Classic Car Hire in Nelson - Luxury, Vintage & Specialty Vehicles for Self-Drive
Experience Nelson like never before from behind the wheel of something truly extraordinary. NZ Rent A Car Nelson offers the region's most distinctive collection of classic, luxury and specialty vehicles available for self-drive hire - each one handpicked for its character, performance and ability to turn every drive into a memory worth keeping.
Whether you're exploring the Abel Tasman coastline, touring Marlborough's vineyards, marking a special occasion, or simply want to drive something you'll be talking about long after you've returned the keys - our specialty fleet has the perfect vehicle waiting for you.
Our Classic Car Hire Fleet in Nelson
Mercedes SLC 180 Roadster
Drop-top luxury for Nelson's sunshine. The SLC Roadster combines refined comfort with open-air driving - ideal for coastal cruising, vineyard tours, or simply enjoying the region at its best.
Classic 1971 VW Beetle
The original people's car. This beautifully maintained '71 Beetle is pure nostalgia on four wheels - air-cooled engine, iconic curves, and a driving experience that puts a smile on everyone's face.
Fraser Clubman
A rare, New Zealand-built roadster designed purely for driving pleasure - no power steering, no traction control, just you, the road and a handcrafted machine built by Kiwi engineers.
Land Rover Defender
An icon built for adventure. The Defender's go-anywhere capability makes it the perfect companion for exploring Nelson's backcountry, Golden Bay's remote beaches, or anywhere the sealed road runs out.
Porsche 911 Carrera S
The definitive sports car. Legendary flat-six power, rear-wheel drive precision, and a silhouette recognised the world over. The 911 Carrera S turns every Nelson coastal road into your own private circuit.
Ford Mustang GT 5.0 Coyote V8
Pure American muscle. The Mustang GT's 5.0 Coyote V8 delivers the kind of performance that demands to be heard - and Nelson's open roads are the perfect place to find out what it can do.
Jaguar F-Type V6 Supercharged
British performance with serious attitude. The supercharged V6 delivers effortless power while the F-Type's striking lines ensure you arrive in style wherever you're headed.
Perfect Occasions for Classic Car Hire in Nelson
Special occasions - Birthdays, anniversaries, proposals or simply a reward for yourself
Weddings & photoshoots - Arrive with presence and style that makes a statement
Scenic road trips - Cruise the Abel Tasman coast, Kaiteriteri or Golden Bay in something unforgettable
Corporate events - Impress clients or reward your team with a driving experience they won't forget
Car enthusiasts - Get behind the wheel of something with genuine character and history
Classic Car Hire Options in Nelson
Daily and multi-day hire available
Self-drive rental from our Nelson Airport depot
Booking essential - subject to availability
Easy and quick pick up, just a minute from the terminal
Hire Options
Daily and multi-day hire available
Self-drive rental from our Nelson depot
Weddings, photo shoots, weekend getaways & classic car enthusiasts
Easy and quick pick up. A minute away from the airport. Speedy process to get the vehicleread moreread lessCristian Garcia2/19/2025I love this company. March 2025 will be my 2nd time renting from them. Their vehicles are very inexpensive, and their service is the best. Among other things, I love the fact that they provide an email address - you can just email them about anything that comes up. Most other similar agencies try their best to HIDE their email addresses - apparently they just don't want to be bothered with email.read moreread lessSid Huff1/07/2025- We picked up the car very good condition and clean.Sue is such a lovely lady friendly,explained to us and other costumer informative,very helpful. Sue is great costumer service ,so far so good had a great experience,reasonable good rental pricing compare other rental company I recommended NZ rental car.read moreread lessMary jean Aparicio1/07/2025Great to deal with. Arranged hassle free out of hours pickup and drop off. Our hire was good value. The van was showing it's age in a few places but it hauled 6 people and a ton of luggage without fuss and was very economical.read moreread lessGavin Raymen2/19/2024
- Excellent service and great cars on a budget. Very satisfied with our hire. Thank you!read moreread lessBarry Miles10/25/2023As we make an effort to avoid the Corporations and deal with the smaller companies in the world it was great to use a LOCAL NZ rental car company. I would highly recommend these guys to anyone, the staff were great and process effortless. You felt valued as a customer. Keep it up NZ Rentacar.read moreread lessMark Davies4/03/2023
- Hired a great wee car and never missed a beat! Totally suitable for my needs of just running around the town. Helpful, friendly staff. Will definitely use again and recommend to others. Thankyou.read moreread lessJanice Rowell3/05/2023Sue from rentacar Nelson is a lifesaver! Seriously thought we were going to be stuck without a car as all other rentals were booked out, but these guys still had two cars left and for a reasonable price! The price they give you is the price you pay, no booking fee, airport fee or so on. Awesome customer service.read moreread lessGabriel Newman2/05/2023
- Sue was outstanding in helping us find a car and allowed us to get on our journey! Good car and reasonable pricesread moreread lessCameron De Leijer1/22/2023Excellent rental experience only made better by the exquisite customer service from Sue, cannot recommend highly enough.read moreread lessWill10/31/2022
- I rent a cheap and cheerful car for a week and it was a very good deal. The staff member was very friendly and helpful. Will definitely hire their cars again in the future.read moreread lessClaire Lin (Claire)7/22/2022Sue was friendly, patient and thorough in explaining all the details to me. The other staff members were helpful and efficient too. The car was brand new and clean. It was a pleasant experience overall. 🙂read moreread lessErilyn Dagan3/12/2021
- Thanks, it was a pleasure hiring the car at Nelson airport. Everything was straightforward and having the car made it easy to explore the beautiful Tasman region. And great rates made it affordable.read moreread lessGravity George2/12/2021Great company - everything super easy, fast and friendly, highly recommended!read moreread lessLawrence May12/12/2020
- Our experience with NZ RentaCar was excellent. Starting with the pleasant and helpful staff member who offered a great deal of advice regarding our destination plans for the day. The car a Toyota Hybrid was very clean and tidy. The instructions on leaving the car park and returning were explained well.read moreread lessBrian Farley12/12/2020Thank you Sue at Nelson Airport for the recommendation for Forsters for lunch - much appreciated.read moreread lessChris Parker12/12/2020
- NZ rent a car at Nelson airport has been the easiest to deal with for a long time for us. They always service with a smile, and they really go out of their way to accommodate the customer. Also they have tidy cars at good rates. Highly recommended!read moreread lessMaarten Hoogerland12/12/2020Great service friendly staff easy pick up and drop off recomend to everyoneread moreread lessNeil Albany12/12/2020
- Our experience with NZ RentaCar was excellent. Starting with the pleasant and helpful staff member who offered a great deal of advice regarding our destination plans for the day. The car a Toyota Hybrid was very clean and tidy. The instructions on leaving the car park and returning were explained well.read moreread lessBrian “EB”12/08/2020Great company! Friendly face to greet me when I walked in and they were super helpful. I forgot a library book in the van we hired and NZ Rent a Car were very accommodating with helping to get it back to me! Thank you so much!read moreread lessEden Wynne12/06/2020
- Great company! Friendly face to greet me when I walked in and they were super helpful. I forgot a library book in the van we hired and NZ Rent a Car were very accommodating with helping to get it back to me! Thank you so much!read moreread lessEden Edwardson11/12/2020Competitive rates. Efficient and friendly service. The vehicles (people movers and a sedan) did exactly what was required with no issues. Would definitely use NZ Rent A Car again. 🙂read moreread lessSimon Hanlon10/12/2020
- The personal approach that Sue and Hamish have towards their customers made us feel very special. We were delighted with the vehicle, the pick up and drop off and everything in between. We needed a bike carrier that could carry three bikes; Sue and Hamish went out of their way to ensure we got exactly what was needed. I really cannot recommend the team highly enough and have already booked another vehicle through them for our return trip.read moreread lessJacky McLaren10/12/2020Easy to deal with, I knew I was going to be tight for time on pick up and they went out of their way to make sure things ran smoothly to get out of the airport ASAP. Car was what you expect for cost. Overall great value.read moreread lessJosie O'Grady8/12/2020
- Great friendly service. Car was excellent. Very easy pick up and drop off.Thank you !read moreread lessAngela Bullivant8/12/2020Staff were amazing!!! So helpful ! Made our trip so much more enjoyable ! Would highly recommendread moreread lessToni Goncalves8/12/2020
- super easy car pickup on site at airport, local and friendly NZ company. car in good condition, no issues with hire and hassle free key drop back! have used this company twice and will continue to use them, highly recommended!read moreread lessNicola Koerner8/12/2020Convenient airport pickup and efficient, friendly staff. We chose an older model which was clean and reliable. Great value!read moreread lessSusan King7/12/2020
- We were impressed with the staff at Rent A Car who were very helpful when we booked a car last minute. We were driving away in about 15 minutes from beginning the transaction.Car was great - clean and no issues whatsoever.read moreread lessLucy Travaglia7/12/2020We hired a car to head to Golden Bay for a wedding. The price was excellent and the lady who helped us pick up our keys was friendly and organized. The vehicle felt reliable and did the job. I’d happily rent from NZ Rent a Car at the Nelson airport again.read moreread lessClinton Lewis7/12/2020
- My car was spotless, the service and assistance at the Reception was everything I needed to know, the price was definitely competitive. I will definitely use them again, can recommend to anyone hiring a car in NZ.read moreread lessCarol McKellar7/12/2020Staff was very courteous, helpful, and quick and I had a nice sports car to rent for a couple of days even with no reservation. Will definitely rent from them again!read moreread lessJeremy DeVore7/12/2020
- Good communication, great price.Definitely recommend.read moreread lessOndřej Martínek7/12/2020Friendly helpful staff. Would highly recommend to others.read moreread lessKylie Matthews7/12/2020
- Excellent service from the office. Get little car. Clean and well appointedread moreread lessRichard Johnston7/12/2020Super easy, super cheap. Car in a really good nick. Great breaks, etc.read moreread lessAri Senior7/12/2020
- It was a lovely experience renting the car from 'Rent A Car Nelson'. It took less time than expected to get and also while returning the car and was delivered what was promised. We wish them good luck for their future.I certainly recommend them for others.read moreread lessHarneet Singh Sahni7/12/2020The 3 week rental was perfect for us with on terminal pick up, clean car, in good condition and no problems whatsoever during the rental.On top, it was the least expensive we found and good customer service.read moreread lessPaul Barrett7/12/2020
- he arrangements went like clockwork with a welcoming attendant.read moreread lessBrent Diack7/12/2020Super easy, super cheap. Car in a really good nick. Great breaks, etc.read moreread lessAri Terehova3/01/2020
- Great service . Gr8 ratesread moreread lessJeff Duncan8/12/2019Great service and car felt executive! Thanks New Zealand Rent A Car Nelson!read moreread lessKarla Youhanna7/12/2019
- Very convenient for pickup & drop off of rental being located right beside the airport terminal. Great friendly service at competitive pricesread moreread lessSue Fenemor7/12/2019Really great experience renting. They offered easy after-hours pickup when other companies would not, and I enjoyed being able to spend less on a slightly older car rather than the only option being some brand new and more expensive. I'll use NZ Rent A Car again for sure!read moreread lessAlek Lisefski7/12/2019
- Great rental company, wide selection of vehicles, friendly staff and locally owned. Great prices.read moreread lessHamish Pirie7/12/2019Great service. Good clean reliable cars at prices well below the major companies. Recommended.read moreread lessHugh Rennie7/12/2019
- Car was exactly what we wanted, at a price that was vastly more reasonable than the competition.read moreread lessWade Miller7/12/2019We had to rent a car last minute and Sue was so kind and helpful couldn’t have had a better experience! Great deal and super helpful staff!read moreread lessHansen Cohen7/12/2019
- Friendly, easygoing people. A no stress, top value service. Fully recommend.read moreread lessNeil Pinnock7/12/2019The car was Outstanding, easy and very friendly people. Highly recommendread moreread lessMatthew Elder7/12/2019
- Great service, nice little car and definitely the best price I could find!!! Thanks to Sue for being so helpful!!!read moreread lessJen Tayler7/12/2019Good cars and friendly, helpful staff.read moreread lessBrent Edwards7/12/2019
- Great service from a friendly local team. Would recommend. I had to change my booking and it was sorted smoothly.read moreread lessSarah Boyd7/12/2019I decided to try these guys rather than Herzt that I normally use ... it was a good experience. Car was clean and modern.Price was good and they have a booth bar the airport next to the big boys ... I’m glad I supported local !read moreread lessChris Cranshaw7/12/2019
- Friendly and helpful service, very competitive prices and easy pickup from Nelson airport. I will be booking again.read moreread lessAstrid van Holten7/12/2019Love these helpful folk - last minute bookings , changes of flight times , need kidseat, no matter what they deliver a great car with a great smile.Thanks xread moreread lessnikki barrett7/12/2019
- Great experience, easy pickup and drop off, VERY reasonable rates, perfectly fine economy car!read moreread lessDenée Savage7/12/2019These guys are all about service - they are awesome! Have used them often and will continue to do so. They always have a car for their regulars like me even when it's a busy time. The other big companies don't seem to want to look after their regulars who support them during the year. Thanks guys.read moreread lessJeremy Lawrence7/12/2019
- We have rented with nz rent a car at Nelson airport many times and always had a great experience. Easy pick up and drop off, good cars, great value!read moreread lessMaarten Hoogerland7/12/2019Very efficient for pickup, pleasant, convenient service, and easy to drop off after holiday.read moreread lessDM.OC. Grant7/12/2019
- Friendly service, great location inside the terminal at Nelson Airport and amazing local knowledge.read moreread lessPaul & Jo Weaver7/12/2018
- Easy and quick pick up. A minute away from the airport. Speedy process to get the vehicleread moreread lessCristian Garcia2/19/2025I love this company. March 2025 will be my 2nd time renting from them. Their vehicles are very inexpensive, and their service is the best. Among other things, I love the fact that they provide an email address - you can just email them about anything that comes up. Most other similar agencies try their best to HIDE their email addresses - apparently they just don't want to be bothered with email.read moreread lessSid Huff1/07/2025We picked up the car very good condition and clean.Sue is such a lovely lady friendly,explained to us and other costumer informative,very helpful. Sue is great costumer service ,so far so good had a great experience,reasonable good rental pricing compare other rental company I recommended NZ rental car.read moreread lessMary jean Aparicio1/07/2025
- Great to deal with. Arranged hassle free out of hours pickup and drop off. Our hire was good value. The van was showing it's age in a few places but it hauled 6 people and a ton of luggage without fuss and was very economical.read moreread lessGavin Raymen2/19/2024Excellent service and great cars on a budget. Very satisfied with our hire. Thank you!read moreread lessBarry Miles10/25/2023As we make an effort to avoid the Corporations and deal with the smaller companies in the world it was great to use a LOCAL NZ rental car company. I would highly recommend these guys to anyone, the staff were great and process effortless. You felt valued as a customer. Keep it up NZ Rentacar.read moreread lessMark Davies4/03/2023
- Hired a great wee car and never missed a beat! Totally suitable for my needs of just running around the town. Helpful, friendly staff. Will definitely use again and recommend to others. Thankyou.read moreread lessJanice Rowell3/05/2023Sue from rentacar Nelson is a lifesaver! Seriously thought we were going to be stuck without a car as all other rentals were booked out, but these guys still had two cars left and for a reasonable price! The price they give you is the price you pay, no booking fee, airport fee or so on. Awesome customer service.read moreread lessGabriel Newman2/05/2023Sue was outstanding in helping us find a car and allowed us to get on our journey! Good car and reasonable pricesread moreread lessCameron De Leijer1/22/2023
- Excellent rental experience only made better by the exquisite customer service from Sue, cannot recommend highly enough.read moreread lessWill10/31/2022I rent a cheap and cheerful car for a week and it was a very good deal. The staff member was very friendly and helpful. Will definitely hire their cars again in the future.read moreread lessClaire Lin (Claire)7/22/2022Sue was friendly, patient and thorough in explaining all the details to me. The other staff members were helpful and efficient too. The car was brand new and clean. It was a pleasant experience overall. 🙂read moreread lessErilyn Dagan3/12/2021
- Thanks, it was a pleasure hiring the car at Nelson airport. Everything was straightforward and having the car made it easy to explore the beautiful Tasman region. And great rates made it affordable.read moreread lessGravity George2/12/2021Great company - everything super easy, fast and friendly, highly recommended!read moreread lessLawrence May12/12/2020Our experience with NZ RentaCar was excellent. Starting with the pleasant and helpful staff member who offered a great deal of advice regarding our destination plans for the day. The car a Toyota Hybrid was very clean and tidy. The instructions on leaving the car park and returning were explained well.read moreread lessBrian Farley12/12/2020
- Thank you Sue at Nelson Airport for the recommendation for Forsters for lunch - much appreciated.read moreread lessChris Parker12/12/2020NZ rent a car at Nelson airport has been the easiest to deal with for a long time for us. They always service with a smile, and they really go out of their way to accommodate the customer. Also they have tidy cars at good rates. Highly recommended!read moreread lessMaarten Hoogerland12/12/2020Great service friendly staff easy pick up and drop off recomend to everyoneread moreread lessNeil Albany12/12/2020
- Our experience with NZ RentaCar was excellent. Starting with the pleasant and helpful staff member who offered a great deal of advice regarding our destination plans for the day. The car a Toyota Hybrid was very clean and tidy. The instructions on leaving the car park and returning were explained well.read moreread lessBrian “EB”12/08/2020Great company! Friendly face to greet me when I walked in and they were super helpful. I forgot a library book in the van we hired and NZ Rent a Car were very accommodating with helping to get it back to me! Thank you so much!read moreread lessEden Wynne12/06/2020Great company! Friendly face to greet me when I walked in and they were super helpful. I forgot a library book in the van we hired and NZ Rent a Car were very accommodating with helping to get it back to me! Thank you so much!read moreread lessEden Edwardson11/12/2020
- Competitive rates. Efficient and friendly service. The vehicles (people movers and a sedan) did exactly what was required with no issues. Would definitely use NZ Rent A Car again. 🙂read moreread lessSimon Hanlon10/12/2020The personal approach that Sue and Hamish have towards their customers made us feel very special. We were delighted with the vehicle, the pick up and drop off and everything in between. We needed a bike carrier that could carry three bikes; Sue and Hamish went out of their way to ensure we got exactly what was needed. I really cannot recommend the team highly enough and have already booked another vehicle through them for our return trip.read moreread lessJacky McLaren10/12/2020Easy to deal with, I knew I was going to be tight for time on pick up and they went out of their way to make sure things ran smoothly to get out of the airport ASAP. Car was what you expect for cost. Overall great value.read moreread lessJosie O'Grady8/12/2020
- Great friendly service. Car was excellent. Very easy pick up and drop off.Thank you !read moreread lessAngela Bullivant8/12/2020Staff were amazing!!! So helpful ! Made our trip so much more enjoyable ! Would highly recommendread moreread lessToni Goncalves8/12/2020super easy car pickup on site at airport, local and friendly NZ company. car in good condition, no issues with hire and hassle free key drop back! have used this company twice and will continue to use them, highly recommended!read moreread lessNicola Koerner8/12/2020
- Convenient airport pickup and efficient, friendly staff. We chose an older model which was clean and reliable. Great value!read moreread lessSusan King7/12/2020We were impressed with the staff at Rent A Car who were very helpful when we booked a car last minute. We were driving away in about 15 minutes from beginning the transaction.Car was great - clean and no issues whatsoever.read moreread lessLucy Travaglia7/12/2020We hired a car to head to Golden Bay for a wedding. The price was excellent and the lady who helped us pick up our keys was friendly and organized. The vehicle felt reliable and did the job. I’d happily rent from NZ Rent a Car at the Nelson airport again.read moreread lessClinton Lewis7/12/2020
- My car was spotless, the service and assistance at the Reception was everything I needed to know, the price was definitely competitive. I will definitely use them again, can recommend to anyone hiring a car in NZ.read moreread lessCarol McKellar7/12/2020Staff was very courteous, helpful, and quick and I had a nice sports car to rent for a couple of days even with no reservation. Will definitely rent from them again!read moreread lessJeremy DeVore7/12/2020Good communication, great price.Definitely recommend.read moreread lessOndřej Martínek7/12/2020
- Friendly helpful staff. Would highly recommend to others.read moreread lessKylie Matthews7/12/2020Excellent service from the office. Get little car. Clean and well appointedread moreread lessRichard Johnston7/12/2020Super easy, super cheap. Car in a really good nick. Great breaks, etc.read moreread lessAri Senior7/12/2020
- It was a lovely experience renting the car from 'Rent A Car Nelson'. It took less time than expected to get and also while returning the car and was delivered what was promised. We wish them good luck for their future.I certainly recommend them for others.read moreread lessHarneet Singh Sahni7/12/2020The 3 week rental was perfect for us with on terminal pick up, clean car, in good condition and no problems whatsoever during the rental.On top, it was the least expensive we found and good customer service.read moreread lessPaul Barrett7/12/2020he arrangements went like clockwork with a welcoming attendant.read moreread lessBrent Diack7/12/2020
- Super easy, super cheap. Car in a really good nick. Great breaks, etc.read moreread lessAri Terehova3/01/2020Great service . Gr8 ratesread moreread lessJeff Duncan8/12/2019Great service and car felt executive! Thanks New Zealand Rent A Car Nelson!read moreread lessKarla Youhanna7/12/2019
- Very convenient for pickup & drop off of rental being located right beside the airport terminal. Great friendly service at competitive pricesread moreread lessSue Fenemor7/12/2019Really great experience renting. They offered easy after-hours pickup when other companies would not, and I enjoyed being able to spend less on a slightly older car rather than the only option being some brand new and more expensive. I'll use NZ Rent A Car again for sure!read moreread lessAlek Lisefski7/12/2019Great rental company, wide selection of vehicles, friendly staff and locally owned. Great prices.read moreread lessHamish Pirie7/12/2019
- Great service. Good clean reliable cars at prices well below the major companies. Recommended.read moreread lessHugh Rennie7/12/2019Car was exactly what we wanted, at a price that was vastly more reasonable than the competition.read moreread lessWade Miller7/12/2019We had to rent a car last minute and Sue was so kind and helpful couldn’t have had a better experience! Great deal and super helpful staff!read moreread lessHansen Cohen7/12/2019
- Friendly, easygoing people. A no stress, top value service. Fully recommend.read moreread lessNeil Pinnock7/12/2019The car was Outstanding, easy and very friendly people. Highly recommendread moreread lessMatthew Elder7/12/2019Great service, nice little car and definitely the best price I could find!!! Thanks to Sue for being so helpful!!!read moreread lessJen Tayler7/12/2019
- Good cars and friendly, helpful staff.read moreread lessBrent Edwards7/12/2019Great service from a friendly local team. Would recommend. I had to change my booking and it was sorted smoothly.read moreread lessSarah Boyd7/12/2019I decided to try these guys rather than Herzt that I normally use ... it was a good experience. Car was clean and modern.Price was good and they have a booth bar the airport next to the big boys ... I’m glad I supported local !read moreread lessChris Cranshaw7/12/2019
- Friendly and helpful service, very competitive prices and easy pickup from Nelson airport. I will be booking again.read moreread lessAstrid van Holten7/12/2019Love these helpful folk - last minute bookings , changes of flight times , need kidseat, no matter what they deliver a great car with a great smile.Thanks xread moreread lessnikki barrett7/12/2019Great experience, easy pickup and drop off, VERY reasonable rates, perfectly fine economy car!read moreread lessDenée Savage7/12/2019
- These guys are all about service - they are awesome! Have used them often and will continue to do so. They always have a car for their regulars like me even when it's a busy time. The other big companies don't seem to want to look after their regulars who support them during the year. Thanks guys.read moreread lessJeremy Lawrence7/12/2019We have rented with nz rent a car at Nelson airport many times and always had a great experience. Easy pick up and drop off, good cars, great value!read moreread lessMaarten Hoogerland7/12/2019Very efficient for pickup, pleasant, convenient service, and easy to drop off after holiday.read moreread lessDM.OC. Grant7/12/2019
- Friendly service, great location inside the terminal at Nelson Airport and amazing local knowledge.read moreread lessPaul & Jo Weaver7/12/2018
