Rent a Car from Christchurch to Dunedin

Offering visitors more in the way of coastal scenery, unique wildlife, and historical sites, the journey from Christchurch to Dunedin is the perfect way to explore South Island’s two most alluring locations and everything in between. To make sure your journey goes as smoothly as possible hire a car for your road trip journey and enjoy the freedom to discover all the hidden gems along this scenic route and make as many stops as you wish.

Cheapest Car Rental for Christchurch to Dunedin Road Trip

Before setting out on your journey it is worth renting a car for a one-way trip from our reliable booking engine where you can find the best rates from some of the highest-rated suppliers in the industry. Airports are popular pick-up locations, so you can collect your car hire from Christchurch Airport (CHC) and drop it off at Dunedin Airport (DUD) with complete ease and without worrying about making a round trip.

Start by filling in your travel details in the booking form to see a range of the cheapest car rental deals for your Christchurch to Dunedin one-way drive from leading companies in New Zealand. Once our system displays all the available deals you can compare prices and choose the option best suited to your requirements. Keep in mind that the deals made available will be inclusive of a one-way fee and you won’t have to pay anything extra at the rental desk. So book your one-way car hire without stress and have a fun-filled South Island journey.

Car Categories Available for Rent for Christchurch to Dunedin Road Trip

  • A spacious SUV rental with its capacity to handle various terrains and additional boot space will be the ideal choice for renters planning a road trip with friends or family.
  • Perfect for renters hoping to undertake their journey on a budget our range of economy/compact cars are known for their fuel efficiency and affordable rates.
  • Van/minivan rentals with 7, 8, 9 & 12-seater options allow passengers to travel comfortably with ample luggage space and make the most of their Christchurch to Dunedin road trip experience.

Christchurch to Dunedin – Drive Time & Distance

How long does it take to drive from Christchurch to Dunedin? You can self-drive along this coastal route in just under 5 hours by sticking to State Highway 1. Driving along the East Coast for this unique South Island road trip would allow you to experience the best of the region.

Popular Pick-up Location (Christchurch)Popular Drop-off Location (Dunedin)DistanceTime (approx.)
Christchurch Airport (CHC)Dunedin Airport (DUD)Approx. 360 km4.5-5 hours

Christchurch to Dunedin Road Trip Itinerary

The journey from Christchurch to Dunedin is brimming with countless places of interest such as natural landscapes, unique wildlife, pristine beaches, and much more. Make the most of your trip and enjoy the best places to visit for this route for a splendid journey. You will discover there is much to explore along this scenic drive and you can savor hidden gems and unique attractions by taking inspiration from our list of places with the most amazing views.

Christchurch to Dunedin Road Trip PlannerDistanceTime (approx.)
Christchurch to Ashburton87 km1 hr 5 min
Ashburton to Lake Tekapo151 km2 hr
Lake Tekapo to Timaru114 km1 hr 30 min
Timaru to Oamaru86 km1 hr
Oamaru to Moeraki Boulders37 km31 min
Moeraki Boulders to Dunedin76 km1 hr 5 min

Tips to Book a Rental Car One Way from Christchurch to Dunedin

  • To hire a car in New Zealand you would be required to present a valid driver’s license, ID proof credit card, and printed copy of your Rental Voucher at the supplier’s desk location. Foreign renters will need to bring an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their DL is not printed in Roman characters.
  • You can easily extend the duration of your car hire and explore other popular locations in South Island by opting for a long-term deal. Long-term car rentals are perfect for extended road trips in New Zealand and you can book the same at cheap rates from our platform.
  • If you plan to kickstart your Christchurch to Dunedin drive in winter it would be worth adding optional Extras such as ski racks, snow chains, and winter tyres to your car rental deal for a smooth onward journey.
  • It is advisable to research driving rules and take inventory of the road conditions before embarking on your Christchurch to Dunedin road trip adventure.
  • Book your hired car in advance and compare prices from multiple companies utilizing our platform for the most economical rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find the best car rental deals for a Christchurch to Dunedin one-way trip?

Reserve your rental car through our trustworthy booking engine and find great deals for your preferred one-way route. Simply add your pick-up location in Christchurch and your return destination in Dunedin to see all the available low-priced deals from multiple suppliers.

Yes, you can book your car hire with Budget for a one-way journey from Christchurch to Dunedin at the cheapest rates. Christchurch Airport and Dunedin Airport are among the top locations where renters choose to book their rental car with Budget.

Enter your travel details in the booking form to see the exact prices for your Chch to Dunedin rental car. The final cost will depend on the type of vehicle you rent, rental duration, pick-up location, etc.

Most suppliers allow renters who are aged 21 and above to rent a car at most locations in New Zealand. However, drivers under 25 years old are subjected to a ‘Young Driver Fee’ by a few suppliers. Refer to the Rental Terms section while making a reservation for more information about the same.

Usually, most suppliers require a fixed amount for the security deposit to be paid during pick-up. The deposit amount is held on the main driver’s credit card and is released once the vehicle has been returned.

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