Cheap Car Rental Blenheim Airport
Instantly compare the best car rental deals from multiple brands
Save on car hire at Blenheim Airport
MatesRates makes comparing car rentals quick and easy. Find the best Blenheim Airport rental car deals from multiple brands.
Avis, Hertz, Budget, Thrifty, Omega, Ezi, Apex, and more.
Blenheim Airport Car Rental Rates
Economy Cars
From NZD $41 per day
Compact Cars
From NZD $55 per day
Intermediate Cars
From NZD $60 per day
Large Cars
From NZD $70 per day
SUVs
From NZD $80 per day
Hybrid/Electric
From NZD $46 per day
Vans/People Carriers
From NZD $125 per day
Premium Cars
From NZD $109 per day
The above are indicative & based on low season. Rental rates fluctuate significantly depending on factors like rental dates, hire duration, rental company, and how early you book. (Usually the earlier you book, the lower the rate). Click here to get the latest rates for your rental period.
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Car Hire Options at Blenheim Airport
There's a range of car hire companies operating at Blenheim Airport. In addition to well known international brands like Avis and Hertz, there are also independent local brands offering competitive prices.
Here you'll find ten different car rental brands and can easily compare their best deals.
This means you don't have to waste time trawling the Internet looking for options. Or have to pay exorbitant walk-up prices at the airport rental counter.
Car rental check-in counters are not all together but spread out the area around the terminal which is very small.
Use the price comparison search box at the top of the page to find the best prices for these Blenheim Airport car rental brands:
Why Rent A Car In Blenheim
One of the key reasons for renting a car when you’re visiting Blenheim is the freedom and flexibility it offers.
With a rental car you’re free to explore at your own pace and on your schedule — not someone else’s.
There is no bus service between the airport and Blenheim which is 9 km from the airport. So your options are rent a car or take a taxi or shuttle service.
The current cost of a one way trip by shuttle from the airport to central Blenheim is $25. The trip takes 15 to 20 minutes.
Taxis are another option. They give travel flexibility but relying on them can quickly become painfully expensive as fares add up. A one-way taxi ride into town will cost you between $21 and $40, depending on traffic. A $5 airport fee also applies.
Low daily rental rates plus unlimited kilometres means that hiring a rental car is usually your most cost effective option and allows you to make the most of your limited time.
Driving from the Airport
The distance between Blenheim Airport (BHE) and Blenheim is 8 km, making it a short drive from the airport to the town centre. Exit the airport and head towards State Highway 6 (SH6). Turn onto SH6 towards Renwick. Follow SH6 for about 7 km (approximately 7 minutes) until you reach the centre of Blenheim.
If you're driving beyond Blenheim to Nelson or Kaikoura, head south on SH1 from Blenheim and follow the respective signs. Nelson is 90 km from Blenheim and Kaikoura 130km.
Blenheim Airport Car Hire FAQ
Rental companies offer a range of vehicle types, including compact cars, sedans, SUVs, and vans. When booking, consider your needs for luggage capacity, fuel efficiency, and the number of passengers. Always check the vehicle specifications to ensure it meets your requirements.
The terms 'economy' and 'compact' cars are used inconsistently by rental operators to describe smaller cars. That said, economy cars tend to be older vehicles supplied by some of the local rental operators.
For peak travel seasons (November to April), it’s wise to book as early as possible to secure availability and better rates. During off-peak times, booking 3-7 days in advance is usually sufficient but you may find your choices are limited and rental rates higher, compared to booking earlier. The general rule of thumb is to book as early as possible.
International visitors need a valid overseas driver’s license. If the license is not in English, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required. Always carry both your original license and the IDP when driving.
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with a minimum of one year of driving experience. Drivers under 25 may incur an additional young driver surcharge. Be sure to check the specific age requirements and fees with your rental provider before booking.
Rental rates are generally based on the rental duration, type of vehicle, and any additional services or insurance options selected. Additional fees may include charges for GPS, child seats, extra drivers, or young driver surcharges. Make sure to review the terms and conditions with your rental provider.
Beyond the base rental cost, be aware of potential additional fees such as young driver surcharges, additional driver fees, GPS rental, child seats, and after-hours service charges. Ensure you understand all included costs and any potential extra charges. If you require additional services such as GPS navigation or child seats, it's advisable to request these services at the time of booking, rather than when collecting your vehicle to ensure availability.
Most rental companies accept major credit cards like Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Some also accept debit cards, but cash payments are generally not accepted. Check with your specific rental company to confirm their payment policies.
Rental companies provide various insurance and coverage options. These typically include Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Theft Protection, and Third-Party Liability. Additional coverage options may be available for personal accident insurance or roadside assistance. Make sure to understand what each option includes and excludes to choose the best coverage for your needs. We highly recommend having adequate insurance. While it's an unwelcome extra cost, the potential expenses of not having insurance far outweigh the price. We never rent a car without taking insurance.
Collect your bags and then follow signs in the terminal to the check-in counter for the rental company you're booked with.
After completing the necessary paperwork at the check-in counter, you will be directed to the pick-up area for your vehicle.
Follow the car park signs for car rental returns. Park the vehicle in the designated space and return the key to the car rental desk.
For after-hours returns, park and lock the car and place the keys in the drop box located in the returns area.
If your flight is delayed, contact your rental company as soon as possible. Most companies monitor flight arrivals and will hold your reservation for a reasonable period.
To ensure a smooth process:
- Include your flight number in your rental car booking.
- Keep the rental company's contact information handy.
- Inform the company of significant delays if possible.
Many rental companies offer free cancellations up to 24-48 hours before the scheduled pickup time. If you cancel at the last minute, cancellation fees may apply. Always review the cancellation policy of your rental company when making a booking.
Yes, you can rent a car from Blenheim Airport and drop it off at another location in NZ. One-way rentals often include an additional fee. Be aware that not all rental companies allow their cars to be taken by ferry over Cook Strait to the North Island.
In case of an accident or breakdown, contact the rental company's emergency assistance number immediately. Follow their instructions and, if necessary, contact local emergency services. Ensure you document the incident and obtain a police report if required.
New Zealand rental companies generally do not permit smoking in their vehicles. If evidence of smoking is found in a returned vehicle then cleaning charges will be applied. These vary by rental firm, but typically are $200 or higher.
The fuel policy varies by rental company. Some operate on a full-to-full basis, meaning you return the car with the same amount of fuel it had when you picked it up. Others may offer pre-purchase options or charge for refuelling if the tank is not full upon return. Check your rental agreement for specific details.
If your rental needs to be returned with a full tank then it's a good idea to top up the tank at a petrol station near the depot. The extra 5 or 10 minutes this takes will definitely save you money.
If you drop off a rental car at a car hire depot with less fuel than when you picked up it up then the car hire company will charge a high price to top up the tank. These charges can be excessive, such as a $2.50 a litre surcharge additional to the fuel cost. Not a nice surprise to later find this charge on your credit card.
The closest petrol stations are:
- G.A.S. - 50 High Street, Renwick
- PAK'n'SAVE Fuel - 1 Westwood Avenue, Springlands
Rental companies expect vehicles to be returned in a reasonably clean condition. It's generally understood that the car should be returned in a similar state to how it was received.
If a rental car is returned excessively dirty, the rental company may withhold some or all of your security bond to cover cleaning costs. When you return a rental car, its condition will be assessed by the rental company. This assessment likely includes cleanliness as well as any damage.