Car
Rental
Timaru Airport
Timaru Airport Car Rental Rates
Intermediate Cars
From NZD $174 per day
Large Cars
From NZD $197 per day
SUVs
From NZD $203 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 Timaru Airport
Timaru Airport is also known as Richard Pearse Airport, taking its name from a local pioneer aviator believed to have flown 9 months before the Wright Brothers back in 1903. Despite this auspicious history, today it's a small regional airport with limited flights.
Avis is the only rental car operator available at the airport and there are several small local car rental businesses in Timaru itself. The Avis car rental counter is only manned if there are passengers arriving with rental cars pre-booked. So flying in and hoping to book a car at the airport isn't a good idea. You really need to book ahead.
With one rental car operator at the airport your options are limited and prices high due to the lack of competition.
If you want more hire car options and more competitive pricing, then consider picking up a rental car in Christchurch. It's only a couple of hours drive away and there are multiple cheap car hire options available for your to choose from.
To maximise your savings it's a good idea to book your car early, especially for travel during peak periods. Just put your travel details into the Quote box at the top of the page to instantly compare a huge choice of car rentals at the very best prices.
Why Rent A Car In Timaru
One of the key reasons for renting a car when you’re visiting Timaru 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. A popular midsize vehicle option for rental is the Toyota Corolla, known for its reliability and comfort.
Public transport to get around can be a real cost saver. BUT the problem is it severely constrains where you can go. And when. If you’ve got limited time, do you want to waste it standing around waiting for buses? We didn’t think so!
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 fare from the airport into Timaru will cost you between $32-$57.
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
Timaru Airport is just 12 km from the centre of Timaru and a straight forward drive that usually only takes 11 minutes.
Once you've collected your rental car, follow the road from the airport and turn left into Falvey Road. After 1.8km turn right onto State Highway 1 and follow this for about 9 km into Timaru.
Timaru Airport Car Hire FAQ
The most popular vehicles offered by Avis at Timaru Airport are Toyota Corollas which can seat 5 people. They also offer SUVs like the Hyundai Kona and Nissan X-Trail
For peak travel seasons it’s wise to book as early as possible to secure availability and better rates. If you book later 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 Avis check in counter.
After checking in at the Avis counter in the terminal you'll find your hire car located in the long term car park which is a short walk from the terminal.
The Avis counter at Timaru Airport is only open for the 2 scheduled flights a day into Timaru.
- Sun - Fri mornings: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
- Sun - Fri evenings: 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
- Sat mornings: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Enter long term car park from Timaru Airport Rd. Take a ticket and park in the first row. Leave the ticket in the car and lock it. Return the keys and completed contract in return slot at the Avis rental counter in terminal, or after hours per below.
If you're returning a rental car after hours use the Avis returns drop box located on the outside terminal wall, between the 2 entry doors.
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 Timaru Airport and drop it off at another location, such as Queenstown or Christchurch. One-way rentals often include an additional fee. Be aware that Avis don't allow their cars to be taken from the South Island 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.
Topping up your rental car's tank before you drop it off back at the airport is not a problem because you'll find plenty of petrol stations around Timaru.
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.