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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Road Genius makes it easy to find great car rental deals at Wellington Airport (WLG). Compare rates and book in one place. Simple. Choose from on-airport counters or nearby off-airport depots with shuttle transfers and filter by vehicle size, one-way rentals and insurance. Driving to Wellington CBD takes about 15-20 minutes via the Mt Victoria Tunnel and after-hours pickup may be available if arranged in advance.
| Location | 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Airport Terminal |
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| Off-Airport Providers |
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| Wellington CBD |
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| Wellington Ferry Terminal |
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Major rental companies (Avis, Budget, Hertz, Thrifty, Europcar, Enterprise and Alamo) have desks in the main terminal's arrivals area on the ground floor, at the domestic end. The car pickup lot is a short walk across the access road.
On average, car rentals at Wellington Airport cost around NZD $109 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from NZD $26 per day.
Compare pickup spots. Airport rentals add about $10-15/day. For 3+ day rentals, a $30-40 taxi to a city centre or off-airport depot with a shuttle can work out cheaper overall.
Time it by season. In Wellington’s peak summer (Dec–Feb), book 4-6 weeks ahead. Off-peak, keep checking prices and rebook if they drop, if your rate allows.
Check weekly rates. For 5+ days, weekly pricing can beat daily rates. Try adding or shifting a day to see if the total falls.
Pick a smaller, efficient car. Compact or hybrid = lower fuel costs and easier parking on Wellington’s narrow, hilly streets.
Compare one-way and ferry options. Within the North Island, many one-ways have low or no fees on 3+ day rentals. For South Island trips, compare taking the car on the ferry vs. dropping at Wellington Ferry and picking up in Picton.
Skip unnecessary parking. CBD hotel parking is often $25-40/day. Pick up the car the day you leave the city or return it overnight to avoid those charges.
| Location | Parking Options | Cost Range (Approx.) | Local Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wellington CBD |
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Check current rates | Hours vary by zone. Pay via machines or the PayMyPark app. |
| Airport Parking |
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Check current rates | Consider dropping rental before flying out to avoid airport fees. |
| Suburban Areas |
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Free (limited time restrictions in some areas) | Check signage carefully. Many residential areas have 2-hour limits or resident permits required during weekdays. |
| Tourist Attractions |
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Check current rates | Popular attractions have dedicated lots but can fill quickly during summer and weekends. |
Local Driving Rules:
Wellington-Specific Challenges:
Rent a car so you can easily:
Wellington CBD - Te Papa, waterfront, Cable Car
Zealandia and Botanic Garden - eco-sanctuary, gardens
Wellington coastline - Oriental Bay, Owhiro Bay
Wairarapa - Martinborough, Greytown, Masterton
Kapiti Coast - Paekākāriki, Paraparaumu Beach
Hutt Valley - Petone, Upper Hutt
How long does it take to collect a rental car at Wellington Airport?
On a normal day, you should plan for 15-30 minutes. This gives you time for counter service, paperwork, checking the car and getting onto the main road. During busy times, like early mornings or when several flights land at once, you might have to wait up to 45 minutes.
Is it difficult to drive in Wellington city?
First-time visitors can find Wellington's compact city, one-way systems and hills a bit challenging. But good signs and polite drivers help you manage. We suggest driving on your first day outside peak hours to get used to driving on the left and the city layout.
What's the best route from the airport to avoid traffic?
If you arrive during peak hours (7:30-9am, 4:30-6pm weekdays), we suggest you take the coastal route via Evans Bay and Oriental Parade instead of going through the Mt Victoria Tunnel, which often backs up. The coastal route is a little longer, but it’s more scenic and the traffic often flows better.
Are there any roads near Wellington where rental cars are not permitted?
Most rental companies don't allow you to drive on unpaved roads and won't cover any damage that happens on them. Near Wellington, this can include the unpaved section beyond Owhiro Bay on the South Coast as well as various rural gravel roads. The road to the Cape Palliser lighthouse has paved and unpaved sections, so you should check your rental agreement before you drive it. These rules might apply even if you rent an AWD or 4WD vehicle. Always check your contract to see exactly which roads you are not allowed to use.
What should I do if facing extremely strong winds while driving?
Wellington can experience gale-force winds. If you are driving in very strong winds, you should slow down, keep both hands firmly on the wheel and be ready for strong gusts when you pass exposed areas or come out of sheltered sections. In extreme cases, if you feel unsafe, you should pull over somewhere safe and wait.
How do I handle parking if my accommodation doesn't provide it?
If the place you're staying in central Wellington doesn't have parking, you have a few options:
1) Use a nearby parking garage, which costs about $15-25 for overnight parking
2) Park on the street, which is free in most places from 8pm to 8am
3) Park your car in an outer suburb and use public transport
4) Ask your accommodation if they can arrange a paid parking space for you
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