Car hire in Nelson, New Zealand

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Compare car hire on price, ease of pick-up, a fair fuel policy and more

Find Nelson car rental deals you can amend or cancel if your plans change

Select your Nelson pick-up location

There are 1 car hire locations in Nelson. Choose the cheapest or easiest now.

The most popular car rental companies in Nelson

Hiring a car in Nelson: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companySnap
Most popular carEconomy, 4-5 doors
Average daily priceر.ق.‏ 233
Best time to book3 weeks before

How to book the best car rental deals in Nelson

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Nelson car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Nelson

  • Looking for a cheap rental car in Nelson? With prices averaging ر.ق.‏ 233 a day, you're in gear for serious savings. Whether you're after an economy ride, a large SUV, or anything in between, we compare all the best offers to help you book smart.

  • November is the cheapest month to rent a car in Nelson. With average daily rates of ر.ق.‏ 114, you're cruising toward real savings.

  • Timing is everything when it comes to finding a cheap rental car in Nelson. Book about one week before your trip to land the best prices.

  • Leading rental brands such as Big Value, Snap and Ezi are great picks for car hire deals in Nelson.

  • Check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Nelson car hire policy, whether with Big Value or any other supplier. Some companies might not include it in the base price and instead sell it separately.

  • Booking one-way could snag you a cheaper rate on your car hire. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be moved around. Simply choose 'Return car to a different location' when searching for a car for rent in Nelson.

  • Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car hire in Nelson with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. You'll also skip the costly refueling charges rental agencies tack on.

  • Roam without limits by booking a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, it means you can drive as far as you like without paying more.

  • Consider picking up one of the car rentals in Nelson Airport if you're flying into the city. You can skip public transport or cab lines and start exploring Nelson right away.

Compare car hire types in Nelson

  • Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Nelson gives you the freedom to explore for less. These zippy, fuel-efficient rides are perfect for short trips and city driving.

  • Medium: A solid choice when you want something that's easy to drive but doesn't skimp on features. This category includes compact and intermediate models that offer a bit of extra space compared to smaller options.

  • Large: Long drives fly by in this Nelson car hire category. Also known as full-size, they're built with bigger engines for better driving. The extra space and comfort make them a great choice for groups of friends and families.

  • SUV: When adventure calls, an SUV answers. It's your perfect road trip companion, ready for country roads, highways, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also deliver on space and improved safety features.

  • Van: Featuring commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Nelson handles big loads and group travel with ease. They're spacious, functional, and built to take on any task.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Excess insurance covers the fee you'd have to pay if your Nelson car hire is stolen or damaged. While not mandatory, it's a smart add-on if you'd rather play it safe. Just remember that policies differ from one provider to another, so make sure you understand exactly what's offered.

  • From GPS units to mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, the right extras can make all the difference on the road. Think about which extras will suit your needs when you rent a car in Nelson.

Good to know

  • Rental age requirements aren't always the same everywhere. Companies can set their own policies, and if you're a younger driver, you could encounter extra costs or restrictions. Check the rules for the supplier you choose before booking your car hire in New Zealand.

  • Travel plans include the kids? Car seat requirements vary from one location to another, and the correct setup may depend on their age, weight and height. Check if you need to add one to your Nelson car hire reservation.

Hit the road: Where to drive from Nelson

  • Lock in an epic car hire deal in Nelson and then get ready to discover the city's biggest attractions, such as Centre of New Zealand and Helibike Nelson. Whether you drive or get there another way, you'll want to check out these highlights before you chase the next stop.

  • When you're ready to check in, Nelson City TOP 10 Holiday Park and Bridge Backpackers will make you feel at home in Nelson.

  • Blenheim has to be on your itinerary if you're eager to see Wither Hills Cellar Door and Restaurant and Mt Vernon lookout. This city is about 64 kilometres east of central Nelson.

  • They've got hospitality down to a fine art at Blenheim Bridges Holiday Park and Sundowner Motel, two comfortable accommodation options in Blenheim.

  • Or collect your cheap car hire in Nelson and then head for Motueka. About 26 kilometres north-west of Nelson, Motueka Beach Reserve and Motueka Inlet Walkway are big attractions that make the drive worthwhile.

  • Unwind after a big day out in Motueka at Motueka Top 10 Holiday Park. Or spend your downtime at Motueka Garden Motel.

  • Keep things moving and road-trip it to Lower Hutt, around 145 kilometres east of Nelson. Kick things off at Sugarloaf Rock Lookout, then head to Lion’s rock.

  • Get some shut-eye in Lower Hutt at Sea Views From Holiday Home. Angie's Rural Retreat also makes bedtime something to look forward to.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Nelson will set you back around ر.ق.‏ 233 per day or ر.ق.‏ 689 per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Nelson is an intermediate estate (sometimes known as a station wagon). The most popular is Economy, 4-5 doors.
Bagging the best car hire deal depends on when you book  – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. But according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Nelson is currently November.
On average, around ر.ق.‏ 689. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Nelson is ر.ق.‏ 498.
Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to hire a car in Nelson for a whole month is ر.ق.‏ 2,957. 

But sometimes, you'll get a discount for booking a whole month instead of 3 and a half weeks. So play with your dates to find the best deals!
If you're looking for freedom to explore Nelson, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in Nelson that have free cancellation
Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.
Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of Nelson.
Most places – Nelson included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers. 
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is ر.ق.‏ 158 per day. The average price per day is around ر.ق.‏ 233.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like Snap, Big Value and Ezi offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
We search the internet for all kinds of vehicle hire deals, including vans. But at the moment, we can't find any van hire in Nelson.