A week of long February light, starting at Christchurch International Airport
Mid February at Christchurch International Airport means long evenings, dry Canterbury plains turning gold, and the Southern Alps standing sharp on the western horizon when the weather plays along. You walk out of arrivals, the nor'wester tugs at your jacket, and the road to Hanmer Springs, Akaroa or Lake Tekapo is right there. Late summer is peak road trip season in the South Island, so book your Christchurch International Airport car rental before you fly. We found 12 listings for 8 to 15 February, with a median of $1,633.66.
Alamo is the only supplier in this search, so the story is about which car you pick rather than which company. The Toyota C-HR at $1,300.63 and the Toyota Corolla at $1,313.90 are the cheapest, and the priciest listing, the Ford Ranger Wildtrak at $2,601.46, costs about double. Grab one of the two cheap cars and spend the saving of about $1,300 on petrol, a Tekapo dinner or a night in Hanmer.
All 12 cars seat five, so check your luggage before you check your itinerary. A couple with two big bags will be happier in a Compact or Intermediate than a squeezed Economy car. Most of the fleet runs on petrol, but three hybrids and two diesels are on offer, and either suits the long, steady stretches toward Tekapo or Arthur's Pass. Summer roads here are mostly dry and sealed, so you only need the Pajero Sport if gravel side roads call your name. Pick up in the morning if you can, because the airport gate gets busy when the big flights land and the first hour is calmer before that.