any additional driver details.
The minimum age to hire a car in New Zealand is typically 21. Overseas visitors are permitted to drive with a valid foreign car licence for up to 18 months from their latest arrival, as outlined by NZTA. Drivers under 21 may incur a surcharge, so it is important to review the rental company’s age-related terms before booking.
Christchurch often offers better prices than the main North Island airports. Small cars are usually the cheapest, while intermediate SUVs cost more. May is one of the cheapest months, and December is the most expensive. Summer rates are often higher than average. Booking early and traveling outside the summer peak can help you save money.
For a full breakdown by vehicle and season, see how much it costs to rent a car in New Zealand, or check current rates on the Christchurch car rental page.
Driving from Christchurch into the South Island with a rental car, Christchurch becomes the starting point for some of New Zealand’s best road trips: best drives:
- Christchurch CBD is about 15 minutes away, with the Botanic Gardens, the tram and the Riverside Market.
- Banks Peninsula and Akaroa are about 90 minutes away, a scenic harbour township with French heritage.
- Arthur’s Pass and the West Coast climb west through the Southern Alps, a full-day alpine drive.
- Lake Tekapo, the Mackenzie, and Aoraki/Mount Cook are about three hours south, famous for their turquoise lakes and dark-sky stargazing.
- Christchurch to Queenstown is a classic multi-stop route of roughly six hours’ driving before stops.
Keep in mind that in New Zealand, you drive on the left. The speed limit is usually 50 km/h in towns and 100 km/h on open roads. In winter, South Island roads and mountain passes can be icy. An SUV, snow chains, and keeping a four-second gap are important. Our New Zealand road rules guide covers the basics. For travel ideas, Tourism New Zealand’s Christchurch page is a good place to start.
Returning the car and refuelling
Return the car to the depot with a full tank. The shuttle will take you back to the terminal. Make sure to allow extra time before your flight for paperwork and the transfer. The nearest petrol stations to the Harewood depot are Allied Fuel (about 2.6 km away) and BP (about 3.6 km away).
Frequently asked questions
Is there a free shuttle at Christchurch Airport?
Yes. Many rental companies, including Rental Cars 247, offer a free shuttle between the terminal and their nearby depot. Our shuttle runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Where do I catch the rental shuttle?
Leave the terminal through Door 1 or Door 2, turn right, and wait at the shuttle collection area for your company’s marked vehicle.
Can I pick up or drop off after hours?
At many Christchurch depots, shuttle transfers run all day and night, even if the desk has set hours. Picking up or dropping off outside office hours is usually fine; just provide your flight details when you book.
About 15 minutes by car in normal traffic.
Do I need a 4WD for the South Island in winter?
Not always, but an SUV or 4WD can be helpful for alpine routes and ski fields. You should also carry chains and check road conditions before driving into the mountains.
