South Island

Cheap Car Hire in South Island from $15

This price is the cheapest per day rate found by a Cheapflights user in the last 72 hours by searching for a car hire in South Island with a pick-up date of 30/4 and drop-off date of 12/5. Fares are subject to change and may not be available at all agencies or on all dates of hire. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
Christchurch, New Zealand
2 May — 9 May
Driver's age: 26-65
Christchurch, New Zealand
Thu 2/5
Noon
Thu 9/5
Noon

What is the cheapest time to rent a car in South Island?

Discover the most affordable period to rent a car in South Island and save money on your trip. The monthly average price data is based on historical data over the last year and was last updated on 25 April 2024.

January

$78

February

$86

March

$67

April

$50

May

$46

June

$49

July

$63

August

$58

September

$58

October

$55

November

$67

December

$98

Currently, the cheapest month to rent a car in South Island is May. The most expensive time to rent a car is December. The cheapest prices for each month are shown above, but prices will vary based on availability, how far out you book your rental car, and of course, car type.

Popular car types in South Island

Explore the most popular car models available for hire in South Island and choose the one that suits your needs. The price data is sourced from various car hire companies and was last updated on 25 April 2024.

There are 58 hire agencies servicing South Island. These agencies, altogether, have 80 hire locations available. Need an affordable hire? SUV is the cheapest car type to hire in South Island with prices from $15 a day in the previous 7-day period. Here are 4 car types you can hire in South Island:

Economy

Economy

Compact

Compact

Intermediate

Intermediate

Standard

Standard

Full-size

Full-size

SUV

SUV

People mover

People mover

Full-size SUV

Full-size SUV

Passenger van

Passenger van

Premium SUV

Premium SUV

Supplier choice

Supplier choice

Compact SUV

Compact SUV

Standard SUV

Standard SUV

Intermediate SUV

Intermediate SUV

Compare available car types for hire in South Island

Compare and contrast the various car types offered for hire in South Island to find the perfect fit for your trip. Price data is based on averages over the last 12 months and was last updated on 25 April 2024.

Small cars

$43 - $118

All Car Types

$61 - $157

To hire a small car in South Island, you would pay an average price of $68/day. May is the cheapest month to hire a small car in South Island (~$43/day), while the most expensive month to hire that same car type is February (~$118/day). In fact, May is about 37% cheaper than prices during the rest of the year to book a small car hire for South Island. When comparing with other car types available for hire in South Island, hiring a small car saves you 30% in costs. Please note that average prices are based on historical data and can vary depending on how early you book, availability for your travel dates, and vehicle popularity. Here are the best South Island small car hire prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

To hire a medium car in South Island, you would pay an average price of $87/day. May is the cheapest month to hire a medium car in South Island (~$48/day), while the most expensive month to hire that same car type is February (~$151/day). In fact, May is about 46% cheaper than prices during the rest of the year to book a medium car hire for South Island. When comparing with other car types available for hire in South Island, hiring a medium car saves you 9% in costs. Please note that average prices are based on historical data and can vary depending on how early you book, availability for your travel dates, and vehicle popularity. Here are the best South Island medium car hire prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

To hire a large car in South Island, you would pay an average price of $132/day. May is the cheapest month to hire a large car in South Island (~$96/day), while the most expensive month to hire that same car type is February (~$207/day). In fact, May is about 28% cheaper than prices during the rest of the year to book a large car hire for South Island. When comparing with other car types available for hire in South Island, hiring a large car is 28% more expensive. Please note that average prices are based on historical data and can vary depending on how early you book, availability for your travel dates, and vehicle popularity.

To hire a SUV in South Island, you would pay an average price of $97/day. May is the cheapest month to hire a SUV in South Island (~$65/day), while the most expensive month to hire that same car type is February (~$171/day). In fact, May is about 34% cheaper than prices during the rest of the year to book a SUV hire for South Island. When comparing with other car types available for hire in South Island, hiring a SUV is 3% more expensive. Please note that average prices are based on historical data and can vary depending on how early you book, availability for your travel dates, and vehicle popularity. Here are the best South Island SUV hire prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

To hire a van in South Island, you would pay an average price of $141/day. May is the cheapest month to hire a van in South Island (~$102/day), while the most expensive month to hire that same car type is December (~$191/day). In fact, May is about 29% cheaper than prices during the rest of the year to book a van hire for South Island. When comparing with other car types available for hire in South Island, hiring a van is 33% more expensive. Please note that average prices are based on historical data and can vary depending on how early you book, availability for your travel dates, and vehicle popularity. Here are the best South Island van hire prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

To hire a pickup truck in South Island, you would pay an average price of $147/day. October is the cheapest month to hire a pickup truck in South Island (~$76/day), while the most expensive month to hire that same car type is September (~$226/day). In fact, October is about 49% cheaper than prices during the rest of the year to book a pickup truck hire for South Island. When comparing with other car types available for hire in South Island, hiring a pickup truck is 36% more expensive. Please note that average prices are based on historical data and can vary depending on how early you book, availability for your travel dates, and vehicle popularity.

To hire a luxury car in South Island, you would pay an average price of $138/day. May is the cheapest month to hire a luxury car in South Island (~$92/day), while the most expensive month to hire that same car type is August (~$205/day). In fact, May is about 34% cheaper than prices during the rest of the year to book a luxury car hire for South Island. When comparing with other car types available for hire in South Island, hiring a luxury car is 31% more expensive. Please note that average prices are based on historical data and can vary depending on how early you book, availability for your travel dates, and vehicle popularity.

To hire a convertible in South Island, you would pay an average price of $89/day. November is the cheapest month to hire a convertible in South Island (~$104/day), while the most expensive month to hire that same car type is February (~$257/day). In fact, November is about 16% cheaper than prices during the rest of the year to book a convertible hire for South Island. When comparing with other car types available for hire in South Island, hiring a convertible saves you 8% in costs. Please note that average prices are based on historical data and can vary depending on how early you book, availability for your travel dates, and vehicle popularity.

Hyundai Accent Hatch$17/day
2
M
A/C
Hyundai Accent Hatch
Toyota Yaris Cross$17/day
4
M
A/C
Toyota Yaris Cross
Hyundai Accent Hatch$19/day
2
M
A/C
Hyundai Accent Hatch

Top hire agencies in South Island

Explore the leading car hire agencies in South Island known for their outstanding service and extensive range of vehicles to choose from. There are currently 8 car hire companies in South Island. Reviews were last updated on 25 April 2024.

Hertz

8.5
Very Good
31 reviews8 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

8.7

Comfort

8.8

Overall

8.5

Pick-up/drop-off

8.7

Value

8.4

Dollar

10.0
Wonderful
1 review8 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

10.0

Comfort

10.0

Overall

10.0

Pick-up/drop-off

10.0

Value

10.0

EZI

10.0
Wonderful
1 review7 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

10.0

Comfort

10.0

Overall

10.0

Pick-up/drop-off

10.0

Value

10.0

Avis

9.1
Wonderful
18 reviews8 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

9.6

Comfort

9.6

Overall

9.2

Pick-up/drop-off

9.0

Value

8.8

Ace Rental Cars

8.8
Very Good
12 reviews7 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

9.2

Comfort

8.8

Overall

8.8

Pick-up/drop-off

8.5

Value

8.5

Apex

8.6
Very Good
9 reviews7 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

8.6

Comfort

8.4

Overall

8.6

Pick-up/drop-off

8.4

Value

8.2

Thrifty

8.1
Very Good
5 reviews12 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

8.8

Comfort

8.8

Overall

8.2

Pick-up/drop-off

8.6

Value

7.7

Go Rentals

4 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

10.0

Comfort

8.0

Overall

8.0

Pick-up/drop-off

10.0

Value

8.0

Best South Island car hire deals found

Browse through a selection of recently found affordable car hire deals in South Island. Plan your trip with ease and find the perfect hire option for your needs. There are currently 8 hire car agencies in South Island with an average daily rate of $53. Data was last updated on 25 April 2024.
Kia Sportage$15/day
4
M
A/C
Kia Sportage
Mitsubishi Outlander$16/day
5
M
A/C
Mitsubishi Outlander
Hyundai Venue$16/day
2
M
A/C
Hyundai Venue

Car hire FAQs

Find answers to frequently asked questions about car hires in South Island, including policies, requirements, and more. FAQs were last updated on 25 April 2024.
  • What is the cheapest hire car found in South Island?

    In the past two weeks, Cheapflights users have found many deals under $51/day when booking a car hire in South Island. The absolute best deal a user found was for $26/day from Budget, booked on Apr. 21.

  • What car hire company is typically the cheapest in South Island?

    According to our data, users have found the cheapest deals when booking a rental car in South Island from the following companies over the past two weeks: Ace Rental Cars ($14/day), EZI ($15/day), and New Zealand Discount Car Rentals ($17/day).

  • Which car hire company is considered to be the best in South Island?

    Taking our users’ ratings and reviews into consideration, Rental Cars 247 (10.0 rating), Bargain Rental Cars (10.0 rating) and EZI (10.0 rating) seem to be the best car hire companies in South Island.

  • How much does it cost to hire a car in South Island for a week from Snap Rentals?

    Snap Rentals is one of the most popular car hire companies in South Island, offering car hire for around $361 per week on average.

  • How far in advance should I hire a car in South Island for the best price?

    Booking in advance not only ensures a better chance of getting your vehicle of choice, it can save you up to 39% on your car hire. For a below average price in South Island, Cheapflights recommends booking your car hire at least 63 days in advance.

  • Can I rent a car for a month in South Island?

    Yes, cars are available to be hired for an entire month in South Island.

  • How much does it cost to rent a car in South Island for a month?

    The average cost of a car hire in South Island for a month is $1,548. Check Cheapflights to compare pricing and options for your rental car.

See more FAQs
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