ZQNUpdated April 21, 2026

Car rental at Queenstown airport

Queenstown · New Zealand

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ZQN · Rent a car

Rental companies at the airport

Car rental companies operating at Queenstown airport (ZQN) and where to find them. The airport is 9 km from Queenstown. See also the airport guide for general information.

The airport offers a wide range of vehicle hire options, including standard cars and campervans, ideal for exploring the Otago region. The main rental company counters are located in the arrivals area, next to the baggage reclaim zone.

Companies with counters in the terminal

Campervan hire

For those looking for a motorhome travel experience, the following specialist companies operate near the airport:

Vehicle hire requirements

To hire a car in New Zealand, you will generally need to meet the following requirements:

  • Driving licence: Must be valid and written in English. If your licence is not in English, an official translation or an International Driving Permit is required.
  • Minimum age: Most companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may be subject to additional “young driver” surcharges.
  • Credit card: A credit card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit (excess).
  • Passport: A valid ID document or passport is required to verify the renter’s identity.

Companies, opening hours and desk locations can change. Check with the rental company before booking.

Compare rental cars at ZQN

See prices for ZQN on DiscoverCars

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Tips for renting a car in New Zealand

  1. Check that your driver's license is valid in New Zealand. Some countries also ask for an International Driving Permit (IDP), which is only valid together with your national license.
  2. Review what the rental includes: collision damage waiver, third-party liability and the deductible. Most companies also hold a deposit on a credit card in the driver's name.
  3. Learn the local rules before you drive: speed limits, right of way, alcohol limits and tolls.
  4. In New Zealand traffic drives on the left: the steering wheel is on the right and roundabouts go clockwise.
  5. At pickup, photograph the car (inside and out) and the fuel level, and keep the photos until the deposit is returned.
  6. Know what to do in an accident: who to call, what to document and how to report it to the rental company.

Find the rental desks and parking on the ZQN airport map.

Not driving? See other ways to get to and from ZQN. Returning the car or picking someone up: parking at ZQN.

German Giudici

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Creator of the Aeropuertos del Mundo website network since 2007.