Bargain Rental Cars offers one-way car hire from Queenstown to Auckland, so you can start in the Southern Alps and finish at Auckland Airport for your flight home. The trip covers 1,455 to 1,700 km depending on route, plus the Cook Strait ferry.
| Distance | About 1,455 km (via Christchurch) or 1,700 km (via the West Coast) |
| Driving time | About 18.5–22 hours, plus about 3.5 hours on the ferry |
| Ferry | Picton to Wellington (Interislander or Bluebridge); fare not included |
| Pick up | Queenstown, 31 Glenda Drive, Frankton (free shuttle from Queenstown Airport) |
| Drop off | Auckland Airport (free shuttle) or any of our Auckland branches. |
| Kilometres | Unlimited |
Why drive Queenstown to Auckland one way?
International flights home often leave from Auckland, so ending your trip there saves an extra domestic flight. Driving north lets you see both islands on the way.
The northbound trip suits the West Coast route: glaciers, rainforest and wild beaches on the South Island, then Wellington, Lake Taupō and Waitomo’s glowworm caves on the North Island. Bargain Rental Cars vehicles are allowed on the ferry, so you keep the same car the whole way.
Suggested 7-day itinerary (West Coast route)
- Queenstown to Fox Glacier (about 4.5 hours). Drive via Wanaka and over the Haast Pass. Stop at the Blue Pools.
- Fox Glacier to Punakaiki (about 3.5 hours). See Franz Josef Glacier and Hokitika, then the Pancake Rocks and blowholes.
- Punakaiki to Nelson (about 4 hours). Follow the Buller Gorge to sunny Nelson, the gateway to Abel Tasman.
- Nelson to Picton, ferry to Wellington (about 2 hours driving, 3.5 hours sailing). Sail out through the Marlborough Sounds.
- Wellington to Taupō (about 4.5 hours). Take the Desert Road past Tongariro’s volcanoes.
- Taupō to Waitomo (about 2 hours). See Huka Falls, then the Waitomo glowworm caves.
- Waitomo to Auckland (about 2.5 hours). Drop off at Auckland Airport, with a free shuttle to the terminal.
Short on time? The faster route runs Queenstown to Christchurch via Lake Tekapo, then north along the Kaikōura coast to Picton.
How the Cook Strait ferry works
- Book your Bargain Rental Cars one-way hire from Queenstown to Auckland.
- Book a vehicle and passenger ticket from Picton to Wellington with Interislander or Bluebridge. The ferry fare is not included in your rental.
- Book early in summer (December to February), when vehicle spaces sell out.
Driving tips for this route
- Fuel up before the Haast Pass. There are long stretches without stations between Wanaka and Fox Glacier.
- Expect West Coast rain. It’s what makes the rainforest green. Drive to conditions and allow extra time.
- Watch winter roads. The Haast Pass, Lewis Pass and Desert Road can be affected by snow or slips. Check NZTA road conditions.
- Share the driving. Additional drivers are free with Bargain Rental Cars.
Why book with Bargain Rental Cars?
- 100% Kiwi-owned and operated, family business for over 25 years
- Cars allowed on the inter-island ferry
- Unlimited kilometres, ideal for the longer West Coast route
- Free additional drivers
- Free cancellation up to 48 hours before pick-up
- 24-hour roadside assistance across both islands
- Price Beat: find a cheaper rate, and we’ll beat it by 10%*
Frequently asked questions
What is the best route to drive from Queenstown to Auckland?
The West Coast route via the Haast Pass, Franz Josef and Nelson is about 1,700 km and the faster route via Lake Tekapo, Christchurch and Kaikōura is about 1,455 km. Both cross Cook Strait on the Picton to Wellington ferry.
Can I take my Bargain Rental Cars vehicle from the South Island to the North Island?
Yes. Bargain Rental Cars allows its cars on the inter-island ferry, so you drive the same car from Queenstown to Auckland. Book your vehicle ticket with Interislander or Bluebridge; the ferry fare is not included in your rental.
What is the minimum hire for a one-way Queenstown to Auckland rental?
Bargain Rental Cars requires a minimum 7-day hire for one-way rentals from Queenstown to Auckland. Seven days gives you time for the glaciers, Nelson, Wellington and Taupō without long days behind the wheel.
Where do I drop off my car in Auckland?
Drop off at Bargain Rental Cars Auckland Airport, with a free shuttle to the terminal for your flight. Bargain Rental Cars has several branches across Auckland if you’d rather finish in the city.
