South Island Road Trip Car Hire

Ready to explore New Zealand’s stunning South Island? Skip the boring rental cars and choose a vehicle that makes the journey just as memorable as the destination.

At Dream Drives, we offer a curated selection of fun, luxurious, and high-performance vehicles — all based in Christchurch — perfect for road tripping through Aoraki/Mt Cook, Queenstown, Lake Tekapo, Hanmer Springs, and beyond.

Why Choose Dream Drives?

  • Fun Cars, Not Fleet Cars – From the powerful GR Yaris to the sleek and fast Tesla Model 3, our vehicles are for people who love driving.
  • Ideal for South Island Roads – Comfortable, capable cars with plenty of luggage space.
  • Easy Pickup in Christchurch – Fly in and hit the road within minutes.
  • Not a Campervan – Sleep in hotels, enjoy real meals, and drive something exciting.

Fleet

Our South Island Road Trip Fleet Includes:

Destinations

Where Will You Go?

Whether it’s the turquoise lakes of Tekapo, the vineyards of Central Otago, or the mountain passes around Arthur’s Pass, your South Island road trip deserves a car that matches the scenery.

Christchurch to Queenstown

One of the most iconic drives in New Zealand — take in Lake Pukaki, Aoraki/Mt Cook, and Lindis Pass on the way to the adventure capital. With the right car, the journey is the destination.

Scenic Drive to Tekapo

A short and spectacular escape from Christchurch. Marvel at the shimmering blue lake, visit the Church of the Good Shepherd, and unwind under some of the clearest night skies in the world.

Arthurs Pass Loop

Cross the Southern Alps through winding alpine passes, ancient beech forests, and dramatic gorges. This route was built for drivers who want to enjoy every turn.

West Coast Glacier Drive

Head north from Wanaka or Haast through wild rainforest, remote beaches, and glacier country. A beautiful and underrated route, especially in the right vehicle.

What's Included

What's Included...

What’s Included:

  • Clean, well-presented vehicles
  • Full insurance with optional excess reduction
  • Fair kilometre allowance (with options to extend)
  • Friendly, local support team
  • Optional Christchurch airport pickup and drop-off

Extras Available:

  • Child seats and booster seats
  • Snow chains (winter only)
  • Roof boxes (select vehicles)
  • Insurance Excess Reduction

Don’t Just Take a Trip — Make a Memory

This isn’t just a holiday. It’s early-morning light hitting the mountains, quiet lake roads that feel like they’re yours alone, and the feeling of driving something special through a land made for exploration.

With Dream Drives, your car is more than transport — it’s part of the story.

Turn your South Island journey into something unforgettable.

Visit Us

3/235, Waltham Road, Sydenham, Christchurch, New Zealand

Call Us