Christchurch is an urban part of the South Island bursting with rich and lively hues, boutiques, restaurants, and eye-catching street art. If you’re looking for the best way to tour it, you’re on the right page — we’re taking you through the best car rental services in Christchurch!

There are some things you’re probably looking for in a rental car. These are likely to be size, petrol efficiency, comfort, and ease of steering.

In terms of your planned trip, you want to be sure of the pickup and drop off points. You also want to have roadside assistance just in case your car breaks down in the middle of the road.

Let’s discuss these things first because knowing them can help you pick the right car and service. After that, we’ll show you our picks for the absolute best car rental services in Christchurch.

Things You Have to Consider Before Renting a Car

Here are the basic things you have to consider before hiring a car, in no particular order:

1.   Pickup and Drop-Off Points

The first things you should look up are the pickup and drop-off points. It depends mainly on where your trip is headed, but you should choose options where pickup and drop-off won’t be inconvenient for you.

Most car rental companies have a depot in Christchurch airport. Likewise, when you’re dropping off the car, it is also easier to search for the airport using your GPS, so airport drop-off options are preferable too.

2.   Car Selection

You choose a car mainly for the purpose you have.

For business trips around the metro, sedans are a great choice. For bonding with your family and cousins, SUVs will take you there. Or, if it’s a company outing or retreat, you won’t go wrong with 8 or 12 carrier vans.

Safety is of primary importance. You ensure it by making sure the car you pick is in outstanding condition — the brakes are working well, the tires are not flat, and so on.

Most car rental services offer a modern fleet with less mileage. You should pick those as much as possible to enjoy your trip and be safe as well.

3.   Insurance

Together with the price that you pay for renting a car, basic insurance is usually included. That will cover your liability on the occasion that someone bumps your car or anything like that happens.

For some companies, you are required to provide your credit card details and account name to cover the insurance excess.

However, if you also have a collision damage waiver, you will find that you can reduce its cost and only need to pay per day, which is lighter in cost.

Always make sure to read the Terms and Conditions before following through your booking and read about insurance to know how much the excess will be or who will be liable for what happens.

4.   Perks

Unlimited mileage or kilometres, 24 hr roadside assistance, free shuttle service, relocation, and fuel gas discounts are some of the perks you will encounter with each car rental service.

They are small gems that will assist you to make your travel more convenient.

5.   Special Offers and Discounts

Look out for special offers and discounts in your trips or tours. Take the time to look for them or inquire with the staff to get the best value for what you paid.

It’s also nice if they have a discount card of some sort to enjoy various activities at a lower expense — whether it’s hiking through the National Park or drinking fresh juice in a cafe.

The Best Car Rental Services in Christchurch

We’ve just gone through the important things to consider before you rent a car. Now, without any delay, let’s get on with our list of the best car rental services in Christchurch.

1. Avis Car Rental

BEST FOR	Fantastic Car Condition
FLEET	Subcompact, Electric Hatch, Compact, Hybrid Hatch, Intermediate, Full-Size Sedan, Full-Size SUV, Compact SUV, Full-Size Elite, Hybrid Eco-Friendly, Intermediate SUV, Standard SUV, Premium Minivan, Premium SUV, Premium Ute, Signature Series, Commercial Trucks
WEBSITE	https://www.avis.co.nz/
ADDRESS	150 Kilmore St, Christchurch, New Zealand
CONTACT DETAILS	(64) 3 934 5102
OPERATING HOURS	Monday to Sunday: 8am – 4:30pm

Avis is a well-known car rental brand not just in New Zealand but globally. In New Zealand alone, it has 26 branches offering vehicles of all sizes and shapes, be they hatchback, standard, or tour vans.

Its locations include two areas in Christchurch Harewood and Downtown and also the airport. They offer road hazard assistance, insurance coverage for people and vehicles, and exclusive discounts.

You can find an online travel guide on its website along with driving tips to foster safe and enjoyable driving. Speaking of safety, their vehicles come with features like reversing cameras, USB connectors, and Bluetooth, depending on the model.

Moreover, when your child is coming with you, you can arrange for a safety seat for him or her. Make sure you have the Avis app installed to be in touch with the team if there happens to be a problem.

Pros

• Lots of sedan, SUVs, utes, trucks, and vans
• Wonderful car condition
• Complete insurance coverage
• Mechanical breakdown assistance
• Very organized booking and communication

Cons

• More expensive insurance coverage than average
• Expensive cars

2. New Zealand Discount Car Rentals

BEST FOR	Super good value car rentals in NZ
FLEET	Small hatch, Intermediate hatch, Sedan, Wagon, SUV, 7-12 seater People mover minibus
WEBSITE	http://www.nzdcr.co.nz
ADDRESS	Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown Airports
CONTACT DETAILS	[email protected]
OPERATING HOURS	Office hours : 9am–5:00pm 7 days a week Rental pick up drop off hours: 24 hours 7 days

If you’re in need of a car rental when going on a trip around New Zealand, then you’re in the right place as Discount Car Rentals is ready to offer you their services.

With only a few clicks, you’ll be able to rent a vehicle. You can have them drop it off at the airport so you can use it immediately as you arrive, and leave it there for them to pick-up right after. It’s easy, convenient, and cheaper than most.

Although they are cheaper, Discount Car Rentals promises high quality rides for you to choose from. And if ever you’re left unsatisfied with what you receive, you can simply have them replace it with minimal paperwork needed!

Discount Car Rentals is truly the ideal place for you to look for a car rental, so don’t waste your time and have them provide you with a great car at a reasonable price.

Pros

• Super good price
• Cheap insurance rates, options from $9.00/day
• Airport Shuttle bus Free of charge
• 24/7 pick up drop off available
• 24/7 Road side assistance

Cons

• Off airport terminal (only 1-3 kms away)
• Only 3 locations

Customer Reviews

Below are some reviews left on Google Review by Discount Car Rentals’ clients:

“Easy process to get car. And cheap too campare than others. The condition of car is upto the mark. Airport pick-up is available and very to easy to return at airport parking. Totally recommended”

“We got exceptionally good service from Ben and Kim at Discount car rentals. Car was clean and well maintained – and they are they cheapest rental company – so great value for money. I will use them again next time I go to Queenstown.”

3. Snap Rentals

BEST FOR	Customer-Focused Approach
FLEET	Super Saver, Compact, Hatch, Premium Hatch, Economy, Premium Mid-Size, Station Wagon/Estate, Crossover, Snap Tesla and People Mover
WEBSITE	https://www.snaprentals.co.nz/
ADDRESS	170 Orchard Road, Harewood, Christchurch 8051, New Zealand
CONTACT DETAILS	+64 800 288 699
OPERATING HOURS	Monday to Sunday: 8am – 8pm

Even with so many car rental brands operating across New Zealand, you can expect Snap Rentals to beat the competition. Its car selection, customer-centric approach, and prices are just superb!

You have sleek and new models of cars to choose from. Prices are set to give you value and they form two categories with different insurance packages for you to have peace of mind.

Free basic insurance is included with your rented car… but to cover it, you will have to pay an excess of 2,000 to insure against theft or accident.

But there’s another option — the Go Smarter Comprehensive Protection Cover. Although you have to pay NZ$24 each day, it will bring down your excess to zero, protecting your tires, windshield, etc.

As for the location, there’s Christchurch, Queenstown, Wellington, Auckland Airports, and Auckland City. With Snap Rentals, adventure is just around the depot and starts from there.

Pros

• Great and efficient car models
• Reliable customer support
• Go Smarter insurance package for NZ$24 a day
• 24/7 roadside assistance
• Accessible locations

Cons

• No free maps and brochures
• Limited locations

Customer Reviews

Straw Fellow wrote a Google Review:

“We were pleasantly surprised how well things went with our rental. Low price with a company we hadn’t used before could have been a disaster, but service was great, car was tidy and trouble free, and price was kind to our wallets. Will definitely be using them again.”

4. Abell Rentals

BEST FOR	Low Car Rental Prices
FLEET	Car, Minibus, Truck, Furniture Truck, Cargo Van, Convertible
WEBSITE	http://www.abell.co.nz/
ADDRESS	521 Avonhead Road, Christchurch, New Zealand
CONTACT DETAILS	+64 3-348 2002
OPERATING HOURS	Monday to Sunday: 8am – 6pm

This is a small family-owned business with over 23 years of experience in the industry. Abell Rentals combines low car rental prices and a helpful customer service team to assist you.

Located in Christchurch and Auckland, it has a range of sedan, convertible, truck, and minibus options. It’s great not only for travel and holidays, but also for business and moving your furniture and equipment over to a new place too.

One client from NZKayak’s site mentioned that the staff were friendly and helpful and that the car was comfortable and ‘didn’t miss a beat’. That’s pretty much what we all like to hear about car rental services.

Anyway, be sure to check out some of the company’s driving and safety tips on its website too. They might be useful!

Pros

• Over 23 years of experience
• A friendly and dependable customer service
• Affordable car choices
• Free maps and travel guides

Cons

• Only two branches
• Limited car choices

Customer Reviews

Clément Kündig wrote a feedback on Facebook:

“Very friendly, flexible and helpful staff. Everything went smoothly from fast and efficient pick-up in Auckland to drop-off in Christchurch, even after hour and on public holiday. It was a pleasure to deal with a more human-sized company!:)”

5. Hitch

BEST FOR	Value Price Deals
FLEET	Compact, Eco, Mid-Size, Sedan, SUV Standard, SUV Premium, People Mover
WEBSITE	https://www.hitchcarrentals.co.nz/
ADDRESS	Unit 1/232 Roydvale Avenue, Burnside, Christchurch 8053, New Zealand
CONTACT DETAILS	+64 9 525 0231
OPERATING HOURS	Monday to Saturday: 8am-4pm  Sunday: 8am-12pm

If you want super value deals and an impressive pick of cars, then Hitch should be your choice. And that’s also the reason it’s one of the best car rental services in Christchurch.

Aside from sedans, vans, SUVs and people movers, it does its part for the environment through hybrid engine cars, which are part gas, part electric in their engines.

You have great value deals that will give you up to 80% off such as the South to North package. Also, visit the page for discounts on your car if you’re going to the Queen Concert or Blackcaps and Australia’s golfing tournament.

It has 4 branches in Christchurch, Queenstown, Auckland Airports, and Auckland City. Of course collection and return is simple, plus don’t forget you have unlimited KMs and free additional drivers.

Pros

• Few but smart car choices for all sorts of road surfaces
• Great value deals in every season
• 4 branches located in Auckland, Queenstown, Christchurch Airports and Auckland City
• Unlimited KMS
• Free additional drivers

Cons

• Limited locations
• No 24 hr roadside assistance

Customer Reviews

Daniel Booth commented on Google Reviews:

“This is the second time I have used Hitch rentals. Both times I have had no issues. Quick pick up and drop off from CHC airport, good, clean cars, friendly service, great rates.”

6. Apex Car Rentals

BEST FOR	Wonderfully Maintained Cars
FLEET	Toyota Corolla, Toyota Rav4 2WD, Toyota Rav4 4WD, Toyota Highlander and Toyota HiAce (12-Seater)
WEBSITE	https://www.apexrentals.co.nz
ADDRESS	150 Kilmore Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand
CONTACT DETAILS	New Zealand: 0800 500 660 Australia: 1800 2739 2277
OPERATING HOURS	Monday to Sunday: 9am – 5pm

Winning 2019 Canstar Blue Award for most satisfied customers sets this one apart from the pack. The cars here will always be in top condition regardless of how old they are too.

You can pick your poison with its catalogue of 15 cars including the likes of the Toyota Camry, Highlander, Rav4, and Hatch Mazda. Look out for its one-way or early bird deals for more bang for your buck.

Even if you are lost in the middle of urban maze, you will find a drop-off location around Wellington, Queenstown, Invercargill, Nelson, Tauranga, and Christchurch airports, plus several cities.

Hiring a car entitles you to basic insurance without a cover for excess. You have to pick either to pay the standard or the damage waiver so that in the event of danger, you will be secured and covered.

With its remarkable cars, affordable rates, plus seamless booking process, why wouldn’t we not include it in our best car rental services in Christchurch list?

Pros

• Limited but high-quality and versatile car catalogue
• Provides safe, efficient cars
• Gives you lots of options for drop-off
• Seamless booking process

Cons

• Needs more work on their customer service

Customer Reviews

Josh Sleeman writes a good review on Google:

“Had a much better experience than most by the looks of it! Found the cost to be a third of local competitors, even with full insurance coverage. Free extra driver which is a bonus and received a no cost car upgrade due to their small stock of cars on site (this could be a negative if you have opted for a larger vehicle they don’t have on the day).”

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That’s it for now for our best car rental services in Christchurch. With great value and fantastic cars, your travel will be more fun and pleasant in New Zealand!

What did you think of the car rental services that we mentioned? If you have tried them before or will try them soon, tell us about it!

In addition, if you like to see more car rental services, you might also like to check out our picks for the best car rental services in New Zealand.

Or if you like to capture moments from a bird’s eye view or from a distance, read our list of the best drones in New Zealand. They’re the best way to capture the beauty of the country!