Car Hire in Nelson

About Nelson

Nelson is a city in the Tasmania region of New Zealand. It is known for its arts and culture and is also a popular tourist destination. Nelson is home to several museums and galleries, including the Nelson Provincial Museum and the Suter Art Gallery. The city is also surrounded by beautiful scenery, including mountains, forests and beaches. Visitors to Nelson can enjoy a variety of activities, including hiking, fishing and surfing.

Basic info and car hire in Nelson

• Location: South Island
• Population: 52.900 (2020)
• Official language: English
• Currency: New Zealand dollar (NZ$)
• Weather: The weather in Nelson is temperate and mild, with average temperatures ranging from 9°C to 16°C. Nelson has a moderate climate, with rainfall spread evenly throughout the year.
• Internet coverage: Hotels, bars, restaurants, and cafés offer Wi-Fi.
• Road conditions: The road conditions in New Zealand are unique and often challenging. The diverse terrain means that there's never just one way to get from point A, the country has many different types of roads which might challenge your vehicle or make it difficult for other drivers around you. Outside main city areas most people drive on single lane rural highways without barriers between them but sometimes they have gravel surfaces too! 
• Car hire in Nelson: The most common pick-up point for vehicles in Nelson is Nelson Airport. Please note that prices vary frequently. It is best to book a car 3 to 8 weeks in advance of your desired pick-up date - this will ensure you get the cheapest rental rate. Alternatively, it is also possible to find cheap last-minute car hire. Find the best deal on car hire in Nelson!

 Driving in Nelson

When driving in Nelson, be aware of the narrow roads and steep hills. It is also advisable to do a vehicle check before driving and ensure all fluid levels are correct and tyres are at the correct pressure. Driving in New Zealand can be an enjoyable experience, but motorists should be careful on rural roads as they can be winding and narrow.

When it comes to driving in New Zealand, there are strict alcohol limits for both adults and teens. For people aged 20 or over the limit is 250 micrograms (mcg) of alcohol per litre of breath with a blood-alcohol content of 50 mg/100 ml. For drivers under 20, there is zero tolerance for drunk driving.

• Age limits: Minimum driver age for the vehicle that you selected is 18. The maximum driver age for the vehicle that you selected is 99. Different driver age restrictions apply to different vehicle groups and these are applied automatically to all online rental searches. If you entered your correct age and the online search returned a specific vehicle group, you are eligible to rent it. Please note that the same restrictions apply to all Additional Drivers.
• International Driving Permit: An International Driving Permit is required in addition to a National Driving Licence if your National Driving Licence is not in English. Residents of countries that cannot issue International Driving Permits may present an official translation of their National Driving Licence.
• Additional papers: You and all Additional Drivers must present a full valid original Driving Licence and the voucher or booking confirmation document when picking up the vehicle. If your Driving Licence has multiple parts, you must present all of them. All requirements apply to both you and any Additional Drivers. Your Driving Licence must have at least 6 months of validity remaining.
• Additional requirements: Glasses (in case you need glasses, you must always have a spare pair in the car), light bulbs (are usually already in the car and are provided by the car rental company), warning triangle
• Children in the car: Under New Zealand law, all children under the age of seven must use an approved child seat that is suitable for their age and size. Children aged seven must be secured in a child seat if one is available in the vehicle.
• Driving side of the road: Left Side. 
• Lights: Daytime headlights is recommended at all times and required in the rain, fog or under challenging weather conditions.
• General speed limits: The speed limit of 50 km/h urban and built-up areas, as well as 100 on expressways or motorways, is by default. Other higher speeds are 110km per hour
• Parking suggestions: Parking is easy to find. The first hour is for free and after that, the fee is 2 dollars per hour. 

What to see in Nelson

There is a lot to see and do in Nelson, New Zealand. Some of the top attractions are the Botanic Gardens, St John the Baptist Cathedral and Cable Bay Winery. You can also go hiking and cycling, swimming and kayaking in the beautiful bays around Nelson. There are also a number of art galleries and museums worth visiting, including the Nelson Provincial Museum and the Suter Art Gallery. With its beautiful scenery and abundance of activities, Nelson is definitely a destination not to be missed!

Drive your rental car beyond Nelson

Nelson is located in the heart of New Zealand's wine country and is an ideal base for exploring the area. There are a number of great day trips from Nelson, including a wine tour, a hike to the top of Mount Nelson or a visit to Abel Tasman National Park. The city is also close to several other popular destinations, such as Christchurch and Queenstown. With its charming city centre, lush forests and beautiful beaches, Nelson is definitely worth a visit!

• Wine tour of the nearby wineries
• Hike to the top of Mount Nelson for breathtaking views of the city and surrounding area.
• Visit Abel Tasman National Park, known for its beautiful beaches and hiking trails
• Explore the charming coastal town of Kaikoura, known for its marine life
• Visit Christchurch, the largest city on New Zealand's South Island
• Take a scenic drive through the mountains to Queenstown, a popular tourist destination in the Southern Alps.

Where to eat, drink, and party in Nelson

There are many great places to eat and drink in Nelson, New Zealand. Some of the best restaurants are Elements, The Boatshed and The Naked Fish. There are also many great pubs and bars in the city, including The Free House, The Bridge Street Inn and The Hop Garden. No matter what type of food or drink you are looking for, Nelson has something to offer. So when you visit this charming city, be sure to check out some of the excellent eateries and drink shops. You will not be disappointed!