How to find a cheap car hire deal in Wellington
Looking for a cheap rental car in Wellington? The booking magic happens here. With prices averaging 168 € a day, we compare all the best deals so you can search smarter, spend wiser, and feel good about what you paid.
Reserve your ride in November and keep your spending in low gear. It's the cheapest month to rent a car in Wellington, with average daily rates of 16 €.
If you like to plan with precision, book around four weeks ahead to score a cheap rental car in Wellington.
Browse car hire deals in Wellington from popular providers like Europcar, mode rentals and Ace Rental Cars.
The coverage Europcar or another company includes with your Wellington car hire can differ, so be sure to read the fine print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will apply a surcharge for it.
Choosing a one-way car hire can be your secret weapon for cheaper deals. Simply check 'Return car to a different location' when searching for a car for rent in Wellington. Providers often need to move vehicles from one site to another, which means you can score some fantastic one-way prices.
Cut down on fuel costs by choosing a car hire in Wellington with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect your ride with a full tank and bring it back full, so you only pay for what you use.
Go wherever the road takes you by picking a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, it means you can drive as far as you like without paying more.
If you're jetting into Wellington, you might prefer to skip the city pickup and grab one of the car rentals in Wellington International Airport instead. Toss your bags in the back and drive straight to where you need to go.
Compare car hire types in Wellington
Small: Whether you're weaving through city traffic or just planning a quick trip, a cheap rental car in Wellington from this category delivers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can expect easy handling and excellent mileage.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine space, comfort and fuel efficiency. Easy to handle in cities and roomy enough for longer drives, they're a reliable pick for most journeys.
Large: Long drives fly by in this Wellington car hire category. Also known as full-size, they're built with bigger engines for better driving. The extra legroom and comfort make them an excellent option for groups of friends and families.
SUV: Enjoy a higher driving position and a wide-angle view of what's ahead in an SUV. Whether you're winding through tough terrain or cruising along uninterrupted highways, many offer all-wheel drive to help you tackle any road.
Van: If you're after a car for rent in Wellington that fits a small crowd (and all their gear), a van will do the job. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're best suited for group outings, business needs or moving.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers the fee you'd have to pay if your Wellington car hire is stolen or damaged. While not mandatory, it can be a real lifesaver if something goes wrong. Just remember that not all insurance policies are equal, so make sure you understand exactly what's offered.
Take your ride to the next level with handy extras like mobile Wi-Fi or a reverse camera. These add-ons can make your drive smoother and more enjoyable when you rent a car in Wellington.
Good to know
Younger driver? Check each provider's age requirements before booking your car hire in New Zealand. Rules can differ, and extra charges or restrictions may apply. At the start of your search, just uncheck the 'Driver aged between 25–70' filter and enter your age to explore your options.
Travelling with kids? Car seat rules vary from one place to another, and the correct setup may depend on their weight, height and age. Check if you need to add one to your Wellington car hire booking.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Wellington
Don't leave town without visiting some of the city's best attractions, like Museum of New Zealand (Te Papa Tongarewa) and Hobbit's Hideaway. Lock in a car hire deal in Wellington and then start putting together your sightseeing game plan.
If you're after a place to stay in Wellington while taking in the sights, consider Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers or The Cambridge Hotel.
Lower Hutt should be on your itinerary if you'd like to see Sugarloaf Rock Lookout and Lion’s rock. This city is around 19 kilometres east of central Wellington.
You'll be well looked after at Sea Views From Holiday Home and Angie's Rural Retreat, two comfortable accommodation options in Lower Hutt.
Add Porirua to your journey too. Pick up your cheap car hire in Wellington and drive about 26 kilometres north-east to take in highlights such as Plimmerton Beach and Te Ara Piko Pathway.
Whitby sea View and BENROSE Farm Cottages are comfortable places to stay in Porirua if you're planning to stick around.
Take things a bit further and road-trip it to Nelson, about 121 kilometres west of Wellington. Kick things off at Centre of New Zealand, then spend some time at Helibike Nelson.
Look into staying at Nelson City TOP 10 Holiday Park or Bridge Backpackers. Use one of them as your base and enjoy everything Nelson has to offer.
