South Island car rentals

Driver's age: 26-65

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Mini car

Mini

Economy car

Economy

Compact car

Compact

Intermediate car

Intermediate

Standard car

Standard

Full-size car

Full-size

Luxury car

Luxury

Minivan car

Minivan

Passenger van car

Passenger van

SUV car

SUV

Commercial car

Commercial

Pickup Truck car

Pickup Truck

When driving in South Island, ensure you keep within the speed limit set by the law. Like other towns in New Zealand, maintain 20 km/h (12 mph) when approaching and passing a school bus, 40 km/h (25 mph) in residential areas, and maintain 80 km/h (50 mph) when driving on limited-access urban arterial roads, winding rural roads, and rural access roads. However, as you hit the motorways and expressways, you can drive as high as 110 km/h (68 mph).
As you drive on rural roads in South Island, keep in mind that some of them can be narrow and winding. It is thus not surprising to find bridges or single-track roads only wide enough to allow passage for one car. Therefore, keep an eye on signs indicating winding roads and narrow streets, particularly when overtaking. Also, bear in mind that vehicles closest to the bridge, or those going uphill, have the right of way.
The New Zealand seatbelt law requires that every car be equipped with front and back seatbelts. To this end, every car occupant must wear a seatbelt, whether sitting at the front or back. Furthermore, kids aged seven or younger must be strapped in an approved child-restraint device when traveling in vans or cars. Usually, car rental companies provide this child restraint equipment at a small fee.
It is critical to consider your needs before setting out to hire Southland Island car rentals. Typically, your budget and the destinations you want to visit are the most likely determinants of the type of car you will rent. A compact car is recommended if you will be confined within the town center where roads are smooth. However, if you plan to venture outdoors in rural areas, consider a pickup truck or a 4X4 SUV.
Book your rental car in South Island at least 3 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price
Compact rental cars in South Island are around 2% cheaper than other car types, on average

What is the most popular rental car in South Island?
Compact (Toyota Prius c or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in South Island.
How can I find car rentals near me in South Island?
Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.
Should I rent a car in South Island?
You won’t regret renting a car when visiting South Island. Besides the flexibility it offers when exploring the hidden gems on your bucket list, South Island car rentals offer comfort and privacy when touring the area. With fixed routes and specific departure schedules, public transportation in this area is restrictive, as you cannot conveniently move around to experience the beautiful parts of the town. In addition, car rentals have different types of cars in their fleet, and you will have several options based on your needs. If you are here for a few days, you will find South Island car rentals cheaper than taxis. Lastly, car rentals are also cheaper if you are traveling with your friends or family.
What is driving like in South Island?
Traffic laws in South Island are the same as those in other parts of New Zealand. The steering wheel is on the right, and people drive on the left. The roads are narrower, steeper, and more winding than expected. There are few motorways; the roads are mostly two-way, with one lane in each direction. South Island implements strict Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) laws where drivers aged 20 or younger should have 0% BAC. For those aged 21 or older, you must not drive if your BAC is greater than 0.05%, lest you incur heavy fines. Remember, there’s a special category of vehicles that have the right of way, particularly emergency vehicles with flashing lights, and school buses.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in South Island?
You need to be 18 years old to rent a car in South Island. However, the age may vary depending on the company and vehicle category, with some South Island car rentals applying a surcharge policy to renters below 25, and the fees are paid at the counter. You also need a valid driving license from your home country, which you must have held for at least a year. It is important to remember that an International Driving Permit is only permissible when presented with a valid driver’s license. You can pay for your rental via debit, credit cards, or cash (New Zealand Dollars only).

Thrifty car rental locations in South Island
18 Locations
Hertz car rental locations in South Island
14 Locations
Sunnycars car rental locations in South Island
14 Locations
Firefly car rental locations in South Island
12 Locations
Ace Rental Cars car rental locations in South Island
11 Locations
Avis car rental locations in South Island
11 Locations
Budget car rental locations in South Island
11 Locations
Dollar car rental locations in South Island
9 Locations
EZI car rental locations in South Island
9 Locations
Apex car rental locations in South Island
8 Locations
Europcar car rental locations in South Island
7 Locations
Moto Car Rental car rental locations in South Island
7 Locations

Most popular car type	Compact

Average daily price per month

Rental car prices as pick-up date approaches

Search for cheap rental cars in South Island with KAYAK and rent a car that suits you best. KAYAK searches hundreds of travel sites to help you find and book the best rental car deal at car rental locations across South Island.

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