I’ll be honest. When someone pitched me a Queenstown luxury car rental, I thought, why? Any car would do really. But then I drive out of the airport at Queenstown, and spend 40 minutes in a campervan climbing the Crown Range Road in a car that was lunging to get up the slightest hill. Now I see.
Queenstown is not just something you drive through. The drives are half the experience. And the sort of car you’re in really influences that.
When a Luxury Car Rental in Queenstown Makes Sense
You don’t need a top of the line car for every journey. If you’re in town and just walking down Shotover street to the bars you may not even need a car. But in a few cases having your own is well worth it.
You’re planning big scenic drives
Queenstown’s roads are some of the best in the country. They’re worth driving to Glenorchy, driving over the Crown Range, or to Arrowtown or Wānaka. They’re winding, hilly roads with scenic pull-overs a-plenty, and a great, powerful and comfortable vehicle makes the hours fly by.
You’re travelling as a group or with family
The larger SUV means everyone has plenty of space to stretch out. Ski bags, hike packs and shopping from Arrowtown all need to be stashed. Spending a day with four adults in the back of a small car is no holiday.
It’s a special occasion
Honeymoons, anniversaries and milestone birthdays are everyday things in Queenstown. Pulling up to a winery lunch in a sporty car just fits. It’s part of the experience.
The Drives Worth Doing
And once you’ve purchased the car, here’s where I’d aim it.
Queenstown to Glenorchy
The road runs along the whole of Lake Wakatipu. Takes about 45 mins without stopping, but you will stop. Bennett’s Bluff is a popular lookout for photos. The small, quiet town of Glenorchy is near the start of the road, surrounded by walking tracks and spectacular mountain views. Make sure you take your time on your return journey as the evening light is spectacular.
Over the Crown Range to Wānaka
The road into the Crown Range rises high above the Wakatipu Basin. Once there, the views extend for miles. You then descend into Cardrona past the old pub then on to Wānaka. A gorgeous drive. Just be sure to take it slow it’s a steep and winding road, particularly in winter.
Arrowtown and the Gibbston Valley
For a more relaxed day, visit Arrowtown, the original gold-mining town, with wide streets and cafés. Then take a drive through the Gibbston Valley, where plenty of well-known wineries are clustered along the highway. But if anyone in the party wants to actually enjoy the wine, you might want to consider a chauffeur. More on that below.
Driving in Winter: What to Know
Winter alters all of this. Roads can be icy or snow-covered, especially in the mornings and on the shady sides. Snow may cover higher roads, and chains may be necessary on some routes, including the ski-field access roads. Make sure you look at the NZTA road conditions and the forecast.
It’s a good idea to check out our snow driving tips before you go. If you’re not familiar with driving in snow, don’t worry – many others aren’t either. Check your rental company’s advice on chains and how to fit them before you need to use them.
If your car has a good grip and clear sight, then you are a real confidence kick on cold mornings. And this is the one area where a good SUV really should deliver.
Picking the Right Vehicle
When I looked around, I noticed that many local operators have a much smaller, more personal fleet than the large international chains. That can be a good thing. You’re more likely to speak with someone who understands the roads, and to be given honest advice.
For example, QT Chauffeurs and Rentals has a cross section of vehicles on its website including hybrid sedans and larger models such as the BMW X5 and an electric Mercedes-Benz EQC. Their luxury car rental Queenstown page covers the self-drive side. In addition they run chauffeur services as well. You can see what pricing and availability they currently have when you request a quote from them as these vary throughout the year.
Here’s what I’d think about when choosing:
- Size of the group and luggage: A seven-seater may be worth it for families
- Season: SUVs make more sense in winter
- Range: Planning charging when you’re off for long journeys if you go electric
- Comfort: Heated seats are nice after a day on the slopes
Self-Drive or Chauffeur?
This is a question to ask at the beginning. Do you want to drive?
If it’s a long way to go and scenic routes, then driving yourself is a fun part of the experience – stopping when you want, going as fast or slow as you like. But for winery visits, late night dining or airport transfers after a long-haul flight, a chauffeur might be the better option. No one has to keep a clear head. No parking issues.
In the end we did a combination. We rented a car for the Glenorchy and Wānaka days. Then we arranged a driver for an afternoon wine tour in Gibbston. It was perfect.
A Few Practical Tips
- Advance book for popular time like ski season and summers
- Read the insurance terms thoroughly before signing
- Query on if gravel roads have any kind of limit
- Fuel up before long drives due to locations of petrol stations
- Be aware of cyclists and slow vehicles on roadways When roads are narrow
That one is actually more significant than you might think. If a turn is quite sharp, many campervans will cut the corner.
Is It Worth It?
For us, yes. To take in Queenstown, you need to look at it from the road as well as from a gondola. Coasting along the lake road to Glenorchy, with the wind in your hair and the mountains right there, seemed more like a portion of your holiday than just a journey.
Consider the following about your driving: How often will you be on the road? Now consider the following about your crew: Will you be on the road a whole lot, and will the people with you be people you love? If the answer to both is yes, then it probably makes sense to rent a luxury vehicle in Queenstown.
