Car Rentals in Nelson from $51/day - Search for Rental Cars on KAYAK

Toyota Yaris

or similar SMALL

$56/day

Hyundai Accent

or similar MEDIUM

$51/day

Toyota RAV4

or similar SUV

$70/day

Toyota Highlander

or similar SUV

$126/day

Class Full-size Truck

or similar PICKUPTRUCK

$138/day

Class Special Car

or similar Category

$56/day

Class Intermediate SUV

or similar SUV

$57/day

Subaru Forester

or similar SUV

$61/day

Toyota Yaris Cross

or similar SUV

$62/day

Best prices found by KAYAK users in the past 48 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.
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.
25% of our users found rental cars in Nelson for $58 or less
Book your rental car in Nelson at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
Compact rental cars in Nelson are around 35% cheaper than other car types, on average

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 hire a car in Nelson?
On average a rental car in Nelson costs $70 per day.
What is the cheapest car hire company in Nelson?
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest car hires were found at Alamo ($51/day), EZI ($57/day) and keddy by Europcar ($126/day). In the last 72 hours the cheapest hire car price was found at Alamo Rental Car Building Trent Dr Serviced By Europcar (6 kilometres from the city centre).
How much is the price of fuel in Nelson?
The average price of fuel in Nelson is $10.50 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of uel costs between $126 and $168, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular car hire in Nelson?
Compact (Ford Puma or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Nelson.
Which hire car agencies are at Nelson airport (NSN)?
Car hire companies onsite at Nelson airport include Europcar, EZI, Thrifty, Apex, keddy by Europcar, Budget, Go Rentals, Dollar, Avis and Hertz.
Which hire car agencies will pick you up at Nelson airport (NSN)?
Car hire companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Nelson airport to off-airport locations include Europcar, Thrifty, Budget, Avis and Hertz.
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 Compact car hire cost in Nelson?
A Compact car hire in Nelson costs $73 per day, on average.
How much does a Full Size car hire cost in Nelson?
A Full Size car hire in Nelson costs $182 per day, on average.
How much does an Intermediate car hire cost in Nelson?
An Intermediate car hire in Nelson costs $100 per day, on average.
How much does it cost to hire a car for a week in Nelson?
On average a car hire in Nelson costs $484 per week ($69 per day).
How much does it cost to hire a car long term for a month in Nelson?
On average a car hire in Nelson costs $2,075 per month ($69 per day).
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.

Avis

10.0

Wonderful

Best rated

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 - 22:00
Sunday	08:30 - 22:00

Europcar

10.0

Wonderful

Read 2 reviews

Most popular

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 3 265 5201

Opening times not available

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Mar 2020

Pros:

Great car. Friendly staff.

Cons:

Nothing

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Feb 2024

Compact

The easiest and friendliest car rental process ever! Booked online for Nelson Airport pickup and return Feb ‘24. Cheerful and helpful man at the desk. No surprises. Smooth process. But be aware that there is an extra surcharge for the airport ( ours was $45).

EZI

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

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

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 - 22:00
Tuesday	07:30 - 22:00
Wednesday	07:30 - 22:00
Thursday	07:30 - 22:00
Friday	07:30 - 22:00
Saturday	08:30 - 22:00
Sunday	09:30 - 20:30

Apex

8.0

Very Good

Cleanliness

8.0

Comfort

8.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.0

Value for money

10.0

One location in Nelson

Locations in Nelson

4 Trent Drive, Tahunanui

+64 3547 6800

Opening times not available

Filters

Reviews

8.0 Very Good

Matthew, Jul 2022

Everything was fine except that we couldn't alter the return time because we didn't book direct. This left us with a massive gap between dropping the car off and our flight. Next time I'll book direct to avoid this.

Firefly

6.4

Okay

Cleanliness

8.0

Comfort

8.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

4.0

Value for money

8.0

One location in Nelson

Locations in Nelson

Nelson

+64 3547 2299

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 - 22:00
Sunday	09:00 - 20:00

Filters

Reviews

6.4 Okay

Anonymous, Mar 2020

Pros:

Drop off was simple.The vehicle was fine.

Cons:

I booked it under your Webb site with the no excess option. But when we picked up the car, I had to sign the contract that had a $5500.00 x/s. I was not happy, and your staff said it was not there problem as it was insured with another company, not them, but as I told them it was booked thru the Firefly web site. The manager got involved but his answer was not our problem and said give me the keys back and get a rental from another company. The final insult was when I had to pay another $200.00 just in case I didn’t fill the car upon my return. I did fill the tank on my return. I am still waiting on the 200.00 to be refunded. Overall a very disappointing and stressful experience. Mary and Dennis Hunt.

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

from$50/day

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 - 22:00
Sunday	08:30 - 22:00

Filters

Reviews

6.0 Okay

Anonymous, Sept 2023

Compact SUV

I had a late pickup when it was dark and raining so I was unable to check the car properly. The next day I was shocked to see the number of scratches on the paintwork. I called the Nelson airport office and was told they could send through some photos from your files so I could verify that the scratches had already been noted. The email/link to photos did not reach me. I was also told that scratches are regarded as wear and tear but there was one significant long scratch that I was particularly concerned about. The next day I noticed a dent in the passenger door. I took a photo and I think I called again. Basically for the whole of the hire I had anxiety and uncertainty whether I would be charged the excess for repairs to the dent or the scratches, that I hadn’t seen when I picked the car up. I was unsure whether I would be held responsible even though I had taken care where I parked the car and certainly wasn’t aware of causing any of the scratches or dent myself. I won’t be picking up hire cars in the future when it is dark but I also think the check over of the car should have been done with one of your staff. The fact that Budget regards scratches and dents as general wear and tear is up to you but it doesn’t help your customers if they pick up cars late and during bad weather making it impossible to check over the car adequately. Apart from this, I was pleased with the car and pickup/drop off was very straightforward.

Dollar

2.0

Poor