Car rental in Christchurch, New Zealand

If you’re planning to explore the largest city on New Zealand’s South Island, Christchurch, a car rental is the best way to do it. Known as the “Garden City” due to its abundance of green spaces, there’s plenty to do and see during your visit.

From Christchurch Art Gallery to the Botanic Gardens and Christchurch Adventure Park, you can venture around this endearing city your way with a Hertz car rental of your choice. Simply pick up your dream ride from Christchurch Airport when you land.

Choose from luxury vehicles, SUVs, compact cars, and more to drive around Christchurch and any of its neighboring cities – Darfield, Akaroa, or Rakaia – with ease. Rent a car in Christchurch with Hertz today.

Our fleet

Hertz’s newest fleet is the best ever. From SUVs to cars, vans, and trucks, we’ve got rentals to suit every kind of trip.

Check out our fleet

Our offers

Access exclusive discounts and deals through Hertz Gold Plus Rewards and loyalty programs. Get the most out of your Christchurch car rental.

Find deals & offers

Our locations

You’re never too far from a Hertz location, whether you’re in Christchurch or further afield. Find us in major cities, airports, and other popular destinations.

Discover Hertz locations

Car rental locations in Christchurch, New Zealand

Airport locations

Neighborhood locations

Popular vehicles to rent in Christchurch, New Zealand

A quick travel guide to Christchurch, New Zealand

Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square

52 Cathedral Square, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand

This contemporary Novotel hotel is ideally located in central Christchurch – just 20 minutes from Christchurch Airport and directly adjacent to the Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre. Here, you’ll find modern, comfortable rooms featuring all essential hotel amenities. Plus, there’s a well-equipped fitness center, on-site restaurant, and meeting rooms available for those traveling on business. There’s also on-site parking available for your Christchurch car rental.

Chateau on the Park - Christchurch, a DoubleTree by Hilton

189 Deans Avenue, Riccarton, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand

Offering idyllic leisure near central Christchurch, Chateau on the Park by Hilton Hotels is a great place to stay for singles, couples, and families. This popular hotel features cozy guest rooms and suites, plus everything you need to enjoy your trip to Christchurch, from free Wi-Fi to free parking for your rental car. True to its name, this DoubleTree hotel is just across the street from the famous Hagley Park, Christchurch's largest open space.

Christchurch City Hotel

699 Colombo Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand

Situated in the heart of Christchurch’s lively city center, this hotel offers stylish accommodation, excellent service, and amazing city views. Staying here means you’re right in the heart of all the action and ideally located to explore the city. Set off on an adventure to visit Christchurch Botanic Gardens and connect with nature, or head to the Canterbury Museum to explore highlights from the collection and temporary exhibitions. Valet parking is available on-site for your Christchurch rental car.

The Birdwood

76 Malcolm Avenue, Beckenham, Christchurch 8023, New Zealand

Fancy a hearty dinner with the family? There are few spots better for the occasion than The Birdwood. Serving up a host of contemporary Italian food, including mouth-watering woodfired pizzas and tasty handmade pasta, you’ll be left well-fed but still wanting more. If you decide to visit during the day, the restaurant also doubles as a café, offering some of the best coffee in Christchurch.

5th Street

5 Elgin Street, Sydenham, Christchurch 8023, New Zealand

A favourite among locals and visitors alike, 5th Street is a must-visit for diners in and around Christchurch. Expect a vast range of innovative culinary delights that will bring something new to your palate with every bite. From spiced lamb meatballs to pan-fried shiitake and oyster mushrooms, you’re spoilt for choice – especially when every option is delicious. The space itself is stunning – complemented by hanging greenery – in true Garden City fashion.

Super

5 Norwich Quay, Lyttelton 8082, New Zealand

If you’re craving something different, jump in your Christchurch rental car and drive straight to Super. With a name so grand, you expect nothing short of amazing cuisine, and this eatery doesn’t disappoint. Specializing in bold pan-Asian flavors, the menu includes something for everyone, from picky eaters to the diet-conscious. Try classic bao buns and tasty tempura cauliflower, or go for the Ika boil up broth.

Christchurch Adventure Park

50 McVicar Drive, Cracroft, Christchurch 8022, New Zealand

Recognized as Christchurch’s ultimate adventure attraction, a day out at this much-loved adventure park is not to be missed. Head here with friends or family to take part in fun activities like zip lining, mountain biking, and hiking – not to mention all the amazing sights to see on the nature trails. Stop for a bite to eat at The Adventure Park Café to refuel and enjoy some of their tastiest treats. If you’re lucky enough to go on Wings Wednesday, you can fill up on wings for $1.50 all day long. 

Quake City

299 Durham Street North, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand

Quake City is a special exhibition featured at Canterbury Museum. It tells the stories of the powerful earthquakes that occurred within the region in 2010 and 2011. The exhibit is informative and interactive, providing an insightful look at New Zealand’s second-worst natural disaster. Drive here in your Christchurch car rental with the family for an educational day, and be sure to check out the spire of the Christ Church Cathedral and the former railway station clocks. 

Riccarton Sunday Market

165 Racecourse Road, Broomfield, Christchurch 8042, New Zealand

For Christchurch's largest outdoor market, head to Riccarton Park Racecourse on Sunday to pick up fresh local produce, food, crafts, and second-hand goodies. With over 300 stalls, there’s plenty to browse and buy. The event started as a small car boot sale after the earthquakes and is now a large, weekly event that attracts around 10,000 visitors. There’s something here for everyone to do, from shopping and live performances to face-painting and bouncy castles for the kids. 

New Zealand Christchurch car rental FAQs

There are various places to park your rental car in Christchurch, from public car parks to free street parking areas. Here are a few popular places:

●        The Cranmer Car Park: 327 Montreal Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013. Located on Montreal Street, you can park your rental car in this central location all day for $3.

●        The Crossing Car Park: 71 Lichfield Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand. This modern and diverse shopping complex offers parking for just $4 for the first 2 hours.

●        The West End Carpark: 48 Hereford Street, Christchurch. Offering safe parking Sunday – Wednesday 6:00 am - 10:00 pm, and Thursday – Saturday 6:00 am - 12:00 am.

The main roads in and out of Christchurch include:

●        State Highway 1 (SH1): The main north–south route through Christchurch, connecting the city with Blenheim and Picton to the north, and Ashburton, Timaru, and Dunedin to the south.

●        State Highway 73 (SH73): Also known as the Great Alpine Highway, this scenic route links Christchurch to Greymouth via Arthur’s Pass across the Southern Alps.

●        Milford Road: The only road to Milford Sound, this awe-inspiring scenic route takes you through the Fiordland National Park and across the Main Divide of the Southern Alps. 

Getting to Christchurch city center from Christchurch Airport is easy with a rental car. The journey should take just 15 minutes in total. To get there:

1.       Head west towards Orchard Road, then exit the roundabout onto Memorial Avenue.

2.       Continue onto Fendalton Road, then turn left onto Harper Avenue.

3.       Turn right onto Park Terrace, then continue onto Rolleston Avenue.

4.       Turn left onto Gloucester Street.

5.       You should now reach your destination.

Need more information about driving in Christchurch? Visit our Support Hub.