One-way car hire from Wanaka

You might have some difficulty from Wanaka (nothing popped out on Google either). But this outfit <a target=new class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.acerentalcars.co.nz/">Ace Car Rentals</a> has one-way rentals from Queenstown, just down the road. Must be others as well.

From what I've seen so far, it looks like a quick sprint down to Queenstown might be the order of the day - t'internet has thrown up nothing at all, and the Wanaka tourist office haven't even replied to my queries either. Is the drive from Wanaka to Queenstown interesting, or just a drudge (ie. can I sell this to my wife as an 'opportunity'?)

There are two routes back to Queenstown. The "shortcut" is rather exciting, with a steep winding road.

Is the Crown Ranges road meant to be a shortcut? It's the only way I've ever gone. Definitely an opportunity - the highest highway in NZ no less according to the link.

We drove (inadvertently, or at least, unknowingly) over the Crown Range to Queenstown in winter 1975 - it was unsealed and extremely scary at the time, in our little Vauxhall Viva. I shudder to recall it in fact.

I'm quite interested in renting a car, anyone info will be greatly appreciated. Also, is their a minimum car rental age?

There was a thread last week - discussed both cheaper NZ car rentals, and ones that will allow renters under 21.

I feel a bit sad replying to answer my own query, but will post it nonetheless for anyone looking to rent cars one way from Wanaka. Adventure Rentals will do it, but none of the nationals appear to be there. I was quoted quite a high rate on a 10yo vehicle, with a NZ$185 relocation fee to Christchurch. Much cheaper to bus it down (or hire for a day from Wanaka locally) to Queenstown, and use Apex, who came in NZ$150 cheaper for the one-way hire before the relocation fee was taken into account.