Car Rental in Wellington
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Cheapest Car Rental Rates
Wellington Airport Car Rental
Compact SUV
Kia Niro
or similar
$26.17
/ per day
Wellington Airport Car Rental
Intermediate SUV
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
or similar
$26.37
/ per day
Downtown Car Rental
Economy Elite
Toyota Corolla
or similar
$29.23
/ per day
Downtown Car Rental
Intermediate Elite
Toyota Corolla
or similar
$31.67
/ per day
Most Popular Car Rental Deals
Wellington Miramar Car Rental
Economy Crossover
Toyota Yaris Cross
or similar
$33.49
/ per day
Wellington Airport Car Rental
Standard
Toyota Corolla
or similar
$40.77
/ per day
Wellington Airport Car Rental
Premium
Polestar 2 *Model Guaranteed*
or similar
$54.62
/ per day
Wellington Airport Car Rental
Full-size Van
Toyota Alphard
or similar
$75.51
/ per day
The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 17:16 on 2023-11-27. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.
Travel Information
Languages
English, Samoan
Currency
NZD
Drive on
Left-hand side
Country code
+64
Average car rental price
$40 per day
Average car rental length
8 days
Speed limit within town
30 - 50 km/h or 19 - 31 mph
Speed limit out of town
80 - 100 km/h or 50 - 62 mph
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.05%
Average gasoline price
$1.80 per liter or $6.81 / 1 gallon
Lowest gasoline price
$1.55 per liter or $5.87 / 1 gallon
Highest gasoline price
$2.17 per liter or $8.22 / 1 gallon
Why rent a car in Wellington?
The capital city of New Zealand, Wellington is an increasingly popular tourist destination. The city is home to the country’s government and boasts interesting museums and galleries, historic landmarks, and some of the most scenic urban views in the country. Located at the southern edge of the North Island, Wellington offers ferry connections with the South Island on the other side of the Cook Strait.
One-Way Car Rentals in Wellington
The most popular one-way rental options for pick up in Wellington and drop off in another city include:
- From Wellington to Auckland - 20 offers from $94.24 per day
- From Wellington to Palmerston North - 9 offers from $94.24 per day
- From Wellington to Tauranga - 9 offers from $94.24 per day
- From Wellington to Christchurch - 11 offers from $118.75 per day
- From Wellington to Queenstown - 11 offers from $94.24 per day
Top ways to enter Wellington
- Wellington Airport: The main airport serving the capital city region, it handles about 6.4 million passengers every year. In addition to domestic flights, there are also connections with multiple cities in Australia, as well as Nadi in Fiji. Located in the southern suburb of Rongotai, the airport is 9 km (5.4 miles) from the city center and can be reached in about ten minutes.
- By ferry: Rental cars can also be picked up and dropped off at the Wellington Inter-Island Ferry Terminal. The terminal is just north of the Central Business District (CBD).
Top destinations and activities
- Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. Known by both its English and Maori names, the museum has an impressive collection of New Zealand’s natural history and indigenous culture, along with many other interactive exhibitions both indoors and outdoors. The two main attractions of the museum are the Maori marae or communal sacred space and the world’s only publicly displayed colossal squid.
- Carter Observatory. Long before the Europeans arrived, the Maori and other Polynesian peoples explored and colonized the unimaginably vast South Pacific Ocean. Having done that without any modern technology, their supreme navigational skills have long fascinated and puzzled Western scientists. The Carter Observatory of Wellington is dedicated to this unique maritime heritage with many interesting exhibitions about the subject. Fitting to its name, it also has a high-quality planetarium which is also open to the public.
- Lookout Points. Although the peaks and hills that surround Wellington are not as high as those of the South Island, they nonetheless offer splendid views of the city and the harbor below. Popular spots include Mount Kaukau and Mount Victoria, as well as views from Massey Memorial and the Brooklyn Wind Turbine. Most of these spots can be accessed by car, offering some scenic drives along the way.
- Wellington Cable Car. From the heart of the city center, the cable car travels to the lookout point high above. The historical ride is one of the best ways to explore Wellington. Built in 1902, the Wellington Cable car recently celebrated its 120th birthday.
- Zealandia Ecosanctuary. The Zealandia sanctuary is the first urban completely fenced ecosanctuary, with many endemic species of flora and fauna from New Zealand restored and thriving.
Toll roads
All of the toll roads in New Zealand are in the northern part of the North Island. They all serve as short bypasses of congested areas. The tolls are therefore quite low. The toll roads use a license plate capturing system with no physical booths. Payment can be made either by having a setup account, by paying online before or within five days of using a toll road, or with cash in some BP and Caltex petrol stations (though a small fee will be added).
Many rental companies offer some system, with a fee, to pass on toll payments to you without you having to do anything. Of course, it may be better just to pay the toll yourself and save on paying that fee. The toll roads can all be avoided quite easily by avoiding the bypass roads and transiting through the towns (in addition to being able to see more).
Ideas for day trips
- Belmont Regional Park. The largest nature preserve in the capital region, Belmont is known for its scenic hiking (and biking) trails that take you through its forests, waterways, and valleys. Although encompassing a large portion of farmland, the region is also a good place to spot some of New Zealand’s unique birds and reptiles. The drive from Wellington to Belmont only takes about 25 minutes.
- Wairarapa. If Pinot Noir or Sauvignon Blanc awakens excitement in you, then you should visit the Wairarapa wine region just 80 kilometers and an hour-and-a-half drive away from Wellington. The temperate climate of New Zealand is perfect for growing grapes, and the Wairarapa wine region belongs to one of the most popular wine regions in the country.
Car Rental Prices in Wellington
- Large cars - from $30 per day
- Medium cars - from $29 per day
- Vans - from $76 per day
- Premium cars - from $55 per day
- Small cars - from $29 per day
- SUVs - from $26 per day
Fact checked by
Marta Kulesza
This article was reviewed and updated by Marta, who spent the last 17 years living as a digital nomad and traveling the World before settling in a small alpine village in Austria. When it comes down to designing road trips for hiking enthusiasts around the Southern Alps of New Zealand, the Canadian Rockies, the Italian Dolomites, or Norway, she considers herself an expert. When she's not sitting at her computer and editing photos from her last trip, you can find her skiing or hiking with her dog in the mountains.
Top 20 Cities near Wellington
-
Picton Car Rentals from $60.65 per day67.2 km / 41.8 miles away
-
Blenheim Car Rentals from $36.52 per day81.0 km / 50.3 miles away
-
Palmerston North Car Rentals from $42.52 per day130.9 km / 81.3 miles away
-
Nelson Car Rentals from $48.81 per day132.2 km / 82.1 miles away
-
Whanganui Car Rentals from $95.90 per day153.1 km / 95.1 miles away
-
New Plymouth Car Rentals from $41.37 per day263.2 km / 163.5 miles away
-
Napier Car Rentals from $36.54 per day271.0 km / 168.4 miles away
-
Christchurch Car Rentals from $25.64 per day303.9 km / 188.8 miles away
-
Taupo Car Rentals from $42.14 per day307.6 km / 191.1 miles away
-
Rotorua Car Rentals from $34.69 per day380.4 km / 236.4 miles away
-
Gisborne Car Rentals from $47.72 per day401.2 km / 249.3 miles away
-
Whakatane Car Rentals from $61.01 per day419.0 km / 260.4 miles away
-
Tauranga Car Rentals from $36.93 per day423.7 km / 263.3 miles away
-
Auckland Car Rentals from $27.33 per day480.3 km / 298.4 miles away
-
Waiheke Island Car Rentals from $52.62 per day505.9 km / 314.4 miles away
-
Whangarei Car Rentals from $42.98 per day619.5 km / 384.9 miles away
-
Dunedin Car Rentals from $22.31 per day631.3 km / 392.3 miles away
-
Queenstown Car Rentals from $28.90 per day640.6 km / 398.1 miles away
-
Kerikeri Car Rentals from $47.72 per day678.8 km / 421.8 miles away
-
Invercargill Car Rentals from $61.35 per day767.8 km / 477.1 miles away
Top 20 Locations near Wellington
-
Wellington Airport Car Rentals from $26.17 per day
-
Downtown Car Rentals from $29.23 per day3.8 km / 2.4 miles away
-
Wellington Inter Island Ferry Terminal Car Rentals from $61.76 per day7.2 km / 4.5 miles away
-
Palmerston North Airport Car Rentals from $42.52 per day130.9 km / 81.3 miles away
-
Nelson Airport Car Rentals from $48.81 per day132.2 km / 82.1 miles away
-
New Plymouth Airport Car Rentals from $41.37 per day263.2 km / 163.5 miles away
-
Napier Airport Car Rentals from $36.54 per day271.0 km / 168.4 miles away
-
Downtown Car Rentals from $28.99 per day303.0 km / 188.3 miles away
-
Christchurch Airport Car Rentals from $25.64 per day303.9 km / 188.8 miles away
-
Rotorua Airport Car Rentals from $34.69 per day380.4 km / 236.4 miles away
-
Tauranga Airport Car Rentals from $43.19 per day423.7 km / 263.3 miles away
-
Auckland Airport Car Rentals from $27.59 per day480.3 km / 298.4 miles away
-
Auckland East Tamaki Car Rentals from $27.33 per day487.8 km / 303.1 miles away
-
Auckland Onehunga Car Rentals from $57.44 per day489.8 km / 304.3 miles away
-
Auckland Penrose Car Rentals from $58.35 per day490.2 km / 304.6 miles away
-
Auckland Mount Wellington Car Rentals from $57.44 per day491.7 km / 305.5 miles away
-
Auckland Henderson Car Rentals from $27.33 per day495.5 km / 307.9 miles away
-
Downtown Car Rentals from $27.33 per day498.1 km / 309.5 miles away
-
Auckland Glenfield Car Rentals from $27.33 per day505.6 km / 314.2 miles away
-
Waiheke Island Port Car Rentals from $52.62 per day505.9 km / 314.4 miles away
Map of Car Rental Locations
What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Wellington?
Car rental prices in Wellington vary by time of year. This graph shows the average prices per month to help you find the best time of year to rent.
Average rental costs per day in Wellington
The cheapest month to rent a car in Wellington is September (when prices average $34.83 per day). This is 32% cheaper than the yearly average and 55% cheaper than renting in December (when prices average $78.25).
This information can help you identify the low season. But these are only average numbers. How much your car rental will cost will depend on the type of vehicle you rent, how long you’ll rent it for, and how far ahead you book. Simply enter your dates in the form at the top of the page to see the exact prices.
This information can help you identify the low season. But these are only average numbers. How much your car rental will cost will depend on the type of vehicle you rent, how long you’ll rent it for, and how far ahead you book. Simply enter your dates in the form at the top of the page to see the exact prices.
What’s the usual rental length in Wellington?
How long travelers keep their rental cars for varies from month to month: in January, the average renter keeps their car for 9 days, and in June, they keep their car for 6 days.
Average number of rental days in Wellington
What's the most popular month to rent a car in Wellington?
Based on the number of searches by our customers, the most popular month for renting a car in Wellington is February, and the least popular is June.
Monthly searches in Wellington by pick-up date relative to the average
Car Rental Information
| Car rental locations | 4 |
| Airport locations | 1 |
| Popular suppliers | Mode Car Rentals, Hertz, Europcar, Bargain Rental Cars, Go Rentals |
| Popular car categories | SUVs, Medium cars, Small cars, Large cars |
| Lowest price | $26 per day |
| Cheapest supplier | Keddy |
Most Popular Car Models of Rental Suppliers
| Rental Supplier | Model | Doors | Luggage | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hertz | Hyundai i30 | 5 | 2 | Medium cars |
| Hertz | Mitsubishi ASX | 4 | 2 | SUVs |
| Mode Car Rentals | Toyota Corolla (2017 - 2020) | 5 | 2 | Large cars |
| Mode Car Rentals | Toyota Yaris (2015 - 2017) | 5 | 1 | Small cars |
| Bargain Rental Cars | Mazda Demio | 4 | 2 | Medium cars |
| Mode Car Rentals | Toyota Yaris (2018 - 2020) | 5 | 1 | Medium cars |
| Mode Car Rentals | Toyota RAV4 (2015 - 2017) | 5 | 2 | SUVs |
| Mode Car Rentals | Mazda Demio | 4 | 1 | Small cars |
| Mode Car Rentals | Toyota RAV4 (2018 - 2020) | 5 | 2 | SUVs |
| Europcar | Suzuki Swift | 4 | 1 | Medium cars |
Our Customers' Reviews
Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have an option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic, verified, and trustworthy.
JS
United States of America (USA)
Mazda Demio
April 25, 2023
We met some wonderful people, had some amazing hikes and were really quite lucky with the weather.
SC
United Kingdom
Toyota Yaris (2015 - 2017)
April 23, 2023
Maori experience, polynesian spa, hobbiton, waitomo glow worm caves.
CM
Ireland
Toyota Camry
March 27, 2023
We had an enjoyable week exploring the North Island
EV
New Zealand
Nissan X-Trail
February 16, 2023
House hunting, didn't find what we were looking for.
SM
United States of America (USA)
Mitsubishi ASX
January 19, 2023
Visited family
PS
Australia
Mazda Demio
January 19, 2023
We loved Thames, Hobbiton, Rotorua, Taupo, Napier, Wellington and the Northern Explorer train ride.
BO
Australia
Mitsubishi ASX
January 16, 2023
Couldn't access my phone, no internet, no map !!!!
Got there in the end
MS
Australia
Toyota Yaris (2013 - 2016)
January 12, 2023
Spending time with family.
AH
Australia
Suzuki Swift
November 25, 2022
Visiting family.
JD
Australia
Toyota RAV4 (2017 - 2020)
November 20, 2022
Recommend walk around Wellington CBD (Cuba St / quays), Te Papa, Zealania also well worth a visit - and for a trip out of town try driving around the Miramar peninsular and visiting the very funky Maranui cafe - or if you want to go futher visit the Wairarapa/Remutaka Range to visit beautiful smalls towns of Greytown are Martinsville
GB
Australia
Mitsubishi Outlander
October 22, 2022
New Zealand is an amazingly scenic place.
MC
New Zealand
Toyota Corolla Hatch
October 19, 2022
Vehicle was super comfy for long car trips.
PA
New Zealand
Mitsubishi ASX
September 17, 2022
Car was suitable for a family of five. Modern and tidy.
VF
Australia
Toyota RAV4 (2014 - 2016)
August 15, 2022
Yes because it gave us the independence we like
PD
Australia
Toyota Yaris (2017 - 2020)
August 11, 2022
Goid value for money,.
WV
Australia
Toyota Corolla
August 7, 2022
New Zealand is like a poor Australia
GB
New Zealand
Toyota Yaris (2017 - 2020)
July 27, 2022
A visit to the Wairarapa. Good !
CR
Australia
Toyota Vitz
July 23, 2022
Family visits
CP
Australia
Toyota Yaris (2013 - 2016)
June 11, 2022
Mode Car Rentals, Wellington, NZ. Great Service and a Great Car.. I was Very Satisfied..!!
DR
New Zealand
Toyota Prius Hybrid
June 8, 2022
We traveled from Wellington to Cape Reinga over 2 weeks and had a hassle free Hybrid Toyota and loved our trip after 3 attempts to go on a holiday during Covid...thanks so much BRC and would gladly recommend them to family and friends
All the best
from Dennis and Sue
Christchurch
SD
Australia
Mazda Demio
April 28, 2022
Travelled to tongariro national Park and across to napier in beautiful weather than down to Wellington to visit family, great walking in all areas and beautiful scenery
RC
New Zealand
Toyota Yaris
April 17, 2022
Wellington city good exhibition at Te Papa
Cafes great in the city
YG
New Zealand
Mazda Demio
August 31, 2021
I think a description of where the yards are is needed and what it's near, it, I had to go to and ask someone to find the place, but once I found the place the staff was very nice.
BP
New Zealand
Mazda Demio
August 8, 2021
I will rent from Mode Rental Cars again.
WD
New Zealand
Toyota Yaris
February 24, 2021
Wairarapa was nice to visit. Good wine in some places.
DG
New Zealand
Toyota Yaris
December 24, 2020
Travelled around the Kapiti coast and upto Palmerston North back through masterton
Easy roads to follow can be really busy on the Kapiti coast at times
JH
Australia
Toyota Camry 2007
October 8, 2019
Love Wellington easy to navigate
DK
Australia
Mitsubishi ASX
December 21, 2018
i visisted Taihape , beautiful little town
KH
United States of America (USA)
Toyota Corolla 5d
November 21, 2018
One happy customer
MA
Australia
Hyundai i20
November 17, 2018
Very pretty. Both sea and hills. Lots to see and do
Car Rental Statistics
Highest rated company
Hertz
9.4 / 10
Lowest rated company
NUCarrentals
7.9 / 10
Total number of reviews
35
Total rental companies
20
Average daily price
$39.73
Lowest daily price
$26.17
Total cars available
126
Top 20 Suppliers in Wellington in 2023
Hertz
3 locations
$117 - $242
yesaway
1 location
$32 - $90
Ezi Car Rental
1 location
$38 - $69
Alamo
1 location
$26 - $232
Go Rentals
2 locations
$33 - $58
SIXT
1 location
$32 - $76
Mode Car Rentals
1 location
$29 - $48
Europcar
2 locations
$62 - $208
Ezu Car Rental
1 location
$208 - $212
Thrifty
2 locations
Bargain Rental Cars
2 locations
$30 - $191
Budget
2 locations
$67 - $111
Ace Rent a car
2 locations
$29 - $127
Routes Car Rental
2 locations
Keddy
1 location
$26 - $73
Enterprise
1 location
$35 - $242
Avis
2 locations
$115 - $250
National
1 location
Firefly
1 location
NUCarrentals
1 location
Why book with us?
Special offers
As a market leader (see SimilarWeb), we get special offers like contactless pick-ups, great prices, and free upgrades.
Award-winning
World's Leading Car Rental Booking Website in the World Travel Tech Awards (3 years in a row).
Highly-rated
A combined rating of 4.5 with 90k total reviews on platforms like Trustpilot, Google, and Review Center.
4M users
Have already booked on one of the fastest-growing car rental booking websites.
Awards
World Travel Tech Awards - World's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2022
World Travel Tech Awards - World's Best Car Rental Booking App 2022
Magellan Awards Gold Winner 2022
Travel & Hospitality Awards 2021
FT 1000: Europes Fastest Growing Companies - Top 300 Companies 2021
FT 1000: Europe's Fastest Growing Companies - Top 100 Companies 2020
Uzakrota Travel Awards - World’s Leading Car Rental Website 2022
Inc. 5000 Europe - Top 500 Companies 2019
Highly recommended by our customers
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