A large selection of well maintained rental cars to suit your needs
A handy car rental location at the Nelson Airport
Car Rentals Nelson
As part of a national network of local owner-operator businesses, we can guarantee you a first-class, friendly car rental service in Nelson and across New Zealand.

Nelson
Local knowledge to help you make the most of your car hire
A great selection of well maintained, quality rental cars
A handy car rental location at the Nelson Airport
Local knowledge to help you make the most of your car hire
A great selection of well maintained, quality rental cars
A handy car rental location at the Nelson Airport
Nelson Car Hire & Rentals, wide range at competitive prices
Hello and welcome to New Zealand Rent A Car Nelson, we make it our priority to provide top quality, reliable car hire at competitive rates in the Nelson region. As part of the nationwide NZ Rent A Car network we are able to provide the personal service of independent owner-operators as well as the convenience of one way car hires to many destinations throughout New Zealand.
Nelson is one of the sunniest regions in New Zealand that has long hot summers and relatively mild winters. Well known for its eclectic mix of local arts and crafts, galleries, cafes and picture perfect beaches, Nelson is the postcard perfect Kiwi holiday destination and the ideal starting point for extended south island holidays.
While you’re in the area, come in and see our friendly staff, for some local knowledge and guidance. Whether its exploring the Abel Tasman National Park, camping in Motueka, taking in a wine trail in Kaiteriteri, mountain biking in Marahau or wandering the scenic beaches of Golden Bay, our staff will ensure that you are well and truly looked after.
Nelson Airport Car Rental
The NZ Rent A Car Nelson depot is located right outside the main terminal at Nelson Airport, perfect for those arriving by air, being centrally located provides a good starting point for travel throughout the Nelson-Tasman region and beyond. The Nelson team offer a truly personal service and will go the extra mile (literally!) to ensure that your stay in the Nelson Tasman region is a memorable one.
Car Rental Vehicles
As Nelson’s rental car specialists we have a wide selection of rental cars, SUV’s and even 4WD’s suitable for rental purposes. Our range of affordable rental cars includes compact economical hatchbacks for the budget conscious, mid-size sedans and station wagons perfect for families and 8 – 12 seater people movers, minivans and minibuses, the ideal solution for larger groups and sports teams. All rental cars come with the convenience of air conditioning – a must-have in the summer months and the choice of manual or automatic transmission in most cases.
If you are looking for something a little different, why not ask about one of our sports, convertible or luxury vehicles.
Booking essential and subject to availability and meeting minimum hire conditions.
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ABOUT US

The Nelson car rental branch is conveniently located at the main terminal of Nelson Airport, with a desk in the main terminal and dedicated car parks for your convenience. Our handy car hire location provides easy access to the whole Nelson-Tasman region and a number of spectacular national parks.
With so much to do in the region, the Nelson staff are always ready to help you get the maximum enjoyment from your visit. They have a wealth of knowledge about the region, from the national parks and reserves to the wine and craft trails and cycle-ways.
The team at our rental car operation in Nelson will leave no stone unturned to help you make the most of your trip to the sunshine capital of New Zealand.
Learn more about the things you can see and do using Nelson car rentals. The Nelson branch of New Zealand Rent A Car will help you maximise your time and enjoyment in the Nelson-Tasman region and beyond.
Our vehicle fleet is regularly updated and well maintained to ensure your car hire is trouble free. View our great range of Nelson rental cars or contact us if you have any questions or if you need help or advice.
Great value Nelson car hire from New Zealand Rent A Car – the better choice by far.
Our Promise

Our Nelson car hire branch is part of New Zealand Rent A Car – a national network of independently owned and operated car hire companies, working together to provide you with quality car hire at budget prices.
Our car hire depot in Nelson is a locally owned and operated company. We promise to provide an efficient, friendly, personal service and a safe, clean, quality car hire at an affordable price.
Our friendly car hire team in Nelson promise you a warm welcome and assure you of the best quality help with your car hire needs. As locals, we can also offer you lots of information about the Nelson region and the best places to visit. We aim to make your stay in the sunshine province a holiday to remember.
We guarantee a trouble free, clean car hire vehicle with the best personal back up service you could wish for.
Exceptional Value
We offer exceptionally competitive car hire rates, backed up by a nationwide network of independently-owned branches whose sole concern is ensuring you get the best possible service and support – wherever you travel.
Whatever Your Car Hire Requirements
From sub-compacts that will bounce along all day on a cupful of fuel to 12 seater minibuses and everything in between, New Zealand Rent A Car has it.
Check out our full range of Nelson rental cars and view our convenient central Nelson car rental location.
Contact Us
Hi from the team at New Zealand Rent A Car Nelson.
If you have any questions or need help or advice about Nelson rental cars or your New Zealand holiday we’re here to help you. We look forward to being of service to you and hope you enjoy your time in the Nelson region.
Main Terminal
Nelson Airport 7011
New Zealand

New Zealand: +64 3 547 1270
Australia: 1800 771 302
Sue 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... read moreSue 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 less
Erilyn Dagan3/12/2021Thanks, 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... read moreThanks, 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 less
Gravity George2/12/2021Our 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... read moreOur 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 less
Brian Farley12/12/2020NZ 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... read moreNZ 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 less
Maarten Hoogerland12/12/2020Our 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... read moreOur 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 less
Brian “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... read moreGreat 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 less
Eden 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... read moreGreat 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 less
Eden Edwardson11/12/2020The 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... read moreThe 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 less
Jacky 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... read moreEasy 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 less
Josie O'Grady8/12/2020super 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... read moresuper 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 less
Nicola Koerner8/12/2020We 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... read moreWe 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 less
Lucy 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.... read moreWe 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 less
Clinton Lewis7/12/2020My 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... read moreMy 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 less
Carol 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... read moreStaff 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 less
Jeremy DeVore7/12/2020It 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... read moreIt 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 less
Harneet 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... read moreThe 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 less
Paul Barrett7/12/2020Really 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... read moreReally 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 less
Alek Lisefski7/12/2019I 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... read moreI 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 less
Chris Cranshaw7/12/2019These 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... read moreThese 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 less
Jeremy Lawrence7/12/2019
Sue 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... read moreSue 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 less
Erilyn Dagan3/12/2021Thanks, 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... read moreThanks, 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 less
Gravity George2/12/2021Our 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... read moreOur 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 less
Brian Farley12/12/2020NZ 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... read moreNZ 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 less
Maarten Hoogerland12/12/2020Our 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... read moreOur 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 less
Brian “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... read moreGreat 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 less
Eden 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... read moreGreat 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 less
Eden Edwardson11/12/2020The 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... read moreThe 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 less
Jacky 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... read moreEasy 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 less
Josie O'Grady8/12/2020super 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... read moresuper 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 less
Nicola Koerner8/12/2020We 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... read moreWe 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 less
Lucy 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.... read moreWe 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 less
Clinton Lewis7/12/2020My 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... read moreMy 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 less
Carol 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... read moreStaff 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 less
Jeremy DeVore7/12/2020It 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... read moreIt 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 less
Harneet 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... read moreThe 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 less
Paul Barrett7/12/2020Really 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... read moreReally 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 less
Alek Lisefski7/12/2019I 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... read moreI 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 less
Chris Cranshaw7/12/2019These 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... read moreThese 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 less
Jeremy Lawrence7/12/2019