How to find a cheap car hire deal in Invercargill
In search of a cheap rental car in Invercargill? With prices averaging $154 a day, you're on the road to big savings. Whether you're wanting a go-anywhere compact, a family sedan, or something in between, we round up all the best deals to help you spend less.
$63 is the cheapest daily price you'll find for a home in Invercargill.
Staying a little longer and want to explore beyond the main attractions? $438 is the best rate for a weekly home.
Timing is everything when it comes to finding the best price on a Invercargill car hire. Try booking around two weeks before your departure date.
Ezi, GO Homes and Hertz are some of the most reliable providers in the city. They're a great starting point for comparing offers.
Whether you choose Ezi or another supplier, be sure to check the coverage on your Invercargill car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as an optional extra.
Consider booking a one-way home. You might be able to lock in a good deal if the provider needs to relocate some of its vehicles. Discover the best available rates by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. No surprise refueling fees tacked on at the end either.
Hit the highway without counting the miles and racking up extra fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and click 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you roam without limits.
Best value car hire options right now
Taking first place for value is this company, with prices averaging $67 a day.
Coming in next, this provider offers daily rates of around $139.
The third option won't cost a fortune either. You'll pay roughly $117 a day with this supplier.
The Economy home category is a dependable choice if you're not quite sure which ride is right for you. It's also the most commonly booked car type in Invercargill.
Flying to Invercargill? Think about an airport pick-up
Kick off your Invercargill trip quicker by booking a car hire at Invercargill Airport. The city centre is about 18 kilometres from this airport, which is a drive of around 20 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Invercargill
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Invercargill gives you the freedom to explore for less. These zippy, fuel-efficient rides are perfect for city driving and short trips.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine comfort, fuel efficiency and space. Easy to manoeuvre around cities and roomy enough for longer drives, they're a great all-rounder.
Large: Offering a more comfortable ride and advanced tech features, this Invercargill car hire category includes full-size cars. With roomier back seats and ample storage space, they let you load up and transport everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: Get a higher ground clearance and better visibility of what's ahead in an SUV. Whether you're navigating rugged country lanes or cruising along uninterrupted highways, many offer all-wheel drive to help you take on any road.
Van: Choose this vehicle category when you need a car for rent in Invercargill that can handle the heavy stuff. Featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're designed to transport more, whether that's equipment, suitcases or big groups.
Insurance and optional extras
Choosing excess insurance for your Invercargill car hire gives you peace of mind. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of theft or a collision. Insurance policies can differ from one provider to another, so give them a quick comparison.
From navigation systems to mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, the right extras can seriously upgrade your ride. Weigh up which features could make your trip more comfortable when you rent a car in Invercargill.
Good to know
Age requirements often vary by provider and even car type, so know the rules before you book. Some suppliers in New Zealand may rent to younger drivers for an additional fee. If you're outside the typical age bracket, just uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to explore your options.
Add a car seat to your Invercargill car hire reservation if you're travelling with small kids. Rules vary from one location to another, but using a child seat suited to their age, size and weight is always the safest approach.
You'll have to provide some documents when you pick up your ride. As a rule, bring your physical driver's license, a credit card with enough balance for the excess (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and another form of photo ID. Your booking will outline the exact requirements.
Driving in New Zealand can take some adjustment if it's your first time. Keep in mind you'll need to stick to the left side of the road.
Local speed limits may vary, but it's normally around 45kph in built-up areas and 95kph or so on highways. Always follow the posted signs.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.05% applies in New Zealand. The safest way to stay legal to drive is to avoid drinking altogether.
Around 8am is one of the busiest times for traffic in this destination. Try to avoid peak times generally for a smoother trip.
You'll be using the New Zealand dollar (NZD) for all your purchases here. You may find it helpful to carry a mix of cards and cash to ensure you're covered in all situations.
Best hotels in Invercargill for drivers
Pull in, unpack, and ease into your stay at Invercargill Holiday Park & Motels. Offering parking as well as a laundry and internet access, this hotel is about 10 kilometres from central Invercargill.
Alternatively, take advantage of the valet parking at Distinction Invercargill Hotel. The city centre is roughly 6 kilometres from this option, which also features a bar and a 24-hour front desk.
Explore the full lineup of hotels in Invercargill and pick the stay that suits your trip. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to what you need — like 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor parking.' There's even an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to find hotels with charging access.
Once you've found a car hire deal in Invercargill and your hotel, the only thing left is figuring out where to go first. Kick things off with must-see attractions such as Anderson Park, Aurora Australis viewpoint and Southland Museum & Art Gallery.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Invercargill
Around 56 kilometres northeast of central Invercargill, Gore easily earns a place on your itinerary. Steer straight toward must-see sights like Hokonui Moonshine Museum and Hokonui Pioneer Park.
Esplanade Motels and Croydon Lodge are popular accommodation options with parking in Gore.
Add Papatowai to your trip lineup. Pick up your cheap car hire in Invercargill and drive roughly 80 kilometres east to take in hot spots like Skeleton Point Lookout and Tautuku Beach.
Keep the momentum going and road-trip it to Queenstown, roughly 161 kilometres north of Invercargill. First, visit Glenorchy-Queenstown Road, then take your time exploring Queenstown Skydive.
Book a room at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Queenstown by IHG or Crowne Plaza Queenstown by IHG. They're an ideal base for exploring everything Queenstown has to offer. They come with space for your wheels too.
