Ten spring nights out of Christchurch, with the Alps still wearing snow
Late September is a lovely time to land in Canterbury. The plains are turning green, the Southern Alps still have snow on their shoulders, and the morning light at the airport gate is crisp and low. A 10 night Mid-Autumn Festival trip from 26 September to 6 October leaves room to drive out to Arthur's Pass, Akaroa or Mount Cook without glancing at the clock. Christchurch International Airport car rental is the easiest way to do it, since the roads worth driving begin just past the terminal.
Alamo is the only supplier in this search, and its 12 listings start at $1082.81 and finish at $2804.99. The bottom of the range is crowded. Economy, Compact and Intermediate all start between $1093.99 and $1106.41, which works out to about $110 a night for the middle of the pack. Pick from that group and save the big spending for a good reason, because a Fullsize at $2407.38 costs more than double a Corolla.
All 12 cars seat 5, so luggage space is the thing to ask about before you book. A Toyota C-HR at $1095.25 or a Corolla at $1106.41 will handle a couple with big bags, and the Pajero Sport or Ranger only earns its price if you're hauling skis or gear. Seven of the cars are standard petrol, with two hybrids, two diesels and one electric Tesla, and the hybrids and diesels suit Canterbury's long highways best. Spring mornings can be icy on the high passes, so check road conditions before you head for the mountains, and collect your car early to beat the airport queue.