Bargain Rental Cars offers one-way car hire from Auckland to Queenstown, so you can drive the length of New Zealand in one car and fly home from the south. The route covers about 1,455 km plus the Cook Strait ferry.
| Distance | About 1,455 km of driving |
| Driving time | About 18.5 hours, plus about 3.5 hours on the ferry |
| Ferry | Wellington to Picton (Interislander or Bluebridge); fare not included |
| Pick up | Auckland Airport (free shuttle) or any of our Auckland branches |
| Drop off | Queenstown, 31 Glenda Drive, Frankton (free shuttle to Queenstown Airport) |
| Kilometres | Unlimited |
Why drive Auckland to Queenstown one way?
This is New Zealand’s classic end-to-end road trip: geothermal Rotorua, the volcanic Central Plateau, the capital, the Marlborough Sounds, the Kaikōura coast and the Southern Alps, all in one hire.
A one-way rental with Bargain Rental Cars means you keep the same car the whole way. Bargain Rental Cars vehicles are allowed on the Cook Strait ferry, so there’s no swapping cars between islands and no repacking your bags.
How the Cook Strait ferry works
- Book your Bargain Rental Cars one-way hire from Auckland to Queenstown.
- Book a vehicle and passenger ticket from Wellington to Picton with Interislander or Bluebridge. The ferry fare is not included in your rental.
- Drive on board in Wellington and drive off in Picton about 3.5 hours later.
- Book the ferry early in summer (December to February), when vehicle spaces sell out.
Suggested 7-day itinerary
- Auckland to Rotorua (about 3 hours). Geysers, mud pools and a Māori cultural evening.
- Rotorua to Taupō and Tongariro (about 1–2 hours). Huka Falls, Lake Taupō and the volcanic peaks of Tongariro National Park.
- Taupō to Wellington (about 5 hours). Take the Desert Road south. Spend the evening on Wellington’s waterfront and visit Te Papa.
- Ferry to Picton, then on to Kaikōura (3.5 hours sailing, about 2 hours driving). Sail through the Marlborough Sounds, then follow the coast to Kaikōura for whale watching.
- Kaikōura to Christchurch (about 2.5 hours). Explore the city’s rebuilt centre and botanic gardens.
- Christchurch to Lake Tekapo (about 3 hours). Stargaze in the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve.
- Lake Tekapo to Queenstown (about 3.5 hours). Stop at Lake Pukaki for Aoraki / Mount Cook views, cross the Lindis Pass and drop off in Frankton.
Have more time? Add the West Coast glaciers or Abel Tasman. Unlimited kilometres means detours cost only fuel.
Driving tips for this route
- Plan rest stops. Swap drivers every 2 hours. Additional drivers are free with Bargain Rental Cars.
- Arrive early for the ferry. Check-in usually closes about an hour before sailing. Check your ferry ticket for exact times.
- Watch winter roads. The Desert Road and Lindis Pass can close for snow from June to September. Check NZTA road conditions.
- Choose comfort for long days. A Toyota Camry or an SUV gives more space for luggage over 1,400+ km.
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 on every hire
- 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
Can I take a Bargain Rental Cars vehicle on the ferry?
Yes. Bargain Rental Cars allows its cars on the inter-island ferry between Wellington and Picton, so you keep one car from Auckland to Queenstown. The ferry fare is not included in your rental; book it with Interislander or Bluebridge.
How long does it take to drive from Auckland to Queenstown?
Driving from Auckland to Queenstown covers about 1,455 km and takes around 18.5 hours behind the wheel, plus about 3.5 hours on the Cook Strait ferry. Most travellers take at least 7 days, which matches the Bargain Rental Cars minimum hire for this route.
What is the minimum hire for a one-way Auckland to Queenstown rental?
Bargain Rental Cars requires a minimum 7-day hire for one-way rentals from Auckland to Queenstown. Seven days is enough to see Rotorua, Taupō, Wellington, Kaikōura, Christchurch and Lake Tekapo without rushing.
Where do I drop off my car in Queenstown?
Drop off at Bargain Rental Cars Queenstown, 31 Glenda Drive, Frankton. A free shuttle takes you to the Queenstown Airport terminal, so it’s easy to return your car and catch your flight home.
