Book using Promo Code ‘blackfriday’ to receive a 15% discount on your next hire* for hires with a start date of 1-20 Dec 2025, 6-22 Jan 2026 and 5 Apr-30 June 2026

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Car Hire in South Island

Rolling hills, captivating coasts, and awe-inspiring glaciers— the beauty of New Zealand's South Island is just waiting to be discovered. What better way to get around than with a budget-friendly car rental? With six car rental locations across the South Island, Omega Rental Cars lets you travel around without sacrificing affordability.

South Island

Picton Car Rental

1 Lagoon Road, Picton, New Zealand

Nelson Car Rental

102 Quarantine Road, Annesbrook, Nelson, New Zealand

Blenheim Airport Car Rental

Tancred Cres, Woodbourne, Blenheim

Car Rental Christchurch Airport

158 Orchard Rd, Mustang Park, Harewood, Christchurch, New Zealand

Queenstown Car Rental

5/93 Beach St, Queenstown

Car Rental Queenstown Airport

202 Hawthorne Dr, Frankton, Queenstown, New Zealand

The Benefits of Hiring from Omega Rental Cars

Affordable Rental Cars and the Lowest Insurance Waiver Rates

Hire a car that meets your budget with our wide range of affordable rental vehicles. Enjoy hot deals on accommodation, relocations, attractions, and more. Omega provides some of the most competitive car rental insurance waiver rates in NZ—your excess can be dropped to zero if you're over 18 with a full driver’s licence.

Modern Car Hire Fleet

There's a vehicle for everyone at Omega. Whether you want a premium SUV for the utmost comfort or a budget compact car to zip around town, you can easily rent a car that meets your preferences on our website. Every vehicle is well-maintained and unbranded, ensuring you stay safe.

Trusted by 500,000+ Customers

Thousands have rented a car from Omega for holidays and business trips — and we’re proud to have earned excellent reviews on Trustpilot from customers across New Zealand and beyond. Our team’s dedication to quality service means you can book with confidence every time. 

Why Omega?

Book Your Car Hire in Minutes

It's quick and easy to hire a car on the Omega website. Just fill out the online booking form with your pickup and drop-off car hire locations and travel dates to check availability. Choose the vehicle that matches your budget and preferences, add extras like snow chains or baby seats, and enter your details. Your car rental will be ready for collection on your selected date.

If you’re arriving by air, Omega offers a free pick-up and drop-off shuttle service from the airport. Simply give us a call after you land, and our friendly team will collect you and bring you straight to your rental car. Our friendly staff is also happy to share local insights and travel tips to help you get the most out of your New Zealand holiday.

Our South Island Car Rental Locations

Picton

As the gateway to the South Island, Picton is a great place to start your travels— and with our car hire location conveniently placed near the Interislander and Bluebridge ferry terminals, it's also a great place to continue from after a Cook Strait ferry trip.

Telephone/Freephone: +64 3 573 5580 or 0800 18 19 18

Address: 1 Lagoon Road, Picton, New Zealand

Operating Hours: 0800hrs – 1700hrs Daily. Last shuttle cut-off at 1629hrs

Nelson

Only three minutes from the airport, Omega Rental Cars Nelson welcomes you to discover the beauty of the sunny city. Explore a vibrant art scene, lively cafe culture, and relaxing beaches. Nelson is a short drive away from three national parks, making it an excellent car rental location for adventurers.

Telephone/Freephone: +64 3 548 5850 or 0800 55 59 66

Address: 102 Quarantine Road, Annesbrook, Nelson, New Zealand

Operating Hours: 0800 - 1700 Daily. Last shuttle to/from the airport at 1629.

Blenheim

Rent a car from our Blenheim location, situated just a short walk from the local airport. Immerse yourself in history at the Marlborough Museum and the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, or travel out of town to discover some of the best wineries New Zealand has to offer.

Telephone/Freephone: +64 3 573 5580 or 0800 18 19 18

Address: Tancred Cres, Woodbourne, Blenheim

Operating Hours: 0800hrs - 1700hrs Daily

Christchurch Airport

As the largest city on New Zealand's South Island, Christchurch has an endless array of exciting activities to do. Pick up an economical car rental from Omega and drive to the Botanic Gardens, Canterbury Museum, International Antarctic Centre, and more. We're only five minutes away from the Christchurch Airport.

Telephone/Freephone: +64 3 360 2885 or 0800 11 21 21

Address: 158 Orchard Rd, Mustang Park, Harewood, Christchurch, New Zealand

Operating Hours: 0800hrs - 1700hrs, Last shuttle to/from the airport at 1645hrs

Queenstown Town

Queenstown is the hotspot for adventure enthusiasts— and we're right in the heart of it! Discover the city centre's topmost thrilling activities like luge racing, skydiving, and jetboating. Or, drive your car out to taste-test artisanal wines and ski on snowy slopes.

Telephone/Freephone: +64 3 442 5224 or 0800 15 48 15

Address: 5/93 Beach St, Queenstown

Operating Hours: 0900-1500 (Mon-Sun)

Queenstown Airport

Our other Queenstown car hire location is situated close to the local airport, making it an excellent choice for travellers who want to start driving as soon as they arrive. We offer a free pick-up and drop-off shuttle service from the airport. Just give us a call after you land.

Telephone/Freephone: +64 3 442 2733 or 0800 15 48 15

Address: 202 Hawthorne Dr, Frankton, Queenstown, New Zealand

Operating Hours: 0800-1700 (Mon-Sun) Last pick up from the airport 1630, shuttle service finishes at 1645.

South Island Travel Guides

Driving from Queenstown to Dunedin

Dunedin's historical architecture and vibrant cultural scene make it a South Island city well worth visiting. Hire a car in Queenstown and take our 3-day itinerary on the road, discovering scenic landscapes, heritage museums, and coastal wildlife along the way. Read more >

Take a Trip from Queenstown to Christchurch

Driving from Queenstown to Christchurch will take you through some of New Zealand's most stunning landscapes. From the snow-capped Southern Alps and glistening waterways to charming historic gold mining towns, there's plenty to see on your South Island holidayRead more >

Avoiding Black Ice Risks on South Island Roads

In the colder months, drivers in some alpine areas may occasionally encounter black ice — a thin, hard-to-see layer of ice that can form in sub-freezing temperatures. It’s not something most travellers will come across, especially in the warmer months, but it pays to be aware. Check out our guide for simple tips on staying safe and confident on the road.  Read more >

South Island Car Rental FAQs

Finding Us & Our Vehicles

Pricing & Booking Information

Rental Requirements & Procedures

Driving in New Zealand