Bargain Rental Cars offers one-way car hire from Christchurch to Auckland. Drive about 1000 km north via Kaikōura, the Cook Strait ferry and Taupō.
| Distance | About 1000 km of driving |
| Driving time | About 12.5 hours, plus about 3.5 hours on the ferry |
| Ferry | Picton to Wellington (Interislander or Bluebridge); fare not included |
| Pick up | Christchurch Airport (free shuttle), Harewood or Hornby |
| Drop off | Auckland Airport (free shuttle) or any of our Auckland branches |
| Kilometres | Unlimited |
Why drive Christchurch to Auckland one way?
Driving north from Christchurch to Auckland turns the trip home into a road trip across both islands. A one-way hire with Bargain Rental Cars means no return leg, unlimited kilometres and no charge for extra drivers.
It suits backpackers and holidaymakers heading north to fly home, Kiwis moving to Auckland, and anyone who’d rather drive than fly. Bargain Rental Cars vehicles are allowed on the ferry, so you keep one car the whole way.
Suggested 5-day itinerary
- Christchurch to Kaikōura (about 2.5 hours). Whale watching, dolphins and seal colonies on the coast.
- Kaikōura to Picton (about 2 hours). Stop at Blenheim’s Marlborough wineries, then stay by the Sounds.
- Ferry to Wellington (about 3.5 hours sailing). Spend the afternoon at Te Papa and on the waterfront.
- Wellington to Taupō (about 4.5 hours). Drive the Desert Road past Tongariro’s volcanoes. Visit Huka Falls.
- Taupō to Auckland via Rotorua (about 4 hours). See the geysers, then drop off at Auckland Airport.
Got longer? Add Napier, Waitomo’s glowworm caves or Coromandel. Unlimited kilometres means detours cost only fuel.
How the Cook Strait ferry works
- Book your Bargain Rental Cars one-way hire from Christchurch to Auckland.
- Book a vehicle and passengers 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
- SH1 between Kaikōura and Picton is coastal and winding. Allow extra time and watch for road works.
- Arrive early for the ferry. Check-in usually closes about an hour before sailing. Check your ticket for exact times.
- Watch winter roads. The Desert Road can close for snow from June to September. 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 and 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 cheapest way to hire a vehicle one way from Christchurch to Auckland?
Book in low season, when Bargain Rental Cars daily rates are lowest, and share the driving with free additional drivers.
How long does it take to drive from Christchurch to Auckland?
The drive from Christchurch to Auckland is about 975 km and takes around 12.5 hours behind the wheel, plus about 3.5 hours on the Picton to Wellington ferry. Bargain Rental Cars requires a 5-day minimum hire, enough for a relaxed trip.
Can I take a Bargain Rental Cars vehicle on the ferry to the North Island?
Yes. Bargain Rental Cars allows its cars on the inter-island ferry, so you drive the same car from Christchurch to Auckland. Book your vehicle ticket with Interislander or Bluebridge; the ferry fare is not included in your rental.
Where do I pick up my car in Christchurch?
Pick up at Bargain Rental Cars Christchurch Airport, with a free shuttle from the terminal, or at our Harewood or Hornby branches. Drop off at Auckland Airport, with a free shuttle to the terminal for your flight.
