Book Budget hire cars in Queenstown

• Which Budget offices should I be using in Queenstown?

  There are two well-placed Budget offices available in the city, and the one you choose to use will depend on how you arrive in Queenstown. If you're flying in, Queenstown Airport is the ideal location. It's important to book online to avoid the extra fees you'll pay in person. The second option is located close to the heart of the city, at 68 - 70 Stanley Street. Regardless of whether you book from the airport or the office on Stanley Street, you'll have the choice of the same cars. If one branch doesn't have a vehicle you like, the two branches will organise with each other to get you your vehicle.

• What documents do I need to choose Budget car hire in Queenstown?

  Budget won't hire a car to you unless you're at least 21 years and have held your driving license for a year or more. If you're younger than 25 years old, be prepared to pay an additional surcharge for being a young driver. Remember to bring your confirmation details and reference number, as well as the same credit card used for your online booking. If the credit card used isn't in your name, the card owner must be present when collecting the vehicle. You'll also need a valid driving license written in English and a valid form of ID, preferably a passport.

• Where can I park my Budget hire car in Queenstown?

  It's typically difficult to find on-street in the city centre, especially free parking. You'll find 10 minutes of free parking at the airport but there isn't much else available in the city. You'll find Pay & Display parking spaces throughout the city centre with various time limits. There are two-hour limits available along Church Street, Earl Street, Marine Parade and Camp Street. Athol Street offers Pay and Display parking with a four-hour limit.

• What is the most popular car hire from Budget in Queenstown?

  Small hire cars (Toyota Yaris or similar) are the most frequently booked hire car types from Budget in Queenstown.

• How many car hire locations does Budget have in Queenstown?

  Budget has 2 hire locations in Queenstown. Take a look at our Budget hire location map to find the best car hire near you.

• Does Budget have a car hire location at the airport: Queenstown Intl airport (ZQN)?

  Yes

• Does Budget offer shuttle or airport pick-up services from Queenstown Intl airport (ZQN)?

  Yes

Reviews for Budget in Queenstown

Recent reviews

Traveller rating

Wonderful

4854

Very Good

1972

Good

193

Okay

1397

Fair

137

Mediocre

0

Poor

5855

2.0

I was charged an extra day for being 20min late on the dropoff and, even though I gave the car back with the same amount of gas, they still charged me $16 for gas. It was ridiculous. I'm never using this company again. I was with the car for less than 24 hours and they charged me for 48. I have written them and they couldn't care less. I'm pissed.Reviewed Jan 14 2026

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2.0

It was a terrible experience. I’d called Budget on November 17th ( if they record their phone calls, you can verify that I had this conversation) and asked to upgrade my vehicle to a premium SUV. The person at budget said that it would be no problem. When I got to the counter, the person at the counter said I had booked a 15 seater van. They told me there were no premium SUVs available and the person behind the counter suggested I go ask the other rental car companies if they had a vehicle for me. The lady behind the counter offered me a Chevy Traverse for $500 more than I’d been quoted for the premium SUV. There was nothing I could do but accept it, we had to get on the road and drive to our destination. If Budget is willing to do the right thing and reimburse me for the overage that they charged me, I’d consider using Budget again otherwise, that’s the last time I’ll be using Budget in the future.Reviewed Jan 14 2026

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2.0

It was very bad I couldn’t get the vehicle I didn’t no credit cardReviewed Jan 13 2026

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4.0

Bad to expensive and the rental close in the nightReviewed Jan 13 2026

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2.0

The do not honor their quotes and try to charge you more for insurance. I brought my certificate of insurance form my credit card. They did not even want to look at it. They are scammers. I went somewhere else got a nice car for less.Reviewed Jan 13 2026

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10.0

I like a little higher up car especially when there is a lot of rain!! Silly me.Reviewed Jan 13 2026

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2.0

More shuttles more staff more space 3-hour wait and total including 1 hour wait for shuttleReviewed Jan 13 2026

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4.0

Specified a compact suv , tried to give me a car. Said I didn’t want a car because I wanted an suv like I specifically ordered , best they could do was a Kia soul . And the bonus was a filthy exterior and dirty glass all aroundReviewed Jan 12 2026

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2.0

The car reserved through Kayak was advertised as a mid-size SUV. I specifically paid extra to have a larger vehicle since I had my spouse and kids with me. Only at pickup did we find out that the rental car reserved was not a mid-size SUV, but an economy. The car they tried to provide wouldn't even fit my kid's car seats and our luggage. Budget blamed the the third party rental agency (QEEQ). The third party rental agency blamed Kayak. Kayak wouldn't answer any calls to customer service. All parties refused to provide any assistance and left my family stranded at the airport with a too-small car. When seeking help everyone just recommended paying more money in order to get a vehicle that matched the size originally advertised. Overall it was a very poor experience with Budget and Kayak. I will not be renting cars through Kayak in the future because they significantly misrepresent their vehicle sizes.Reviewed Jan 12 2026

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2.0

they charged me at the end 3 times than we agreed onReviewed Jan 12 2026

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2.0

The vehicle kept being changed, Twice, and each time the rental increased. The explanation was mechanical issue with then original car. Which makes no sense since there are multiple version of the car and car class on their lot. Then upselling toll tags cheaper options exist but were not presented and when questioned said they dont exist. Having traveled most of my professional career i knew differently, but due to the circumstances, a family emergency, i had to go with their deal. Although the guy at the exit gate told me that i had been "hustled".Reviewed Jan 12 2026

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4.0

My budget experience was great. The customer service was brilliant but unfortunately the car was not cleaned inside and out and it was filthy.Reviewed Jan 12 2026

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