Bargain Rental Cars has two branches in Christchurch: one in Harewood, near Christchurch Airport at 6 Sir Keith Park Place, and one in Hornby at 213 Main South Road. The Airport branch includes a free shuttle service to and from the terminal, with 24/7 service available for advance bookings. The Hornby branch is a drive-in location convenient for residents and visitors already in the city. Both are open seven days a week.
Bargain Rental Cars Christchurch Locations
1. Christchurch Airport Branch (Harewood)
Address: 6 Sir Keith Park Place, Harewood, Christchurch 8051
Phone: 0800 566 701 (NZ freephone) · 03 343 6943 · 021 247 0346
Hours: 6:00 am – 6:00 pm, seven days a week
After-hours: 24/7 via Airpark Canterbury (advance booking required)
The Airport branch at Harewood is 2.2km from the Christchurch terminal — approximately a five-minute drive. It is an off-airport location, which is one of the key reasons Bargain Rental Cars is able to offer more competitive rates than on-site operators. A free shuttle runs between the terminal and the branch during business hours.
2. Hornby Branch
Address: 213 Main South Road, Hornby, Christchurch 8042
Phone: 03 358 9342
Hours: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm, Monday to Sunday
The Hornby branch is conveniently located on Main South Road, one of Christchurch’s main arterial routes. It is well suited to locals picking up a vehicle for a weekend trip, businesses needing a temporary vehicle, or travellers already based in the city who don’t need an airport shuttle. Walk-in and advance bookings are both welcome.
How to Get the Shuttle from Christchurch Airport to Bargain Rental Cars
During business hours (6:00 am–6:00 pm)
- Collect your bags and clear customs if arriving on an international flight
- Exit Doors 1 or 2 — with the Air New Zealand check-in counter behind you, proceed downstairs to level 0
- Look for the Bargain Rental Cars Hire Vehicle Transfer Shuttle
- Call 0800 00 11 10, 03 343 6943, or 021 247 0346 to confirm you are ready for pickup
- The drive to the Harewood branch takes approximately five minutes
After hours (6:01 pm–5:59 am)
Bargain Rental Cars uses Airpark Canterbury as its after-hours partner in Christchurch.
- Exit Doors 1 or 2 (with Air New Zealand check-in behind you)
- Near the far exit doors, look for the Bargain Rental Cars sign directing you to the free phone
- Dial “M1” on the free phone to connect to the Airpark Canterbury 24-hour office, or call 0800 24 77 27 or +64 3 360 3113
- Airpark Canterbury will collect you and take you to their facility to collect your vehicle
- Have your driver’s licence and booking confirmation ready — they are required before the vehicle is released
Returning Your Car at Christchurch Airport
During business hours (6:00 am–6:00 pm)
Drive the rental car directly to the branch at 6 Sir Keith Park Place, Harewood (2.2km from the terminal). Staff will check the vehicle in and take you to your departure terminal by shuttle. Allow at least 60 minutes before your required check-in time. If your flight departs at 6 am or earlier, use the Airpark Canterbury after-hours service.
Nearest fuel stations before drop-off:
- Z Sawyers Arms, 530 Sawyers Arms Road, Bishopdale
- Z Russley, 2 Russley Road, Yaldhurst
A $50 refuelling fee (plus actual fuel cost) applies if you return the vehicle with less fuel than at pickup.
After hours (6:01 pm–5:59 am)
Drive to Airpark Canterbury at 17–25 Logistics Drive, Harewood (behind the Press building). Staff will assist you to park and take you to the terminal by Airpark Canterbury shuttle. Allow 60 minutes before your flight’s check-in time.
Note: Your hire is not terminated until the vehicle is collected from Airpark Canterbury and returned to the Bargain Rental Cars branch and formally checked in.
Why Rent a Car in Christchurch with Bargain Rental Cars?
Christchurch is the South Island’s largest city and one of the most common entry and exit points for visitors exploring the South Island — whether you’re heading to Akaroa, the Kaikōura Coast, Lake Tekapo, or driving the full length of the island to Queenstown or Dunedin. Having a rental car is the most practical and affordable way to see the region at your own pace.
What makes Bargain Rental Cars the best budget car hire option in Christchurch:
- Two convenient Christchurch locations — Harewood (Airport) and Hornby, covering both airport arrivals and city-based pickups
- Everyday low prices — off-airport operation keeps overheads down and savings are passed on
- Free shuttle from the terminal to the Airport branch
- 24/7 airport service for advance bookings via Airpark Canterbury
- No credit card surcharge on payments
- Free basic insurance for drivers aged 25 and over, with excess reduction options
- Additional drivers are free — no limit on how many drivers are added
- 24-hour roadside assistance included with every hire
- Free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup
- One-way hires available to and from Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Wellington, and Queenstown
- Price Beat Guarantee — if you find a confirmed lower price from another company, Bargain Rental Cars will beat it by 10%
- 100% Kiwi owned and operated for over 25 years
Christchurch Car Hire — What to Know Before You Go
Book ahead for peak season. Christchurch Airport is a high-traffic gateway in summer (December–February) and during events like Christchurch’s Garden City Festival and major sports fixtures at Orangetheory Stadium. Vehicle availability — especially SUVs and people movers — fills quickly during these periods.
Hornby is great for city pickups. If you’re staying in central Christchurch, the south-west of the city, or anywhere near Riccarton, Hornby is often more convenient than driving out to the Airport branch. You can pick up your car from 8am and return it before 6pm without needing to arrange a shuttle.
One-way Christchurch to Queenstown is a popular option. Many South Island road trippers fly into Christchurch, drive south through the Mackenzie Country and Queenstown, and fly home from Queenstown — or vice versa. Bargain Rental Cars offers one-way hire between these two cities with no mileage restrictions.
Snow chains and AWD for alpine routes. If you’re planning to drive to Arthur’s Pass, Mount Cook, or the ski fields around Christchurch (Mount Hutt, Porters), check whether the vehicle you’re booking has AWD capability and whether snow chains are available. Bargain Rental Cars’ Christchurch fleet includes SUV options suited to South Island winter driving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I rent a car in Christchurch?
Bargain Rental Cars has two Christchurch locations: the Airport branch at 6 Sir Keith Park Place, Harewood (2.2km from the terminal, with a free shuttle), and the Hornby branch at 213 Main South Road. Both are open seven days a week. The Airport branch includes a free shuttle from the terminal during business hours and 24/7 after-hours service via Airpark Canterbury.
What is the cheapest car rental at Christchurch Airport?
Off-airport operators like Bargain Rental Cars are consistently among the most affordable options at Christchurch Airport, because they avoid the terminal fees that on-site operators pass on to customers. The trade-off is a short shuttle ride rather than walking directly to a counter. For budget car hire at Christchurch Airport, booking in advance — at least two weeks ahead in peak season — secures good rates.
Is there a car rental at Hornby, Christchurch?
Yes. Bargain Rental Cars has a branch at 213 Main South Road, Hornby, open Monday to Sunday 8:00am to 6:00pm. Phone: 03 358 9342. This branch is a drive-in location with no airport shuttle — it suits locals, city-based visitors, and travellers already staying in the Christchurch area who don’t need an airport transfer.
How do I get the free shuttle from Christchurch Airport to Bargain Rental Cars?
After collecting your bags, exit Doors 1 or 2 on level 0 (with the Air New Zealand check-in counter behind you) and call 0800 00 11 10 or 03 343 6943. The Hire Vehicle Transfer Shuttle will collect you, and the drive to the Harewood branch takes approximately five minutes.
Can I pick up in Christchurch and return in another city?
Yes. Bargain Rental Cars offers one-way car hire from Christchurch to Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Wellington, and Queenstown (and in reverse). One-way fees apply; confirm the fee at the time of booking. This is popular for South Island loop itineraries.
Is roadside assistance included with Bargain Rental Cars in Christchurch?
Yes. All hires with Bargain Rental Cars include 24-hour roadside assistance.
