Car Rentals in Nelson from $38/day - Search for Rental Cars on KAYAK

Hyundai i30

or similar Small

$38/day

Hyundai Accent

or similar Medium

$40/day

Toyota RAV4

or similar 4WD

$50/day

Class Full-size Truck

or similar Pickup truck

$78/day

Class Special Car

or similar Category

$39/day

Mitsubishi ASX

or similar 4WD

$40/day

Mitsubishi Outlander

or similar 4WD

$43/day

Mazda CX-5

or similar 4WD

$44/day

Best prices found by KAYAK users in the past 48 hours.

Useful Info

Most popular agency	Most popular car type	Average price	Good deal
Thrifty	Compact	$76/day	$56/day

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 81 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.

What is the cheapest car rental company in Nelson?

In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Thrifty ($34.00/day), Europcar ($34.63/day), and Apex ($36.69/day). The cheapest car hire price was found at Thrifty Nelson Ap (5.7 km from city centre).

What is the best car rental company in Nelson?

Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car rental companies in Nelson are Avis (10.0, 1 review), EZI (10.0, 1 review), and Go Rentals (10.0).

Avis

Rated 10.0/10

EZI

Rated 10.0/10

Go Rentals

Rated 10.0/10

Hertz

Rated 10.0/10

What is the most popular rental car in Nelson?

SUV rentals (Nissan X-Trail or similar) are the most popular type of vehicle to rent in Nelsone. SUV cars in Nelson cost $91/day on average, though some users have found deals as low as $45/day.

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 $45/day. December is the most expensive month to hire a car in Nelson when prices are $119/day on average, which tends to be 174% above the yearly average hire price for Nelson.

What rental car company in Nelson has the most locations?

Thrifty operates 2 locations in Nelson, more than any other rental company.

Find deals

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 $50 or less
Mini rental cars in Nelson are around 24% 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 $76 per day.
Which hire car agencies are at Nelson airport (NSN)?
Car hire companies onsite at Nelson airport include Thrifty, EZI, Budget, Europcar, Alamo, Apex 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 Thrifty, Budget, Europcar 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 $81 per day, on average.
How much does a Standard car hire cost in Nelson?
A Standard car hire in Nelson costs $86 per day, on average.
How much does a Mini car hire cost in Nelson?
A Mini car hire in Nelson costs $72 per day, on average.
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

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

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

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

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

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

Read 2 reviews

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

from$47/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

No reviews available

Dollar

2.0

Poor