How to Explore the South Island on a Tight Budget With a Rental Car

There are few better places for a road trip than New Zealand’s South Island. Between the snow-capped mountains, turquoise lakes and untouched wilderness, every road leads to some life-changing scenery. And the good news is, these million-dollar views don’t have to cost much—if anything. With a few smart moves, and a low-cost Thrifty rental car, you can experience the South Island to the fullest without overspending. 

Choose Scenic Drives Over Expensive Tours 

There are plenty of tours that’ll take you up-close to the South Island’s best spots. But as long as you have a rental car, and a scenic route in mind, you don’t really need much else. The drive from Christchurch to Queenstown via Tekapo and Lindis Pass is like a self-guided tour, with postcard views around every bend. Detour to Lake Pukaki for that famous view of Aoraki / Mount Cook, or take the road from Wanaka to the Haast Pass to see waterfalls and ancient forest.  

Camp Smart and Save on Accommodation 

Skip the hotels and embrace the South Island’s wild heart. Holiday parks and DOC (Department of Conservation) campgrounds can be found all around, from the beaches of Abel Tasman to the foothills of Fiordland. Some are even free or donation-based, with incredible views that a hotel would charge big bucks for. If you’d rather not rough it, look for cabins or glamping pods at family-run holiday parks. They often include kitchens, which means big savings on eating out. 

Picnic With a View 

Cafés are tempting, but there’s no shortage of picnic spots and local produce. Stock up at local supermarkets or farmers’ markets, pack a cooler bag, and make lunch the scenic highlight of your day. Lakes Tekapo and Wanaka both have picnic tables right on the waterfront, while Queenstown’s Queenstown Gardens gives you mountain views with your lunch.

Take Advantage of Free Nature and Walks 

The South Island’s walking tracks are among the best in the world, and most are totally free. Try the Hooker Valley Track near Mount Cook for a half-day adventure through alpine valleys and swing bridges. Around Queenstown, the Queenstown Hill and Ben Lomond tracks both deliver spectacular views, while in Fiordland, short walks around Te Anau give you a taste of the wilderness without needing a guided tour. National parks are free to enter, so there’s no excuse not to stretch your legs. 

Look for Budget-Friendly Towns 

Not every South Island stay has to be in Queenstown or Wanaka. Smaller towns like Geraldine, Oamaru, and Cromwell have their own charm, with cheaper accommodation and easy access to major sights. In the north, Nelson is a relaxed, artsy base for visiting Abel Tasman National Park, while the West Coast towns of Hokitika and Franz Josef offer affordable stays surrounded by wild landscapes. Travelling slightly off-peak (outside the December-February rush) also means better deals and quieter roads. 

Fuel Efficiency and Car Choice Matter 

When booking your rental car, think about the type of driving you’ll be doing. Compact cars are great for city and highway travel, while a small SUV gives you flexibility for longer rural drives. Choosing an economical vehicle can make a real difference over long distances. Fill up in larger towns, where fuel prices are lower, and plan your routes to avoid unnecessary backtracking. 

The South Island, the Thrifty Way 

You don’t have to cut corners to appreciate the South Island. Instead, just ask yourself what’s really valuable. With a few simple, savvy tricks, and a Thrifty rental car, you can travel freely from one incredible place to another, without worrying about how much you’re spending.