Christchurch Airport Car Rental: Gateway to the South Island

Quick summary: Christchurch Airport is the South Island’s main entry point and the starting line for many of New Zealand’s classic road trips. With a rental car from here, Lake Tekapo and Aoraki/Mount Cook are a day’s drive to the south-west, Kaikōura’s whales are up the coast, and Arthur’s Pass leads across the Southern Alps to the West Coast. Many travellers drive one way to Queenstown and fly home from there.

At a glance
Airport	Christchurch Airport (CHC), around 12 km from the city
Pickup	Terminal counters and nearby shuttle depots
Lake Tekapo	Around 225 km, about 3 hours
Aoraki/Mount Cook	Around 330 km, about 4 hours
Kaikōura	Around 180 km, about 2 hours 30 minutes
Tours	Christchurch tours

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What are the best South Island drives from Christchurch?

Route	Highlights	Tours
South-west to the Mackenzie	Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki, Aoraki/Mount Cook	Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook
North up the coast	Seals, whales and dolphins at Kaikōura	Kaikōura tours
East to Banks Peninsula	Akaroa’s harbour and Hector’s dolphins	Akaroa tours
West over Arthur’s Pass	The Southern Alps to the West Coast and glaciers	Franz Josef and Fox Glacier

Can you drive from Christchurch to Queenstown one way?

Yes, and it’s one of the most popular one-way rentals in the country. The direct route is around 480 km through the Mackenzie Country and over the Lindis Pass, but most people take three days or more to enjoy Tekapo, Mount Cook and Wānaka on the way. Check any one-way fee when you compare. See one-way car rentals.

Should you pick up at the airport or in the city?

The airport is the quickest start for a South Island road trip, as it sits close to the main highways north, south and west. A city depot suits those spending a few days in Christchurch first.

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What should you know about driving south?

The roads south of Christchurch are long and straight across the Canterbury Plains, then climb into high country. Watch for strong crosswinds in the Mackenzie Country, give way at one-lane bridges, and check road conditions on the passes in cold weather, when chains may be needed. See driving times and distances.

Would a campervan suit the South Island better?

For a week or more, many travellers prefer one, waking beside the lakes with no hotel to find. See starting a motorhome trip from Christchurch and campervan or car rental?.

Frequently Asked Questions