We have great offers for daily, weekly and long term rentals in Nelson. Find the cheapest prices online, for your future Car Hire in Nelson in 4 quick easy steps. Book now at the lowest possible rates only with a small down payment and pay the rest when you pick up the car.

  • Customer benefits:
  • Quality & Expertise
  • Free amendments before rental start
  • Free cancellation up to 48h before rental
  • 24/7 customer service
  • Club Member Discount

Flexible Booking Process

No need for huge up-front costs. Search for the best deal for you in Nelson and book it with only a small advance payment, you will pay the remaining amount during the car pickup time.

Free Extras & Cancellation

In case your plans change you can cancel or do minor modifications for free up to 48 hours before your rental starts. We will also include all special offers in Nelson and surcharges from our partners on the final price.

Quality & Expertise

We constantly evaluate our partners in the level of service they provide in Nelson so we can ensure the quality of service you will receive.


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Why rent a car in Nelson?

Renting a car in Nelson, New Zealand, offers unparalleled freedom to explore the region's diverse landscapes, from pristine beaches to lush national parks. With your own vehicle, you can easily access remote areas and hidden gems that are less frequented by public transport, enhancing your travel experience.

Additionally, having a car allows you to set your own schedule, making spontaneous stops at local wineries, art galleries, and scenic viewpoints. This flexibility ensures you can fully immerse yourself in the rich culture and natural beauty that Nelson and its surroundings have to offer.

Car rental tips for Nelson

  • Nelson Airport hosts several car rental agencies, allowing for convenient vehicle pickup upon arrival. It's advisable to book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure availability.
  • When driving in Nelson, be prepared for varied road conditions, including narrow coastal routes and hilly terrains. Ensure your rental vehicle is suitable for these conditions, and always drive cautiously.
  • Exploring the surrounding regions, such as Abel Tasman National Park or Golden Bay, is more accessible with a rental car. Plan your routes in advance, and consider the travel times to fully enjoy these destinations.
  • Familiarise yourself with New Zealand's road rules, including driving on the left side of the road and giving way at roundabouts. This knowledge will enhance your driving experience and safety during your visit.

FAQs about renting a car in Nelson

What is the recommended car type/category?

A compact or mid-sized car is ideal for navigating Nelson's city streets and nearby attractions. If planning to explore mountainous areas or unsealed roads, consider renting a vehicle with higher ground clearance.

What are the parking options?

Nelson offers ample parking options, including metered street parking and public car parks in the city centre. Parking is generally affordable, but it's advisable to check for any time restrictions or fees.

What's the speed limit?

In New Zealand, the maximum speed limits are 100 km/h (62 mph) on open roads and 50 km/h (31 mph) in urban areas. Always adhere to posted speed limits and drive cautiously on winding or narrow roads.

Popular attractions

  • Abel Tasman National Park: Renowned for its golden beaches, clear waters, and coastal walking tracks, this park offers opportunities for kayaking, hiking, and wildlife spotting.
  • Nelson Provincial Museum: Showcases the history of the Nelson and Tasman regions, featuring extensive collections from geological origins to personal stories of local families.
  • Christ Church Cathedral: An iconic landmark with modernist Gothic Revival architecture, offering panoramic views of Nelson from its steps.
  • Brook Waimārama Sanctuary: A 700-hectare fenced ecological island aiming to restore native flora and fauna, providing walking trails through mature beech forest.
  • Founders Heritage Park: A living museum with historic buildings and exhibits, including a heritage railway, showcasing Nelson's cultural heritage.

More places to visit

  • Māpua Wharf: A vibrant hub with art galleries, cafes, and shops, located beside the Waimea Estuary, perfect for a leisurely day trip.
  • Nelson Lakes National Park: Features stunning alpine landscapes with glacial lakes, offering hiking trails ranging from short walks to multi-day treks.
  • Golden Bay: Known for its secluded beaches, artisan communities, and access to Farewell Spit, a haven for birdwatchers.

Highly recommended by our customers

All Car Hire Brands in Nelson

Experience the difference with rentals from trusted brands. We focus on quality and customer satisfaction, so you can enjoy every mile of your journey.

10 / 10

AVIS Car Hire

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10 / 10

Budget Car Hire

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9.94 / 10

EZI Car Hire

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9.83 / 10

Dollar Car Hire

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9.63 / 10

SNAP Car Hire

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9.55 / 10

Europcar Car Hire

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8.5 / 10

Thrifty Car Hire

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7.83 / 10

Hertz Car Hire

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National Car Hire

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Alamo Car Hire

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SIXT Car Hire

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Enterprise Car Hire

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Keddy Car Hire

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Firefly Car Hire

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: This company has yet to receive any customer evaluations.

Find a car according to your needs


Small / Economy

You want a small, fuel-efficient vehicle for your trip? We provide a large range of options for you to select from. Save money while still getting a reliable vehicle!

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Hybrid / Electric

A hybrid car rental gives you the option to travel using different kinds of power, save energy, and cut down on emissions. Get where you need to go without constantly stopping for gas.

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Prestige Cars

Renting a luxury car gives you the chance to drive your dream car at an affordable price. This puts you in the driver’s seat of luxury cars from internationally renowned brands.

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Stationwagon / Minibus

You are on a family vacation or group outing? Our minibus and station wagons are perfect for the job. Minivans and 7-9 seaters are designed to provide a comfortable ride for everyone to enjoy.

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Nelson: Most popular locations



The cheapest car rental deals


Displayed prices are the best daily rates found by our customers during the last two weeks. (Subject to change)

Website advantages

  • Destinations in almost every city in the world.
  • Competitive prices from trusted car rental brands
  • Genuine customer evaluation scores for each brand
  • Multilingual website

Customer benefits

  • Free amendments before rental start
  • Free cancellation up to 48h before rental
  • 24/7 customer service
  • Club Member Discount

One ways are supported! You want to pick up your car and return it to a different location, we can do it!

No hidden fees with us! Select your preferences and see the total prices before booking! Any extra fees that may apply because of driver's age or late pick up time selection, will always be included on the total price.

No need for full payment! Book your car with just a small amount and give the rest upon pick up.