Nelson car hires from $28

This price is the cheapest per day rate found by a KAYAK user in the last 48 hours by searching for a car hire in Nelson with a pick-up date of 27/7 and drop-off date of 27/8. Fares are subject to change and may not be available at all agencies or on all dates of hire. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
Driver's age: 26-65

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Car Rental Deals
Useful Info
Car Rental Deals

Cheap car hire in Nelson

Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.
Kia Rio car
Kia Rio
or similar Small
2
2
4-5
$28/day
View Deal
Toyota Corolla car
Toyota Corolla
or similar Small
4
2
4-5
$28/day
View Deal
Hyundai Accent car
Hyundai Accent
or similar Medium
5
3
4-5
$28/day
View Deal
Toyota RAV4 car
Toyota RAV4
or similar SUV
2
2
4-5
$40/day
View Deal
Ford Wildtrak car
Ford Wildtrak
or similar Pickup truck
5
2
2/4
$63/day
View Deal
Class Special Car car
Class Special Car
or similar Category
5
5
2/4
$29/day
View Deal
Class Intermediate SUV car
Class Intermediate SUV
or similar SUV
5
3
4-5
$31/day
View Deal
Kia Seltos car
Kia Seltos
or similar SUV
4
2
4-5
$33/day
View Deal
Class Standard SUV car
Class Standard SUV
or similar SUV
5
3
4-5
$37/day
View Deal
Best prices found by KAYAK users in the past 48 hours.
Useful Info

Good to know

Most popular agency

Thrifty

Most popular car type

Compact

Average price

$52/day

Good deal

$52/day

KAYAK’s insights & trends for Nelson car hire

Check out the latest trends and booking tips to hire a car in Nelson with confidence.

How far in advance should you book car hire in Nelson?

You should book your car hire in Nelson around 81 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.

What is the best car hire company in Nelson?

Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car hire companies in Nelson are Avis (10.0, 1 review), EZI (10.0, 1 review), and Go Rentals (10.0).
Avis
Avis
Rated 10.0/10
EZI
EZI
Rated 10.0/10
Go Rentals
Go Rentals
Rated 10.0/10
Hertz
Hertz
Rated 10.0/10

What is the most popular car to hire in Nelson?

Compact cars (Ford Focus or similar) are the most popular type of vehicle to hire in Nelson. Compact cars in Nelson cost $52/day on average, though some users have found deals as low as $44/day.

What is the cheapest month to hire a car in Nelson?

The cheapest month to hire a car in Nelson is August at an average cost of $43/day. December is the most expensive month to hire a car in Nelson when prices are $111/day on average, which tends to be 150% above the yearly average hire price for Nelson.

Which rental car company has the most locations in in in?

Thrifty operates 2 locations in Nelson, more than any other car hire company.
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KAYAK’s top tips for hiring a car in Nelson

  • Hire a car in Nelson to easily transport all your beach equipment and luggage without having to worry about carrying it on public transport. The last bus services in Nelson depart between 18:00–19:00, meaning a hire car is your best option for eating out and sampling the nightlife. Wineries throughout the region, such as Seifried Estate and Neudorf, are easily reached with a hire car, taking the stress out of organising shuttles or booking taxis. The 1h 15min drive to Abel Tasman National Park is shorter than the 1h 45min bus journey and offers more flexibility as the bus only runs once per day.
  • Once you land at Nelson Airport (NSN), turn left as you exit the terminal building and walk approximately 50 m to find the car hire offices. Vehicles can be picked up directly behind the reception desks, meaning no shuttles are required for hire companies with kiosks on site. A shuttle van pick up area is located 150 m to the right of the terminal, next to Airport House, for companies with offices off airport grounds.
  • Be wary approaching corners on coastal roads, such as State Hwy 6, around Nelson as a clear view of oncoming vehicles can be obstructed. Single-lane bridges are scattered across the South Island of New Zealand; it’s important to give way to any vehicles already crossing and read the priority sign (larger arrows indicate priority for crossing). The winding Nelson roads invite many cyclists and drivers should provide a safe distance of at least 1.5 m when passing.
  • Traffic peaks between 08:00–09:30 and 16:00–17:30 in Nelson; however, congestion is not nearly as bad as most major cities in New Zealand. If driving during these periods, allow an additional 10–15min and you will reach your destination smoothly. Annesbrook Dr and Tahunanui Dr are two of the major arterial roads that are most affected by commuter travel in rush hours.
  • The minimum age to hire a vehicle in New Zealand is 18. However, if you're aged between 18 and 25, you may find that many Nelson car hire companies either don’t accept younger drivers or charge an additional fee. This may limit the range of vehicles you’re able to hire, so a good strategy is to compare different options through KAYAK and check the prices, policies and conditions. This should help you find a hire agency in Nelson that’s willing to accept younger drivers.
  • New Zealand car seat rules apply to all hire vehicles, so if you’re travelling with little ones, you’ll need to bring the appropriate seat or add one to your booking. All kids under seven will require a booster or child car seat under New Zealand law. From ages seven to eight, you should use approved child safety restraints if they are fitted to the vehicle. Children aged eight to 14 should be buckled into safety belts, and at these ages, it’s recommended that they don't travel in the front seat. Whether you’re opting for a luxury SUV or cheap car hire in Nelson, you’ll generally be able to add age-appropriate child seats to your hire.
  • In New Zealand, the blood alcohol limit for drivers over the age of 20 is 0.05%. Note that, for drivers under 20 years of age the limit is strictly 0.00%. The Nelson police frequently conduct roadside drug impairment tests and breath tests to enforce this regulation. It is not advisable to take the risk of driving while under the influence, as there are severe penalties for violating this law, including specific charges for anyone who refuses to consent to a breath test or provide a blood sample if asked by an officer. To avoid any accidents or legal trouble, it is always recommended to be cautious and refrain from driving while intoxicated.
  • 25% of our users found a car hire in Nelson for $52 or less
  • Compact hire cars in Nelson are around 51% cheaper than other car types, on average

FAQs about hiring a car in Nelson

  • What type of car is recommended for driving in Nelson?

    With wide roads and manageable traffic, intermediate models offer a comfortable ride without sacrificing practicality. Full-size cars navigate Nelson’s winding coastal roads well, providing steady traction and control around bends. 4WDs are competitively priced considering the additional storage space and power they deliver.

  • What’s the speed limit in Nelson?

    Unless indicated otherwise, the default limit in Nelson is 50 km/h. Highways, including Queen Elizabeth II Dr, are set at 100 km/h, while school zones are reduced to 40 km/h.

  • Where are the best places to park in Nelson?

    The first hour of metered car parks in Nelson’s CBD is free, with restrictions in place from 08:00–17:00 on Monday to Friday and 09:00–13:00 on Saturdays. Buxton Square Car Park has 3h spaces for around A$ 4 and Hathaway Terrace Parking has free, unrestricted spaces.

  • How much does it cost to hire a car in Nelson?

    On average a car hire in Nelson costs $52 per day.

  • Which car hire agencies are at Nelson airport (NSN)?

    The only car hire company onsite at Nelson airport is Thrifty.

  • Which car hire companies will pick you up at Nelson airport (NSN)?

    The only car hire company that offers shuttle or pick-up services from Nelson airport to off-airport locations is Thrifty.

  • How can I find car hires near me in Nelson?

    Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.

  • How much does a Compact car hire cost in Nelson?

    A Compact car hire in Nelson costs $52 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Standard car hire cost in Nelson?

    A Standard car hire in Nelson costs $106 per day, on average.

  • Which hybrid or electric vehicles are available to hire in Nelson?

    Nelson car hire companies offer a range of hybrid and electric vehicles, including Toyota Corolla, Tesla Model 3, Suzuki Jimny and Kia Niro. If you want cheap car hire in Nelson that’s also eco-friendly, compact hybrid models tend to be a cost-effective option.

  • How can I use an overseas driver’s licence to hire a car in Nelson?

    It is certainly possible, but do note that if your licence is in a language other than English, you will also need to get an International Driver's Permit in your country of origin. It's also worth knowing that some hire agencies impose a stricter age limit on drivers with IDPs.

Nelson car rental reviews and directory

 
All ratings and reviews are collected from KAYAK users with a verified car hire booking. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.

Avis

10.0

Wonderful

Read 1 review

Cleanliness

10.0

Comfort

10.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

10.0

Value for money

10.0

One location in Nelson

Show locations

Locations in Nelson

Terminal Building

+64 3 547 2727

Monday07:30 - 22:00
Tuesday07:30 - 22:00
Wednesday07:30 - 22:00
Thursday07:30 - 22:00
Friday07:30 - 22:00
Saturday07:30 - 22:00
Sunday08:30 - 22:00

Filters

No reviews available

EZI

10.0

Wonderful

Read 1 review

Cleanliness

10.0

Comfort

10.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

10.0

Value for money

10.0

One location in Nelson

Show locations

Locations in Nelson

Rental Car Kiosk, Terminal Building, Trent Drive

Monday08:00 - 20:00
Tuesday08:00 - 20:00
Wednesday08:00 - 20:00
Thursday08:00 - 20:00
Friday08:00 - 20:00

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Aug 2024

Standard SUV

KAYAK
Very nice

1 out of 1

Go Rentals

10.0

Wonderful

Cleanliness

10.0

Comfort

10.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

10.0

Value for money

10.0

One location in Nelson

Show locations

Locations in Nelson

Nelson Airport

+64 3 974 3700

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Hertz

10.0

Wonderful

Read 1 review

Cleanliness

10.0

Comfort

10.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

10.0

Value for money

10.0

One location in Nelson

Locations in Nelson

Trent Drive

+64 3 547 2299

Monday07:30 - 22:00
Tuesday07:30 - 22:00
Wednesday07:30 - 22:00
Thursday07:30 - 22:00
Friday07:30 - 22:00
Saturday08:30 - 22:00
Sunday09:30 - 20:30

Filters

No reviews available

Europcar

9.5

Wonderful

Read 1 review

Cleanliness

9.5

Comfort

9.5

Pick-up/Drop-off

10.0

Value for money

8.5

One location in Nelson

Locations in Nelson

Terminal Building

+64 3 265 5201

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Apex

8.0

Very Good

Read 2 reviews

Cleanliness

8.5

Comfort

8.5

Pick-up/Drop-off

9.0

Value for money

8.0

One location in Nelson

Locations in Nelson

4 Trent Drive, Tahunanui

+64 3547 6800

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Budget

6.0

Okay

Read 1 review

Cleanliness

10.0

Comfort

10.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.0

Value for money

8.0

One location in Nelson

Locations in Nelson

Domestic Terminal

+64 3 547 9586

Monday07:30 - 22:00
Tuesday07:30 - 22:00
Wednesday07:30 - 22:00
Thursday07:30 - 22:00
Friday07:30 - 22:00
Saturday07:30 - 22:00
Sunday08:30 - 22:00

Filters

No reviews available

Dollar

2.0

Poor

Read 1 review

Cleanliness

10.0

Comfort

10.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

2.0

Value for money

6.0

One location in Nelson

Locations in Nelson

Trent Drive

+64 800 243 789

Monday07:30 - 22:00
Tuesday07:30 - 22:00
Wednesday07:30 - 22:00
Thursday07:30 - 22:00
Friday07:30 - 22:00
Saturday08:30 - 22:00
Sunday09:30 - 20:30

Filters

No reviews available

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

9.7

Wonderful

One location in Nelson

Locations in Nelson

Rental Car Building Trent Dr

+64 9 870 3330

Monday08:00 - 20:00
Tuesday08:00 - 20:00
Wednesday08:00 - 20:00
Thursday08:00 - 20:00
Friday08:00 - 20:00
Saturday08:00 - 20:00
Sunday08:00 - 20:00

Filters

No reviews available

Alamo

8.9

Very Good

One location in Nelson

Locations in Nelson

Rental Car Building Trent Dr

+64 9 870 3330

Monday08:00 - 20:00
Tuesday08:00 - 20:00
Wednesday08:00 - 20:00
Thursday08:00 - 20:00
Friday08:00 - 20:00
Saturday08:00 - 20:00
Sunday08:00 - 20:00

Filters

No reviews available

Thrifty

8.0

Very Good

2 locations in Nelson

from$52/day

Locations in Nelson

Nelson Ap

+64 3 547 5563

Monday08:00 - 20:00
Tuesday08:00 - 20:00
Wednesday08:00 - 20:00
Thursday08:00 - 20:00
Friday08:00 - 20:00

Trent Drive

+64 800 737 070

Monday07:30 - 22:00
Tuesday07:30 - 22:00
Wednesday07:30 - 22:00
Thursday07:30 - 22:00
Friday07:30 - 22:00
Saturday08:30 - 22:00
Sunday09:30 - 20:30

Filters

No reviews available

keddy by Europcar

8.0

Very Good

One location in Nelson

Locations in Nelson

Terminal Building - Meet & Greet

64 3 5738800

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Right Cars

3.8

Poor

One location in Nelson

Locations in Nelson

Nelson Airport

+64 3 288 0097

Monday08:00 - 20:00
Tuesday08:00 - 20:00
Wednesday08:00 - 20:00
Thursday08:00 - 20:00
Friday08:00 - 20:00
Saturday08:30 - 22:00
Sunday08:30 - 22:00

Filters

No reviews available

Apollo Car Rentals

No score available yet

One location in Nelson

Locations in Nelson

Nelson Airport

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Firefly

No score available yet

One location in Nelson

Locations in Nelson

Nelson

+64 3547 2299

Monday07:30 - 22:00
Tuesday07:30 - 22:00
Wednesday07:30 - 22:00
Thursday07:30 - 22:00
Friday07:30 - 22:00
Saturday07:30 - 22:00
Sunday09:00 - 20:00

Filters

No reviews available

Go Rental Car Hire

No score available yet

One location in Nelson

Locations in Nelson

Nelson Airport

+64 3 974 3700

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Moto Car Rental

No score available yet

One location in Nelson

Locations in Nelson

Rental Car Kiosk, Terminal Building Trent Drive, Nelson

+64 800 656 564

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Shouqi

No score available yet

One location in Nelson

Locations in Nelson

Terminal Building

+86 10 6064 1387

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Sunnycars

No score available yet

One location in Nelson

Locations in Nelson

Trent Drive Nelson

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

14 travellers who hired a car in Nelson gave the car agency they used an average rating of 7.0

Car hire locations in or near Nelson

Go to map view

Everything you need to know for your car hire in Nelson

Nelson car hire information

Pick-up locationNelson
Car typesCompact, Compact SUV, Economy, Intermediate, Intermediate SUV, Pick-up truck, SUV, Standard SUV, Supplier choice
Hire locations20
Airport locations20
Popular agenciesEuropcar, Alamo, keddy by Europcar, EZI, Thrifty

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