We have great offers for daily, weekly and long term rentals in Wanaka. Find the cheapest prices online, for your future Car Rental in Wanaka 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 Wanaka 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 Wanaka and surcharges from our partners on the final price.

Quality & Expertise

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


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Why rent a car in Wanaka?

Renting a car in Wānaka offers unparalleled flexibility to explore the region's diverse attractions at your own pace. From the serene shores of Lake Wānaka to the rugged beauty of Mount Aspiring National Park, having your own vehicle allows you to access both popular sites and hidden gems without the constraints of public transportation schedules.

Additionally, Wānaka's surrounding areas boast numerous scenic drives and remote destinations that are best reached by car. Whether you're planning a day trip to nearby vineyards, embarking on a hiking adventure, or simply enjoying the picturesque landscapes, a rental car ensures a comfortable and convenient travel experience tailored to your interests.

Car rental tips for Wanaka

  • Wānaka is a popular tourist destination, especially during peak seasons like summer and winter. To ensure availability and secure the best rates, it's advisable to book your rental car well in advance.
  • New Zealand drives on the left side of the road. If you're unfamiliar with this, take some time to adjust and be extra cautious at intersections and roundabouts.
  • Many scenic spots around Wānaka are accessible via gravel or unsealed roads. Ensure your rental agreement permits driving on such surfaces, and consider renting a vehicle suitable for these conditions.
  • Fuel stations can be sparse in remote areas. Always check your fuel level before embarking on longer trips and refuel when possible to avoid running low in isolated regions.

FAQs about renting a car in Wanaka

What is the recommended car type/category?

A compact or mid-sized car is suitable for navigating Wānaka's town streets and nearby attractions. If you plan to explore mountainous areas or unsealed roads, consider renting a vehicle with higher ground clearance, such as an SUV, to ensure comfort and safety on varied terrains.

What are the parking options?

Wānaka offers ample parking options, including free street parking in the town center and designated parking areas near popular attractions. During peak tourist seasons, parking spaces can fill up quickly, so it's advisable to arrive early or consider alternative transportation methods for heavily visited sites.

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 be cautious on winding or narrow roads common in the Wānaka region.

Popular attractions

  • Puzzling World: A unique attraction featuring a maze, optical illusions, and the famous Leaning Tower of Wānaka, offering fun and challenges for all ages.
  • Mou Waho Island: A protected nature reserve accessible by boat, known for its glacial lake atop the island and native birdlife, including the flightless Weka.
  • Roy's Peak Track: A popular hiking trail providing panoramic views of Lake Wānaka and the surrounding mountains, ideal for photography enthusiasts.
  • That Wānaka Tree: An iconic lone willow tree growing in Lake Wānaka, a favorite subject for photographers due to its picturesque setting.
  • Cardrona Alpine Resort: A renowned ski resort offering winter sports and, in summer, mountain biking and hiking trails with stunning alpine views.

More places to visit

  • Queenstown: A vibrant town known for adventure sports, stunning lake and mountain scenery, and a lively dining scene, approximately an hour's drive from Wānaka.
  • Mount Aspiring National Park: A vast wilderness area offering hiking, mountaineering, and breathtaking landscapes, accessible via scenic drives from Wānaka.
  • Arrowtown: A historic gold mining town with charming streets, boutique shops, and rich heritage, located near Queenstown.

Highly recommended by our customers

All Car Rental Brands in Wanaka

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

National Car Rental

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Alamo Car Rental

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SIXT Car Rental

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Enterprise Car Rental

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Budget Car Rental

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Europcar Car Rental

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Hertz Car Rental

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Thrifty Car Rental

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Keddy Car Rental

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AVIS Car Rental

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Firefly Car Rental

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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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Wanaka: 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.