South Island car rentals

Driver's age: 26-65

Search hundreds of rental car sites at once for car rental deals in South Island

Here is why travelers choose KAYAK

Free to useThere are no hidden charges or fees.

Filter your dealsFilter by car type, brand and more. Instantly customise your results.

Book with flexibilityUse our "free cancellation" filter for maximum flexibility at no extra cost.

Recommended by KAYAK
Useful Info
Recommended by KAYAK

Cheap car rentals in South Island

Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.
Economy car
Economy
M
Compact car
Compact
M
Intermediate car
Intermediate
M
Standard car
Standard
M
Full-size car
Full-size
M
Luxury car
Luxury
M
Minivan car
Minivan
M
Passenger van car
Passenger van
M
Commercial car
Commercial
M
Pickup Truck car
Pickup Truck
M
Useful Info

Good to know

Most popular agency

EZU Car Rental

Most popular car type

Premium

Average price

₱3,156/day

Good deal

₱3,155/day

KAYAK’s insights & trends for South Island car rentals

Check out the latest trends and booking tips to rent a car in South Island with confidence.

How far in advance should you book a rental car in South Island?

You should book your rental car in South Island around 17 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.

What is the most popular rental car in South Island?

Premium rentals (Toyota Land Cruiser Prado or similar) are the most popular type of vehicle to rent in South Island. Premium rentals in South Island cost ₱6,714/day on average, though some users have found deals as low as ₱6,872/day.

What is the cheapest month to rent a car in South Island?

The cheapest month to rent a car in South Island is May at an average cost of ₱1,656/day. December is the most expensive month to rent a car in South Island when prices are ₱4,458/day on average, which tends to be 8,995% above the yearly average rental price for South Island.

Top tips for renting a car in South Island

  • 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.
  • 25% of our users found rental cars in South Island for ₱3,155 or less
  • Compact rental cars in South Island are around 64% cheaper than other car types, on average

FAQs about renting a car in South Island

  • How much does it cost to rent a car in South Island?

    On average a rental car in South Island costs ₱3,156 per day.

  • 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.

  • How much does it cost to rent a car for a week in South Island?

    On average a rental car in South Island costs ₱22,093 per week (₱3,156 per day).

  • How much does it cost to rent a car long term for a month in South Island?

    On average a rental car in South Island costs ₱94,684 per month (₱3,156 per day).

  • 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).

Car rental directory

  • thrifty

    Thrifty car rental locations in South Island

    20 Locations

  • hertz

    Hertz car rental locations in South Island

    15 Locations

  • sunnycars

    Sunnycars car rental locations in South Island

    13 Locations

  • firefly

    Firefly car rental locations in South Island

    12 Locations

  • acerentalcars

    Ace Rental Cars car rental locations in South Island

    11 Locations

  • avis

    Avis car rental locations in South Island

    11 Locations

  • budget

    Budget car rental locations in South Island

    11 Locations

  • dollar

    Dollar car rental locations in South Island

    9 Locations

  • ezi

    EZI car rental locations in South Island

    9 Locations

  • apex

    Apex car rental locations in South Island

    8 Locations

  • europcar

    Europcar car rental locations in South Island

    7 Locations

  • motocarrental

    Moto Car Rental car rental locations in South Island

    7 Locations

Car rental locations in South Island

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.

Not what you’re looking for? Find thousands of other hotels, flights and car rentals with KAYAK.