KAYAK’s insights & trends for Christchurch Airport car hire
Check out the latest trends and booking tips to hire a car in Christchurch Airport with confidence.
How far in advance should you book a rental car in Christchurch Airport?
You should book your rental car in Christchurch Airport around 88 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.
What is the most popular rental car in Christchurch Airport?
Hires in the Small category (Kia Stonic or similar) are the most popular option in Christchurch Airport, costing AED 121/day on average. Some users have found deals as low as AED 56/day.
What is the cheapest month to hire a car in Christchurch Airport?
The cheapest month to hire a car in Christchurch Airport is June at an average cost of AED 73/day. December is the most expensive month to hire a car in Christchurch Airport when prices are AED 140/day on average, which tends to be 455% above the yearly average hire price for Christchurch Airport.
Which car hire company in Christchurch Airport has the most locations?
Blue Rental and Thrifty each operate 2 locations in Christchurch Airport, more than any other car hire company.
Christchurch Airport car rental price comparison by vehicle type
Find the right rental car in Christchurch Airport by comparing prices across vehicle types.
Small
Medium
Large
SUV
Van
Pickup truck
Luxury
Convertible
Small cars
AED 39 - AED 242
All Car Types
AED 156 - AED 343
How much does it cost to hire a small car in Christchurch Airport?
How much does it cost to hire a medium car in Christchurch Airport?
How much does it cost to hire a large car in Christchurch Airport?
How much does it cost to hire an SUV in Christchurch Airport?
How much does it cost to hire a van in Christchurch Airport?
How much does it cost to hire a pickup truck in Christchurch Airport?
How much does it cost to hire a luxury car in Christchurch Airport?
How much does it cost to hire a convertible in Christchurch Airport?
Small car hire in Christchurch Airport typically costs around AED 97 per day. The best time to book is May, when prices average AED 39 per day, which is about 60% less than the yearly average. Small cars are usually 57% cheaper than the average car hire in Christchurch Airport, making them ideal for budget-conscious travellers.
Medium car hire in Christchurch Airport typically costs around AED 204 per day. The best time to book is July, when prices average AED 129 per day, which is about 37% less than the yearly average. Medium cars are usually 10% cheaper than the average car hire in Christchurch Airport, offering a good balance of space and value.
Large car hire in Christchurch Airport typically costs around AED 274 per day. The best time to book is October, when prices average AED 139 per day, which is about 50% less than the yearly average. Large cars are typically 18% more expensive than the average car hire in Christchurch Airport but offer more comfort for longer trips.
SUV hire in Christchurch Airport typically costs around AED 217 per day. The best time to book is June, when prices average AED 141 per day, which is about 36% less than the yearly average. SUVs can be 4% cheaper than the average car hire in Christchurch Airport, providing extra space and capability for groups or road trips at a reasonable price.
Van hire in Christchurch Airport typically costs around AED 412 per day. The best time to book is May, when prices average AED 272 per day, which is about 34% less than the yearly average. Vans are typically 46% more expensive than the average car hire in Christchurch Airport but are the best choice for families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity.
Pickup truck hire in Christchurch Airport typically costs around AED 311 per day. The best time to book is June, when prices average AED 176 per day, which is about 44% less than the yearly average. Pickup trucks are typically 28% more expensive than the average car hire in Christchurch Airport but are ideal for hauling gear or outdoor adventures.
Luxury car hire in Christchurch Airport typically costs around AED 331 per day. The best time to book is October, when prices average AED 212 per day, which is about 36% less than the yearly average. Luxury cars are typically 33% more expensive than the average car hire in Christchurch Airport but deliver premium comfort and style for special occasions.
Convertible hire in Christchurch Airport typically costs around AED 251 per day. The best time to book is June, when prices average AED 128 per day, which is about 50% less than the yearly average. Convertibles are typically 11% more expensive than the average car hire in Christchurch Airport but are perfect for scenic drives and warm-weather destinations.
Good to know
Most popular car type
Medium
Top tips for hiring a car at Christchurch airport
Car hire at Christchurch Airport (CHC) is the ideal way to explore this New Zealand city. While the metro provides access to the suburbs, only car hire can allow you to explore the outlying parts that take you to ski resorts, mountain trails and the adventurous side of Christchurch. Whether you are there in summer for the lakes or winter for the snowboarding, car hire is your solution to a well-rounded New Zealand experience. The airport is the gateway to Christchurch, so you will find the widest offering of car agencies right here.
When collecting your Christchurch Airport car hire, you will be greeted by a wide variety of companies, all with helpful and professional staff. The domestic and international Arrivals terminal makes way for large global brands, and just off site are some smaller companies, with complimentary shuttles. Keep your documents on hand for a smooth and seamless transaction, and you will be on the road in no time. Snap any pictures of scratches and inform a staff member before you leave to ensure you can prove you were not the cause upon your car’s return.
When it’s time to return your car hire at Christchurch Airport, you will find it very easy. As you approach the airport, there are usually signs directing cars to the garage entrance for car hire parking. Here you will remove personal belongings and lock up the refuelled car. If it is still within working hours, an agent will run through a body inspection with you. Alternatively, if after hours, you can leave the keys in the after-hours box outside the company counter.
Dropping off your car hire at Christchurch Airport shouldn't be a struggle, no matter what time you need to do so. While many companies are open quite late, there may be the need to drop off without a staff member present. You can always find the after-hours drop-boxes outside the hire counters in the airport, but let the company know of your plans beforehand. If you can make it there during working hours, it is great for getting your security deposit process started.
Book your car hire at Christchurch airport at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
FAQs about renting a car at Christchurch airport
Where are the car hire companies situated at Christchurch Airport?
Some on-site car hire companies based at Christchurch Airport are Avis, Budget, Hertz, Sixt, EZI Car Rental, Yes Away and Enterprise. Find them at the Arrivals terminal. Once your transaction has been approved, the car hire agent will escort you to your car. All garages for the Christchurch car hire companies are based outside the exit, facing the airport veneer at a walkable distance. More airport affiliate companies that are based a few minutes off site will send a shuttle for you with a quick call as you land.
What car hire companies are straightforward at Christchurch Airport?
Finding a car hire company that offers easy processes should be a breeze with Christchurch car hire. Daily deals are always a good way to determine which will be easier on the budget, so keep checking KAYAK for deals. When it comes to convenience, you will find the long working hours of Avis extremely convenient. They are generally open from 06:00 to 00:30, seven days a week. SIXT is normally open until 20:00 and Europcar usually until 22:00. If you’d like to get on the road sooner, look to Budget for their Fast Break Pick Up system; it will shave time off your collection. SIXT in general has gained popularity for being affordable and having many unique add-ons.
What documentation is required to hire a car at Christchurch Airport?
An important part of collecting your Christchurch car hire will be the documentation you bring with you. If you are travelling from out of the country, ensure you have an International Driving Permit for the hire. Your photographic identification is essential and then, of course, your credit card for the transaction. Select companies may allow you to pay by debit card, but terms and conditions should always be checked beforehand.
Which car rental companies will pick you up at Christchurch airport?
Car rental companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Christchurch airport to off-airport locations include Ace Rental Cars, AeroDrive, Alamo, Avis, Bargain Car Rentals, Budget, Discount Car & Truck Rentals, Dollar, Drive NZ, and Economy Rent a Car.
Christchurch Airport car rental reviews and directory
Pick and drop off was a breeze. Transport from airport terminal to car rental site was easy enough to find. More signage will still be helpful. Staff was friendly and helpful.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, May 2022
When we first arrived at the airport and made a phone call as per instructions no one picked up the phone call for four attempts which was rather a disconcerting when it was wet and cold and midnight. More explicit instructions about pick up point would have been helpful
I don't like the fact that they were expecting me to pay an extra $1000 ( which i refused to pay ) after I paid for insurance through the company I booked the car through. I then had to pay for insurance through EZU so I was out of pocket over $300. The car was great though. Very cheap to fill up after 3 days of driving all around Christchurch.
10.0 Wonderful
Teva, Oct 2024
Intermediate
no negative surprise, all went smoothly from start to end. Thank you, I will come back
8.0 Very Good
Anonymous, Feb 2022
The vehicle was value for money, though I did feel it was a bit shabby.
Excellent service. Very efficient and effective. Both cars, Kia Carnival from Auckland to Wellington and Kia Seltos from Christchurch to Christchurch covering entire South island were very well maintained cars with no glitches what so ever. Thanks
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Feb 2025
Compact
The actual car and process was a great experience. However, I have an issue with Ace Car Rentals overall. When I picked up my vehicle in Christchurch, I provided my Credit Card for a holding deposit, and to pay for an additional driver. This was the ONLY place that I used my Credit in Christchurch. However the next day I noticed 3 transactions on my Credit Card by UBER Eats Christchurch (totalling AUD $228.98), all processed at 3.47am the next morning. As I said, this was the ONLY place that my Credit Card was used in Christchurch. Therefore I can only assume that... a) The staff member who processed my pickup (and knew that I was from Australia, and that the car would be dropped off hundreds of kilometres away), used, or passed on my Card information to someone else, or... b) Someone was able to access ACE Rental systems. Based on this experience, I would be reluctant to recommend ACE Car Rentals to my family or friends.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jan 2025
Compact
Everything was spot on. Wouldn’t change anything
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jan 2025
Compact
Very courteous and processional staff at both Christchurch (where we picked up the car) and at Queenstown (where we dropped it off).
10.0 Wonderful
steve, Jan 2024
Economy
Upgrade awesome thanks Easy modern car collection Very impressed
Great staff. Car was overpriced. Couldn’t even connect Bluetooth because the car is in Japanese.
6.0 Okay
Anonymous, Apr 2025
Compact
I didn't like the public holiday surcharge that was not communicated prior to pick up
8.0 Very Good
Anonymous, Dec 2023
Compact
I didn' get the car I requested and paid for, Toyota Aqua Hybrid but the smaller Toyota Yaris Hybrid,which was not suitable for touring for the two week hire. Lacked comfort and road holding, I couldn't maintain road speed often letting others pass, breaking on steep decent was poor and with low gear engaged engine was hemoraging at 30kph.(vehicle only has drive and low) On a previous rental,in Cairns, a similar thing happened when I was given a smaller inferior vehicle. Not likely to return.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Apr 2023
SUV
Great clean car with low kms. Staff friendly and efficient
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Dec 2022
The car was very old with stains on the interior and a strange smell. The drop-off location provided was completely inaccurate, as was the included phone number which risked further delay in getting to my flight. On drop-off, they found a very tiny little nick in the windshield and insisted I stay longer to fill out a long form. They have a policy where they take out an additional $2000 from the credit card at the time of the rental so you can't easily challenge their charges later from out of the country, which feels predatory.
The car was what we expected for what it was. We had an early flight, so when dropping off at the chch office it wasn’t open at 6am (fair enough) but instead of offering a taxi number on the building to get to the airport maybe 1 or 2 designated spots at the airport could be a nice option. 1800-0900, otherwise drop at the office.
App didn’t work. Unable to make any alterations and was told to cancel and book again. When I arrived at the airport no booking had been received and hours were wasted. A complete failure.
4.0 Mediocre
Anonymous, Jan 2025
Passenger van
Van was not in the best condition, panel damage in a lot of areas, no cover over back door inside, broken flooring in luggage area, very noisy inside when travelling. There was a delay in refunding the $1000 deposit. That did have me concerned for a few days. Van performed well and was cheep to run.
8.0 Very Good
C & MP, Jan 2025
Compact
The big problem was that the battery was flat when I went to pick up the car at 8 pm. The After Hours people were lovely and helpful and jumped the car for me. Then it died again when I parked the car at the hotel to check in. When I called the office in the morning and told about the flat battery, the woman answering the phone said, "I'm busy with customers, can you ring back later?" This really wasn't an appropriate thing to say. I told her to ring me back. After 30 minutes, she hadn't so I rang again. After that, I started getting real help, although telling me that driving the car for 20 minutes after jumping the car wasn't enough, wasn't wise either. Nor was asking me to get someone to jump the car and drive it back to the centre so they could give me a new car. It wasn't my responsibility to have to do all that for a faulty car. When they understood my point, they became very helpful. And I had a fully functioning car an hour later. I didn't have any more problems after that. And they gave me a 10% discount plus paid for my hotel parking charge since I wasn't able to park on the street once the first car died. I thought this was reasonable. So in the end, the company redeemed itself in my eyes. However, they really should check that the car is fully functioning before they lease it.
well, the car we originally booked in for was unavailable! A nother car was made available, however not the one we booked! Also, on your website, there is a notice of no surcharge on credit cards, get to office and there is a 3.9 % surcharge on credit cards, Very POOR
10.0 Wonderful
Luke, Dec 2024
Economy
Easy rental and no problems all for a good price!
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Nov 2024
Compact
The counter staff tried to sell more products and insurance. They were pushy and insisted on charging an extra $350 for the first driver aged over 75 and another $250 for the second driver, all for four days' hire. We would not use or recommend Autounion .
153 Orchard Road, Harewood, Christchurch , New Zealand,Christchurch,CAN,NZ
+46 31 311 06 36
Opening times not available
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Feb 2026
Compact
Language barriers a big issue. Poor choice of vehicles (Toyota Aqua) which requires a steering wheel lock (need to pay for safe storage) and is a poor performer.
I paid the full amount and when we went to pick the car up was stung with $340 of extras. Even the charger was an extra. Booooo
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Nov 2024
Compact
Professional and personal service. Friendly team.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Oct 2024
Economy
Affordable, great customer service and communication, will use again
4.0 Mediocre
Anonymous, Oct 2024
Compact
Not at point of booking that car at 6pm is classes as out of hours so additional $45 charge. Should auto generate with time booked. When taking car back 3 hours early - gentleman took keys before I was even out the car. Then when at back about to get bags out the boot with a child , he started the engine when we were at the exhaust. Appalling. No idea if he was going to reverse etc, very dangerous. Appeared in a rush despite no other customers then spent the next 20 mins sitting at the desk chatting to colleague. No need for rush.
Economy Rent a Car
4.0
Mediocre
Cleanliness
6.0
Comfort
6.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
2.0
Value for money
4.0
One location in Christchurch Airport
Locations in Christchurch Airport
Christchurch Airport
+64 9 303 3912
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
Routes Car & Truck Rentals
2.0
Poor
Cleanliness
2.0
Comfort
10.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
2.0
Value for money
6.0
One location in Christchurch Airport
Locations in Christchurch Airport
11-15 Logistics Drive, Harewood
+64 3595 1828
Monday
08:30 - 16:00
Tuesday
08:30 - 16:00
Wednesday
08:30 - 16:00
Thursday
08:30 - 16:00
Friday
08:30 - 16:00
Saturday
08:30 - 16:00
Sunday
08:30 - 16:00
Filters
No reviews available
keddy by Europcar
8.0
Very Good
Cleanliness
7.0
Comfort
8.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
9.0
Value for money
9.0
One location in Christchurch Airport
Locations in Christchurch Airport
Christchurch International Terminal
+64 3357 9202
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
DISCOUNT.QUEBEC
6.0
Okay
Cleanliness
8.0
Comfort
6.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.0
Value for money
4.0
One location in Christchurch Airport
Locations in Christchurch Airport
264 Russley Road, Avonhead
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
NU Car
2.0
Poor
Cleanliness
2.0
Comfort
2.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
2.0
Value for money
2.0
One location in Christchurch Airport
Locations in Christchurch Airport
218 Roydvale Av, Burnside
+64 3 357 0218
Monday
08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday
08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday
08:00 - 17:00
Thursday
08:00 - 17:00
Friday
08:00 - 17:00
Saturday
08:00 - 17:00
Sunday
09:00 - 16:00
Filters
No reviews available
Blue Rental
No score available yet
2 locations in Christchurch Airport
Locations in Christchurch Airport
247 Main South Road
Opening times not available
249 Main South Road, Hornby, Christchurch
+64 3 281 8858
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
Abell
No score available yet
One location in Christchurch Airport
Locations in Christchurch Airport
Unit 1, 3 PUKAKI ROAD
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
Ace
No score available yet
One location in Christchurch Airport
Locations in Christchurch Airport
20 Abros Place
64-3-360-3270
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
AeroDrive
No score available yet
One location in Christchurch Airport
Locations in Christchurch Airport
30 Durey Rd, Airport
+64 3666 0026
Monday
05:00 - 23:5900:00 - 02:00
Tuesday
05:00 - 23:5900:00 - 02:00
Wednesday
00:00 - 02:0005:00 - 23:59
Thursday
05:00 - 23:5900:00 - 02:00
Friday
00:00 - 02:0005:00 - 23:59
Saturday
00:00 - 02:0005:00 - 23:59
Sunday
00:00 - 02:0005:00 - 23:59
Filters
No reviews available
Allans Rental Cars
No score available yet
One location in Christchurch Airport
Locations in Christchurch Airport
Allan Rental Cars
+64 21 166 6961
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
Arnold Clark
No score available yet
One location in Christchurch Airport
Locations in Christchurch Airport
Off Airport Avonhead Road
+64 3 348 2002
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
Autorent
No score available yet
One location in Christchurch Airport
Locations in Christchurch Airport
Christchurch Airport CHC
+64 3 360 3270
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
Brilliant Rentals
No score available yet
One location in Christchurch Airport
Locations in Christchurch Airport
12 Holt Place, Burnside, Christchurch 新西兰
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
CalAuto
No score available yet
One location in Christchurch Airport
Locations in Christchurch Airport
159 Orchard Road
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
CarWiz
No score available yet
One location in Christchurch Airport
Locations in Christchurch Airport
3 Pukaki Road, Yaldhurst
+64 21 180 2323
Monday
08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday
08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday
08:00 - 17:00
Thursday
08:00 - 17:00
Friday
08:00 - 17:00
Saturday
08:00 - 17:00
Sunday
08:00 - 17:00
Filters
No reviews available
Cross Country Rentals
No score available yet
One location in Christchurch Airport
Locations in Christchurch Airport
172 Orchard Road
+64 800 777 994
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
Discount Car & Truck Rentals
No score available yet
One location in Christchurch Airport
Locations in Christchurch Airport
Christchurch Airport
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
DriveCyprus
No score available yet
One location in Christchurch Airport
Locations in Christchurch Airport
Christchurch Airport
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
No score available yet
One location in Christchurch Airport
Locations in Christchurch Airport
30 Durey Rd
+64 3 358 6554
Monday
08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday
08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday
08:00 - 17:00
Thursday
08:00 - 17:00
Friday
08:00 - 17:00
Saturday
08:00 - 17:00
Sunday
08:00 - 17:00
Filters
No reviews available
EV Hire
No score available yet
One location in Christchurch Airport
Locations in Christchurch Airport
152 Orchard Road, Harewood, Christchurch
+64 3 420 2878
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
Final Rentals
No score available yet
One location in Christchurch Airport
Locations in Christchurch Airport
Rental Car Hub Site 29 Logistics Drive, Harewood, Christchurch , New Zealand
KAYAK and its partners wish to use cookies or similar technologies to store and/or access information on and about your device and process personal data such as your IP address, device identifiers etc., in order to improve your experience on the site, to analyse navigation, to offer and measure personalised advertising, and to facilitate sharing on social networks. We also allow the use of third-party cookies (including those from our advertising partners) on our sites.
By clicking 'Accept', you consent to your data being processed by 0 vendors on this web site for the purposes described in this notice. You can review the vendors and their individual processing purposes on the .
To review individual processing purposes and cookie categories, please click ’Select individual purposes’. You can review your choices and withdraw your consent at any time by clicking the ’Privacy Preferences’ link in the page side navigation.
