Car & 4WD Rental Queenstown Airport

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Queenstown Airport (ZQN)

Address:

Terminal Building,
Queenstown Si, XX, 9300, New Zealand

Phone:

(64) 3-442-3450

Hours of Operation:

Mon - Sun 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM

fast-break-logo

Location Information
Fastbreak Service
Fastbreak Pick up: Proceed to the Budget Fastbreak line or Budget rental counter. Present your driver licence and receive your rental agreement and keys. Fastbreak Return: Park the vehicle and lock it. If a return agent is not available in the rental car park, proceed to the rental counter/office with your vehicle keys, mileage and fuel level. You can access your receipt online within 72 hours of returning your vehicle.
General Directions
COUNTER: Located in-between International Arrivals and Domestic Baggage claim. CARS: Exit the terminal near the counter and proceed past the taxi and shuttle stands. Cross the road and follow the signs to the rental car park. RETURNS: Take the entry on the left of Sir Henry Wigley Dr to the Rental car park. AFTER-HOURS RETURNS: Available. Drop box on the car park booth 24/7 and another on the terminal counter during airport opening hours.
After-hours Returns
Park & lock the car. Place the completed contract & the keys in the Drop Box located in the Returns area. Remember to take your personal belongings with you.

Queenstown Airport is the gateway to New Zealand's adventure capital, where many travellers begin their South Island journeys. From here, you can explore a diverse range of destinations, including breathtaking landscapes such as the Southern Alps, world-class ski fields, iconic towns, and relaxing retreats, all in the comfort of a Budget rental car.

Surrounding Queenstown Airport, you'll find some of the South Island's most spectacular spots. Some of our favourites are:

  • The Remarkables mountain range offers stunning views and excellent skiing opportunities.
  • Head north to Arrowtown, a charming historic gold mining town. 
  • Drive east to Cromwell and explore the Central Otago wine region, known for its world-class Pinot Noir. 
  • For nature lovers, Glenorchy and Paradise at the head of Lake Wakatipu offer unparalleled scenic beauty and access to multiple hiking trails.

If you're drawn to adrenaline-pumping activities, Queenstown itself is the place to be. Known as the adventure capital of the world, it offers everything from bungee jumping and skydiving to jet boating and paragliding. For a more relaxed experience, take a scenic drive around Lake Wakatipu or enjoy a leisurely cruise on the TSS Earnslaw vintage steamship.

Budget car rentals come with unlimited kilometres, free road maps, standard insurance, and 24-hour Roadside Assistance. Optional extras, including GPS Navigation, Excess Reduction, and Child Safety Seats, can be added at the time of booking or rental.

For those planning to hit the slopes in winter, we also offer additional ski products for rent such as snow chains and ski racks to ensure you’re prepared for the winter roads.

Keep an eye out for our latest car rental Special Offers and let Budget Rental Cars drive your dollar further.

 

Car Hire at Queenstown Airport

Queenstown Airport is the perfect starting point for your South Island adventure. As the gateway to some of New Zealand's most stunning landscapes and thrilling experiences, having a reliable rental car is essential.

Our Queenstown Airport location provides hassle-free car hire services, allowing you to start your journey as soon as you land. Whether you're planning to hit the ski slopes, explore the Central Otago wine region, or embark on a scenic road trip, our friendly staff will ensure you have the perfect vehicle for your needs.

If you're looking to explore the city centre before heading out on your adventure, check out our Queenstown CBD car rental location for more options.

 

How To Find Our Queenstown Airport Car Rental Desk

Finding the Budget New Zealand Queenstown Airport car hire desks is straightforward. After collecting your luggage, head to the main terminal building. Our desks are located in the arrivals area, clearly marked with the Budget logo.

 

How To Get To Queenstown Airport

If you're trying to reach Queenstown Airport from Queenstown CBD, the journey typically takes about 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic.

 

Things To Do Near Queenstown Airport

With a rental car from Queenstown Airport, you're all set to explore the surrounding area. Here are a few top recommendations:

  • The Remarkables Ski Area (24 km away): A premier ski resort offering breathtaking views and excellent slopes for all skill levels. Open in winter for skiing and snowboarding, and in summer for hiking and sightseeing.
  • Coronet Peak Ski Area (18km away): Another popular ski resort with night skiing options. In summer, it's a great spot for mountain biking and scenic chairlift rides.
  • AJ Hackett Bungy Jumping (8km away): Home to the world's first commercial bungy jump. Experience the thrill of jumping from the historic Kawarau Bridge.
  • Arrowtown Historic Village (15km away): A charming gold rush era town with well-preserved buildings, boutique shops, and excellent restaurants. Don't miss the Chinese Settlement and the Lakes District Museum.
  • Gibbston Valley Winery (22 km away): Known as the 'Valley of the Vines', this winery offers tours, tastings, and a unique wine cave. It's a great starting point for exploring the Central Otago wine region.

Nearby Refuelling Locations For A Refuel

Before returning your Budget rental car at Queenstown Airport, make sure to refill the tank. Here are some convenient refuelling stations nearby:

  • BP Connect Frankton: 2.5km from airport
  • Z Frankton: 2.7km from airport
  • Mobil Queenstown: 7 km from airport

 

Your Guide To The Budget New Zealand Fleet

At Budget New Zealand, we offer a diverse fleet of affordable vehicles to meet your travel needs. From spacious SUVs and 4WD’s for group trips to budget-friendly compact cars for solo journeys, we’ve got you covered. We also offer electric car rental and compact hatchbacks for getting around town. Whatever your preference, Budget has you covered.

 

Distances to Nearby Attractions

With a Budget rental car, you're perfectly positioned to visit these exciting destinations around Queenstown:

  • Queenstown Gardens: 7km
  • Skyline Gondola: 8km
  • Kiwi Birdlife Park: 8km
  • Lake Wakatipu: 21km
  • Shotover Jet: 13km

 

FAQs

How far is Queenstown Airport from town?

Located just seven kilometres away from Queenstown, Queenstown airport is in a convenient location for starting your perfect adventure. They have recently implemented a self-service check-in solution so you can avoid lines at the counter.

Where does Queenstown Airport fly to?

Domestically, you can fly from Queenstown airport to Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. International destinations include Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Coolangatta.

Is Queenstown Airport open 24 hours? 

Queenstown Airport is open from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily. However, operating hours may vary depending on flight schedules.

Can I pick up and drop off my rental car at different locations? 

Yes, you can pick up and drop off your Budget rental car at different locations, including other Budget branches in Queenstown or across New Zealand. Just let us know your preferred drop-off location when you book or pick up your vehicle.

What do I need to bring to pick up my rental car at Queenstown Airport?

To pick up your rental car at Queenstown Airport, bring a valid driver's licence, a credit card in the driver's name, and your rental confirmation details. If you've booked any optional extras, mention them at the counter.

How can I get from Queenstown Airport to the CBD?

The easiest way is to rent a car from our airport location. Alternatively, you can take a taxi, shuttle, or public bus. The journey to the CBD takes about 15-20 minutes by car.

For more information about renting a car in Queenstown's city centre, check out our Queenstown CBD car rental page.

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