A week of crisp autumn light out of Christchurch Airport
Late April and early May at Christchurch International Airport brings cold, clear mornings, golden poplars along the Canterbury plains and the Southern Alps standing sharp on the horizon. Ski season is still a few weeks away, but walkers and photographers are already heading for Hanmer Springs, Akaroa and Aoraki Mount Cook. You'll want wheels the moment you step out of the terminal, and a Christchurch International Airport car rental is the easiest way to begin. This week's 12 listings start at $2,695 for seven nights, with a median of $2,849.
Alamo supplies every quote this week, so the savings come from choosing the right car rather than the right company. The cheapest $2,695 covers a Suzuki Swift, a Toyota Corolla and the Mystery Car, while the average across all listings is $2,977. Book the Corolla at $2,695 and spend the extra $154 on a good pie and a coffee in Geraldine.
Every car seats five, so a family of four with bags will be comfortable in a Corolla. The Pajero Sport or Ford Ranger Wildtrak at $3,619 only make sense if you want the extra ground clearance. Seven of the listings are standard petrol, three are hybrids and two are diesel, and a hybrid suits the long, gentle climb toward Arthur's Pass. Frost often hangs on back roads and mountain passes until mid-morning, so start the first day slowly and check the weather before you cross the Alps.