Hiring a car at Queenstown Airport offers convenient access to the ski fields, Southern Lakes, and the wider South Island. The process is straightforward: collect your bags, call your rental company, and take the courtesy shuttle to the Frankton depot. Unlike larger airports, the shuttle operates only during office hours. This guide explains standard and after-hours pickups, costs, and what to expect when driving in the mountains.
Where do you collect a rental car at Queenstown Airport?
Some rental companies have desks in the terminal, while many value-focused operators are located nearby in Frankton and provide a courtesy shuttle. Rental Cars 247, for example, is at 2/13 Red Oaks Drive, Frankton, just minutes from the terminal, with a shuttle available from 7 am to 9 pm. For terminal and transport information, refer to Queenstown Airport’s official website.
After you land:
- Collect your luggage.
- Phone your rental company (Rental Cars 247: 09 869 3318).
- Make your way to the shuttle collection area (see below).
- Ride to the Frankton depot, finish the paperwork, and collect your car.
How do I find the shuttle from the terminal?
The shuttle collection area is located outside the terminal in Zone C, marked “Off-site Transfers.” Look for your company’s Park N’ Fly shuttle, which will take you to the depot. If you are collecting with us, refer to the Queenstown Airport branch page for live pickup details and a map.
What do I need to hire a car?
- 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 hire age in New Zealand is typically 21. Overseas visitors may drive on a current overseas car licence for up to 18 months from their most recent arrival, according to NZTA. Drivers under 21 may incur a surcharge, so review the terms when booking.
After-hours pickups and drop-offs
Because the Queenstown shuttle runs during office hours (7 am to 9 pm), after-hSince the Queenstown shuttle operates from 7 am to 9 pm, after-hours pickups require prior arrangement. Contact the Queenstown branch in advance or email to organise this, so instructions and access details can be provided before your arrival. Outside office hours, you must arrange your own transport to the Frankton depot. Local taxi companies, including Queenstown Taxis and Green Cabs, operate 24/7 and can be booked at the airport taxi rank or by phone. Rideshare services such as Uber and Ola are also available and can be reserved through their apps.You collect your luggage, arrange a taxi or rideshare to the rental depot (confirm the address and access instructions received when booking).
2. Use the details provided by the rental company (such as a lockbox code or instructions for meeting a staff member) to access the keys to your vehicle.
3. Inspect the car and complete any required paperwork or checks using instructions from the rental company, which may be available by email or at the depot.
4. If your flight is delayed, contact the branch as soon as possible to let them know your updated arrival time and confirm whether after-hours instructions will still apply, as arrangements may change depending on timing.
For after-hours returns, ensure the car has a full tank, park outside the branch, and place the keys in the secure key box to the left of the door. Arrange your own transport to the terminal. If your flight is delayed or your plans change, promptly inform the rental company to avoid any impact on your pickup.
How much does it cost to hire a car at Queenstown Airport?
Queenstown is busy year-round, with higher rental prices during peak ski season and summer, and lower rates in the shoulder months. SUVs and 4WDs are in high demand for alpine roads and often sell out in winter, so book early. Rental companies offer various insurance options: basic insurance (third-party liability with an excess), standard cover (lower excess and partial coverage for accidental damage and theft), and full cover or excess reduction (which minimises your financial liability and often includes roadside assistance). Review each option carefully and select the coverage that suits your needs. Additional fees may apply for winterisation, snow chains, or alpine driving, so check terms and budget accordingly. For detailed pricing by vehicle and season, see the New Zealand car rental cost guide or check current rates on the Queenstown car rental page.
Driving from Queenstown: the Southern Lakes and beyond
A rental car makes Queenstown an ideal base for exploring New Zealand’s scenic drives. Most rental cars can be equipped with GPS for a small fee. If GPS is not included or you prefer your own device, download offline maps before arrival. Mobile coverage is limited in several areas, including Glenorchy Road, the drive to Milford Sound, and parts of the Crown Range toward Wānaka. Other rural areas in the Southern Lakes and Fiordland may also lack a signal. Offline maps or a dedicated GPS will help you navigate confidently and enjoy the region’s routes:
- Glenorchy and the Dart Valley is about 45 minutes along the edge of Lake Wakatipu, one of the country’s great short drives.
- Arrowtown and the Gibbston wine country are a short drive away, at their best in autumn.
- Wānaka over the Crown Range is about an hour via the highest sealed road in New Zealand.
- Milford Sound and Fiordland make a long but rewarding day trip for those wanting to go further.
New Zealand drives on the left, with a 50 km/h urban speed limit and 100 km/h on open roads. In winter, the Crown Range and alpine routes can be icy, so consider an SUV or 4WD, and always carry chains and check conditions before travel. Most Queenstown rental companies do not include snow chains by default, even in winter. Chains are typically available as an optional extra for an additional fee and must be requested when booking if you plan to drive in alpine areas. Some premium or winter rental packages may include chains, but policies vary by company and contract. Confirm with your rental provider whether chains are included or need to be added to avoid confusion. Refer to our New Zealand road rules guide and Tourism New Zealand for regional travel information.
Returning the car and refuelling
Return the vehicle to the Frankton depot with a full tank, refuelling as close tReturn the vehicle to the Frankton depot with a full tank, refuelling as close to the depot as possible to avoid extra charges. Most rental companies require a recent fuel receipt as proof, so keep this available when returning the car. If you do not refuel nearby or cannot provide a receipt, you may be charged a refuelling fee or the company’s rate, which is usually higher than local prices. To avoid extra charges, refuel at the nearest station and provide your receipt. The closest petrol stations are BP (2.3 km) and Mobil (2.4 km) from the depot. The shuttle operates to the terminal during office hours. Allow extra time before your flight for paperwork and transfer. The Rental Cars 247 courtesy shuttle runs within office hours, 7 am to 9 pm, seven days a week. Outside those hours, pickups and returns can be arranged in advance.
Where do I catch the rental shuttle?
Just outside the terminal in the area marked Zone C, “Off-site Transfers”. Look for your company’s marked shuttle.
Can I pick up or drop off after hours?
Yes, by prior arrangement. Since the shuttle runs only within office hours, you make your own way to and from the depot. After-hours returns use a secure key box to the left of the door, with the car left full of fuel.
Do I need a 4WD in Queenstown in winter?
Not always, but an SUV or 4WD is well worth considering for the ski fields and the Crown Range. Carry chains and check road conditions before heading into the mountains.
How far is the depot from the terminal?
Only a few minutes by shuttle. The Rental Cars 247 depot is at 2/13 Red Oaks Drive, Frankton.
Useful official resources
- Queenstown Airport — parking and transport
- NZTA — driving in New Zealand for visitors and new residents
- NZTA Road Code — following distance
- Tourism New Zealand
