Car Hire in Queenstown

About Queenstown

Queenstown is a picturesque town in the southern part of New Zealand. It is known for its stunning scenery and outdoor activities. The town is situated on the edge of Lake Wakatipu and is surrounded by the Remarkable Mountains. Visitors can enjoy skiing, hiking, fishing and much more in Queenstown. There are also a number of charming restaurants and shops in the town centre. Queenstown is a must-see for any visitor to New Zealand.

Basic info and car hire in Queenstown

• Location: Shores of the South Island’s Lake Wakatipu
• Population: 47.400 (2020)
• Official language: English
• Currency: New Zealand dollar (NZ$)
• Weather: The weather in Queenstown is generally mild with temperatures ranging from 10-25 degrees Celsius (50-77 degrees Fahrenheit).
• Internet coverage: Hotels, bars, restaurants, and cafés offer Wi-Fi.
• Road conditions: The road conditions in New Zealand are unique and often challenging. The diverse terrain means that there's never just one way to get from point A, the country has many different types of roads which might challenge your vehicle or make it difficult for other drivers around you. Outside main city areas most people drive on single lane rural highways without barriers between them but sometimes they have gravel surfaces too!
• Car hire in Queenstown: The most common pick-up point for vehicles in Queenstown is Queenstown Airport. Please note that prices vary frequently. It is best to book a car 3 to 8 weeks in advance of your desired pick-up date - this will ensure you get the cheapest rental rate. Alternatively, it is also possible to find cheap last-minute car hire. Find the best deal on car hire in Queenstown!

 Driving in Queenstown

Driving in Queenstown can be challenging as the roads are narrow and winding and there are often steep drops. It is important to drive carefully and always obey the speed limit. There are also many pedestrian walkways in Queenstown, so watch out for pedestrians when driving. Queenstown has a high volume of traffic, especially during peak season, so you should allow plenty of time for your journey. Drivers should also be prepared for sudden changes in the weather. Queenstown is a beautiful town, but it is important to drive carefully when exploring.

When it comes to driving in New Zealand, there are strict alcohol limits for both adults and teens. For people aged 20 or over the limit is 250 micrograms (mcg) of alcohol per litre of breath with a blood-alcohol content of 50 mg/100 ml. For drivers under 20, there is zero tolerance for drunk driving.

• Age limits: Minimum driver age for the vehicle that you selected is 18. The maximum driver age for the vehicle that you selected is 99. Different driver age restrictions apply to different vehicle groups and these are applied automatically to all online rental searches. If you entered your correct age and the online search returned a specific vehicle group, you are eligible to rent it. Please note that the same restrictions apply to all Additional Drivers.
• International Driving Permit: An International Driving Permit is required in addition to a National Driving Licence if your National Driving Licence is not in English. Residents of countries that cannot issue International Driving Permits may present an official translation of their National Driving Licence.
• Additional papers: You and all Additional Drivers must present a full valid original Driving Licence and the voucher or booking confirmation document when picking up the vehicle. If your Driving Licence has multiple parts, you must present all of them. All requirements apply to both you and any Additional Drivers. Your Driving Licence must have at least 6 months of validity remaining.
• Additional requirements:  Glasses (in case you need glasses, you must always have a spare pair in the car), light bulbs (are usually already in the car and are provided by the car rental company), warning triangle
• Children in the car: Under New Zealand law, all children under the age of seven must use an approved child seat that is suitable for their age and size. Children aged seven must be secured in a child seat if one is available in the vehicle.
• Driving side of the road: Left side. 
• Lights: Daytime headlights is recommended at all times and required in the rain, fog or under challenging weather conditions. 
• General speed limits: The speed limit of 50 km/h urban and built-up areas, as well as 100 on expressways or motorways, is by default. Other higher speeds are 110km per hour
• Parking suggestions: Queenstown parking is a hot commodity. With slots filling up quickly and the cost per hour being between $1-$4, it's best to search early morning or evening hours when spaces are more easily accessible for free options around town

Popular day trips from Queenstown

There are many great day trips from Queenstown, New Zealand. One of the most popular is a visit to Milford Sound. This world-famous fjord is located in Fiordland National Park and is known for its dramatic scenery of thundering waterfalls and towering peaks. Milford Sound is accessible by car or bus and there are a number of companies offering cruises through the fjord.

Another popular day trip from Queenstown is a visit to Glenorchy. This small town sits on the edge of Lake Wakatipu and is surrounded by some of the most stunning scenery in New Zealand. Glenorchy is a great place to walk, cycle or just enjoy the scenery. There are also a number of great restaurants and cafes in the town.

If you are looking for something adventurous, why not try white water rafting on the Shotover or Kawarau rivers? These rivers are both known for their challenging rapids, so this is not for the faint-hearted. However, if you are up to the challenge, white water rafting is an adrenaline rush like no other.

And if you want to explore New Zealand's beautiful countryside, why not head to Arrowtown or Wanaka? Both towns are close to Lake Wakatipu and offer plenty of charming shops and restaurants. They are also a great place for hiking and mountain biking. 

What to see in Queenstown

Queenstown is a must for any traveller visiting New Zealand. This lakeside city has something for everyone, from outdoor adventures to world-class restaurants. Here are some of the top attractions in Queenstown:

The Skyline Gondola: This popular attraction takes visitors up Bob's Peak for stunning panoramic views of Queenstown and the surrounding mountains. At the top of the peak, there is also a restaurant, bar and toboggan run.

This popular attraction takes visitors up Bob's Peak where you can enjoy stunning panoramic views of Queenstown and the surrounding mountains. There is also a restaurant, bar and toboggan run at the top of the peak. The Shotover Jet: If you are looking for a breathtaking adventure, do not miss the Shotover Jet. This high-speed jet boat ride takes passengers through narrow gorges and over white water rapids.

Drive your rental car beyond Queenstown

There are many great trips from Queenstown, New Zealand. One of the most popular is the drive to Milford Sound. The road winds through some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. You'll see snow-capped peaks, pristine lakes and dense forests. Be sure to stop for photos at various viewpoints along the way.

Another great trip is to Te Anau, which is about 2 hours from Queenstown. Here you can visit Fiordland National Park and go hiking or boating through the fjords. If you are looking for an adventurous trip, try white water rafting on the Dart River.

If you want to learn about New Zealand's history, a trip to Dunedin is a must. This town is about 4 hours from Queenstown and is home to some of the country's most important historical sites, including the University of Otago and Baldwin Street, the steepest street in the world.

Where to eat, drink, and party in Queenstown

Queenstown has a wide range of restaurants and bars to suit all tastes and budgets. If you just want something to eat or drink, the town's many cafés and pubs are just the tickets. However, if you are looking for something more luxurious, there are some excellent restaurants serving local and international cuisine.