Summer holidays at Christchurch Airport: 14 nights, from $2114
Late December at Christchurch Airport has its own feel. The evenings are long and golden, a nor'wester can show up without warning, and the terminal fills with families heading south for Lake Tekapo, Wanaka and the West Coast. Beyond the gate the Canterbury Plains stretch out flat and bright, with a little snow still clinging to the Southern Alps. If you're lining up Christchurch Airport car rental for 27 December to 10 January, this is peak season, and the numbers show it. We found 63 listings, a median of $3850 for the 14 nights, and a cheapest price of $2114.
GO Rentals is where the value sits, with 17 listings, an average of $3336 and the lowest price of the lot. Thrifty ($3497), Ezi ($3722) and Europcar ($3793) stay close together in the middle, while Budget averages $5990 and tops out at $7672. Eight listings came back at zero, so skip those and compare the real quotes. Check two or three suppliers before you pay, because the gap between cheapest and dearest is about 3.6 times.
Most of the fleet seats five, so luggage for a family of four fits fine in an SUV or a mid-size hatch. On the long days over Lindis Pass or Arthur's Pass, a hybrid like the Corolla Cross or RAV4 saves on fuel, and in summer you won't need 4WD unless you're heading onto gravel. Roads are busy in the first week of January, so pick up early and be on your way before the afternoon rush. If you're travelling with a big group, book a seven-seater early, because there are only 7 across all suppliers.