'%3E%3Ccircle cx='0' cy='0' r='7' fill='%23fff'%3E%3CanimateTransform attributeName='transform' type='scale' begin='-0.24691358024691354s' calcMode='spline' keySplines='0.3 0 0.7 1;0.3 0 0.7 1' values='0;1;0' keyTimes='0;0.5;1' dur='0.6407407407407407s' repeatCount='indefinite'/%3E%3C/circle%3E%3C/g%3E%3Cg transform='translate(50 50)'%3E%3Ccircle cx='0' cy='0' r='7' fill='%23fff'%3E%3CanimateTransform attributeName='transform' type='scale' begin='-0.12345679012345677s' calcMode='spline' keySplines='0.3 0 0.7 1;0.3 0 0.7 1' values='0;1;0' keyTimes='0;0.5;1' dur='0.6407407407407407s' repeatCount='indefinite'/%3E%3C/circle%3E%3C/g%3E%3Cg transform='translate(75 50)'%3E%3Ccircle cx='0' cy='0' r='7' fill='%23fff'%3E%3CanimateTransform attributeName='transform' type='scale' begin='0s' calcMode='spline' keySplines='0.3 0 0.7 1;0.3 0 0.7 1' values='0;1;0' keyTimes='0;0.5;1' dur='0.6407407407407407s' repeatCount='indefinite'/%3E%3C/circle%3E%3C/g%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Rent a car in Invercargill
Explore Invercargill with the convenience of a self-drive vehicle and travel the city to the fullest. While public facilities are available within the city boundaries, services may be limited during weekends or evenings. Similarly, relying on taxis to visit remote destinations like Slope Point can cost more than a daily rental.
By booking a car hire, you get the flexibility to reach any place in the region. Whether you want to pick up your vehicle at Invercargill Airport (IVC), downtown or any nearby area, we provide several locations to make your journey comfortable from the beginning.
After exploring the local attractions like Oreti Beach (a 10- to 25-minute drive from the city center), you can take the iconic Southern Scenic Route drive, which is a 610-kilometer highway that connects Queenstown, Te Anau, Invercargill and Dunedin. You can stop at scenic lookouts full of waterfalls, panoramic ocean views or go on short hikes with beautiful trails.
Renting a car in Invercargill gives you the freedom to create your own itinerary to have memorable experiences along the way. Compare deals from trusted rental suppliers and book your car today at a great price!
One-way rental car in Invercargill
By booking a rental car one-way from Invercargill, you can travel to a different city/town without backtracking. This option is useful if you are planning a road trip to explore New Zealand's South Island.
Simply enter your preferred pickup/drop-off locations on our booking form. All the available deals for those dates will appear on your screen. You can compare all the options and book the most appropriate deal for your journey. These are some of the popular one-way destinations selected by travelers from Invercargill:
| Destination | Approx. distance | Approx. driving time | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Invercargill to Frankton | 180 km | 2 hours 13 min | State Highway 6 |
| Invercargill to Queenstown | 187 km | 2 hours 23 min | State Highway 6 |
| Invercargill to Dunedin | 204 km | 2 hours 32 min | State Highway 1 |
| Invercargill to Christchurch | 564 km | 7 hours | State Highway 1 |
VIP Cars’ tips for renting a car in Invercargill
-
Make sure to book your vehicle at least 6 to 8 weeks in advance if you are traveling to Invercargill between December and February. There is a high car rental demand as thousands of people visit the city in summer or to attend major events like the Burt Munro Challenge, one of New Zealand’s premier motorcycling festivals.
-
If you are traveling to high-altitude alpine areas during winter (June and November), like Milford Sound & Fiordland, we advise adding extras like snow chains/winter tires to your rental car (subject to availability).
-
Because Southland is a hub for sectors like agriculture, dairy farming or infrastructure projects, many remote workers prefer to rent a car in Invercargill for 1 to 6 months instead of buying a vehicle. So if you are planning an extended stay in the city, we recommend booking long-term car rental deals as they are more economical than short-term bookings.
-
Children under 7 years old must sit in an approved child restraint. You can add the baby/child/toddler seats to your rental car while making an online reservation with us (subject to availability and hence charged at the rental desk).
Things to do in Invercargill
-
Bill Richardson Transport World
A must-visit place for automotive enthusiasts. It is the largest privately owned transport collection that showcases 300+ classic vehicles and 150 vintage petrol bowsers.
-
Classic Motorcycle Mecca
An amazing place to witness hundreds of classic, rare and vintage motorbikes that are spread across two restored heritage buildings. It is located right in central Invercargill.
-
Demolition World
A unique village that is constructed entirely out of recycled materials and salvaged building supplies. Showcases tiny replica historic shops, a church and country buildings along with mannequins.
-
Invercargill Water Tower
An iconic landmark constructed in1889. It is a striking red-brick Victorian water tower that stands 31.5 meters tall. Serves as a great spot for taking pictures with this popular heritage tower in the background.
