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Nelson car rentals from $38/day

This price is the cheapest per day rate found by a KAYAK user in the last 48 hours by searching for a car rental in Nelson with a pick-up date of 12/7 and drop-off date of 12/11. Fares are subject to change and may not be available at all agencies or on all dates of rental. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.

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Cheap car rentals in Nelson

Discover the best prices and deals for you by selecting your travel dates.
Choose your dates
Toyota Yaris car
Toyota Yaris
or similar SMALL
2
2
4-5
$38/day
Toyota Corolla car
Toyota Corolla
or similar SMALL
4
2
4-5
$38/day
Toyota RAV4 car
Toyota RAV4
or similar SUV
2
2
4-5
$45/day
Class Full-size SUV car
Class Full-size SUV
or similar SUV
5
2
4-5
$44/day
Class Full-size Truck car
Class Full-size Truck
or similar PICKUPTRUCK
5
2
2/4
$69/day
Class Intermediate SUV car
Class Intermediate SUV
or similar SUV
5
3
4-5
$40/day
Subaru Forester car
Subaru Forester
or similar SUV
5
3
4-5
$40/day
Mitsubishi ASX car
Mitsubishi ASX
or similar SUV
4
2
4-5
$41/day
Class Special Car car
Class Special Car
or similar Category
5
5
2/4
$53/day
Best rates found by KAYAK users in the past 48 hours.

KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Nelson

  • If you plan to have a holiday vacation in New Zealand, consider moving around with car rentals in Nelson. Car rentals in Nelson have several benefits as compared to the buses, taxis, and shuttles in the city. For instance, with Nelson car rentals, you can visit some of the interior tourist attractions such as Abel Tasman National Park. When moving around Nelson with a car rental, you can change routes comfortably in case of heavy traffic flow as compared to public transport. You may move with your four-legged buddy with car rentals as compared to the public means of transportation in Nelson.
  • If you are looking for a convenient place to rent a Nelson car rental, consider renting one at Nadi International Airport (NSN). Car rentals in NSN give customers different options for reserving a car. For instance, you can reserve your car online or physically. The physical reservation process occurs at the car rental counter located at the center of the airport in Suite 7. Once at this place, you’ll be served by Classic Rental Car Fiji Nadi, Hertz, Enterprise, Budget, Avis, and Alamo at a pocket-friendly price.
  • You must keep in mind a few things when driving a car rental in Nelson, chief among them being car seat regulations, if you're traveling with children. Children under the age of eight or who are not taller than 4'9" are required to travel in a suitable child restraint system at all times, per New Zealand's car seat regulations. Depending on the child's age, height, and/or weight, this could be an infant-only seat, a booster seat, or any other restraint system. Any of the Nelson car rentals can provide the necessary equipment for your child for a nominal daily cost.
  • Although driving a car rental in Nelson is generally a fun experience, you may run into some problems if you need to drive your Nelson car rental during the morning and evening rush hours. Most of Nelson's roadways see considerable traffic between 6 am and 8 am in the morning, with Brougham St. and Campbell St. being the worst affected. Around 4 pm to 6 pm in the evening, a comparable situation occurs.
  • 25% of our users found rental cars in Nelson for $47 or less
  • Book your rental car in Nelson at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
  • Compact rental cars in Nelson are around 27% cheaper than other car types, on average

FAQs about renting a car in Nelson

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

    On average a rental car in Nelson costs $62 per day. But prices differ between operators and you can save money through a price comparison of car rental deals from different agencies. The cheapest price for a car rental in Nelson found in the last 2 weeks is $41.

  • What is the cheapest car rental company in Nelson?

    In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Avis ($38/day), Go Rentals ($38/day) and EZI ($40/day). In the last 72 hours the cheapest rental car price was found at Avis Terminal Building 7011 (4 miles from city center).

  • Can I rent an automatic car in Nelson?

    Yes, automatic cars are available in most car renting companies in Nelson. As cars with manual transmission are more common in many countries, you might have to pay an additional charge for renting an automatic car.

  • How much is gas price in Nelson?

    The average gas price in Nelson is $6.27 per gallon over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between $75 and $100, depending on the car size.

  • What is the most popular rental car in Nelson?

    Compact (Mitsubishi ASX or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Nelson.

  • Which car rental companies are at Nelson airport (NSN)?

    Car rental companies onsite at Nelson airport include Europcar, Budget, Avis, EZI, Hertz and Go Rentals.

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

    Car rental companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Nelson airport to off-airport locations include Europcar, Budget, Avis, and Hertz.

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

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

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

    A Compact car rental in Nelson costs $58 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Full Size car rental cost in Nelson?

    A Full Size car rental in Nelson costs $97 per day, on average.

  • How much does an Intermediate car rental cost in Nelson?

    An Intermediate car rental in Nelson costs $54 per day, on average.

  • How much does it cost to rent a car for a week in Nelson?

    On average a rental car in Nelson costs $433 per week ($62 per day).

  • How much does it cost to rent a car long term for a month in Nelson?

    On average a rental car in Nelson costs $1,854 per month ($62 per day).

  • Should I get insurance when renting a car in Nelson?

    Most car rental providers in Nelson offer insurance but the level of protection can differ substantially. If you're unsure whether to get extra protection for your car rental in Nelson, check out KAYAK's car rental insurance guide.

  • How many car agencies are operating in Nelson?

    KAYAK has deals for you to compare from 19 car rental agencies in Nelson.

  • What do I need to know before booking a car rental in Nelson?

    Finding the right price, understanding the add-ons and staying up to date with policy changes can be a challenge. That’s why KAYAK has produced the ultimate guide to renting a car to help you cut though the jargon and make the right choice for your rental car. Find tips and insights for how to book your rental, what car rental insurance you’ll need, how to deal with a car rental agency and what extra fees to expect (and avoid!).

  • Why should I use KAYAK to rent a car in Nelson?

    KAYAK searches thousands of car rental agencies to provide you with offers from all car rental agencies operating in Nelson so that you can compare car rental rates, reviews and pick-up and drop-off locations to find the best deal for you.

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

    If you plan to drive a Nelson car rental, please prioritize a compact or an economy car. Mobility and ease of parking are required due to Nelson's congested streets and scarce public parking places. Your smaller vehicle from Nelson car rentals will improve agility, make navigating through narrow roadways easier, and boost your freedom when looking for parking spaces. Additionally, it will improve the comfort of driving in Nelson's urban setting.

  • What is the speed limit in Nelson?

    When driving car rentals in Nelson, kindly follow the imposed speed limits. To ensure the security of pedestrians and children, school and church zones typically have posted speed limits of 30 km/h (20 mph). The recommended speed limit on the highways encircling the city is typically 80 km/h (50 mph), whereas the proposed speed limit in residential areas is often 30 km/h (18 mph). Always adhere to the posted speed limit when driving a Nelson car rental.

  • Where are the best places to park Nelson car rentals?

    A garage is one of the greatest and safest places to keep a car especially when using car rentals in Nelson. It not only keeps the car safe but also can aid to protect it from the destruction caused by a lot of sunlight. Consider parking in Kinzett Terrace Carpark, Montgomery Square Carpark, or Wakatu Square Carpark. Parking rates will vary from place to place, but you should expect to pay an hourly rate.

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

Avis

10.0

Wonderful

Read 1 review
Best rated

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

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Jul 2023

Compact SUV

KAYAK
Staff very helpful changed car at depot no problem

1 out of 1

Europcar

10.0

Most popular

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 3 265 5201

Opening times not available

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Mar 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Great car. Friendly staff.

Cons:

Nothing

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Feb 2024

Compact

KAYAK
The easiest and friendliest car rental process ever! Booked online for Nelson Airport pickup and return Feb ‘24. Cheerful and helpful man at the desk. No surprises. Smooth process. But be aware that there is an extra surcharge for the airport ( ours was $45).

1 out of 1

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

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

Show locations

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

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Apr 2023

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
everything was fine and well, great service 💯

1 out of 1

Apex

9.0

Wonderful

Read 1 review

Cleanliness

9.0

Comfort

9.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

9.0

Value for money

10.0

One location in Nelson

Show locations

Locations in Nelson

4 Trent Drive, Tahunanui

+64 3547 6800

Opening times not available

Filters

Reviews

8.0 Very good

Matthew, Jul 2022

KAYAK
Everything was fine except that we couldn't alter the return time because we didn't book direct. This left us with a massive gap between dropping the car off and our flight. Next time I'll book direct to avoid this.

1 out of 1

Firefly

Cleanliness

8.0

Comfort

8.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

4.0

Value for money

8.0

One location in Nelson

Show locations

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

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

6.4 Okay

Anonymous, Mar 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Drop off was simple.The vehicle was fine.

Cons:

I booked it under your Webb site with the no excess option. But when we picked up the car, I had to sign the contract that had a $5500.00 x/s. I was not happy, and your staff said it was not there problem as it was insured with another company, not them, but as I told them it was booked thru the Firefly web site. The manager got involved but his answer was not our problem and said give me the keys back and get a rental from another company. The final insult was when I had to pay another $200.00 just in case I didn’t fill the car upon my return. I did fill the tank on my return. I am still waiting on the 200.00 to be refunded. Overall a very disappointing and stressful experience. Mary and Dennis Hunt.

1 out of 1

Budget

Cheapest deal

Cleanliness

10.0

Comfort

10.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.0

Value for money

8.0

One location in Nelson

from$34/day

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

Reviews

6.0 Okay

Anonymous, Sep 2023

Compact SUV

KAYAK
I had a late pickup when it was dark and raining so I was unable to check the car properly. The next day I was shocked to see the number of scratches on the paintwork. I called the Nelson airport office and was told they could send through some photos from your files so I could verify that the scratches had already been noted. The email/link to photos did not reach me. I was also told that scratches are regarded as wear and tear but there was one significant long scratch that I was particularly concerned about. The next day I noticed a dent in the passenger door. I took a photo and I think I called again. Basically for the whole of the hire I had anxiety and uncertainty whether I would be charged the excess for repairs to the dent or the scratches, that I hadn’t seen when I picked the car up. I was unsure whether I would be held responsible even though I had taken care where I parked the car and certainly wasn’t aware of causing any of the scratches or dent myself. I won’t be picking up hire cars in the future when it is dark but I also think the check over of the car should have been done with one of your staff. The fact that Budget regards scratches and dents as general wear and tear is up to you but it doesn’t help your customers if they pick up cars late and during bad weather making it impossible to check over the car adequately. Apart from this, I was pleased with the car and pickup/drop off was very straightforward.

Dollar

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

Reviews

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Feb 2024

KAYAK
Not able to contact Nelson counter in NZ to advise of flight delays, despite using their helpline (in USA) their counter in Dunedin and agent in UK and emergency out of hours number in Nelson. Meant we were left without a car in arrival, not able to move to our pre booked accommodation and had to find alternatives late at night! The following day however the agent secured a car and provided an upgrade which helped a little but we couldn't regain the list time and prepaid costs

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

Go Rentals

9.5

Wonderful

One location in Nelson

from$62/day

Locations in Nelson

Nelson Airport

+64 3 974 3700

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Alamo

8.7

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

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

4.2

Mediocre

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

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

12 travelers who rented a car in Nelson gave the car agency they used an average rating of 7.4

Car rental locations in or near Nelson

Good to know

Most popular agency

Europcar

Most popular car type

Compact

Average price

$62/day

Good deal

$47/day

When to book a rental car in Nelson

Average daily price per month
Rental car prices as pick-up date approaches

Nelson car rental information

Pick-up locationNelson
Car typesCompact, Compact SUV, Economy, Full-size SUV, Intermediate SUV, Pickup truck, SUV, Standard SUV, Supplier choice
Rental locations20
Airport locations20
Popular agenciesEZI, Alamo, Avis, Europcar, Budget