Christchurch Airport in late summer: chasing long light after Chinese New Year
Mid February at Christchurch Airport has a lovely stillness to it. The sun lingers over the Canterbury Plains, the Southern Alps stand sharp on the horizon, and the arrivals hall buzzes with families who have flown in for Chinese New Year week. It's peak holiday time, and anyone hunting for a Christchurch Airport car rental from 10 to 17 February 2027 will find 83 listings with a median quote of $1,759.75. The cheapest is $1,078 and the dearest is $2,891.20, so the same week can cost nearly 2.7 times more depending on your pick.
GO Rentals has the best average at $1,632, with Europcar next at $1,648, then Thrifty ($1,730) and Ezi ($1,735). Hertz averages $2,101 and Budget $2,297, and Budget also owns the week's highest price, a Ford Ranger Wildtrak at $2,891.20. Compare by category rather than by brand, because GO Rentals takes the cheapest spot in most categories, while Ezi wins the cheapest Compact SUV, SUV and Premium SUV.
Five-seaters make up most of the fleet (54 listings), so a group of six or more should grab a seven or eight seater early, since only 18 listings share those seats between them. Petrol, hybrid and standard cars are all well stocked, and a hybrid like the Yaris or Corolla will stretch your fuel on the drive to Akaroa or Lake Tekapo. A 4WD is a treat in February rather than a necessity, as the roads are dry, though Arthur's Pass can still turn windy fast. Pick up your car in the morning to skip the airport queue, and save room in the boot for the chilly bin you'll want for roadside picnics.