Thrifty Car Rental
Avis
DRIVUS S
Sophie B.
New Zealand · 2 Jun 2026
“Cheap and cheerful for a ski weekend. Car was older but clean.”
Verified rental · Jucy Rentals
One-Way Car Rental from Wānaka to Invercargill
Pick up in Wānaka and drop the car in Invercargill. Compare one-way fees side by side — they're never hidden in the daily rate.
Estimated rental price
from NZ$60/day
≈ NZ$510 for 7 days
One-way fee
NZ$90–NZ$240
Varies by supplier
Return location
Invercargill Airport (IVC)
≈ 287 km · 4h
Quick answer
How much is a one-way rental from Wānaka to Invercargill?
Expect about NZ$60/day plus a one-way fee of NZ$90–NZ$240, depending on supplier, season and rental length. The drive is about 287 km (4h without stops) and you return the car at Invercargill Airport (IVC).
- From NZ$60/day
- Fee NZ$90–NZ$240
- ≈ 287 km
Total for 7 days
One-way fees by supplier
Highest-rated suppliers first (scores out of 10). 7-day total = daily rate × 7 + one-way fee; typical compact-car pricing.
The drive
Wānaka → Invercargill
One-way fees vary by supplier and season — they are shown separately in every quote.
Road trip guide: Queenstown → InvercargillBest cars for this route
CompactCompact
Mazda Demio or similar
- 5
- 2
- Auto
- 5.0
- Best value all-rounder
- Comfortable on SH6
- Two cases plus carry-ons
FromNZ$49/day
FromNZ$0/day
SUVSUV
Toyota RAV4 or similar
- 5
- 3
- Auto
- 4.8
- Higher clearance for gravel car parks
- Room for skis (ask for roof rack)
- Most-booked category June–Sept
FromNZ$68/day
ElectricElectric
Tesla Model Y or similar
- 5
- 3
- Auto
- Electric
- No fuel cost; fast chargers in Frankton & Wānaka
- Plan charging before Milford Sound
- Range drops in cold weather
FromNZ$74/day
Plan ahead
Seasonal road conditions & true trip cost
The same car costs, and drives, very differently in January and July. Check the season you're travelling in, then estimate your real total.
Road conditions change quickly in the Southern Lakes — check road status on the morning you travel.
Verified renters
One-way renters say
N
Noah P.
USA · 4 Jan 2026
“Good for the Mount Cook detour. Lindis Pass was stunning.”
Verified rental · Thrifty Car Rental
J
Jacob W.
USA · 18 Jun 2026
“Premium SUV for our honeymoon, heated seats on the drive to Glenorchy. Worth every cent.”
Verified rental · Sixt
L
Laura G.
Germany · 21 Jan 2026
“Car delivered to our holiday home near Clyde. Great for wine-trail days.”
Verified rental · DRIVUS
M
Mei L.
Singapore · 5 Jul 2026
“One-way Queenstown to Christchurch was easy and the one-way fee was shown upfront, no surprises.”
Verified rental · Hertz Car Rental
B
Ben C.
United Kingdom · 9 Feb 2026
“Car was fine but the shuttle took 25 minutes. Next time I would pay a bit more for in-terminal.”
Verified rental · Snap
From the blog
All guides
One-way trip guides
Answers
Wānaka to Invercargill one-way — FAQ
About 287 km, or 4h of driving without stops, via Queenstown.
Most suppliers accept returns at Invercargill Airport (IVC). The exact address and hours are shown on your voucher.
One-way fees vary by supplier and season — they are shown separately in every quote.
Most suppliers hold NZ$200–500 on a credit card in the main driver's name at pick-up, released after the car is returned. Premium cars and vans often need more.
Some NZ-owned suppliers accept debit cards for the bond; most international brands need a credit card. Each offer shows which cards are accepted.
The bond is a temporary hold on your card. The excess is the maximum you pay if the car is damaged — often NZ$3,000–5,000 unless you reduce it.
No. We don't charge booking or card fees, and the total shown includes mandatory charges such as one-way and young-driver fees.
A current, full licence from your home country, valid for up to 12 months from arrival. If it isn't in English, also carry an approved translation or an International Driving Permit.
Most international brands rent from 21, with a young-driver fee under 25. Some NZ suppliers rent from 18. Vans and premium cars often need drivers aged 25+.
Yes. Extra drivers must show their licence at pick-up; some suppliers include one free extra driver, others charge a daily fee.
Your driver licence (plus translation or IDP if needed), a credit card in the main driver's name and your booking voucher.
Most rates include free cancellation up to 48 hours before pick-up. The cancellation terms are shown on each offer before you book.
Use Manage Booking with your reference and email, or contact our Queenstown team. Changes depend on availability and may change the price.
Add your flight number when booking. Many in-terminal suppliers wait for delayed pre-booked flights; shuttle depots may close earlier.
Often yes — off-airport suppliers in Frankton can be 10–25% cheaper, but the shuttle adds 10–15 minutes. Compare the total price.
From May to September carry chains for the Crown Range and ski-field roads. On the Milford Road (SH94) chains must be carried in winter. Most suppliers rent them.
Many rental agreements exclude ski-field access roads from insurance. Check the supplier's terms or use a ski shuttle — we flag the policy on each supplier page.
The left. The open-road limit is 100 km/h unless signposted lower, and you give way to traffic from the right at roundabouts.
Many suppliers don't allow cars on the inter-island ferry. If you're heading to the North Island, drop off in Picton and collect a new car in Wellington.
Still have a question?Our local team is available 24/7 on +64-9-2806251 and by email.
Contact us