Queenstown car rental

Queenstown car rental

Rent a car in Queenstown and explore New Zealand’s southern playground at your own pace. Nestled on the shores of the South Island's Lake Wakatipu, this vibrant town is a haven for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike. With your Queenstown rental car, you can explore not only the town, but also some of the most spectacular sights in nature just a little further afield.

Looking for adventure? Queenstown is the birthplace of commercial bungy jumping and offers a plethora of adrenaline-pumping activities, including white-water rafting, jet boating, and skydiving. For those seeking a more relaxed pace, the stunning scenery provides the perfect backdrop for hiking, scenic drives through the Gibbston Valley, or a picturesque cruise on the iconic TSS Earnslaw steamship. And don't forget the Remarkables, the mountain range that provides the backdrop for Queenstown. You could even take a road trip to Christchurch, taking in the marvels of Lake Tekapo on your way.

Whether you're seeking an adrenaline rush or a peaceful escape, this town has something for everyone. And with Queenstown car rental from Hertz, you’ll have the freedom to discover all this and more, your way.

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Car rental locations in Queenstown

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Popular vehicles to rent in Queenstown

A quick travel guide to Queenstown

Azur Luxury Lodge

23 MacKinnon Terrace, Sunshine Bay, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

As the name suggests, this gem in New Zealand’s hotel scene lands you in the lap of luxury. Perched on a tranquil hilltop, with panoramic views across breathtaking landscapes, choose from one of nine sophisticated private villas and let your every desire be catered for. Bask on your own private sun deck, order an in-villa massage or candlelit meal served in your own dining room, or head to the on-site restaurant for complimentary breakfast and evening canapes.

Kamana Lakehouse

139 Fernhill Road, Fernhill, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

For a more budget-friendly option that still offers those little touches of luxury that make you feel like you’re truly on vacation, book Kamana Lakehouse. Enjoy unmatched views of the Remarkables, Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding scenery from this elegant hotel, which stands at the highest elevation of any hotel on the island. Enjoy a Kamana soak in one of three individual outdoor hot tubs with views, take in some of New Zealand’s finest cuisine at Nest, the in-house restaurant, then retire to your elegantly appointed room and pamper yourself with exclusive, complimentary Maraka body care products.

Hampshire Holiday Parks – Queenstown Lakeview

4 Cemetery Road, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

If you’re looking for somewhere convenient and comfortable to use as a base, but that won’t break the bank, then Hampshire Holiday Parks is located just 100 meters from the town center and 500 meters from the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Offering affordable cabins and studio apartments sleeping two to six people, and an extensive campground for tents or caravans with optional electric hook-up, this is a haven for those who need somewhere comfortable to rest after a busy day adventuring in Queenstown. 

Blue Kanu

16 Church Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

Savor the Asian influence that characterizes cuisine along the Pacific, with award-winning “Polynasia” served tapas style at Blue Kanu. Colorful and arty, this vibrant venue has a range of seating options, from the Hula hut-style bar to VIP private dining at one of the Koru tables. Take in stunning local artwork as you dine, from Maori flax weaving to beautiful carvings and even graffiti. The menu offers an all-new type of comfort soul food – think goat rendang bao buns, tempura eggplant with soy and lime, and lamb jungle curry with sweet and sour onions.

Jervois Steak House

8 Duke Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

A meat-lover’s paradise, Jervois Steak House delivers premium cuts of meat, cooked the way you like. From Angus and Wagyu beef steaks to lamb rump and Wapiti wild venison loin – choose your cut, choose your sauce and away you go. Or opt for the six-course degustation menu to sample some of the kitchen’s finest preparations of the day. Whatever you choose, enjoy it in surroundings that are always warm and welcoming, with that classic rich wood steakhouse décor and inviting vibe.

The Bathhouse Café, Bar & Restaurant

38 Marine Parade, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

Indulge in British nostalgia at this pavilion-style café and restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch and tapas in Belle Epoque surroundings, open to nature. Start your day with a classic British bacon butty or mackerel on rye, or lunch on homemade fish finger sandwiches or The Bathhouse clam and mussel chowder. This famous historic Queenstown landmark was built to celebrate the coronation of King George in 1911 and today showcases that regal spirit with ongoing joie de vivre.

Skyline Gondola and Luge

53 Brecon Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

There’s no better way to take in the sights of Queenstown than with a ride on the Skyline Gondola. Experience panoramic bird’s-eye views of the town and the surrounding landscape with a ride 480 meters up Bob’s Peak. Once at the top, you can take in more views while dining at the Stratosfare Restaurant. For thrill-seekers, the best part of the experience is getting down the mountain. Hop into a Luge car and navigate 1,600 meters of twists, turns and dippers for gravity-fuelled, fast-paced freedom.

Cruise on the TSS Earnslaw

Lake Wakatipu

The iconic coal-fired steamship TSS Earnslaw is an Edwardian twin screw steamer built in 1912. Today you can hop aboard and take a cruise across Lake Wakatipu vintage-style. There are various options available, from a short ride to a dinner cruise at sunset. Each gives you plenty of time to explore the decks and bridge, as well as taking in the sights. Or take the ship to Walter Peak High Country Farm, an interactive nature experience where you can explore sheep stations and high-country farming amidst the spectacular scenery of the Von Valley.

Kawaru Gorge Suspension Bridge

Queenstown Trail, Arrow Junction, New Zealand

The site of the world’s first commercial bungy jump in 1988, this suspension bridge is a hotspot for thrill-seekers from around the world. Brave the 43-meter drop – the equivalent of a ten-story building - headfirst off the bridge yourself or simply park up your Queenstown rental car and marvel as others throw themselves into the gorge. The bridge itself is also a historical landmark, pushing design and engineering limits to achieve the formerly impossible at its creation in 1880. 

Queensland car rental FAQs

While there are plenty of places to park in Queenstown, high visitor numbers can mean they fill up fast, particularly at peak times and in ski season, so plan ahead and get there early if possible.

·       Metered street parking – central areas such as Queenstown CBD have metered street parking, which usually allows one to two hours of paid parking during the day, and may be free after 6pm.

·       Council car parks – municipal car parks are typically a little further out of the center, but will let you park for longer or even overnight. These are usually more affordable than on-street parking spots, but you’ll have to walk five to 10 minutes to get to where you want to be.

·       Man Street Car Park – the largest car park in Queenstown, with over 500 covered and monitored spaces and the option to park for as long as you need, for a price.

·       State Highway 6 connects Queenstown to Wanaka and Queenstown International Airport in the west.

·       The Crown Range Road connects Queenstown with cities to the east.

·       State Highway 8 runs through the north and northeast regions of Queenstown.

 

Depending on traffic, you should be able to reach central Queenstown in under 10 minutes when you rent a car from Queenstown International Airport.

·       Head south-east from the rental lot onto Sir Henry Wigley Drive

·       Exit the roundabout onto Lucas Place

·       At the next roundabout, take the second exit onto State Highway 6

·       At the next roundabout, take the first exit onto State Highway 6A

·       Follow the highway for around 6.4km to reach central Queenstown

 

For more information on the above or on any aspect of your Queenstown rental car booking, please visit the Hertz Support Hub.

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