We are located in the airport, a 2 minute walk from the terminal. When returning your rental vehicle please ensure it is refuelled unless you have selected a pre purchase fuel option. If you do not refuel before return and have not pre purchased fuel, refuelling will be charged at the price stated on your rental agreement.
Invercargill Airport
Monday:07:30-20:30
Tuesday:07:30-20:30
Wednesday:07:30-20:30
Thursday:07:30-20:30
Friday:07:30-20:30
Saturday:10:00-18:00
Sunday:10:00-20:30
Where is the branch located?
The counter for pick up is in the airport, if walking in (not off a flight) we can serve from the counter or the Thrifty building located just outside the airport.
Invercargill Airport Car Rental FAQs
If the airport is closed there is a drop box at the front of the building located next to the airport.
Not available at this location.
If you are running late and you won't be able to collect your rental car at the allocated time, it is important to get in touch with the branch you are collecting from so that we can make alternate arrangements. If you have arrived at the branch and it is closed and if you haven't made prior arrangements for an after-hours collection you will need to pick-up your rental car the following day.
Car Rental Invercargill Airport
Invercargill sits at the southern point of the South Island, making it one of the most inhabited southerly points on earth. Many adventure seekers fly into Invercargill to start a road trip journey up through the South Island and across the ferry into the North Island. It is also the main entry point to the Bluff Port to travel to Stewart Island or Rakiura. Stewart Island sits a 30-kilometre ferry ride from Invercargill Airport and CBD across the Foveaux Strait. Stewart Island is the third-largest island in New Zealand, second only to the two main islands and is 85% national park. With 10 times the amount of walking trails than road, Stewart Island is perfect for those looking to travel off the beaten path and surround themselves in nature and wilderness. See the amazing Brown Kiwi, Blue Penguin, and other unique island species.
Back across-shore, Invercargill has many attractions of its own, both within the city and driving distance from the airport and CBD.
Experience Natural Beauty Unlike Anywhere Else With Your Car Hire
New Zealand is known for its natural beauty and rugged terrain, and Invercargill is no exception. The perfect use of your rental car would be the Catlins Coastal Heritage Trail. The trail provides an excellent snapshot of the scenery and can be seen in a day. The drive technically starts at Fortrose, 50 kilometres east of Invercargill, but the drive from Invercargill to Fortrose is just as scenic and beautiful, so it could be considered part of the road trip. The trip has 13 points of interest from the Waikawa Museum, Porpoise Bay, the Waipapa Lighthouse, Fortrose Cemetery and more. It is a great way to pack a lot into a short amount of time, but if you are time-rich on your trip, you can take many other side paths to increase the length of the tour or just spend more time at each location. On this trip, you will see isolated beaches, bluffs, native forests, wildlife and more. It is recommended to allow at least 5 hours to soak in the total experience of the drive from Fortrose to Niagara, so it makes for a great full day’s excursion.
If you plan to drive to the Bluff and head to Stewart Island on the ferry, you might want to stop for some oysters first. The Bluff has a dedicated oyster following, meaning people come from around the area and overseas to try their delicacies at the peak of their freshness. Harvest season is from March through to August.
With a Rental car, You’re in, in Invercargill
Soak up some culture at the He Waka Tuia transitional art gallery and museum. The Space is a joint initiative from the Invercargill Public Art Gallery and the Southland Museum and Art Gallery. With Māori artefacts and artworks on display as well as other exhibitions. Invercargill has a long history, which is on display at He Waka Tuia, with photographs and illustrations of Invercargill’s 150-year history.
No visit to Invercargill would be complete without a trip to Queen’s Park. The meticulously cared for garden sprawls across 80 hectares and includes wildlife habitats and sporting areas. Take in the sounds, smells and sights of the Rose Garden, Japanese Garden, Herb Garden and more. Play a selection of sports, from an 18-hole golf course to tennis courts, cricket and bowls.
There is plenty to see and do in this southern part of New Zealand. Whether you’re using it as a road trip launchpad or staying for a few days, you won’t be short of activities to do or sights to see. Happy driving.