Car rental Dunedin Airport

Search, compare and book your rental car

Pickup location
 Different return office?
   Driver age: 25-70
   I live in: United States
Search Now
We compare rates from 800+ different supplier sites in more than 30,000 locations worldwide
Customers love us

Over 1 million customers trusted us to book the best car rental deal for them

Customers love us
Amend for free

Up to 48 hours before pickup

Amend for free
No extra fees

We don’t charge extra fees such as credit card or reservation fees

No extra fees

Cheap Car Rental Dunedin Airport

Cheap Car Rental Dunedin Airport

Rent a Car in Dunedin

About Car Rental at Dunedin Airport

One of two international airports in the Otago region of the South Island of New Zealand, Dunedin Airport is the fifth busiest airport in New Zealand based on passengers. Located just south of the Dunedin Central Business District, the airport is jam-packed full of amenities such as restaurants, plenty of shops, and entertainment facilities.

Although you can walk 30km into the city, we would much rather recommend taking a pleasant 20-minute drive by car instead. Driving around Dunedin is incredibly enjoyable, and because of this there are plenty of car rental options situated at the airport for your convenience. Simply head out of the main airport entrance and turn left to find the rental car counters. Then, take your pick of over six different agencies that are on hand to help you find exactly what you are looking for.

Downtown Car Rental at Dunedin

However, if you do wish to take the time to walk into the city before renting a car, that is fine too. There are plenty of downtown car rental options outside of the airport. These can be a good choice for a number of reasons, the simplest being that you can avoid the cost of airport taxes this way. From more luxury, well-known companies like Avis and Hertz, to smaller, wallet-friendly choices such as Budget, there is bound to be a car rental agency that is perfect for you. If you’re not sure what to go for we recommend doing some research beforehand, so that you can see what kind of vehicle you might like, what benefits each company has, and the services they provide.

Driving in Dunedin

The second-largest city in the South Island of New Zealand, and the principal city of the Otago region, Dunedin is a beautiful area full of culture, great events, and stunning skylines. Because of this renting a car is the best way to make the most of your time here, but there are a few things you should know before you set off. Most importantly, please remember that you will need to hold a valid international driver’s licence or permit and license to be able to drive in New Zealand legally.

Some more advice on driving in Dunedin:

Car Rental Agencies in Dunedin

No matter what you need to make your trip perfect, there are plenty of car rental agencies in Dunedin that will be happy to provide it all. Regardless of whether you choose to rent at the airport or downtown, you can be assured that you are in safe hands.

If you’re looking for a company with a great track record, plenty of vehicle options to choose from, and a true knowledge of the area, then we recommend Hertz. This world-renowned agency will be on hand to provide you with the best customer service possible.

Or, for a cheaper alternative why not try Thrifty? This highly-recommended company not only provides excellent service for competitive prices, but they also have a great range of benefits and extras to suit you, such as bike racks and snow accessories, perfect for the New Zealand weather and terrain.

Top Road Trips from Dunedin

Dunedin is an eclectic city full of culture and creativity. There is plenty to discover within this fantastic city, however no trip to Dunedin is complete without an exploration of some of the surrounding areas.

If you’re a culture-lover, why not take a trip to Larnach Castle? New Zealand’s only castle, this stunning architectural delight is a must-see for anyone visiting Dunedin. With beautiful grounds and a fascinating history, this fantastic trip is only a 20-minute drive away from Dunedin Central.

Or, if you’d rather take a more adventurous trip, we would recommend visiting the Southland Welcome Rock Trails. This incredible, open terrain is the perfect place for any cyclists or hikers looking to explore the classic beauty that New Zealand has to offer.

Frequently asked questions about car rental Dunedin Airport

What’s the best area to stay in Dunedin?
The best area to stay in Dunedin is all down to what you are hoping to get out of your visit. If you’re looking for a low-key place to stay where you can relax and enjoy the weather, St Clair is a beautiful coastal part of Dunedin famous for its beach. With delightful bright sands and unbeatable waves, this area is popular for those looking to chill out. On the other hand, if you’re more interested in exploring the city’s bustling nightlife, Dunedin city centre is for you. Just a short stroll away from plen
What is the cheapest time to go to Dunedin?
The cheapest time to visit Dunedin is either from March to May or from September to November. You will find better discounts during these months; however, we recommend keeping an eye on flight costs as good deals may crop up throughout the year.
What is the best time to go to Dunedin?
If you’re looking to visit Dunedin during the warmer months, we recommend going between November and April so as to make the most of the clear, sunny days. January and February bring with them the hottest temperatures, so bare that in mind when booking your trip.
Can you get around Dunedin without a car?
Although Dunedin is a compact city and you can technically get around without a car, we recommend renting one to give you the freedom you need to make the most of your holiday. Renting a car can not only end up cheaper overall, but it is also more reliable than public transport. Plus, if you want to explore further out then driving is your only option for most places.
Tips and experiences for Dunedin Airport

Our customers rated Dunedin Airport with an average of 8.8 based on 5 ratings, and these are the most recent tips, experiences and highlights.

22-11-2020

says:
When renting a car ask to have the North American wipers and light switches. Took me a little bit but for awhile whenever I was signaling to turn I turned the wipers on (ha ha) Pack light and not like we did. We knew New Zealand was a long country and had many climate zones so we packed for the antarctic and the equator and everything between when we could have just layered up. Drive to the rules and signs in New Zealand and you will do just fine. There are many steep and tight cornered narrow roads so when told to slow down its best to do just that. We toured the length of New Zealand starting at Dunedin in the South and traveling to Cape Rienga in the North . We amassed 3525 kilometres so the unlimited mileage and ability to drop our Rav 4 off in Auckland when we were finished our adventure was paramount. Don’t miss the Albatross and Penguins in Dunedin, the Marlborough wine region, Milford sound, Hobbitton, Waitomo caves, Rotorua, Taupo, Cathedral cove and Hot water beach, Ninety mile beach and Cape Reinga if possible. We loved Doubtless sound and the Karikari peninsula.
06-11-2020

says:
Bummer that the airport is so far from central Dunedin. Was able to get a shuttle but public transit to the airport would be ideal
26-07-2020

says:
Book in advance on-line to get a good car hire deal. The airport car rentals were a short walk from Dunedin airport Arrivals. All clearly signed for pick up and return. After a short journey into Dunedin our motel was easy to find having been given a map of the town, with directions clearly marked, by the female rental employee. In addition to the famous train ride through the Taieri Gorge, which was spectacular, we also drove to see seals, penguins and albatross on the Otago peninsula. Another day we went to the Orokonui eco sanctuary near Dunedin and had a 2 hour guided tour seeing Tuatara (real dinosaurs), rare birds, plants and trees. Well worth a visit. We then headed to Invercargill to another motel. While there we drove to the ferry port and parked for a day trip to Stewart Island and additional boat trip to Ulva Island where we saw rare native birds on a trek with a guide. The whole 7 day trip was amazing before we had to return our car to Dunedin Airport and fly back to Auckland.
15-10-2019

says:
There are so many sights to see in the immediate area of Dunedin. One can't go all the way to Dunedin without doing a window shopping tour of the quaint downtown area. Start walking at "the Octogon" and continue down George St. about 1/2 mile to the Meridian Mall. Along the way you may stop at numerous cafes and meet some of the friendliest people in the world. Maybe you'll buy some beautiful clothes made from the amazing Merino Possum super lightweight wool. There are more sheep than humans on the South Island, so the roads are uncrowded and several road trips are suggested. If you like to see wildlife in its natural setting, Otago Harbor should not be missed. Starting at Dunedin, drive to MacAndrew Bay, stop for a coffee and pastry at the cafe, near a local artist Art Gallery. Continue driving through Portobello, which is great place to stop for a bite. Continue driving out to the end of harbor, and stop at Nature's Wonder and The Albatross Colony for both tours. If you are lucky you will see the cutest albatross babies in the world, while their parents soar through the wind with their 7 foot wingspan. At Nature's Wonders you'll see some of the rarest penguins in the world - the Yellow-Eyed Penguin. Another beautiful drive is only an hour North of Dunedin. After leaving Dunedin on Hwy 1 take the Coast Road for beautiful ocean views of Blue Skin Bay, Seacliff, and Karitane. Stop at the view point that overlooks Karitane Beach and the more distant Waikouaiti Beach.
02-10-2018

says:
Harbor and rugby ground good destinations closer to the city. Albatross and penguins out at the Rookery fascinating,great scenery. Care should be exercised in driving around as in some areas roads very narrow and twisty.Also on the harbour no crash barrier between the sea and the road