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Strong international visitor growth through Christchurch Airport is driving demand for rental vehicles as more travellers choose self-drive holidays across the South Island.
Christchurch Airport says 287,000 international visitors passed through the airport between November 2025 and March 2026, up 22 per cent on the previous summer season, contributing $861 million to the South Island economy.
The increase is supporting demand for rental vehicles, with visitors opting for flexible transport to explore destinations including Aoraki/Mount Cook, Queenstown and Canterbury.
The company says demand extends beyond holidaymakers to include families, corporate groups and visitors travelling multi-city itineraries.
Providers such as NZRAC are responding by offering a range of vehicles, including cars, vans, minibuses and people movers, through branches across New Zealand.
The Traveller reports the increase in international arrivals is also benefiting accommodation providers, hospitality businesses, tour operators and regional attractions across Canterbury and the wider South Island.
