Considering a Car Rental in Christchurch? Everything You Need to Know:
The name Christchurch (Christchurch) or the Church of Christ was given to the settlement on the island by English settlers - its first colonizers. Prior to this, the region was called Ōtautahi or Te Whenua o Te Potiki-Tautahi by the local Maori population. Due to the difficulty of pronouncing Te Fenua O Te Potiki-Tautakhi, the short version is most often used, although in official reference books the administrative center of Canterbury is still called Christchurch. Interest in this tourist destination is fueled not only by the unique history of the region, but also by its interesting location - only in Christchurch there is an opportunity to literally visit the center of the volcano, although it is no longer active.
City and Region Features
Introducing New Zealand for arrivals begins with communication with the strictest customs officers of the Old World. This is the second largest and most trafficked public airport of the two New Zealand ones. All products (including chewing gum and nuts in a sealed bag) will have to be handed over. You will also have to lay out:
wooden products and bio-products (soil, water, flowers);
toys for animals and similar ones;
b/ have agricultural tools.
One must be prepared that even shoes, significantly soiled with the dust of other people's roads, will have to be left. There are no exceptions - infant formula or a favorite woven straw keychain will also be seized, packaged and disposed of. If you try to circumvent the law, you can get a fine of up to $400.
These requirements are not a whim or an attempt to make money on tourists who will have to buy everything from scratch. This is how the state is trying to preserve its unique ecosystem, to isolate itself from pathogens, microbes, and parasites imported from the continent.
To city center from airport available by bus, taxi and rental car. Stops are located right at the exit, there are also conspicuous tables - terminals for renting a car. Prices differ a little, you can approach any. The requirements are standard - rights, age from 21 years old, the presence of a credit card. The central roads after the 2011 earthquake, which in Christchurch will be reminded of at every turn, have been restored, so driving does not cause inconvenience. The cost of a taxi and a bus is not the most affordable (you will have to pay $14 for a ride to the center). A car will cost only 2-3 times more, so the benefits of renting are really felt. There is only one minus - it makes no sense to take it for a long time - the town itself is easier to get around on foot.
What to see in Christchurch
The city center is welcome. Even in 10 years, it was not possible to completely restore the historical objects that the city was proud of. For some, restoration is impossible, but the administration does not raise a hand to sign a demolition order. These buildings with props and technical clamps will periodically come across.
The second feature is the places of memory all about the same earthquake. This is a symbolic monument with stones on which the names of the dead (185 people) are written and temporary installations that are updated every year.
It is the strong destruction that explains the peculiarities of urban architecture. Next to the buildings of the 18-19th century, container prefabricated shops and banks, as well as the know-how of the city - cardboard buildings. The dense pressed material perfectly tolerates bad weather, well, it is light and earthquake-resistant, which is priceless in a region with potential volcanic activity. An example of such a building is Cardboard Cathedral (New Cathedral). The stained-glass windows in the triangular opening are an exact copy of the old ones that have been lost.
The old Anglican cathedral ChristChurch Cathedral, or rather what is left of it, can also be seen. You don't have to look for the address - this is the very center, the cathedral square. The official website helps to compare projects https://www.cardboardcathedral.org.nz /.
You can also walk from anywhere to the main attractions:
Oran Zoo ( Orana Wildlife Park) is an open-type park where visitors will have to sit in a cage. Predators, for whom, apparently, the tour is being conducted, look at the slightly hushed exhibits with pleasure.
The Victoria Clock Tower or the Diamond Jubilee is a spectacular architectural creation by Benjamin Mountfort in the heart of the city.
Peterborough Centre, built by George Penlington. Restored almost completely with private funds, allows you to evaluate how the city would look without earthquakes.
Taking a car to travel around the city is not worth it. It is easier to get around the parks and alleys on foot or on a lime scooter, which have already become popular.
Where to go near Christchurch
Without transport, you can comfortably climb Mount Cavendish. A funicular runs to the top, which has become one of the preserved walls of the volcano. For trips around the area, a car is useful, there are too many places where you want to stop for the sake of photos. Interesting destinations:
The Lyttelton Road Tunnel is the one that goes through the volcano. It links the two parts of the island. There is nothing interesting on the way, except for the fact and the views at the entrance to the administrative crossing.
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve (Reserve Willowbank Wildlife Reserve) is an area inhabited by rare animals and birds. Address: 60 Hussey Road, Christchurch 8051 New Zealand.
There are three ski resorts in the vicinity of the city. Porters (with artificial snow) and Mt. Hutt (with natural) are located 30 minutes from the city.
Another original form of transport for tourists is the punta pleasure boat. Locals organize boat trips on the Avon River almost all year round.
The best restaurants in Christchurch
The national cuisine of New Zealand is British with local island flavor. But restaurants offer a full range of destinations from Thai to European. Worth a visit:
Christchurch Tramway Restaurant — gourmet restaurant focusing on local traditions. Included in the top five most unusual restaurants in the world because of the chosen premises - the building of an old tram. Address: Cathedral Junction, 109 Worcester Street, Christchurch 8011 New Zealand. Phone: +64 3-366 7830.
Permit Room is heaven for vegetarians and more. Indian and Asian cuisine. Address: 779 Colombo street opposite Crown Plaza. Phone: +64 3-925 9280.
5th Street - Reasonably priced seafood with local flair. There is a menu for vegetarians and those who do not eat gluten. 5 Elgin Street Sydenham Christchurch 8022 New Zealand. Phone: +64 3-365 9667.
There are cafeterias with an international menu in any tourist place. The employees are responsive, easily agree to provide an unfamiliar dish for tasting.
Where to park in Christchurch
The average cost of parking for 2 hours is $5. They will ask for at least $15 per day. That is why it is worth leaving the car at the free parking lots provided by hotels. Free open in the center - 271 Barrack Rd Parking (Christchurch, England BH23 2AY, UK), the best reviewed and inexpensive - Priory Car Park (Christchurch, Dorset BH23 1BU, UK +44 1202 795000). You can pay not only by card and cash, but also from the balance of the cell.
Good to know
Most Popular Agency
Hertz
Most popular car class
Mini
Average price
33 € / Day
Best price
24 € / Day
Average cost per week of rental in Christchurch
January
€255
February
€174
March
€222
April
€205
May
€200
June
€224
July
€160
August
€166
September
€297
October
€172
November
€199
December
€371
* Data calculated based on car bookings for the previous 2 years.
A percentage showing the monthly occupancy of the fleet of available vehicles. During August, there is a maximum demand for car rental, which entails a decrease in the range of cars available for order. You should take care of booking a car in Christchurch in advance, this will allow you to get the preferred option on the most favorable financial terms.
The best time to rent a car in Christchurch is November. This month, rental prices are minimal, below the annual average by 34%, and start from €23 for a Compact car.
The highest demand for car rental occurs in summer. The cost increases, on average, by 30-50% and the choice of available cars is significantly reduced. For example, in July, the average price for a popular car model Audi A4 is €58per day.
Average prices for 1 day rental for different car classes:
4x
2x
A/C
3x
Citroen C1
Citroen C1
€14 / Day
4x
2x
A/C
4x
Ford Fiesta
Ford Fiesta
€18 / Day
5x
3x
A/C
4x
Audi A4
Audi A4
€32 / Day
5x
4x
A/C
5x
Ford Foxus Estate
Ford Foxus Estate
€33 / Day
4x
3x
A/C
5x
BMW X1
BMW X1
€33 / Day
4x
3x
A/C
4x
BMW 5 series
BMW 5 series
€45 / Day
8x
4x
A/C
5x
Ford Tourneo
Ford Tourneo
€55 / Day
4x
2x
A/C
2x
BMW 4 Cabrio
BMW 4 Cabrio
€65 / Day
Our rental office in Christchurch can offer you a wide selection of over 40 car models. You can rent exact car model. All cars are new and technically fully functional.
You can choose a car of any required category. The following classes are in particular demand among customers:
Cabriolet;
Business Class;
SUV;
Minivan.
Also available other models and you can rent them in Christchurch at a convenient time and on favorable terms.
In recent years in Christchurch the demand for electric rental cars has been growing steadily. Their popularity is due to the presence of numerous free parking lots and recharging stations. You will be able to rent Hyundai Ioniq in Christchurch by selecting start and end dates of the rental in the search filter.
Required documents for rental cars
Driving license
Credit card
Voucher
Passport
Attention!
A valid international driver's license is required!
TOP-10 car rental Tips:
Download Google maps offline
The presence of an offline navigator allows you to save on roaming. It is enough just to download the necessary maps from Google Maps and get directions even without a network connection. To do this, enter the phrase "OK MAPS" in the application, select the desired area and download offline maps to your smartphone.
Early Booking Discount
Christchurch is a popular tourist destination, so car rental is consistently in demand. The earlier you book a car, the more options there will be and the lower the prices will be. Choose transport online at least 6 weeks before your visit. Better yet, do it as soon as you start planning your vacation. If plans change, you can cancel your booking without penalty up to 48 hours before it starts.
Which car to choose
Choose a car according to the purpose of your trip. You can drive around the city and its surroundings in a compact car Audi A1 or Ford Focus. These models are the most popular with our customers in Christchurch.
In the mountains, more powerful transport will be required. Pay attention to the volume of the engine - it must be more than 1.6 liters. An all-wheel drive crossover would be ideal. Opel Astra Estate will cost €35 per day. By the way, before leaving, do not forget to refuel with a margin. On the rises, the fuel goes one and a half to two times more. Gas stations in mountain villages are rare.
What you need to pay attention to at the time of receiving a car
Before picking up, you are required to carefully inspect the car and point out to the rental company manager for scratches, damage and defects, such as dirty seat upholstery. You should check the ignition and the fuel level in the tank. You need to know the conditions for returning the car - where exactly, with what amount of fuel to return the car.
The rental agreement must include a telephone number to contact the rental company. It is designed so that customers can get help in emergency situations, such as when a car breaks down or in the event of an accident. A call to the rental company should be done first, even before the arrival of the police.
Insurance recommendations
Rental companies in Christchurch may offer different insurance options. They differ in price and set of options. Here are the basic types:
Third Party Liability (TPL)/Third Liability Protection (TLP). This is a third party liability protection. If you are the culprit of an accident, the insurance will compensate for the costs of the victims for you.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). This is to protect your vehicle from any damage. She works with a franchise. This is the amount that you will have to pay in case of damage in any case. The company will cover anything over the limit. The insurance does not cover theft.
Theft Insurance (TI)/Theft Protection (TP)/Theft Waiver (TW). This is car theft protection. Operates with a franchise.
Super Loss Damage Waiver (SLDW)/Theft Protection+Collision Damage Waiver (TP+CDW). Full protection against theft and damage, even if you are the culprit of the accident.
Personal Accident Insurance (PAI). This is medical insurance for the driver and passengers.
If you want to save money and choose the cheapest insurance, carefully inspect the car upon receipt. Make sure the machine is not damaged.
Fuel prepayment terms
For trips over long distances, it is better to choose the option with the already included payment for a full tank. If you have a short trip, then this service is inappropriate. Be sure to read the fuel policy before making a booking:
If necessary, use the special filter to select the most convenient option for you.
Mileage without limits
According to the rental conditions, the mileage can be limited or unlimited. Travel lovers should choose the option without a limit. It will cost more, but in the end it will save. Check the appropriate box to filter offers with unlimited mileage.
Compare conditions of different rental companies
When choosing a rental car in Christchurch, you should carefully read all the terms of the rental. This is due to the fact that different companies may differ not only in rental prices, but also in conditions for limiting mileage, the cost of additional services, and the amount of the deposit. To compare rental conditions, it is convenient to use the search and booking system on our website.
How to choose a rental company
When renting a car in Christchurch, you should carefully read all the conditions offered by the rental company. Depending on the specific company, they may differ in mileage, insurance coverage, deposit amount, accompanying services and their cost. You should choose proven and reliable companies that offer new cars and stand out due to the well-thought-out organization of work with customers. Additionally, you can study the rating of distributors, which is also available on our website.
If we talk about the best companies in Christchurch, then it is worth highlighting sixt with a rating 9.8 and budget, the average rating of which is 9.7 points.
Car pick-up procedure
You should show a voucher and personal documents. A manager draws up a lease agreement. The deposit is blocked on the card.
Before leaving the rental, turn on the ignition, find out the amount of fuel and compare it with what is written in the contract.
Inspect the car carefully. Point out to the manager any paint chips and scuffs. The employee must record the damage. Take a photo yourself: they should show the defect, the number of the car and the employee of the rental company. This will help to avoid problems when returning the car: it will prove that it was not you who torn the upholstery or scratched the fender.
Our main advantages
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Change or cancel within 48 hours for free!
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Car rental reviews: Christchurch
Based on 8255 reviews
Rate 4,8/5
Based on 8255 reviews
Tony
4,8
Without a doubt, I will continue to use Bookingautos on a regular basis. Thank you very much for your assistance!
Michael
4,7
Excellent value for money. The pick-up process was a little confusing, but I would use it again!
Luna
4,5
The search was very simple to use, the price was really low, and there were no problems with the rental car company.
Jody
4,9
Everything proceeded as expected. The complete coverage compensation really worked.
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