How much does it cost to rent a car in Nelson?

On average a rental car in Nelson costs S$ 109 per day.

Which car rental companies are at Nelson airport (NSN)?

Car hire companies onsite at Nelson airport include EZI and Go Rentals.

How can I find car hires near me in Nelson?

Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.

How much does a Small car rental cost in Nelson?

A Small car hire in Nelson costs S$ 92 per day, on average.

What is the most popular rental car location in Nelson?

In Nelson, cars are most frequently rented at Go Rentals Nelson Airport (6 km from city centre ).

What type of car is recommended for driving in Nelson?

With wide roads and manageable traffic, intermediate models offer a comfortable ride without sacrificing practicality. Full-size cars navigate Nelson’s winding coastal roads well, providing steady traction and control around bends. 4WDs are competitively priced considering the additional storage space and power they deliver.

What’s the speed limit in Nelson?

Unless indicated otherwise, the default limit in Nelson is 50 km/h. Highways, including Queen Elizabeth II Dr, are set at 100 km/h, while school zones are reduced to 40 km/h.

Where are the best places to park in Nelson?

The first hour of metered car parks in Nelson’s CBD is free, with restrictions in place from 08:00–17:00 on Monday to Friday and 09:00–13:00 on Saturdays. Buxton Square Car Park has 3h spaces for around A$ 4 and Hathaway Terrace Parking has free, unrestricted spaces.

Which hybrid or electric vehicles are available to hire in Nelson?

Nelson car hire companies offer a range of hybrid and electric vehicles, including Toyota Corolla, Tesla Model 3, Suzuki Jimny and Kia Niro. If you want cheap car hire in Nelson that’s also eco-friendly, compact hybrid models tend to be a cost-effective option.

How can I use an overseas driver’s licence to hire a car in Nelson?

It is certainly possible, but do note that if your licence is in a language other than English, you will also need to get an International Driver's Permit in your country of origin. It's also worth knowing that some hire agencies impose a stricter age limit on drivers with IDPs.

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Luxury

Van

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Booking Insights

KAYAK’s insights & trends for Nelson car hire

Check out the latest trends and booking tips to hire a car in Nelson with confidence.

How far in advance should you book a rental car in Nelson?

You should book your rental car in Nelson around 71 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.

What is the cheapest month to hire a car in Nelson?

The cheapest month to hire a car in Nelson is August at an average cost of S$ 32/day. February is the most expensive month to hire a car in Nelson when prices are S$ 102/day on average, which tends to be 75% above the yearly average hire price for Nelson.

Find deals

Nelson car rental price comparison by vehicle type

Find the right rental car in Nelson by comparing prices across vehicle types.

Small

Medium

SUV

Van

Pickup truck

Luxury

	Small cars	S$ 28 - S$ 83
	All Car Types	S$ 46 - S$ 167

How much does it cost to hire a small car in Nelson?

How much does it cost to hire a medium car in Nelson?

How much does it cost to hire an SUV in Nelson?

How much does it cost to hire a van in Nelson?

How much does it cost to hire a pickup truck in Nelson?

How much does it cost to hire a luxury car in Nelson?

Small car hire in Nelson typically costs around S$ 51 per day. The best time to book is August, when prices average S$ 28 per day, which is about 46% less than the yearly average. Small cars are usually 52% cheaper than the average car hire in Nelson, making them ideal for budget-conscious travellers.

Medium car hire in Nelson typically costs around S$ 89 per day. The best time to book is June, when prices average S$ 42 per day, which is about 53% less than the yearly average. Medium cars are usually 17% cheaper than the average car hire in Nelson, offering a good balance of space and value.

SUV hire in Nelson typically costs around S$ 89 per day. The best time to book is June, when prices average S$ 45 per day, which is about 50% less than the yearly average. SUVs can be 17% cheaper than the average car hire in Nelson, providing extra space and capability for groups or road trips at a reasonable price.

Van hire in Nelson typically costs around S$ 214 per day. The best time to book is June, when prices average S$ 47 per day, which is about 79% less than the yearly average. Vans are typically 51% more expensive than the average car hire in Nelson but are the best choice for families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity.

Pickup truck hire in Nelson typically costs around S$ 147 per day. The best time to book is August, when prices average S$ 43 per day, which is about 71% less than the yearly average. Pickup trucks are typically 28% more expensive than the average car hire in Nelson but are ideal for hauling gear or outdoor adventures.

Luxury car hire in Nelson typically costs around S$ 123 per day. The best time to book is August, when prices average S$ 39 per day, which is about 69% less than the yearly average. Luxury cars are typically 14% more expensive than the average car hire in Nelson but deliver premium comfort and style for special occasions.

Most popular agency	Most popular car type	Average price	Good deal
EZI	Small	S$ 109/day	S$ 108/day

Verified travelerFeb 2024

Driving in new Zealand is easy. The speed limits and very windy roads mean you need to allow more time to reach places than you may initially think!

Verified travelerFeb 2024

A small car was easier to manoeuvre and park.

Verified travelerSept 2023

Pickup your hire car during daylight. Insist the staff review the car with you so you have certainty that any scratches/dents/etc have been already noted and treated as “wear and tear”.

Hire a car in Nelson to easily transport all your beach equipment and luggage without having to worry about carrying it on public transport. The last bus services in Nelson depart between 18:00–19:00, meaning a hire car is your best option for eating out and sampling the nightlife. Wineries throughout the region, such as Seifried Estate and Neudorf, are easily reached with a hire car, taking the stress out of organising shuttles or booking taxis. The 1h 15min drive to Abel Tasman National Park is shorter than the 1h 45min bus journey and offers more flexibility as the bus only runs once per day.
Once you land at Nelson Airport (NSN), turn left as you exit the terminal building and walk approximately 50 m to find the car hire offices. Vehicles can be picked up directly behind the reception desks, meaning no shuttles are required for hire companies with kiosks on site. A shuttle van pick up area is located 150 m to the right of the terminal, next to Airport House, for companies with offices off airport grounds.
Be wary approaching corners on coastal roads, such as State Hwy 6, around Nelson as a clear view of oncoming vehicles can be obstructed. Single-lane bridges are scattered across the South Island of New Zealand; it’s important to give way to any vehicles already crossing and read the priority sign (larger arrows indicate priority for crossing). The winding Nelson roads invite many cyclists and drivers should provide a safe distance of at least 1.5 m when passing.
Traffic peaks between 08:00–09:30 and 16:00–17:30 in Nelson; however, congestion is not nearly as bad as most major cities in New Zealand. If driving during these periods, allow an additional 10–15min and you will reach your destination smoothly. Annesbrook Dr and Tahunanui Dr are two of the major arterial roads that are most affected by commuter travel in rush hours.
The minimum age to hire a vehicle in New Zealand is 18. However, if you're aged between 18 and 25, you may find that many Nelson car hire companies either don’t accept younger drivers or charge an additional fee. This may limit the range of vehicles you’re able to hire, so a good strategy is to compare different options through KAYAK and check the prices, policies and conditions. This should help you find a hire agency in Nelson that’s willing to accept younger drivers.
New Zealand car seat rules apply to all hire vehicles, so if you’re travelling with little ones, you’ll need to bring the appropriate seat or add one to your booking. All kids under seven will require a booster or child car seat under New Zealand law. From ages seven to eight, you should use approved child safety restraints if they are fitted to the vehicle. Children aged eight to 14 should be buckled into safety belts, and at these ages, it’s recommended that they don't travel in the front seat. Whether you’re opting for a luxury SUV or cheap car hire in Nelson, you’ll generally be able to add age-appropriate child seats to your hire.
In New Zealand, the blood alcohol limit for drivers over the age of 20 is 0.05%. Note that, for drivers under 20 years of age the limit is strictly 0.00%. The Nelson police frequently conduct roadside drug impairment tests and breath tests to enforce this regulation. It is not advisable to take the risk of driving while under the influence, as there are severe penalties for violating this law, including specific charges for anyone who refuses to consent to a breath test or provide a blood sample if asked by an officer. To avoid any accidents or legal trouble, it is always recommended to be cautious and refrain from driving while intoxicated.
25% of our users found rental cars in Nelson for S$ 108 or less

What type of car is recommended for driving in Nelson?
With wide roads and manageable traffic, intermediate models offer a comfortable ride without sacrificing practicality. Full-size cars navigate Nelson’s winding coastal roads well, providing steady traction and control around bends. 4WDs are competitively priced considering the additional storage space and power they deliver.
What’s the speed limit in Nelson?
Unless indicated otherwise, the default limit in Nelson is 50 km/h. Highways, including Queen Elizabeth II Dr, are set at 100 km/h, while school zones are reduced to 40 km/h.
Where are the best places to park in Nelson?
The first hour of metered car parks in Nelson’s CBD is free, with restrictions in place from 08:00–17:00 on Monday to Friday and 09:00–13:00 on Saturdays. Buxton Square Car Park has 3h spaces for around A$ 4 and Hathaway Terrace Parking has free, unrestricted spaces.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Nelson?
On average a rental car in Nelson costs S$ 109 per day.
Which car rental companies are at Nelson airport (NSN)?
Car hire companies onsite at Nelson airport include EZI and Go Rentals.
How can I find car hires near me in Nelson?
Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.
How much does a Small car rental cost in Nelson?
A Small car hire in Nelson costs S$ 92 per day, on average.
What is the most popular rental car location in Nelson?
In Nelson, cars are most frequently rented at Go Rentals Nelson Airport (6 km from city centre ).
Which hybrid or electric vehicles are available to hire in Nelson?
Nelson car hire companies offer a range of hybrid and electric vehicles, including Toyota Corolla, Tesla Model 3, Suzuki Jimny and Kia Niro. If you want cheap car hire in Nelson that’s also eco-friendly, compact hybrid models tend to be a cost-effective option.
How can I use an overseas driver’s licence to hire a car in Nelson?
It is certainly possible, but do note that if your licence is in a language other than English, you will also need to get an International Driver's Permit in your country of origin. It's also worth knowing that some hire agencies impose a stricter age limit on drivers with IDPs.

Go Rentals

10.0

Wonderful

Cleanliness

10.0

Comfort

10.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

10.0

Value for money

10.0

One location in Nelson

Avis

10.0

Wonderful

Cleanliness

10.0

Comfort

10.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

10.0

Value for money

10.0

One location in Nelson

Locations in Nelson

Terminal Building

+64 3 547 2727

Monday	07:30 - 22:00
Tuesday	07:30 - 22:00
Wednesday	07:30 - 22:00
Thursday	07:30 - 22:00
Friday	07:30 - 22:00
Saturday	07:30 - 20:30
Sunday	08:30 - 22:00

Hertz

10.0

Wonderful

Cleanliness

10.0

Comfort

10.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

10.0

Value for money

10.0

One location in Nelson

Locations in Nelson

Trent Drive

+64 3 547 2299

Monday	07:30 - 20:30
Tuesday	07:30 - 20:30
Wednesday	07:30 - 21:00
Thursday	07:30 - 21:00
Friday	07:30 - 21:00
Saturday	08:30 - 16:00
Sunday	09:30 - 20:30

Europcar

9.5

Wonderful

Cleanliness

9.5

Comfort

9.5

Pick-up/Drop-off

10.0

Value for money

8.5

One location in Nelson

Apex

8.0

Very Good

Cleanliness

8.5

Comfort

8.5

Pick-up/Drop-off

9.0

Value for money

8.0

One location in Nelson

Budget

6.0

Okay

Cleanliness

10.0

Comfort

10.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.0

Value for money

8.0

One location in Nelson

Locations in Nelson

Domestic Terminal

+64 3 547 9586

Monday	07:30 - 22:00
Tuesday	07:30 - 22:00
Wednesday	07:30 - 22:00
Thursday	07:30 - 22:00
Friday	07:30 - 22:00
Saturday	07:30 - 20:30
Sunday	08:30 - 22:00

EZI

6.0

Okay

Cleanliness

6.0

Comfort

6.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.0

Value for money

6.0

One location in Nelson

fromS$ 126/day

Locations in Nelson

Rental Car Kiosk, Terminal Building, Trent Drive

Monday	08:00 - 20:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 20:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 20:00
Thursday	08:00 - 20:00
Friday	08:00 - 20:00

Filters

Reviews

2.0 Poor

Kelly, Jan 2026

Compact SUV

They would not let us take the car as my wife was to be the licenced driver. They claimed that QEEQ was the only entity allowed to change the name to allow us to take it but subsequently QEEQ advised it was EZIs decision. They tried to rent us the same car for 1800$ even though we already paid for it. We rented a car from another agency at the airport. Very poor form EZI!

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Aug 2024

Standard SUV

Very nice

Dollar

2.0

Poor

Cleanliness

10.0

Comfort

10.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

2.0

Value for money

6.0

One location in Nelson

Locations in Nelson

Trent Drive

+64 800 243 789

Monday	07:30 - 20:30
Tuesday	07:30 - 20:30
Wednesday	07:30 - 21:00
Thursday	07:30 - 21:00
Friday	07:30 - 21:00
Saturday	08:30 - 16:00
Sunday	09:30 - 20:30

Filters

No reviews available

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

9.6

Wonderful

Cleanliness

9.6

Comfort

9.6

Pick-up/Drop-off

9.6

Value for money

9.2

One location in Nelson

Locations in Nelson

Rental Car Building Trent Dr

+64 9 870 3330

Monday	08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 17:00
Thursday	08:00 - 17:00
Friday	08:00 - 17:00
Saturday	08:00 - 17:00
Sunday	08:00 - 17:00

Filters

No reviews available

Alamo

8.9

Very Good

Cleanliness

9.2

Comfort

9.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

9.0

Value for money

8.8

One location in Nelson

Locations in Nelson

Rental Car Building Trent Dr

+64 9 870 3330

Monday	08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 17:00
Thursday	08:00 - 17:00
Friday	08:00 - 17:00
Saturday	08:00 - 17:00
Sunday	08:00 - 17:00

Filters

No reviews available

keddy by Europcar

8.0

Very Good

Cleanliness

7.0

Comfort

8.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

9.0

Value for money

9.0

One location in Nelson

Locations in Nelson

Terminal Building - Meet & Greet

64 3 5738800

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Thrifty

8.0

Very Good

Cleanliness

8.2

Comfort

8.3

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.9

Value for money

7.9

One location in Nelson

Locations in Nelson

Trent Drive

+64 800 243 789

Monday	07:30 - 20:30
Tuesday	07:30 - 20:30
Wednesday	07:30 - 21:00
Thursday	07:30 - 21:00
Friday	07:30 - 21:00
Saturday	08:30 - 16:00
Sunday	09:30 - 20:30

Filters

No reviews available

Apollo Car Rentals

No score available yet

One location in Nelson

Locations in Nelson

Nelson Airport

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Firefly

No score available yet

One location in Nelson

Locations in Nelson

Nelson

+64 3547 2299

Monday	07:30 - 20:30
Tuesday	07:30 - 20:30
Wednesday	07:30 - 20:30
Thursday	07:30 - 20:30
Friday	07:30 - 20:30
Saturday	07:30 - 20:00
Sunday	09:00 - 20:00

Filters

No reviews available

Go Rental Car Hire

No score available yet

One location in Nelson

Locations in Nelson

Nelson Airport

+64 3 974 3700

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Moto Car Rental

No score available yet

One location in Nelson

Locations in Nelson

Rental Car Kiosk, Terminal Building Trent Drive, Nelson

+64 800 656 564

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Right Cars

No score available yet

One location in Nelson

Locations in Nelson

Nelson Airport

+64 3 288 0097

Monday	08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 18:00
Thursday	08:00 - 18:00
Friday	08:00 - 18:00
Saturday	08:30 - 18:00
Sunday	08:30 - 18:00

Filters

No reviews available

Shouqi

No score available yet

One location in Nelson

Locations in Nelson

Terminal Building

+86 10 6064 1387

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Sunnycars

No score available yet

One location in Nelson

Locations in Nelson

Trent Drive Nelson

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

15 travellers who rented a car in Nelson gave the car agency they used an average rating of 8.3

Pick-up location	Nelson
Car types
Hire locations	19
Airport locations	19

Nelson car hire

Cheap car rentals in Nelson

KAYAK’s insights & trends for Nelson car hire

How far in advance should you book a rental car in Nelson?

What is the cheapest month to hire a car in Nelson?

Nelson car rental price comparison by vehicle type

Find the right rental car in Nelson by comparing prices across vehicle types.

How much does it cost to hire a small car in Nelson?

How much does it cost to hire a medium car in Nelson?

How much does it cost to hire an SUV in Nelson?

How much does it cost to hire a van in Nelson?

How much does it cost to hire a pickup truck in Nelson?

How much does it cost to hire a luxury car in Nelson?

Good to know

Most popular agency

Most popular car type

Average price

Good deal

Nelson car rental experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users

KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Nelson

FAQs about renting a car in Nelson

Nelson car rental reviews and directory

Car hire locations in or near Nelson

More options for your car rental in Nelson

Complete your trip to Nelson

Car rental at airports serving Nelson

Car rental in other popular destinations

Nelson car hire information