- Free cancellation
- 24/7 Customer Support
- No Hidden Charges
Top Companies Offering Day Trips from Dunedin By Car Deals in New Zealand
Compare prices and find the best car hire deals from New Zealand’s top-rated companies, known for exceptional services and a top-notch vehicle fleet.
Why Book a Car Rental in NZ With Us?
-
Best Car Rental Companies
Compare international brands and local Kiwi companies side by side, with each company's rental terms shown before you book.
-
24/7 Help & Support
Our highly qualified customer support team is available all year round to handle your booking-related queries.
-
Cheap NZ Car Rentals
See the total price for your dates up front, so you can compare deals and plan your trip within budget.
-
Clear, Upfront Inclusions
Kilometre allowance, insurance excess and other inclusions are listed for every car before you pay — many deals include unlimited kilometres.
Car Rental Categories in New Zealand
Browse the widest selection of vehicles for every occasion and budget when booking with us and apply filters to tailor the results for your specific requirements.
- 5
- 5
- X2
- Petrol
- 4
- 5
- X3
- Petrol
- 5
- 4
- X3
- Petrol
- 5
- 5
- X3
- Hybrid
- 5
- 5
- X2
- Petrol
- 8
- 5
- X4
- Petrol
- 5
- 5
- X4
- Petrol
- 5
- 5
- X2
- Electric
Self-Drive Day Trips from Dunedin
Tucked into the harbor on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island, Dunedin is a stellar tourist destination brimming with a variety of activities and sights to indulge in. There’s much to explore in this city and if you have had your fill you could consider adding day trips to your Dunedin itinerary for a splendid journey with friends or family. The city is an ideal starting point for outings to rugged beaches, and coastal towns so consider embarking on one of the undermentioned day trips from Dunedin all of which you can reach by car.
Top 5 Day Trips from Dunedin, NZ
If you only have a day to spare, consider one of these quick trips from Dunedin to some amazing nearby destinations.
Moeraki Boulders
Located an hour’s drive north of Dunedin, Moeraki Boulders are huge spherical boulders along the Waitaki coast whose formation dates back to 60 million years. According to Maori legend, the boulders were washed ashore hundreds of years ago from the wreck of a canoe called the Araiteuru. It is believed that calabashes, kumaras, and eel baskets were washed ashore and over time, formed the large boulders.
Best visited during low tide these spherical stones are easily accessible from the beach. This natural phenomenon is fairly popular among visitors and is worth a visit.
Central Dunedin to Moeraki Boulders
- Distance: 76 km
- Time: 1 hr
Oamaru
A short drive from Dunedin, Oamaru is the largest town of North Otago steeped in Victorian architecture. This quirk town is known for its Steampunk culture, Whitehouse cheese factory, and blue penguin colony. The city has some great sights and attractions to enjoy and you can easily fit all of that in a day trip.
While a tour of the iconic Steampunk HQ museum will give you a glimpse of a unique blend of art, sound, and light showcasing an altered universe you can also add trips to Opera House, Victorian Precinct, Lookout Point, Whitestone City, Forrester Gallery which are also some of the other popular places of interest around the city.
Dunedin North to Oamaru
- Distance: 113 km
- Time: 1 hr 30 min
Wanaka
Wanaka is a great day trip from Dunedin for thrill seekers as this stunning town is the perfect destination for exploring the Southern Alps. The ultimate hub for outdoor adventures, visitors can indulge in various activities such as skydiving, canyoning, climbing, or mountaineering.
The region has an abundance of lakes and rivers which makes it an ideal destination to indulge in activities like kayaking, fishing, lake cruises, or jet-boating. Wanaka transforms into a winter wonderland during colder months making this vibrant city a focal point for skiers and snowboarders.
South Dunedin to Wanaka
- Distance: 270 km
- Time: 3 hr
Nugget Point
Located at the northern end of the Catlins coast, along the road from Kaka Point, Nugget Point is an iconic landmark that deserves a spot on your itinerary. Among the country’s oldest lighthouses perched above the famous rocks, Tokata lighthouse lets you enjoy dramatic coastal views and spot seals, penguins, and other seabirds. During your visit, you will come across massive rocky islets out at sea called “nuggets”, resembling gold nuggets. Just a short walk from the lighthouse you will find Roaring Bay, where you can catch a glimpse of yellow-eyed penguins, which is one of the rarest species of penguin in the world.
Dunedin South to Nugget Point
- Distance: 110 km
- Time: 1 hr 30 min
Otago Peninsula
Situated on the southern edge of Dunedin’s extensive harbor, Otago Peninsula is a stunning landscape of towering cliffs, white sand beaches, and scenic countryside. Home to Yellow-Eyed Penguins, Little Blue Penguins, Sea Lions, and Fur Seals the region is a hub-spot for wildlife encounters making it a must-visit place for curious visitors.
The best way to visit the Otago Peninsula is by driving in a car as it would allow you to explore the region’s remote areas and experience scenery at your own pace. Drive around in your very own car hire and visit the area’s wonderful collection of attractions including but not limited to Ōtākou Marae, Taiaroa Head, Portobello, Port Chalmers Maritime Museum, Sandfly Bay, and Lover’s Leap.
Downtown Dunedin to Otago Peninsula
- Distance: 17 km
- Time: 30 min
Most Affordable Way to Do Day Trips from Dunedin
Make heading out for a day trip around Dunedin easy and accessible with a self-drive car rental. With New Zealand Cars Rental you can book your car hire in Dunedin for your onward journey at the most competitive rates. Our association with some of the best car rental companies in New Zealand allows us to present a range of cheap deals for the widest fleet of quality vehicles. With convenient pick-up and drop-off locations in and around the city, you plan your itinerary with total ease. Our simple three-step booking process lets you book your ideal car hire in just a few clicks saving you time. Easily reserve your vehicle through our online platform or make an offline reservation by contacting our customer support team.
Van/Minivan Rental
Book your ideal 7,8,12,15 seater van rental in NZ with us and travel to popular destinations including Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Rotorua, Queenstown, Wellington, etc.
Traveller toolkit
Driving in New Zealand: rules & trip tools
Quick checks based on New Zealand's official driving rules — so there are no surprises at the rental desk or on the road.
- 50Towns and citiesUsual limit in urban areas — some streets are lower.
- 100Most open roads & motorwaysThe maximum on most rural highways.
- 110Some expresswaysOnly where signs show 110.
- 20Passing a stopped school busIn either direction, while children may be getting on or off.
Speed limits are in kilometres per hour and can change along a road — always follow the posted signs.
- Keep leftDrive on the left side of the road and keep left unless passing.
- Alcohol limitsDrivers 20 and over: 250 mcg per litre of breath (50 mg per 100 ml of blood). Drivers under 20: zero.
- Seatbelts & childrenEveryone must wear a seatbelt. Children under 7 must be in an approved child restraint — ask for one when you book.
- No hand-held phonesUsing a hand-held mobile phone while driving is illegal — use hands-free or pull over.
- Carry your licenceKeep your licence (and translation or IDP if needed) with you whenever you drive.
- One-lane bridgesMany rural bridges are one lane. If the red (smaller) arrow points your way, give way to oncoming traffic.
- Take breaksLong drives are tiring — stop for a break about every 2 hours.
- Fuel & distancesFuel is sold by the litre and distances are in kilometres. Fill up before remote stretches — stations can be far apart.
Sources: Tourism New Zealand — driving licences & permits · Ministry of Transport — drink-driving limits · NZ Transport Agency — Road Code. A general guide, not legal advice.
Explore locations
New Zealand Car Rental - Top Locations, Airports and Companies
Browse every car rental location in New Zealand — airports, cities, downtowns, train stations and ferry terminals — on one map. Markers show approximate pick-up areas, not confirmed rental desks.
- Ardmore Airport Airport
- Arthur’s Pass Railway Station Train station
- Auckland City
-
Auckland Airport
AKLAirport - Auckland Downtown Downtown
- Auckland Strand Railway Station Train station
- Blenheim City
-
Blenheim Airport
BHEAirport - Blenheim Railway Station Train station
- Christchurch City
-
Christchurch Airport
CHCAirport - Christchurch Railway Station Train station
- Claudelands City
- Darfield Railway Station Train station
- Dunedin City
-
Dunedin Airport
DUDAirport - Frankton City
- Gisborne City
- Greymouth City
- Greymouth Train Station Train station
- Hamilton City
-
Hamilton Airport
HLZAirport - Hamilton Frankton Railway Station Train station
- Harewood City
- Hastings City
- Hillcrest City
-
Hokitika Airport
HKKAirport -
Invercargill Airport
IVCAirport - Islington City
- Kaikoura Airport Airport
- Kaikōura Railway Station Train station
- Kapiti Coast Airport Airport
- Kawerau Downtown Downtown
-
Kerikeri Airport
KKEAirport - Lower Hutt City
- Māngere City
- Manukau City City
- Masterton Downtown Downtown
- Moana Railway Station Train station
- Mount Maunganui City
- Napier City
-
Napier Airport
NPEAirport - National Park Railway Station Train station
- Nelson City
-
Nelson Airport
NSNAirport -
New Plymouth Airport
NPLAirport - Oamaru Airport Airport
- Ohakune Railway Station Train station
- Otorohanga Railway Station Train station
- Palmerston North City
-
Palmerston North Airport
PMRAirport - Palmerston North Railway Station Train station
- Papakura Railway Station Train station
- Paraparaumu Railway Station Train station
- Penrose City
- Petone Railway Station Train station
- Picton Ferry Ferry & port
- Picton Ferry Port Ferry & port
- Picton Railway Station Train station
- Porirua City
- Pukekohe Downtown Downtown
- Queenstown City
-
Queenstown Airport
ZQNAirport - Queenstown Downtown Downtown
- Rangiora Railway Station Train station
- Rolleston Railway Station Train station
- Rosedale City
- Rotorua City
-
Rotorua Airport
ROTAirport - Springfield Railway Station Train station
- St Johns City
- Taumarunui Railway Station Train station
-
Taupo Airport
TUOAirport -
Tauranga Airport
TRGAirport - Te Anau Airport Airport
- Te Awamutu Downtown Downtown
-
Timaru Airport
TIUAirport - Tokoroa Airport Airport
- Upper Hutt City
- Waiheke Island Port Ferry & port
- Wairoa Airport Airport
-
Wanaka Airport
WKAAirport - Wellington City
-
Wellington Airport
WLGAirport - Wellington Downtown Downtown
- Wellington Ferry Terminal Ferry & port
- Wellington Railway Station Train station
-
Westport Airport
WSZAirport -
Whangarei Airport
WREAirport - Yaldhurst City
No location matches. Try a city name or an airport code such as AKL.
Loading map…
Compare rental companies
38 international and local Kiwi brands — open a company to see its desks, cars and reviews.
-
Ace
Compare
-
Alamo
Compare
-
Apex Car Rentals
Compare
-
Apollo Car Rentals
Compare
-
AutoUnion Car Rental
Compare
-
Avis
Compare
-
Bargain Rental Cars
Compare
-
Budget
Compare
-
Cross Country Rentals
Compare
-
Dollar
Compare
-
Drive NZ Rental Cars
Compare
-
Enterprise
Compare
-
Europcar
Compare
-
EV Hire
Compare
-
Ezi Car Rental
Compare
-
EZU Car Rental
Compare
-
Flexways
Compare
-
Go Rentals
Compare
-
GoldStar Car Rentals
Compare
-
Green Motion
Compare
-
Hao Rentals
Compare
-
Hertz
Compare
-
Jucy Rentals
Compare
-
Keddy by Europcar
Compare
-
Mint Rentals
Compare
-
Mode Car Rentals
Compare
-
National
Compare
-
North Car Rental
Compare
-
Omega
Compare
-
Pegasus Rental Cars
Compare
-
Rad Car Hire
Compare
-
Rental Cars 247
Compare
-
Routes
Compare
-
Sixt
Compare
-
Snap
Compare
-
Thrifty
Compare
-
Yes Rentals
Compare
-
Yesaway
Compare
Popular one-way routes
Pick up in one place, drop off in another — the easiest way to see both islands without backtracking.
More ways to rent
Vans, long-term hire, electric cars and island-wide trips.
- 10 Seater Car Rental
- 10 Seater Van Rental Christchurch
- 12 Seater Van Hire
- 12 Seater Van Rental Christchurch
- 6 Seater Car Rental
- 7 Seater Car Rental
- 8 Seater Car Rental
- 9 Seater Car Rental
- Day Trips from Dunedin By Car
- Electric Car Rental
- Long Term Car Rental Christchurch
- Long-Term Car Rental
- Luxury Car Rental
- Monthly Car Rental
- Multi Island Car Rental
- South Island Car Rental
- Van Hire Queenstown
- Van/Minivan Rental
How we work
New Zealand Cars Rental is a car hire comparison and booking site. We show deals from the rental companies we work with; the final price, what is included and the rental terms are shown before you pay. Our support team is available 24/7 before and during your rental.