Very helpful with changes we made. We made quite a few changes due to organising from Australia
Jenny Witney
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GoSee the sights with a Timaru Airport car hire
Pick up a Timaru Airport car hire and get exploring this pretty little city on the coast of Canterbury in the South Island. Midway between Christchurch and Dunedin, Timaru offers lovely beachside attractions, a fantastic museum, a fabulous art gallery, fantastic dining opportunities, and so much more. Hit the road with a Timaru car rental and GoSee it all.
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Picking up your car rental from Timaru Airport
Richard Pearse Airport is the main airport in South Canterbury, but it is a small enough facility that you can easily find your way around. The terminal has limited facilities and only offers flights to select cities. Collect the keys for your Timaru Airport car rental from the arrivals hall.
Getting around Timaru in your airport car hire
Refer to these tips before driving your Timaru rental car.
- Timaru is 10.6 kilometres from the airport via State Highway 1. The hire car drive should take roughly 10 minutes.
- Gravel roads are still common in this region. Drive slowly, and keep an eye out for potholes and corrugated ruts.
- You may encounter inclement weather in this region. Allow greater distance on frosty and wet days, or adjust your travel plans.
- Distracted driving is a major cause of accidents in Canterbury. Turn on your Do Not Disturb function on your phone before hitting the road.
Hit the highlights in your Timaru car hire
Caroline Bay
This beachy area is popular for both everyday leisure activities and big events like the Caroline Bay Summer Carnival. Wander along the boardwalks, check out the botanic gardens, and refresh with a fantastic meal at one of the many fabulous restaurants.
South Canterbury Museum
Learn about the city’s natural history, Māori culture, European settlement, and more at this fantastic heritage museum.
Te Ana Ngāi Tahu Māori Rock Art Centre
There are approximately 250 ancient Maori Rock art sites within a half hour’s drive in your Timaru car hire, depicting everything from people, fish, birds, and the dragon-like taniwha. Here you can get an in-depth look at the meaning behind them and the heritage of the Ngāi Tahu.
Mt Dobson
If you’re visiting during the winter, head your rental cars Timaru Airport to the nearest ski field and get amongst the beauty of the Southern Alps. This is a great place to learn how to ski!
Top tips for Timaru car rentals
- If you plan on exploring outside of the main city, or are heading on an extended road trip, prioritise safety and comfort when comparing rental cars in Timaru.
- The supply of rental cars in Timaru can be limited, so book early to secure the vehicle you want.
- Avis Car Rental at Timaru Airport is a favourite among customers in this location.
What our customers say
Car rental Timaru Airport: Frequently asked questions
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How much is it to hire a car at Timaru Airport?
Timaru car rental prices fluctuate based on the time of year and time of booking. For the most accurate rates, simply type your travel dates into the search box to see a list of cars and prices.
Which car hire agencies are at Timaru Airport?
There is a range of hire rental depots at Timaru Airport, including Hertz Timaru Airport and Avis Timaru Airport.
How far in advance should I book my rental car in Timaru?
The sooner you book your Timaru car hire, the better. Early booking gives you a better chance of securing lower rates and having a better selection to choose from. GoSee offers free cancellation on most rentals so you can have peace of mind if your plans change.
How old do I have to be to rent a car from Timaru Airport?
The minimum age to rent a car in NZ is 18, but most car hire companies only accept drivers aged 21 and over, and charge an additional fee to drivers under the age of 25.
How far is downtown Timaru from Timaru Airport?
Timaru is 10.6 kilometres from the airport via State Highway 1, a 10-minute drive in your Timaru car hire.
Can I book now and pay later for my car rental in Timaru?
Yes, you can book now and pay when you pick up your vehicle. There is free cancellation on most Timaru car rentals.
Can I rent a car in Timaru and return it somewhere else?
Yes. It is possible to hire one-way rental cars from Timaru Airport to another destination. You can drop off your vehicle at Christchurch or Queenstown. You can also end your tour in Dunedin or Nelson. This usually incurs an additional fee, but keep an eye out for one-way rental deals.
Do I need to return my rental car with a full tank?
Yes, you will need to return your Timaru car rental with a full tank. The nearest petrol station to Timaru Airport is NPD Washdyke Timaru.
What is the speed limit in Timaru?
Speed limits in Timaru are generally 50km/h in urban areas and 100km/h on highways unless otherwise posted. Slow down in school zones, near roadworks, and in residential areas.
Which car hire companies have updated their vehicle cleaning and safety policies because of coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Most of the major brands of car hire in Timaru have updated their health and safety protocols due to COVID-19 to make sure vehicles are clean and disinfected. These rental companies include Hertz Timaru Airport and Avis Timaru Airport.
What do you need to collect my Timaru Airport car rentals?
If you are going to pick up your Timaru Airport rental cars, you should bring the following: driving licences from all drivers, credit card, passport or I.D., and booking reference.
Can I rent a car for a month or longer in Timaru?
Yes, you can get a car hire Timaru for a month or longer. Usually, a long-term vehicle rental costs way cheaper than daily rates.
