Reliable Car Hire in Invercargill, New Zealand

Welcome to Invercargill (Waihōpai), New Zealand's southernmost city, a gateway to the beauty of Southland. With an Invercargill car hire explore dramatic coastlines, unique wildlife and The Catlins and Stewart Island/Rakiura.

We Compare a Wide Selection of Reputable Car Rental Brands, Including:

• Avis
• Budget
• Hertz
• Thrifty
• Ezi Car Rental
• Go Rental
• Apex Car Hire
• Alamo
• Ezi Car Rental

Why Choose Invercargill Car Hire?

• Gateway to the True South: Invercargill is perfect for the Southern Scenic Route, the wild wonders of The Catlins, the ferry to Stewart Island from Bluff, and even adventures towards Fiordland.
• Freedom to Roam Where Legends Were Made: Follow in the tyre tracks of Burt Munro (world speed record holder), explore windswept beaches.
• Beyond the City visit unique coastal wetlands with unique birdlife and ancient forests.

Convenient Pick-Up Locations:

• Invercargill Airport (IVC): Start your southern adventure the moment you land. Car rental desks are located directly within the airport terminal.

Why Rent a Car in Invercargill?

Invercargill and Southland are best explored by car.

• World-Class Transport Museums:
  • Visit Bill Richardson Transport World, a private collection featuring hundreds of vehicles, a wearable arts exhibit, and even a World of WearableArt™ (WOW) display. Allow several hours!
  • Motorcycle enthusiasts, prepare for Classic Motorcycle Mecca, home to an A-Z of classic motorbikes from around the globe, including tributes to local legend Burt Munro.
• Follow the Spirit of Burt Munro – A Self-Drive Homage:
  • The "World's Fastest Indian" is Invercargill's favourite son.
  • Create your own Burt Munro trail. Visit his displays at E Hayes & Sons Motorworks Collection (a fascinating, free-to-enter hardware store with the original Indian Scout and much more!). Drive out to Oreti Beach, where Burt tested his legendary machines – accessible by car onto the sand in designated areas (check conditions and rental agreements carefully!).
• Explore Bluff & the Gateway to Stewart Island/Rakiura:
  • Drive south to the port town of Bluff (approx. 25-30 mins). Take a photo at the Stirling Point signpost, marking the end of State Highway 1.
  • This is the departure point for ferries to Stewart Island/Rakiura.
  • Try the world-famous Bluff Oysters when in season (typically March to August). Walk up Bluff Hill (Motupōhue) for panoramic views.
  • Drive to The Catlins.
  • Visit Curio Bay (petrified forest, Yellow-Eyed Penguins, Hector's Dolphins), Slope Point (the southernmost point of the South Island), Nugget Point Lighthouse, and stunning waterfalls - Purakaunui and McLean Falls.
• Discover Southland's "Big Sky" & Coastal Wilderness:
  • Explore Queens Park, Invercargill's 80-hectare park featuring gardens, an aviary, animal enclosures (including tuatara), and a stumpery.
  • Drive along the coast to spots like Awarua Bay or Toetoes Harbour (near Fortrose), an important environment for wading birds and migratory birds.
  • Visit Oreti Beach, perfect for long walks and beachcombing.
  • Watch out for the Aurora Australis (Southern Lights). Invercargill's southern latitude and relatively low light pollution offer a good chance of seeing Aurora Australis, especially during autumn and winter months (March-September).
• A Taste of Southern Delights:
  • Try cheese rolls (a local delicacy!), visit local bakeries for southern-style pies and buy from farm shops for local produce.
• The "Legends & Landscapes" Loop (2-3 Days, Invercargill Base):
  • Day 1: Morning at Bill Richardson Transport World. Afternoon exploring Burt Munro heritage at E Hayes & Sons and a drive along Oreti Beach.
  • Day 2: Drive to Bluff, explore the town, Stirling Point, and perhaps a short coastal walk. Enjoy Bluff Oysters (in season). Consider a late afternoon/evening trip to Awarua Bay for birdwatching or potential sunset/aurora viewing.
  • Day 3 (Optional): A dedicated day trip into the western part of The Catlins (e.g., Curio Bay, Slope Point), returning to Invercargill. Time your Oreti Beach visit for low tide.
• "The Catlins Explorer" from Invercargill (2-4 Days One Way or Return):
  • Route: Depart Invercargill and drive the Southern Scenic Route through The Catlins towards Dunedin or vice versa. Key stops: Fortrose, Waipapa Point Lighthouse, Curio Bay, Slope Point, McLean Falls, Purakaunui Falls, Nugget Point.
  • Highlights: Wildlife spotting, waterfalls, beaches, rainforest walks.
  • Stay overnight within The Catlins (e.g., Curio Bay, Papatowai, Kaka Point).This allows for early morning wildlife viewing or late evening penguin spotting.
• Stewart Island Gateway":
  • Use Invercargill as your mainland base before and after your trip to Stewart Island/Rakiura.
  • Drive to Bluff, park securely (check options), take the ferry to Stewart Island. Add a side trip to Ulva island too.

Car Rental Options:

• Compact & Economy Cars: Suitable for city driving and sealed roads if you're on a budget.
• Sedans / Saloons: Offer more comfort for longer drives, especially if heading into The Catlins or along the Southern Scenic Route.
• SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles): A good choice for Southland, providing better handling on varied road surfaces (including well-maintained gravel roads in The Catlins – always check rental agreements), higher clearance, and more space for luggage and outdoor gear.
• People Movers & Vans: Ideal for families or larger groups.

Booking in advance is highly recommended, particularly during summer (December-February), major event periods (like the Burt Munro Challenge if applicable), and when planning ferry connections to Stewart Island.

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One-Way Rentals – Chart Your Course Across the South Island:

Invercargill is an excellent starting or finishing point for an epic South Island road trip. Collect your car here and journey north towards Fiordland, Queenstown, the West Coast, or Dunedin. One-way rentals offer incredible flexibility. Book well ahead for the best choice and prices.

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Tips for Driving in Greymouth & the West Coast – Embrace the Journey:

• Keep Left: The New Zealand standard.
• Southern Pace: Life moves a little slower in the South. Embrace it. Don't rush your drives; the scenery is part of the experience.
• Weather's Moods: Southland weather can be very changeable and often includes "four seasons in one day." Be prepared for wind, rain, and cool temperatures, even in summer. Pack layers! Roads are generally well-maintained, but check conditions if venturing into more remote areas, especially in winter.
• WThe Catlins Roads: While the main Southern Scenic Route through The Catlins is sealed, many access roads to specific attractions (beaches, waterfalls) can be gravel. Drive slowly and carefully on unsealed surfaces.
• Wildlife on Roads: Be particularly vigilant for wildlife, especially at dawn, dusk, and in The Catlins. This can include sheep, cattle, seals (near the coast), and penguins.
• Aurora Australis Viewing: If hunting the Southern Lights, find a safe spot away from traffic and direct light sources. Let someone know where you are going. Dress very warmly.
• Oreti Beach Driving: If driving onto Oreti Beach, be aware of tide times, stick to hard-packed sand, and be mindful of other beach users. Not all rental agreements permit beach driving; check yours carefully.

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Further Information & Unique Resources:

• Southland New Zealand (Official Tourism Website): Your comprehensive guide to the region. (Link: www.southlandnz.com)
• Invercargill i-SITE Visitor Information Centre: Located at the Wachner Place, Invercargill. For maps, brochures, bookings, and local advice. (Phone: +64 3 211 0895)
• Bill Richardson Transport World: visit www.transportworld.nz)
• Classic Motorcycle Mecca: (Link: www.motorcyclemecca.nz)
• E Hayes & Sons (Burt Munro Collection): (Link: www.ehayes.co.nz)
• Department of Conservation (DOC) - Southland: Information on tracks, reserves, Waituna Lagoon, The Catlins, and Stewart Island. (Search "DOC Southland" or visit (Link: www.doc.govt.nz)
• The Catlins Official Website: (Link: www.catlins.org.nz
• Stewart Island Ferry Services (RealNZ or Stewart Island Experience): For ferry timetables and bookings.