Rental Cars Nelson

Nelson Airport

Easy Nelson Airport pick up and drop off

Journey around gorgeous Nelson with affordable rental cars from Pegasus. Heading on a work or sports trip? Need a last-minute rental to run errands? Or just wanting to explore the stunning landscapes of New Zealand’s South Island? Whatever your needs, we’ve got you covered with car hire in Nelson.

Hit the road in a reliable and cheap rental car, where safety, comfort, and convenience align. Our Nelson car hire depot is situated just a one-minute drive from the airport in Central Nelson, making it easy to find us if you’re flying in from the North or South Island, or already in the city centre or wider Nelson region.

Pegasus Rental Cars Nelson

111 Bolt Road, Annesbrook,
Nelson 7011, New Zealand

nelson@rentalcars.co.nz

Opening Hours

8am – 5pm Monday to Sunday

Reviews

Reviews from our Nelson customers

We love to hear about your car hire experience with Pegasus! Read what our growing number of fans have to say:

Book a rental car at Nelson Airport today

Experience the difference a locally owned rental company makes and explore our great range of rental cars in Nelson. We pride ourselves on cheap car hire, friendly service, and local convenience. You’ll enjoy a straightforward booking process, a fully-fuelled car ready to go, and no extra charges for up to four additional drivers.

Ready to hire a car? To start, enter your rental period to view our available hire cars. Then, select the rental vehicle that suits your travel needs and budget, and we’ll provide you with an instant quote. We guarantee the rental car you book is the one you’ll receive.

Call the Nelson Pegasus Team today on 0800 35 45 01 or book online now to find out about our car rental pricing and availability. Check out additional Nelson car rental deals to help you save further.

Vehicle Range

Our vehicle range

Pegasus car hire at Nelson Airport provides air-conditioned, fuel-efficient, and well-maintained rental cars.

Need a car rental with more space? Our station wagons and people movers are our most popular rental cars for cruising with larger groups. Looking for something a bit closer to a luxury vehicle? Indulge in high-end driving with our SUVs.

We offer comprehensive vehicle insurance, 24-hour roadside assistance New Zealand-wide, and unlimited kilometres when you rent a car for four days or more.

Easily add on vehicle extras, like GPS. Need tips for keeping the young ones entertained? See our car games for kids!

Small

Nissan March, Mazda Demio or similar. They are suitable for 4 adults with a small amount of luggage. Very capable cars – ideal for zipping around the local area or covering the country. Very Economical and easy handling.

Compact Hatch

Nissan Note or similar. Our compact hatchbacks offer an economical and comfortable ride. Whilst this little hatch is perfect for day adventures, it is also a great road trip vehicle for 4 people. With economical engines, these vehicles offer an affordable and convenient way to travel with easy handling.

Compact

Nissan Tiida or similar. Our Nissan Tiida’s offer an economical and comfortable ride for up to 4 people touring around the city or the South Island. Our compacts are perfect for getting around town, or for touring. With economical engines these vehicles provide an affordable and convenient way to travel.

Compact Hybrid

Toyota Aqua, A fuel-efficient hybrid – suitable for 4 people with baggage, these hybrid vehicles provide an affordable and convenient way to travel.

Intermediate

Toyota Camry, Toyota Sai or similar. Our family-size sedans offer you more space and comfort for your journey, offering spacious legroom front and rear as well as ample room for luggage in the boot. These vehicles are very comfortable, perfect for travelling those long distances. Suitable for 5 people with luggage, these vehicles are ideal for touring around in comfort.

Intermediate Station Wagon

Nissan Lafesta or similar. Our station wagons are spacious and reliable. Our intermediate station wagons are perfect for family touring or a group of friends. These are economical to run and offer plenty of boot space. Perfect for around town but still peppy enough for the open road run as well. These station wagons are an economical and practical way to travel.

SUV

Mitsubishi Outlander or similar. Great, smooth, and comfortable 4WD experience for touring across New Zealand. Very roomy inside and great for a large family. Offers a roomy cabin with ample legroom and headroom with a spacious boot. Perfect for road trips, adding comfort & convenience to your journey.

8-Seater

Toyota Estima. Our comfortable 8-seater people movers give you the freedom to go where you need to. Perfect for family touring or group trips. Great for larger groups or families, offering more space with additional luggage space. Great for travelling comfortably to your destination.

Visiting Nelson for business or travel?

On a business, school, or sports trip? Our car rentals, such as Suzuki Swift, Nissan Tiida, and Mazda Demio models, all offer great value for zipping around Nelson City and getting to your next meeting or match.

Flying into Nelson on vacation? We offer more than just car rentals in Nelson; ask us about our year-round discounts for local attractions or tips on what to see and do. We’d love to help you make the most of your time here at your own pace, and in a way that aligns with your budget. Heading beyond Nelson? Check out our epic Nelson to Christchurch and Nelson to Queenstown itineraries.

If you’re on a tight schedule, leave a note in the comment box when you rent a car online, and we’ll make sure your car is ready and waiting upon arrival. No waiting, no in-person paperwork, just grab your keys and get going!

Book now or call our team for help finding the right Nelson car rental for your needs.

How to get to Pegasus Rental Cars near Nelson Airport

Our depot is just one minute from the Nelson Airport terminal at 111 Bolt Road, Annesbrook, making it super easy to pick up your car as soon as you land. Pegasus Nelson’s office is open seven days a week, from 8 am to 5 pm. Organise your transfer when you book your car, then give us a call on 0800 35 45 01 and we’ll let you know where to meet us.

We welcome you to book a transfer to and from our depot to the Nelson Airport terminal building on Trent Drive and your accommodation between 8 am and 5 pm, seven days a week.

Things to do in Nelson

Sunny Nelson is nestled on the eastern shores of Tasman Bay, New Zealand, where you’ll find jaw-dropping beaches, unspoiled forests, and rugged mountains typical of the South Island.

Your Pegasus car rental can take you anywhere you need in the region, including all the top Nelson attractions that make it one of the most beloved destinations in the country. Our budget-friendly rental cars provide the perfect means to navigate the city with style and convenience.

Nelson Classic Car Museum

Indulge your love for classic cars at the Nelson Classic Car Museum, conveniently located four minutes from the airport. From classic roadsters to iconic models, it’s a treat for car lovers and a perfect stop for a touch of automotive history.

Craft Breweries and Wineries

Indulge in Nelson’s craft beer and wine culture and take a tasting tour of the region’s renowned breweries and wineries. We’ve compiled a list of must-visit wineries in Nelson. Check it out!

Abel Tasman National Park

Named by Lonely Planet as one of the best national parks in NZ, Abel Tasman National Park beckons with its golden beaches and lush forests. Hop in your Nelson Airport car hire and cruise along the scenic State Highway 6 to discover one of New Zealand’s best-kept secrets.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Before you book

How much does it cost to rent a car in Nelson?

Here at Pegasus, we offer affordable prices on Nelson car rentals to help you save more. Take a look at our deals page for car hire promotions and seasonal specials. We recommend you book in advance during New Zealand holiday periods, while car rental prices are lowest.

What documentation will I need to hire a car in Nelson?

All drivers must be at least 21 years old to rent a car in Nelson. Please bring your current driver’s licence or an international driver’s permit and carry it at all times when driving your rental vehicle. You will also need a valid credit or debit card to secure your booking.

How do I check availability for car rentals in Nelson?

Simply head to our booking page, add Nelson depot as your pick up and drop off location and insert your dates. From there, you’ll instantly see what’s available.

Is insurance included in your rental rates?

Yes. You’ll get Basic Bronze Cover automatically included with your Nelson rental car. For extra peace of mind, upgrade to Silver Cover for reduced excess.

What is the minimum and maximum age for making a booking?

You must be 21 to hire a car from our Nelson depot. There is no maximum age, as long as you are fit to drive.

Can I modify, extend, or cancel my reservation?

Absolutely. Contact our friendly team as soon as you can, and we’ll amend your booking accordingly. Please note that this is subject to vehicle availability. View our Cancellation Policy for more.

Pickup & travel options

Can I book one-way car hire from or to Nelson?

Yes, we support travel to and from Pegasus branches across the country. Input your cities when you book to see availability and one-way fees.

Is after-hours pickup available at your Nelson branch?

Yes. If your flight is arriving late and you need your car after 5 pm:

Select the “after-hours pickup” option when booking online.
Include your flight number and arrival time.
After collecting your luggage, call us on 0800 354 501, and we will let you know where to meet.

Can I pick up or drop off at a different location?

Yes! We have several depots around New Zealand, making it easy to explore the country in a rental car without the hassle. Just make sure you input your desired drop-off destination when you’re making your reservation. Do note there is a minimum length of rental for one-way hires.

Do I need to return the vehicle with a full tank of gas?

Yes, when you rent a car, you must return it fully refuelled. If you are unable to, fees will apply.

What petrol stations are closest to your Nelson branch?

Here are some petrol stations near our branch in Nelson:

NPD Parkers Rd: 142 Muritai Street, Tāhunanui, Nelson
Caltex Nelson: 209 Waimea Road, Bishopdale, Nelson
Z Stoke: 666/668 Main Road, Stoke, Nelson

During your rental

How do I contact customer support during my rental period?

Reach our Nelson team on (03) 539 4949 for assistance during your rental.

Driving around Nelson

Are there toll roads in Nelson?

No, there are currently no toll roads in the South Island, including Nelson.

How much does petrol cost in Nelson?

In New Zealand, petrol retail prices are influenced by global supply and demand, and vary by location. Currently, petrol prices average at approximately $2.71 per litre (as of Q3 2025).

What's the speed limit in Nelson?

In most urban areas, the speed limit is 50km/h. On motorways and rural roads, it’s generally 100km/h. Always keep an eye out for temporary limits and drive according to the conditions.

When is peak hour traffic in Nelson?

Like most of New Zealand, Nelson’s peak traffic times are typically from 7:00 am to 9:00 am and from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm on weekdays.

Where are the best places to park in Nelson?

Nelson’s city centre offers free parking for the first hour, as well as plenty of public carparks with pay-by-plate meters and no-charge off-street parking. Check out the Nelson City Council website for more information.

Who will I meet at Pegasus Nelson?

Who’s behind the Nelson branch?

Pegasus Rental Cars Nelson is now under new management. Sankalp Sethi (Sam) and Meenu are a hardworking pair passionate about great service and supporting local travel. The duo is looking forward to meeting you and making your Nelson car rental experience seamless.

Book now with Pegasus

With six car rental locations across the South Island and 15 New Zealand-wide, Pegasus is proud to service travellers and locals looking for dependable, cheap car rentals for business, leisure, and everything in between.

Book online or call 0800 35 45 01 or 03 539 4949 now to secure a Nelson Airport car rental to match your travel needs and budget. Backed by expert knowledge, friendly service, and exceptional deals, we look forward to helping you hit the road with confidence.