How to find a cheap car hire deal in Christchurch Airport (CHC)
Whether you need a small car for zipping around town or a bigger ride for bigger plans, we'll help you find a cheap Christchurch Airport rental car. Pick from options averaging Rs51,140 a day and hit the road for less.
The cheapest daily price for a rental at Christchurch Airport is Rs13,985.
Planning to spend longer in Christchurch? Book a weekly rental from Rs57,048 and pack more sights into your itinerary.
Timing is everything when it comes to finding a cheap CHC car hire. Book around three weeks before your trip to score the best price.
Check out the offers available from Yes rentals, Discount Car Rentals and mode rentals. These are some of the better-known providers at Christchurch Airport.
Always check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Christchurch Airport car hire policy, whether with Yes rentals or any other supplier. Some may leave it out of the standard package and offer it as an extra.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to score a good deal if the provider needs to move cars between branches. Find the best available rates for a car for hire in CHC by clicking 'Return car to a different location.'
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car hire in Christchurch Airport with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. You also avoid the high fees rental companies charge for refueling.
Explore without limits by searching for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, these rides let you go as far as you want without paying more.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll get the best value with this company. Prices average Rs32,728 a day.
Up next is this provider, offering daily rates of around Rs57,765.
The third option won't break the bank either. You'll pay roughly Rs41,611 a day with this provider.
If you're still weighing up what kind of wheels you need, consider something from the Economy rental category. It's the most commonly booked car type at CHC.
Compare car hire types from Christchurch Airport (CHC)
Small: Whether you're navigating busy cities or simply planning a quick trip, this cheap Christchurch Airport rental car category offers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can expect excellent fuel efficiency and easy handling.
Medium: A dependable choice when you want something that's easy to manoeuvre but with a few more features. This category includes compact and intermediate models that offer a little extra leg room compared to smaller cars.
Large: Offering a more comfortable ride and advanced tech features, this CHC car hire option includes full-size cars. With roomier back seats and ample storage space, they let you load up and take everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: When wanderlust strikes, an SUV goes wherever you do. It's your ultimate road trip companion, ready for highways, backroads, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also offer extra space and improved safety features.
Van: If you need a car for rent in Christchurch Airport that can handle a small crowd (and all their gear), a van has space where it counts. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're just the thing for group travel, business use or moving.
Insurance and optional extras
Adding excess insurance to your CHC car hire can take the stress out of driving. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of theft or damage. Insurance policies can differ from one provider to another, so give them a quick comparison.
Make travel easier when you rent a car in Christchurch Airport by adding some handy extras. Think things like a navigation system to be your go-everywhere guide, or reverse cameras that take the pain out of parking.
Good to know
Rental age requirements generally aren't a one-size-fits-all. Providers can set their own policies, and if you're under the minimum age, you could encounter extra costs or restrictions. Check what rules apply with each supplier before booking your car hire in New Zealand.
Travelling with kids? Car seat rules vary by location, and the correct setup may depend on their height, age and weight. Find out if you need to add one to your CHC car hire booking.
Come prepared to keep the pick-up process smooth. You'll typically need your physical driver's licence (no screenshots) and another form of photo ID. Also bring a credit card with enough available balance to cover the deposit. If there's anything extra, it'll be listed in your booking.
Spend some time getting acquainted with your rental. Fix your seat and mirrors, test the brakes and blinkers, and get used to its handling before you set off. And don't forget to stay on the left side of the road in New Zealand.
Local speed limits can vary, but it's usually around 45kph in urban areas and 95kph or so along highways. Always check the posted signs.
In New Zealand, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.05%. If you intend to have a couple of drinks, leave the driving to someone else or arrange a taxi or ride-share instead.
Drive smarter from the start
Kick off the real journey once you've grabbed the keys to your CHC car hire. You've got the freedom to take any route you choose, but if you're off to central Christchurch, it'll take you about 20 minutes to drive the 11 kilometres or so southeast.
The drive from Christchurch Airport to the centre during rush hour can take up to 25 minutes.
One of the busiest times for traffic in this destination is around 8am. Make driving smoother by avoiding rush hours in general.
Don't need a set of wheels right after landing? Consider grabbing a car hire in Christchurch instead of at the airport. That way, you won't be paying for days you don't use.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Christchurch Airport (CHC)
Begin with some of the standout attractions in Christchurch, like Mount Herbert/Te Ahu Patiki and Gemston & Fossil Museum Birdlings Flat. Whether you roll up in your rental or get there another way, set aside time for these highlights before you move on.
Ashburton should be on your itinerary if you'd like to visit CharRees Vineyard and Devon Park. This city is around 80 kilometres southwest of CHC.
Alternatively, grab the wheel of your Christchurch Airport car hire and drive around 14 kilometres northeast to Kaiapoi. Featuring Kaiapoi Food Forest and Kaiapoi Rose garden, its highlights live up to the buzz.
Still got fuel in the tank? Take off to Timaru, around 145 kilometres southwest of CHC. From Timaru - Little blue penguins to Coastal Walkway, it's the perfect finale to your trip.
