Lunar New Year in Dunedin: 14 Days of Coastline, Albatross and Cheap RAV4s
Mid-February in Dunedin is a funny, lovely time. The Otago summer light goes long and gold across the harbour, the Royal Albatross chicks at Taiaroa Head are getting loud, and the sea breeze still carries enough warmth for fish and chips at St Clair. Travellers flying in for the 2027 Lunar New Year break, a full fortnight from 10 to 24 February, have time to do Otago and Southland properly. That usually starts with sorting car hire in Dunedin Airport, and the good news is the pickings are decent, with 30 listings still on the board.
Ezi is the value play here, averaging $2,197 across its range and holding the cheapest quote of the whole period at $1,928 for a Ford Puma mild hybrid. Europcar sits in the middle around $2,519, GO Rentals averages $3,007 but hides some bargains, and Hertz stretches up to $4,829 at the top end. A smart booker compares across suppliers rather than car classes, because the spread between the priciest and cheapest quotes is a whopping 2.5 times.
The fleet leans small and sensible: 25 of the 30 cars are 5-seaters, and petrol dominates with 20 listings, though the 7 hybrids are worth grabbing for the long haul up the coast to Moeraki and beyond. February roads are dry and clear, so you do not need all-wheel drive, but if you are eyeing the Catlins gravel side roads or a Pajero Sport for the family and trailer, book early, the big-seat options number just four. My usual tip stands: take the late-afternoon flight in, grab your keys while the counter is quiet, and wake up in Dunedin ready to roll.