Seven Christchurch summer nights, from New Year's Eve to the first week of January
Late December in Canterbury brings long golden evenings, the light lingering well past nine while the Port Hills turn tawny above the city. Cathedral Square fills with people counting down to midnight, and by New Year's Day half the region is off to the coast or the mountains. If you're after Christchurch City car rental for 31 December to 7 January, plan this one carefully. The airport pickup counters get busy, and the cars you want go first.
Ezi is the only supplier with a price in this report. Its four quotes run from $1029 to $1757, with a median of $1389.50. One listing came back at zero, which usually means no car is available, so don't count on it. For the lowest price, lock in the Corolla Cross Hybrid at $1029 before the holiday rush starts.
Four of the five cars are hybrids, which suits the long summer drives out to Akaroa, Hanmer Springs or over Arthur's Pass. Most seat five, so a family with big suitcases should look at the RAV4 or the Puma before settling on the cheapest car. Only one listing seats seven, so groups that size need to book early. Roads can be busy on New Year's Day, so collect your car the day before if you can and skip the airport queue.