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Road Genius makes it easy to find great car rental offers in Wellington. Compare rates and book in one place. Pick up at Wellington Airport (WLG), in the CBD or near the ferry terminals and compare deals from economy cars to SUVs with optional excess reduction. Going further afield, check one-way car rental within the North Island or a ferry car swap to continue in the South Island.
| Location | 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Wellington Airport (WLG) |
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| Downtown / CBD |
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| Ferry Terminals |
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On average, car rentals in Wellington cost around NZD $108 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from NZD $26 per day.
Compare airport vs downtown pick-up. City locations often cost less. A $30-40 taxi from WLG can be offset by lower downtown rates.
Rent only for the days you need. Wellington CBD is walkable. Use public transport first, then pick up a car for day trips to Wairarapa or Kapiti to avoid hotel parking fees.
Watch timing: book early for peak. For summer and big events like WOW, book 2-3 weeks ahead. Off-peak, compare closer to your dates as prices can be softer.
Choose a compact. Smaller cars are cheaper and easier to park on Wellington’s tight, hilly streets.
Skip paid extras. Use your phone for maps instead of a $10-15/day GPS, and keep to one named driver to avoid extra-driver fees.
Use local hacks. Do a ferry car swap instead of taking a vehicle on the ferry, and refuel at Z on Broadway in Miramar before returning to the airport to dodge refuelling charges.
| Location | Parking Options | Cost Range (Approx.) | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wellington CBD |
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Varies. Check current rates. | Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat-Sun 8am-8pm. Read signs carefully for time limits. |
| Suburban Areas |
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Varies. Time limits may apply. | Be careful of resident-only zones, especially in Mt Victoria and Thorndon areas. |
| Wellington Airport |
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Varies. Check current rates. | Valet and covered premium options available. Uncovered long-term is usually most economical. |
| Tourist Areas |
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Varies. Some locations are time limited. | Popular spots fill quickly on weekends and summer evenings. |
Local Driving Rules:
Weather Considerations:
Rent a car so you can drive to:
Wairarapa - Martinborough, Greytown, vineyards
Cape Palliser - lighthouse, seal colony
Kapiti Coast - Paekākāriki, Raumati, Waikanae
Wellington South Coast - Miramar Peninsula, Lyall Bay, Island Bay
City lookouts - Mt Victoria, Brooklyn Wind Turbine, Massey Memorial
Porirua - harbor, Battle Hill Farm
Is it worth having a car in Wellington City itself?
You can easily walk around Wellington's small city center and the public transport is good. If your visit is centered on the city, you might only want to rent a car for certain day trips instead of your whole stay. This is a good idea because parking at central hotels can cost a lot.
How difficult is driving on Wellington's steep streets?
You'll find some steep roads and tight corners in Wellington's hilly suburbs. If you don't feel sure about doing hill starts or making tight turns, you should stick to the main roads. You could also park at the bottom of very steep streets in the housing areas.
What's the best route to take a rental car on the ferry to the South Island?
Most rental companies ask you to do a "car swap". This means you drop off your car in Wellington and pick up a new one in Picton. If you want to take the same car across, some local companies (like Apex) will let you for an extra fee. You should book a long time before you travel because the ferries don't have many spots for cars.
How do I handle Wellington's strong winds while driving?
You should keep both hands firmly on the wheel, especially on open roads like the harbor bridges or on top of hills. Slow down when the wind is very strong. Be extra careful when you open the car doors. Hold them tightly so the wind doesn't damage them.
Is there free parking anywhere in central Wellington?
You can park on the street for free from 8pm until 8am the next morning. You have to pay for parking on most city center streets 7 days a week, so always check the signs. You can also find free parking for a set time (usually 2 hours) in some housing areas just outside the city center, like in parts of Mt Victoria and Thorndon.
Where can I get the best scenic drive close to Wellington?
For a quick and scenic drive, you can take the South Coast road from Oriental Bay around to Owhiro Bay to see lovely views. If you want a longer drive, go to Martinborough through the Remutaka Range. On this drive you'll see mountain scenery and vineyard landscapes.
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