Christchurch car hires from £6/day

If you would like a small economical car to minimize emissions and fuel consumption, consider getting a Toyota Yaris or Volkswagen Polo. These cars are also ideally suited to inner-city driving, their smaller size helping you navigate tight parking spots. If you would prefer a car with more space and power, a Mazda6 or Toyota Corolla Wagon will suit your needs.

Unless otherwise indicated, the speed limit of urban traffic areas is 50 km/h (31 mph). Once outside urban areas and on highways or rural roads, the maximum speed is 100km/h (62 mph). Keep a careful eye on your speedometer as to avoid fines, since speed cameras operate in Christchurch and can add an unwanted expense and issue to your travel.

Parking spots in the downtown district of Christchurch are plentiful and make life easy for those with a car. Christchurch City Council operates eight parking lots across the city, two of which (on Lichfield St. and Center of Contemporary Art) have free parking for the first hour. Consider parking with a conscience at Gap Filler, an urban regeneration enterprise which provides spaces on the corner of Lichfield and Manchester streets, where all revenue goes toward redevelopment projects in central Christchurch.

On average a car hire in Christchurch costs £29 per day.

The average price of fuel in Christchurch is £4.72 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of fuel costs between £57 and £76, depending on the car size.

Compact (Mitsubishi ASX or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Christchurch.

Car hire companies onsite at Christchurch airport include Yes Rentals, Snap Rentals, Ace Rental Cars, New Zealand Discount Car Rentals, Rental Cars 247, Hertz, Sixt, Bargain Rental Cars, Dollar and FlexWays.

Car hire companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Christchurch airport to off-airport locations include Ace Rental Cars, Hertz and Dollar.

Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.

A Compact car hire in Christchurch costs £33 per day, on average.

A Standard car hire in Christchurch costs £26 per day, on average.

An Economy car hire in Christchurch costs £20 per day, on average.

In Christchurch, cars are most frequently hired at Yes Rentals 152 Orchard Road, Harewood, Christchurch (6 miles from city centre).

Most car hire providers in Christchurch offer insurance but the level of protection can differ substantially. If you're unsure whether to get extra protection for your car hire in Christchurch, check out KAYAK's car hire insurance guide.

It is a good option to book Christchurch car hire, as it gives you the freedom to explore the city and surrounding areas at your own leisure. You can choose from a wide range of vehicles, depending on your needs and budget, and you can also pick up and drop off the car in different locations if needed. Additionally, you can benefit from discounted rates and special offers, depending on the hiring company you choose.

A popular route is the Canterbury Plains drive, which takes you through the region's rolling hills and lush farmlands. You can start in Christchurch and head north to the famous Waipara Valley wine region, where you can sample some of the region’s finest wines. If you’re looking for a coastal drive, you can take the Akaroa route from Christchurch. This stunning journey down the east coast takes you to the historic town of Akaroa and the Banks Peninsula, where you can explore the peninsula’s unique natural beauty.