Car hire in
Christchurch
Our top branches in Christchurch
Our services at Christchurch
Car hire in Christchurch
A gateway to some of the South Island's most iconic landscapes, Christchurch is a natural starting point for Australian travellers heading to New Zealand. The city itself is well worth a visit, with a revitalised city centre, a thriving arts scene, and direct access to alpine scenery stretching toward the Southern Alps.
SIXT offers a wide range of vehicles to suit every type of trip, from compact cars for city driving to spacious SUVs ready for open-road adventures. Pick up your rental car at our SIXT Christchurch Airport (CHC) branch and you'll be on the road without delay.
Tips for driving in Christchurch
What to know before you go
The good news is you won’t have to adjust to driving on the opposite side of the road, as New Zealand drives on the left, too. That being said, there are a few local rules worth keeping in mind:
- Allow extra time on rural roads: Many roads outside Christchurch are narrow, hilly, and winding. Journey times can run significantly longer than expected, so plan ahead.
- Centre line colours: A white centre line means overtaking is permitted when safe. A yellow centre line means overtaking is prohibited, because conditions on that stretch have been deemed too dangerous.
- Speed limits: Within Christchurch, the maximum speed limit is 50 km/h. On open roads beyond the city limits, the limit increases to 100 km/h.
- Parking in Christchurch: Metered street parking is widely available in the city centre and can be managed via a parking app. Christchurch also has paid surface lots and several multi-storey car parks throughout the city.
What to do in Christchurch and surrounding areas
When you rent a car in Christchurch through SIXT, you set the schedule. Here are a few highlights worth the drive:
- Punt tour on the Avon: Drift through the city centre on an Edwardian-style punt along the Avon River. A car park is located within a short walk of the punting departure point.
- International Antarctic Centre: Experience recreated Antarctic environments, encounter local wildlife, and take a ride in an amphibious vehicle. Free on-site parking is available.
- Christchurch Gondola: Take the cable car up to the summit of the Port Hills for sweeping views over the city, Banks Peninsula, and the Southern Alps. Free parking is available at the base station.
Customer reviews & feedback
Listen to what our customers say
*Our Customer Excitement Score is based on a survey sent to all customers who booked in Christchurch. The score is an average of all customer responses.
Good to know when renting in Christchurch
If you are finishing the journey at a separate place simply select a separate location for example Auckland or Queenstown during booking to check if this is an available option.
SIXT can include an extra miles and protection packages, a sat nav systems, or a child seat simply select during booking.
Cancellation is free if you select ‘pay later’ while booking a car online, we understand trips are subject to change.
