Tesla Model Y & Model 3 rental and hire in Christchurch
Book boutique Tesla hire with Dream Drives: if you reserve a Tesla, you drive away in a Tesla — never “a Tesla or similar.” Our Christchurch team sets you up for South Island touring with Premium Connectivity, charging guidance, and running costs that laugh at today’s petrol prices.
From NZ$230/day for our Model 3 Performance, electric touring is a premium rental experience without the pump — ideal for couples, families, and anyone who wants quiet, effortless miles through Canterbury and beyond.
“It barely cost much more than going through a big rental agency with some crappy little petrol car — and we saved on fuel.”
Tesla Model Y & Model 3 — choose your hire
Both are available for Tesla rental from Christchurch. Model Y is the SUV for space and alpine touring; Model 3 Performance is the driver’s car for range and pace.
Tesla Model Y
The electric SUV for families and luggage-heavy South Island loops — upright seating, a huge boot plus frunk, and confident motorway cruising. Perfect when you want zero fuel bills without compromising space.
Check Model Y availabilityTesla Model 3 Performance
Our listed performance EV: instant acceleration, long range, and a cabin that feels a generation ahead. Ideal for couples, day trips, and efficient touring with planned charging on longer legs.
Check Model 3 availabilityModel Y vs Model 3
| Tesla Model Y | Tesla Model 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Families, groups, luggage-heavy trips | Couples, performance seekers, city trips |
| Seats | 5 adults comfortably | 5 adults |
| Boot space | Large + frunk | Frunk only |
| Range | ~450km per charge | ~530km per charge |
| Features | Autopilot, Premium Connectivity, Spotify | Autopilot, Premium Connectivity, Spotify |
| Ideal routes | Christchurch → Queenstown, multi-day touring | Day trips, Christchurch city + surrounds |
Tesla route ideas (hire & charging)
Plan your electric road trip with our route guides — each includes charging notes and realistic day-by-day expectations.
Christchurch → Queenstown
~500km · iconic South Island highway touring · recommended charging stops
Tesla hire for this driveChristchurch → Aoraki / Mount Cook
~330km · glacier country · plan charging around the village
Tesla hire for Mount CookChristchurch → Akaroa day trip
~85km each way · full-charge day hire · zero range anxiety
Tesla day hire to AkaroaCharging & trip planning
EV touring is straightforward with a little planning — we include a mobile cable and local know-how.
- Overnight: Plug in at accommodation whenever possible — it makes longer routes effortless.
- On the road: Use PlugShare, ChargeNet, and Tesla Superchargers for top-ups that double as coffee breaks.
- Full guide: See our dedicated page for networks, tips, and South Island charger locations.
Fleet photos — what you drive
Real images from our Christchurch Tesla rental fleet.
Frequently asked questions
How far can a Tesla travel on one charge in New Zealand?
The Tesla Model Y travels approximately 450km per charge, and the Model 3 up to 530km. For most South Island routes — including Christchurch to Queenstown — this comfortably covers a full day of driving with planned charging stops.
Is it easy to charge a Tesla on a South Island road trip?
Yes. Your rental includes a mobile charging cable for overnight charging at accommodation. New Zealand has a well-developed public charging network, and we provide a full guide to charging stops on all major South Island routes.
How much cheaper is a Tesla to run than a petrol rental car?
Significantly cheaper. A typical 1,500km South Island road trip costs approximately NZ$40–60 in electricity for a Tesla, versus NZ$250–300 in petrol for a comparable SUV at current New Zealand fuel prices.
Do I need experience with electric vehicles to hire a Tesla?
No experience needed. We walk you through everything at pickup — charging, the touchscreen, Autopilot, and our South Island charging guide. Most first-time EV drivers find it simpler than a petrol car.
Is the Tesla guaranteed, or could I receive a different car?
It's guaranteed. If you book a Tesla, you drive away in a Tesla — we never substitute "a Tesla or similar."
Ready for Tesla hire in Christchurch?
Choose dates for our Model 3 Performance, or enquire for Model Y — guaranteed Tesla, every time.