SUV Rentals in Christchurch
Explore the Canterbury region in comfort and safety in our reliable Hybrid SUVs, 4WDs, and full-size SUVs tailor-made for handling tough mountain roads and heavy luggage loads. Whether you’re travelling with your family or enjoying a ski trip with friends, a Christchurch SUV can help you get from A to B in style.
With hybrid options available for enhanced fuel savings, unlimited kms and 24/7 roadside assistance, Enterprise is here to steer your road trip in the right direction.
Where to Find our Christchurch Branch
You can find the Enterprise counter conveniently located on the ground floor of the arrivals hall. Our sign is near door 8, next to the Spark counter
Once you’re all checked in, our team will direct you to the car rental car park, which is just a short walk away from the terminal building.
What are the rules for renting a car in New Zealand with Enterprise?
To rent a car in New Zealand with Enterprise Rent-A-Car, we have the following requirements:
- Be a minimum of 21 years of age.
- Provide a full, valid driver’s licence that you have held for a minimum of 12 months. Overseas or international driver’s licence must be in English or be supplied with an official NZTA approved English translation.
- A valid credit or debit card in the hirers name must be presented at pick up. Cash is not accepted for any payments or bond.
Family SUV Rentals
Comfy in Canterbury
Book a sturdy SUV with enough space to keep your whole family comfy while you adventure across the Canterbury region. From journeys to Lake Tekapo to quick jaunts to the Riverside Market, our SUVs are suitable for any trip. Our 5-7 seater SUVs offer roomy seating and loads of luggage capacity. Plenty of space to keep the kids away from each other on the longer journeys!
Our family-focused SUVs have a 5-star ANCAP safety rating and are fully equipped to keep the whole family air-conditioned and entertained. Travelling with smaller children? Add booster seats with clear installation guides for a safer, hassle-free trip as soon as you’ve left Christchurch Airport.
We make it easy to book at Enterprise. Just type in your itinerary plans, pick your vehicle and select your extras. Our fleet is clean, well-maintained and safety-checked before pickup. Explore the South Island with peace of mind, no matter where your trip takes you.
Winter SUV Hire
Reliably safe on winter road trips
There’s no better place to enjoy a winter road trip than right on the South Island. Christchurch is a fantastic base for day trips to stunning mountain ranges and skiing areas. Outstanding resorts and ski fields like Porters, Mt Hutt, Craigieburn and Cheeseman are only a 1-3 hour drive away.
Our reliable SUV rentals are perfect for handling the icy roads while carrying all the gear you may need. From 4WD SUVs (Mitsubishi Pajero Sport or similar) to an AWD Hybrid SUV (Toyota RAV4 or similar), we can find the right vehicle for your journey. Just add snow chains and ski racks, and you’ll be ready to tackle the alpine roads without breaking a sweat.
Booking a winter SUV is as smooth as corduroy snow. Simply put in the details of your winter itinerary, select your preferred vehicle and add ski racks and snow chains from your extras. With unlimited kilometres and additional drivers for $5 plus GST per day, you can shred straight into your snow adventures from Christchurch Airport.
Commercial SUV Rentals
Driven by experience, ready for business
Are you flying into Christchurch for a conference, and you need a quality SUV for your staff? With over 50 years of experience and 9,500+ locations around the world, Enterprise Rent-A-Car has the prowess to match your business travels across Christchurch.
Whether you’re moving offices or making retail deliveries, we have a hire package to suit you. We offer long-term rentals for longer contract work or more flexible hires to suit your working period.
Simply fill out our business rental car form to access benefits that work for you:
- Great savings with exclusive business rates
- A dedicated Account Manager to support your needs
- No membership or extra driver fees
- No cancellation fees — ever
- 24/7 Roadside Assistance included
- Customised billing to match your workflow
- Unlimited kilometres to get you to any business meeting
- Flexible short and long-term options with no minimum rental period
It’s all about making your business travel seamless, so you can focus on what matters most.
Premium Drives Start with Enterprise
Plenty of companies talk about their customer service commitments. At Enterprise, we've followed through by creating our Standard of Care.Our Standard of Care ensures our customers are at the forefront of everything we do through 5 pillars:
As the world's largest car rental provider, Enterprise Rent-A-Car is a step ahead of the competition. Our experience in the car rental industry, dating back to 1957, means we have a level of expertise you can’t find anywhere else. With local Kiwi team steering our New Zealand branch, every car hire is easy, seamless and feels like an upgrade.
Where to go on a Christchurch SUV Road Trip
Our Christchurch Airport branch is only a 26-minute drive away from the beating heart of the city’s CBD. You can pick up a vehicle as soon as you’ve landed and head straight on to a South Island adventure. On top of unique experiences like the Botanic Gardens and International Antarctic Centre, Christchurch is a fantastic place to start a road trip to some unforgettable destinations:
Kaikoura Peninsula
Around a 2.5 hour drive from Christchurch, the Kaikoura Peninsula is an animal lover's paradise, and with an SUV you can easily tackle the rocky path. No matter what time of year you visit, you’ll be able to experience unforgettable meetings with local marine life. From fur seals to a permanent residence of sperm whales, you’re guaranteed to have an incredible encounter with every visit.
Hanmer Springs
An SUV is the perfect vehicle to tackle the 1.5-hour drive up the mountain road to reach this breathtaking alpine resort town. Hanmer Springs has fantastic views, natural hot pools and an awesome ski field. Be sure to book a session at the thermal pools and spa to rejuvenate and refresh yourself for the rest of your journey.
Castle Hill
You may recognise the unique limestone rock formations of Castle Hill, also known as Kura Tawhiti, from The Chronicles of Narnia films. The location holds cultural significance as a sacred site to Ngāi Tahu, and features amazing bouldering and climbing opportunities all year round. You can also find a 594m cave adventure with stream-wading, ladders and waterfalls nearby.
Gore Bay
If you’re visiting in summer, Gore Bay is a perfect, secluded beach spot featuring turquoise waters, shell-strewn shore and the striking Cathedral Cliffs. The beach is a fantastic surfing spot with a gorgeous, panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean contrasted with the colourful cliffs.
The road to Gore Bay will involve a quick detour off State Highway 1 onto Cathedral Road, which can be a rough, gravel road at certain sections. In an Enterprise SUV or 4x4, you should have no issues reaching Gore Bay quickly and comfortably.
Christchurch to Dunedin road trip
Once you’ve experienced everything the Canterbury region has to offer, why not head further down south to the ‘Wildlife Capital of New Zealand’? Our Christchurch to Dunedin road trip will take you through a relaxing coastal route with plenty of unique and fascinating stops to spice up your trip. You’ll pass through breathtaking lakes, encounter the iconic kiwi and immerse yourself in New Zealand's only cloud forest.
Christchurch to Queenstown road trip
Whether you’re a Lord of the Rings fan or a hiking fanatic, you won’t regret taking a trip towards the South Island's most mountainous region. Our 5-day Christchurch to Queenstown road trip will take you through dramatic rock formations, famous filming locations and serene lake views. Explore lavender farms, grab a bite at outstanding cafes and hike across unparalleled glacier views.
Popular Events in Christchurch
Christchurch has a thriving local culture that is growing more and more every day. Throughout the year, you can find some wonderful events across the city, such as:
- Christchurch Spring Fashion Festival: Held during November and curated by New Zealand Fashion Week, this festival transforms the city into a hub for runway shows and designer showcases. In addition to key runway events featuring designers like Harris Tapper and Claudia Li, you can also stop by public workshops, designer meet and greets and fascinating exhibits.
- World Buskers Festival: Typically run from late January to February, this renowned 10-day street performance event features over 300 acts of acrobatics, circus acts, comedy, cabaret and more across the city. You’ll find hundreds of free events on stages and squares throughout the city, so be sure to get out and explore!
- Encraftment Christmas Market: Held over two days in November, this event is a large, handmade craft and design market that is held at Pioneer Stadium in Christchurch. From jewellery to furniture to homemade cooking, experience a unique shopping day ahead of Christmas.
- Christchurch Heritage Festival: Celebrate local history, culture and community in this two-week festival typically held in October. The Christchurch Heritage Festival features daily activities at venues like the Arts Centre and Tohu Whenua, and includes photo hunting, markets and heritage guides to explore.
What do I need to know before driving in Christchurch?
Driving in Christchurch is moderately easy, with well-maintained roads and lower traffic than cities like Auckland or Wellington. However, heavy congestion can still occur, especially during peak hours. Here’s what you should know before you hire a car in Christchurch.
- Drive on the left-hand side.
- Plan extra time for peak hours due to traffic and congestion.
- Follow the speed limit - The standard limit is 50km/h (unless otherwise signposted) and highways are 100km/h. In George Street, a 10km/h limit is enforced.
- Seat belts are mandatory.
- Yield at roundabouts.
- Only hands-free mobile phones are allowed.
- The alcohol limit is 0.05% for drivers over 20.
- Rural roads may be narrow, windy or hilly.
- Be aware of weather conditions - Black ice and strong winds can occur in the South Island. Reduce your speed or stop driving when necessary, anticipate gusts, and avoid sudden braking to maintain control.
- Parking is easier on the outskirts than in the city centre.
- Traffic can be heavy. Avoid Riccarton Road and Lincoln Road during peak hours to avoid congestion.
Tips for Driving an SUV:
Whether it’s your first time driving an SUV or you're a seasoned Pro, there are a few details you should keep in mind when you’re hiring an SUV:
- Watch your speed: SUVs are large and handle differently from a standard vehicle. They are not designed to make quick, sharp turns and may take longer to reach maximum speed. Try to go slowly around corners, and drive more cautiously in the snow or rain.
- Be mindful of spacing: As an SUV is bigger than a typical vehicle, you will be taking up more space on the road than you realise. Leave plenty of room between you and other vehicles, and consider how long it may take you to stop if you need to. Avoid sudden movements and brake slowly.
- Check your mirrors: Your mirrors will be further out than they would be on a sedan or compact car. This is to help you minimise your blind spots and avoid accidents. Since you are sitting higher than you may be used to, keep in mind it could be harder to see things lower to the ground, such as cars directly behind you.
- Know your features: Some of our SUVs come equipped with additional safety features such as Toyota Safety Sense. Be sure to ask our staff when you pick up your vehicle to know how to use any additional features you may not be used to.
CUSTOMER REVIEWS
Christchurch SUV Rentals FAQs
What is the definition of an SUV?
An SUV, or sports utility vehicle, is defined as a vehicle that combines the features of a passenger car with the capabilities of an off-road vehicle.
These key features include high ground clearance, large interior spaces, a high roofline and the availability of four-wheel driving. However, not all SUVs are 4WDs.
Are SUVs considered compact cars?
No, SUVs are not considered "compact cars" when renting. However, the term "compact SUV" can be used to describe a smaller SUV vehicle, but this still sits within the SUV vehicle class.
SUVs are a sub-category of trucks, offering a passenger-focused cargo area, a higher ground clearance and versatility for many terrains.
Check out our SUV car rentals.
Can I rent a car with a debit card?
We accept all major debit cards except for Maestro, Electron, Solo and pre-paid cards. To rent our 4x4s and premium vehicles, we require a credit card. All cards must have the main driver's name on it.
How much does it cost to rent a car?
Our prices may vary because car rental prices are based on various factors such as, vehicle size, seasonality, length of rental, vehicle make, availability and location. Customers are advised to start the booking process to determine the exact price.
Can I modify, extend, or cancel my reservation?
You can modify or cancel your reservation via our website. If you prepaid your booking and you cancel 3 days or more before your specified pick-up time you will receive a full refund of the total amount. You can also call your rental branch to extend your reservation.
What other vehicle rentals do Enterprise have in Christchurch?
We have a wide range of premium vehicles available in Christchurch:
- Compact car hire for zippy city driving
- Economy cars for day trips
- Full size sedans for more leg room
- 2WD SUVs for family car rentals
- 4WD SUVs for adventurers
- Hybrid car hires for fuel savings
- 9 and 12 seater minivans for group trips
- Ute hires for moving, tradies or business rentals
Stuck on what to hire? Save money and pick a mystery car rental and let us choose for you.
With a standard of care pledge on all vehicles, our premium fleet are cleaned and well-maintained to provide you with a quality level of comfort.
Can I add an additional driver to my car hire?
Yes, we can easily add an additional driver to your rental agreement for $5 per day per driver (capped at 6 days). The additional drivers must:
- Be 21 years of age or older.
- Present a full, valid driver’s licence in person at the rental counter. The licence must have been held for a minimum of 12 months. Any overseas or international drivers licences must be in English or have a NZTA approved English translation.
Do I need insurance to rent a car in New Zealand?
In New Zealand, you do need insurance to hire a car but you don’t need to organise it yourself. It’s compulsory for rental companies to provide insurance as part of their rental package. With an Enterprise Rent-a-Car, all vehicles come with standard cover for collision damage so you are covered. The excess liability for this coverage depends on the vehicle (between $2,875 and $3,450 NZD) and you can reduce your excess for a fee per day.