Off-site operators are located in the Frankton area, a short free shuttle ride from the terminal — typically five to ten minutes depending on the traffic. They use the Rental Car Transfer Area (Door D, outside the Air New Zealand check-in area) as the shuttle pickup point.
Choosing an off-site operator is one of the most reliable ways to find cheaper car hire at Queenstown Airport. Because off-site companies don’t pay terminal counter fees, they typically offer lower daily rates than their on-site competitors. The trade-off is a short shuttle wait — most companies advise allowing an extra 15–30 minutes on arrival.
Bargain Rental Cars at Queenstown Airport
Bargain Rental Cars operates from 31 Glenda Drive, Frankton — a five-minute drive from Queenstown Airport. BRC is a 100% Kiwi-owned company with 24 locations across New Zealand, and one of the most affordable options for car hire at Queenstown Airport.
Branch hours: 8:00 am to 9:30 pm, seven days a week
Contact: 0800 566 701 (NZ freephone) or info@bargainrentalcars.co.nz
Vehicles available at BRC Queenstown Airport
Bargain Rental Cars’ Queenstown branch carries a broad range of vehicles suited to the South Island:
- Toyota Camry — comfortable 5-seat sedan for couples and families, ideal for Queenstown city and day trips to Glenorchy, Arrowtown, and Wānaka
- Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWD (2024) — all-wheel drive, fuel-efficient, with satellite navigation; well suited to mountain roads and winter driving
- Toyota Highlander — 7-seat SUV with all-wheel drive and luggage space for larger groups heading to ski fields or on road trips
- Large People Mover — 7-seat option for family groups
- 10-seater Minivan (Premium) — Toyota Hiace for groups and sports teams
- 12-seater Minibus — ideal for large groups arriving together at Queenstown Airport
- Commuter Hybrid / Toyota Prius — fuel-efficient options for budget-conscious travellers
One-way hires are available from Queenstown to Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Wellington, and Christchurch. Additional drivers are free of charge, and all hires include 24-hour roadside assistance. Free basic insurance is included for drivers over 25, with excess reduction options available.
On-Site vs Off-Site Car Rental at Queenstown Airport — Which Is Better?
Choose on-site if:
- You’re arriving on a late-night flight and don’t want to wait for a shuttle
- You want to be on the road as quickly as possible
- You’re happy to pay a premium for terminal convenience
Choose off-site (like Bargain Rental Cars) if:
- You want the most competitive daily rate
- You don’t mind a 10–30 minute shuttle transfer
- You’re collecting during standard hours (8 am–9:30 pm for BRC)
- You want a 100% Kiwi-owned company with a broad fleet and a 24-location national network
For most visitors arriving at a normal hour, the difference in experience is minimal. The shuttle wait is short, and the savings — especially on longer hires of a week or more — can be significant.
What to Know About Hiring a Car at Queenstown Airport
Book well in advance. Queenstown is New Zealand’s most visited international destination. During the ski season (July–September) and summer (December–February), rental car availability at the airport — both on-site and off-site — tightens dramatically. Prices increase, and popular vehicle categories (SUVs, people movers, AWD models) book out weeks ahead.
AWD and snow chains matter in winter. If you’re visiting between June and September and planning to drive to Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Cardrona, or Treble Cone, an AWD vehicle is strongly recommended. Bargain Rental Cars offers AWD models, including the RAV4 Hybrid and Highlander at the Queenstown Airport branch. Snow chains are required on alpine roads in certain conditions — confirm availability at pickup.
Allow extra time on arrival. Queenstown Airport is compact and efficient, but the drive into town (roughly 10km, 15–30 minutes) can take longer during peak afternoon traffic between 3:30 pm and 6:00 pm.
One-way trips are a great option. Many visitors fly into Queenstown and out of Christchurch (or vice versa) on a South Island itinerary. Bargain Rental Cars offers one-way hires between all major locations with no extra per-kilometre charges — just confirm the one-way fee at booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Bargain Rental Cars at Queenstown Airport?
Bargain Rental Cars is located at 31 Glenda Drive, Frankton — a 10-20 minute shuttle ride from the terminal. Call 0800 566 701 after collecting your bags and exit via Door D to the Rental Car Transfer Area. The branch is open from 8:00 am to 9:30 pm, seven days a week. Advance booking is required for the shuttle service.
Is it cheaper to hire a car off-site at Queenstown Airport?
Generally yes. Off-site operators like Bargain Rental Cars don’t pay terminal counter fees, and those savings are passed on as lower daily rates. The trade-off is a 10–30 minute shuttle wait. On longer hires of five days or more, the price difference between on-site and off-site can be substantial — always compare directly before booking.
Do I need an AWD car in Queenstown in winter?
If you’re driving to any of the Queenstown ski fields — Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Cardrona, or Treble Cone — an AWD vehicle is strongly recommended and may be required on access roads in heavy snow. Bargain Rental Cars’ Queenstown Airport branch stocks AWD models including the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Toyota Highlander. Snow chains may also be required on alpine routes; check with your rental company at pickup.
Can I pick up at Queenstown Airport and return in Christchurch?
Yes. Bargain Rental Cars offers one-way hires between Queenstown and all of its other NZ locations, including Christchurch, Wellington, Auckland, Hamilton, and Tauranga. One-way fees apply; confirm at the time of booking. This is a popular option for travellers doing a South Island loop itinerary.
What time do the car rental counters open at Queenstown Airport?
On-site counters are generally open from 7:30 am to 10:00 pm. Bargain Rental Cars’ Queenstown Airport branch is open 8:00 am to 9:30 pm, seven days a week.
