Car Rental in Wellington

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Wellington, New Zealand
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Driver's country of residence is United States of America (USA) and age is 30-65
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700+ Trusted Suppliers:

Cheapest Car Rental Rates

Wellington Airport
Compact
Toyota Aqua Hybrid or similar
Toyota Aqua Hybrid
  • 5
  • 2
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Auto.
yesaway
$30.66 per day
Wellington Airport
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
Toyota Yaris
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Alamo
$42.32 per day
Downtown
Intermediate
Toyota Prius Hybrid or similar
Toyota Prius Hybrid
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Bargain Rental Cars
$42.57 per day
Wellington Airport
Mini Elite SUV
Mitsubishi ASX or similar
Mitsubishi ASX
  • 5
  • 2
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Snap
$46.32 per day

Most Popular Car Rental Deals

Wellington Airport
Standard Van
Toyota Previa or similar
Toyota Previa
  • 8
  • 3
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Mode Car Rentals
$55.94 per day
Wellington Airport
Full-size SUV
Toyota RAV4 or similar
Toyota RAV4
  • 5
  • 3
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Ezi Car Rental
$68.33 per day
Wellington Airport
Premium SUV
Toyota RAV4 or similar
Toyota RAV4
  • 5
  • 3
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Auto.
James Blond
$75.85 per day
Wellington Airport
Standard Elite
Polestar 2 or similar
Polestar 2
  • 5
  • 2
  • 5
  • Auto.
Thrifty
$75.90 per day
The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 1:53 PM on 11/30/24. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.
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Travel Information

Languages
English, Samoan
Currency
NZD
Drive on
Left-hand side
Country code
+64
Average car rental price
$55 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%
Rating
9.4 / 10
Average gas price
$1.68 per liter or $6.37 per gallon
Lowest gas price
$1.48 per liter or $5.60 per gallon
Highest gas price
$1.81 per liter or $6.86 per 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.

Wellington

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 $91.55 per day
  • From Wellington to Palmerston North - 9 offers from $91.55 per day
  • From Wellington to Tauranga - 9 offers from $91.55 per day
  • From Wellington to Christchurch - 11 offers from $115.37 per day
  • From Wellington to Queenstown - 11 offers from $91.55 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 sights 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

  • Station wagons - from $50 per day
  • Large cars - from $35 per day
  • Medium cars - from $31 per day
  • Vans - from $56 per day
  • Premium cars - from $207 per day
  • Small cars - from $42 per day
  • SUVs - from $46 per day
This information was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our content creators.

Learn more about our Editorial Policy.
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

  1. 67.2 km / 41.8 miles away
  2. 81 km / 50.3 miles away
  3. 130.9 km / 81.3 miles away
  4. 132.2 km / 82.1 miles away
  5. 153.1 km / 95.1 miles away
  6. 263.2 km / 163.5 miles away
  7. 271 km / 168.4 miles away
  8. 271.1 km / 168.5 miles away
  9. 303.9 km / 188.8 miles away
  10. 307.6 km / 191.1 miles away
  11. 380.4 km / 236.4 miles away
  12. 401.2 km / 249.3 miles away
  13. 424.3 km / 263.6 miles away
  14. 480.3 km / 298.4 miles away
  15. 505.9 km / 314.4 miles away
  16. 619.5 km / 384.9 miles away
  17. 631.3 km / 392.3 miles away
  18. 640.6 km / 398.1 miles away
  19. 678.8 km / 421.8 miles away
  20. 767.8 km / 477.1 miles away

Top 20 locations near Wellington

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
$46.32
January
$52.18
February
$48.57
March
$33.80
April
$28.92
May
$27.29
June
$32.08
July
$25.41
August
$25.17
September
$30.04
October
$40.07
November
$55.85
December
The cheapest month to rent a car in Wellington is September (when prices average $25.17 per day). This is 32% cheaper than the yearly average and 55% cheaper than renting in December (when prices average $55.85).

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 June, the average renter keeps their car for 10 days, and in July, they keep their car for 5 days.
Average number of rental days in Wellington
8
January
7
February
8
March
8
April
7
May
10
June
5
July
9
August
8
September
7
October
8
November
8
December

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 December, and the least popular is June.
Monthly searches in Wellington by pick-up date relative to the average
203%
January
142%
February
122%
March
64%
April
66%
May
40%
June
47%
July
54%
August
57%
September
102%
October
84%
November
218%
December

Car rental information

Car rental locations 4
Airport locations 1
Popular suppliers Mode Car Rentals, Bargain Rental Cars, Europcar, yesaway, Ezi Car Rental
Popular car categories SUVs, Medium cars, Small cars, Large cars
Lowest price $31 per day
Cheapest supplier yesaway

Most popular car models of rental suppliers

Rental Supplier Model Doors Luggage Type
Bargain Rental Cars Mazda Demio 4 2 Medium cars
Mode Car Rentals Toyota Corolla (2016-2018) 5 2 Large cars
yesaway Toyota Aqua Hybrid 5 2 Medium cars
Mode Car Rentals Toyota Yaris (2016-2018) 5 2 Small cars
Mode Car Rentals Toyota Yaris (2013 -2015) 4 2 Small cars
Ezu Car Rental Mazda Demio 4 1 Small cars
Mode Car Rentals Toyota Yaris 5 2 Medium cars
Ezi Car Rental Ford Puma 5 2 Small cars
Mode Car Rentals Toyota Corolla STW 5 3 Station wagons
Bargain Rental Cars Toyota RAV4 5 3 SUVs

Our customers' reviews

Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have the 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.

New Zealand
Toyota Corolla STW
6/10/24
Spent time with family. Wahine memorial Eastbourne, Wanganui.
Australia
Toyota Corolla
4/19/24
Photo 1 by Kozue K. about renting a Toyota Corolla in Wellington (4/19/24) Photo 2 by Kozue K. about renting a Toyota Corolla in Wellington (4/19/24) Photo 3 by Kozue K. about renting a Toyota Corolla in Wellington (4/19/24) Photo 4 by Kozue K. about renting a Toyota Corolla in Wellington (4/19/24) Photo 5 by Kozue K. about renting a Toyota Corolla in Wellington (4/19/24) Photo 6 by Kozue K. about renting a Toyota Corolla in Wellington (4/19/24)
Australia
Mitsubishi ASX
3/6/24
Travelling in my own country is much better now that I’m earning a good wage in Australia ha ha.
Australia
Mazda Demio
2/26/24
Drove to Napier and stayed for a week, it was art deco weekend, brilliant time had.
Photo 1 by Vonita M. about renting a Mazda Demio in Wellington (2/26/24) Photo 2 by Vonita M. about renting a Mazda Demio in Wellington (2/26/24) Photo 3 by Vonita M. about renting a Mazda Demio in Wellington (2/26/24) Photo 4 by Vonita M. about renting a Mazda Demio in Wellington (2/26/24)
New Zealand
Toyota Aqua Hybrid
2/5/24
Amazing lol had a nice trip to the airport, flight got cancelled. Spent another hour trying to rebook new flights nfg, back home all inside 5 hours. Thank you for asking
Norway
Toyota Camry
1/16/24
We went to te papa museum
Australia
Mazda Demio
1/14/24
Waiotapu Thermal village was amazing. Loved visiting Rotorua skyline and Luge and doing a duck tour. And had a great winery tour with Kosher Wine tours.
New Zealand
Mazda Premacy
1/9/24
Catching up with family
Netherlands
Kia Stonic
1/2/24
dont know were to begin. geysers, hotpools, waterfalls, beautiful scenery
Photo 1 by pierre w. about renting a Kia Stonic in Wellington (1/2/24) Photo 2 by pierre w. about renting a Kia Stonic in Wellington (1/2/24) Photo 3 by pierre w. about renting a Kia Stonic in Wellington (1/2/24) Photo 4 by pierre w. about renting a Kia Stonic in Wellington (1/2/24) Photo 5 by pierre w. about renting a Kia Stonic in Wellington (1/2/24) Photo 6 by pierre w. about renting a Kia Stonic in Wellington (1/2/24)
Australia
Suzuki Swift
1/1/24
Visiting family
Australia
Mitsubishi Eclipse
11/10/23
Photo 1 by Dawn G. about renting a Mitsubishi Eclipse in Wellington (11/10/23) Photo 2 by Dawn G. about renting a Mitsubishi Eclipse in Wellington (11/10/23) Photo 3 by Dawn G. about renting a Mitsubishi Eclipse in Wellington (11/10/23)
New Zealand
Nissan Leaf
9/16/23
Photo by Linda D. about renting a Nissan Leaf in Wellington (9/16/23)
United States of America (USA)
Mazda Demio
4/25/23
We met some wonderful people, had some amazing hikes and were really quite lucky with the weather.
United Kingdom
Toyota Yaris (2015 - 2017)
4/23/23
Maori experience, polynesian spa, hobbiton, waitomo glow worm caves.
Ireland
Toyota Camry
3/27/23
We had an enjoyable week exploring the North Island
New Zealand
Nissan X-Trail
2/16/23
House hunting, didn't find what we were looking for.
United States of America (USA)
Mitsubishi ASX
1/19/23
Visited family
Australia
Mazda Demio
1/19/23
We loved Thames, Hobbiton, Rotorua, Taupo, Napier, Wellington and the Northern Explorer train ride.
Photo 1 by Peter S. about renting a Mazda Demio in Wellington (1/19/23) Photo 2 by Peter S. about renting a Mazda Demio in Wellington (1/19/23)
Australia
Mitsubishi ASX
1/16/23
Couldn't access my phone, no internet, no map !!!! Got there in the end
Australia
Toyota Yaris (2013 - 2016)
1/12/23
Spending time with family.
Australia
Suzuki Swift
11/25/22
Visiting family.
Australia
Toyota RAV4 (2017 - 2020)
11/20/22
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
Australia
Mitsubishi Outlander
10/22/22
New Zealand is an amazingly scenic place.
New Zealand
Toyota Corolla Hatch
10/19/22
Vehicle was super comfy for long car trips.
New Zealand
Mitsubishi ASX
9/17/22
Car was suitable for a family of five. Modern and tidy.
Australia
Toyota RAV4 (2014 - 2016)
8/15/22
Yes because it gave us the independence we like
Australia
Toyota Yaris (2017 - 2020)
8/11/22
Goid value for money,.
Australia
Toyota Corolla
8/7/22
New Zealand is like a poor Australia
New Zealand
Toyota Yaris (2017 - 2020)
7/27/22
A visit to the Wairarapa. Good !
Australia
Toyota Vitz
7/23/22
Family visits
Australia
Toyota Yaris (2013 - 2016)
6/11/22
Mode Car Rentals, Wellington, NZ. Great Service and a Great Car.. I was Very Satisfied..!!
New Zealand
Toyota Prius Hybrid
6/8/22
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
Australia
Mazda Demio
4/28/22
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
New Zealand
Toyota Yaris
4/17/22
Wellington city good exhibition at Te Papa Cafes great in the city
New Zealand
Mazda Demio
8/31/21
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.
New Zealand
Mazda Demio
8/8/21
I will rent from Mode Rental Cars again.
New Zealand
Toyota Yaris
2/24/21
Wairarapa was nice to visit. Good wine in some places.
New Zealand
Toyota Yaris
12/24/20
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
Australia
Toyota Camry 2007
10/8/19
Love Wellington easy to navigate
Australia
Mitsubishi ASX
12/21/18
i visisted Taihape , beautiful little town
United States of America (USA)
Toyota Corolla 5d
11/21/18
One happy customer
Australia
Hyundai i20
11/17/18
Very pretty. Both sea and hills. Lots to see and do

Car Rental Statistics

Highest-rated company
Ezi Car Rental
9.3 / 10
)
Lowest-rated company
James Blond
7.6 / 10
)
Total number of reviews
46
Total rental companies
21
Average daily price
$54.73
Lowest daily price
$30.66
Total cars available
144

Top 21 suppliers in Wellington in 2024

Ezi Car Rental
Ezi Car Rental
Exceptional 9.3 / 19 reviews
1 location
$68 - $164
Ezu Car Rental
Ezu Car Rental
Exceptional 9.2 / 17 reviews
1 location
$68 - $164
Hertz
Hertz
Exceptional 9 / 45 reviews
3 locations
$58 - $90
Go Rentals
Go Rentals
Very good 8.7 / 44 reviews
2 locations
$46 - $105
SIXT
SIXT
Very good 8.7 / 31 reviews
1 location
$62 - $85
yesaway
yesaway
Very good 8.7 / 45 reviews
1 location
$31 - $88
Alamo
Alamo
Very good 8.5 / 49 reviews
1 location
$42 - $227
Europcar
Europcar
Very good 8.5 / 51 reviews
2 locations
$60 - $90
Thrifty
Thrifty
Very good 8.4 / 7 reviews
3 locations
$58 - $175
Bargain Rental Cars
Bargain Rental Cars
Very good 8.4 / 115 reviews
2 locations
$43 - $46
Mode Car Rentals
Mode Car Rentals
Very good 8.3 / 264 reviews
1 location
$48 - $58
Snap
Snap
Very good 8.3 / 0 reviews
1 location
$46 - $57
Budget
Budget
Very good 8.3 / 6 reviews
2 locations
$66 - $92
Ace Rental Cars
Ace Rental Cars
Very good 8.2 / 1 review
2 locations
$50 - $92
Enterprise
Enterprise
Very good 8.1 / 2 reviews
1 location
$50 - $230
Routes Car Rental
Routes Car Rental
Very good 8 / 14 reviews
2 locations
$60
Keddy
Keddy
Very good 8 / 9 reviews
1 location
$65 - $100
Dollar
Dollar
Average 7.9 / 3 reviews
3 locations
$65 - $135
Avis
Avis
Average 7.9 / 2 reviews
2 locations
$65 - $135
Firefly
Firefly
Average 7.7 / 0 reviews
3 locations
$65 - $135
James Blond
James Blond
Average 7.6 / 0 reviews
2 locations
$50 - $225
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