Why Choose Bargain Rental Cars Queenstown?
✔ Free Cancellation up to 48hrs before pickup in Queenstown
✔ 100% Kiwi Owned & Operated for over 25 years
✔ Everyday low prices on Rental Cars Queenstown
✔ We don’t charge credit card fees on payments on Rental Cars Queenstown
✔ One way hires available to and from Auckland, Tauranga, Hamilton, Wellington Christchurch and Queenstown
✔ We don’t charge for an additional driver – You can have as many as you want
Best Day Trips from Queenstown
Queenstown is an incredible base, but some of the best experiences in the South Island are just a short drive away. Here are our favourite day trips you can do with a rental car from Queenstown.
Arrowtown (20 minutes)
Just a 20-minute drive from Queenstown, Arrowtown is one of New Zealand’s best preserved gold rush towns. Wander the tree-lined main street, grab a coffee at one of the local cafes, and visit the Lakes District Museum to learn about the area’s history. In autumn, the poplar trees that line the streets turn gold and it’s one of the most photographed spots in the South Island.
Glenorchy (45 minutes)
Head north along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to reach the tiny settlement of Glenorchy. From there, you can continue on to Paradise, a remote and dramatic valley that has been used as a filming location for Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. The road to Paradise is unsealed in parts, so we recommend a SUV for this one. Glenorchy is also the gateway to some of New Zealand’s best hiking trails such as Routeburn, Greenstone and Caples tracks.
Wanaka (1 hour)
Cross the Crown Range, the highest sealed road in New Zealand, and drop down into the Wanaka basin for the day. The drive itself is spectacular, and Wanaka offers beautiful lake views, great restaurants, and plenty of outdoor activities. If you are travelling with kids, Puzzling World is always a hit.
Cromwell (45 minutes)
Head east along State Highway 6 towards Cromwell, known for its stone fruit orchards and the beautiful lake created by the Clyde Dam. Stop at one of the roadside fruit stalls in summer and pick up fresh cherries, apricots, or peaches. The Cromwell Heritage Precinct features restored 1860’s buildings from the gold rush era which is also well worth exploring.
Milford Sound (4 hours)
If you are up for a longer drive or want to jump on a day tour from town, the road to Milford Sound is widely regarded as one of the most scenic drives in the world. It is a full day trip, but the fjord itself is unlike anything else in New Zealand. You can break up the travel time with a night in Te Anau. We recommend planning ahead for this trip as the cruises can book out in advance. There are also no shops or petrol stations between Te Anau and Milford Sound so make sure you are filled up with petrol and stocked up with food and drink for the day.
Ready to explore? Book your Queenstown rental car online and hit the road.
