Cheap Car Rental Greymouth
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MatesRates makes comparing car rentals quick and easy. Find the best Greymouth car rental deals from multiple brands. Avis, Hertz, Budget, Thrifty, Ezi, Apex, and more.
Greymouth 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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Easy, I had no problems at all. Prices seemed to be ok. I didn't check others. Definitely recommend.
Adrianne H | New Zealand
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Quick and easy.
Chris W | Australia
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Glad I found your site – we left things to the last minute and couldn’t get a car at a price that made sense. Problem solved!
Greg H | New Zealand
Car Hire Options at Greymouth
There's a range of car hire companies available at Greymouth. In addition to well known international brands like Avis and Hertz, there are also independent local brands offering competitive prices.
The good news is that you'll find them all here 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 rental counter.
If you plan picking up a rental car in Greymouth it won't be from the airport, but the railway station. The airport at Greymouth is very small and used for scenic flights only.
Greymouth is about three hours drive from Christchurch. But rather than drive, many people choose to take the TranzAlpine train which is rated as one of the world's top 10 rail journeys. This 223 km trip across the Canterbury Plains and through the breath-taking Southern Alps takes 5 hours and is highly recommended.
Once you arrive by train you'll then need to pick up a rental vehicle car so you can fully explore Greymouth and the surrounding area.
All the car rental companies have counters at the Greymouth Railway Station which is at 164 Mackay Street.
The rental counters can be found in the middle of the station building. If the rental counter is unattended, when you arrive use the phone on the counter. If you are picking up an Ace vehicle check-in is at the Hertz counter.
Use the price comparison search box at the top of the page to find the best prices for these Greymouth car rental brands:
Why Rent A Car In Greymouth
Greymouth is a popular base for exploring the spectacular and isolated West Coast of the South Island where there is just so much to see and do.
To make the most of your time exploring the sites in and around Greymouth a vehicle is essential, especially for places off the beaten track. We have some suggestions of places you might want to explore further down the page.
Having a rental car gives you the flexibility and freedom to travel at your own pace and roam further afield exploring this stunning part of New Zealand.
If you want to fly into the West Coast you'll most likely fly into Hokitika by Air New Zealand. There are also flights into Westport by Sounds Air. You can also rent cars at both of these locations.
The West Coast is a popular part of NZ for tourists to visit and so it's a good idea to book your car early, especially for travel during peak periods.
Driving from Greymouth
If you're picking up a rental car in Greymouth it's likely that you'll be doing a one-way rental and returning the car in another part of the country.
From Greymouth you could head down the West Coast through Hokitika and on to the famous Franz Josef and Fox glaciers. Going further south will take you to the Haast region, an area so spectacular UNESCO made it a "World Heritage" area. From here you could drive on through to Queenstown or Christchurch where you could drop off your rental vehicle.
Driving north from Greymouth are the Punakaiki pancake rocks and blowholes, where columns of water shoot skyward from rocks that resemble giant stacks of hotcakes. On from here is the gold and coal mining town of Westport. From here you can drive north to isolated Karamea and start of the famous Heaphy Track through the Kahurangi National Park. Or from Westport continue your driving adventure on towards Nelson and Picton. Here you could drop off your car or alternatively take it on the ferry across to Wellington and continue your travels in the North Island.
Greymouth 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.
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.
All the car rental companies have counters at the Greymouth Railway Station which is at 164 Mackay Street.
The rental counters can be found in the middle of the station building. If the rental counter is unattended, when you arrive use the phone on the counter. If you are picking up an Ace vehicle check-in is at the Hertz counter.
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.
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 Greymouth and drop it off at another location in NZ, such as Queenstown or Christchurch. It's what a lot of people do. 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.
If you're returning a car in Greymouth, topping up your rental car's tank before you drop it off back is not a problem. With all depots being in town there are petrol stations nearby.
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.