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Book a rental car in Picton
Picton is a popular coastal town located at the top of the South Island of New Zealand. It serves as the primary terminal for the Cook Strait ferries, connecting the North and South Islands. Many travelers prefer to rent a car in Picton and begin iconic road trips like Queen Charlotte Drive. With a self-drive vehicle by your side, you can easily explore local vineyards in the Marlborough Wine Region, which is otherwise not possible with public transit.
Additionally, the town gives easy access to State Highways 1 & 6. These highways are popular because they pair together naturally. That means you can pick up a vehicle in Picton, take SH6 down the West Coast to Queenstown and return north via SH1 up the East Coast to visit Christchurch.
We work with reputable car rental suppliers and make it easy for you to compare different deals under one roof. With just a single search, you can find a vehicle from various categories that best suits your itinerary and fits in your budget.
One-way car rental from Picton
Travelers with flexible itineraries can also benefit from our one-way car hire deals from Picton. You can easily collect the car in Picton Ferry Port/Picton Downtown and return it at a different location, making it easier to explore the region without backtracking.
Some of the popular routes taken by our customers include:
| Destination | Approx. distance | Approx. driving time (direct) |
|---|---|---|
| Picton to Nelson | 113 km (70 miles) | 1 hour 55 minutes |
| Picton to Christchurch | 336 km (209 miles) | 4 hours 25 minutes |
| Picton to Greymouth | 351 km (218 miles) | 4 hours 30 minutes |
| Picton to Queenstown | 813 km (505 miles) | 10 hours 15 minutes |
VIP Cars’ tips for renting a car in Picton
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If you are traveling between December and February, make sure to book your rental car in Picton at least 4 to 6 weeks in advance. These months are the peak summer travel season in New Zealand. Rental services are also in high demand because many travelers arrive by Cook Strait ferry and Picton is a major gateway to the South Island. Booking your car early gives you a wide fleet of options and helps secure a great price.
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If you are visiting the North Island first and then traveling to the South Island, many rental suppliers require you to return your car at their Wellington depot, travel on the ferry as a foot passenger and collect a separate rental car upon arrival in Picton. Check your supplier’s terms and conditions in advance, as vehicle-ferry policies and one-way rental arrangements may vary.
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Cook Strait ferries (Interislander and Bluebridge) can run behind schedule due to sea conditions or terminal congestion. Therefore, when setting your car rental pickup time in Picton, we advise allowing a buffer of 50-60 min after your scheduled ferry arrival time.
