South Island
Pick up in Christchurch and head south. Mt Cook, Tekapo, Queenstown, Milford, the West Coast — all from $29/day with everything included.
The South Island is what most travellers actually come to New Zealand for — and a rental car is the only sensible way to see it. Snow-capped Southern Alps, turquoise alpine lakes, glaciers reaching to the coast, fiords carved by ice. Nomado's Christchurch depots put you on the road fast, with one transparent all-inclusive price.
Our Christchurch depot is at 305 Marshs Road, Hornby South — with a free shuttle from Christchurch Airport (CHC). Same prices, same package. Christchurch is the practical launch point for the South Island — well-connected and minutes from the main road south.
Christchurch to Mt Cook & Tekapo (3.5 hrs) — turquoise lakes, the Church of the Good Shepherd, alpine views. Mt Cook to Wanaka (2.5 hrs) — Lindis Pass, Wanaka's lakeside. Wanaka to Queenstown (1.5 hrs) — over the Crown Range, NZ's highest sealed road. Queenstown to Milford Sound (4 hrs each way) — possibly the most scenic drive on earth. Queenstown to West Coast glaciers (5 hrs) — Haast Pass, Fox & Franz Josef. West Coast to Christchurch (5 hrs) via Arthur's Pass — the classic loop close.
5 days: Christchurch → Tekapo → Mt Cook → Queenstown → back via Mt Cook. 7 days: classic loop — Christchurch → Tekapo → Wanaka → Queenstown → Milford → West Coast glaciers → Arthur's Pass → Christchurch. 10–14 days: add Catlins, Dunedin, Stewart Island, Kaikoura. North + South: pick up in Auckland, drop off in Christchurch using our one-way rental.
Solo / couple on a budget: Mazda Demio. Longer road trip with luggage: Nissan Note. Family of 4: Mitsubishi Outlander. Winter/ski trip or 5+ people: 7 seater Outlander 4WD with roof racks.
Our Fleet
Mitsubishi Outlander 2012–2014
From
$49 / day
Mitsubishi Outlander 2014–2018
From
$59 / day
Live pricing and availability — only a 20% deposit to book.
Our South Island depot is at 305 Marshs Road, Hornby South, Christchurch — with a free shuttle from Christchurch Airport (CHC).
Yes — and it's one of the world's great drives (about 6 hours via Mt Cook). Unlimited kilometres are included.
Not directly — we operate from Christchurch only. Most travellers fly into Christchurch, road-trip down to Queenstown, then either drive back or take a domestic flight from Queenstown.
Not for most routes. 4WD is recommended for winter ski-field access roads and any unsealed mountain access roads. Our 7 seater Outlander is 4WD.