![Wellington has its share of fun and adventure during nighttime.]()
Explore New Zealand’s capital in a Wellington airport car rental
Explore the ‘The Coolest Little Capital in the World’ with a Wellington car hire. With its collection of impressive eateries, eclectic shops, and creative arts venues, there’s no denying the standout culture of this vibrant city. Wellington is in the middle of New Zealand on the bottom of the North Island and just a stone’s throw from the South Island, so it’s not only a great destination in itself but also a central location in service of multiple adventures in every direction.
Rental cars Wellington: What you need to know
Picking up a car rental in Wellington is a simple process with multiple partners to choose from, and a great way to start your visit to this seaside city. Roughly 8 kilometres from the CBD, the drive to the Wellington city centre will take you about 20 - 25 minutes, accounting for usual traffic.
Visiting drivers should note that the roads in Wellington are quite narrow and the parking spaces are small. You can expect some road congestion and several roundabouts as you navigate this bustling capital.
Acclimate yourself to the surroundings by mapping out your car hire Wellington route ahead of time, and keep a parking payment method handy. Note there is only one major highway connecting the city to the outer suburbs, with few options for secondary routes.
![Wellington Beehive is one of the many attractions you can visit with your Wellington car rental.]()
Where to go in your Wellington car rental
Exploring the delights of the cultural hub of the country is a joy that brings new surprises on every visit to Wellington. Whether you are in for business or pleasure, the range of shopping, events, and entertainment will suit every traveller.
If it’s your first time visiting, drive your Wellington car hire up to Mt. Wellington to get 360 degree views of the city and collect your bearings. Wander through the impressive Te Papa Museum, and then Stretch your legs along the Wellington Waterfront. Park your Wellington car rental for an evening and take a walk down Cuba Street, Hannahs Laneway, and Courtenay Place to sample the cuisine, craft beer, and cocktails. While away an afternoon by riding up the Wellington Cable Car and strolling through the Botanic Garden.
You can also hit the highway to explore the North Island. Just a few hours to the north, a road trip to the beautiful Hawke’s Bay region is a great adventure worth considering. The region boasts not only lovely beaches and a lot of sunshine, but also some world-class wineries. In the centre of the island is the Central Plateau which holds a trio of stunning mountains making up Tongariro National Park. The great Lake Taupo is beyond that, and if you drive a bit further, you'll reach Auckland with your car rental. For sunny beach towns, continue into Northland, or head east to the Coromandel Peninsula.
Car hire Wellington tips for the savvy traveller
![On your visit to Wellington, prepare to be awestruck with the natural beauty that is Makara Beach, preserved among fields of farmland sporting wind turbines.]()
Ready to explore Wellington? Choosing the ideal rental car for your visit to Wellington will help to ensure a smooth trip. You have your choice of top brands, including Alamo, Apex, Europcar, Hertz, and Avis. Affordability is important, but so are comfort and safety. Smaller economy cars are great to navigate the narrow roads and slim spaces common in the city but are less than ideal for driving up steep hills packed full with a load of passengers and luggage.
If you are hitting the country roads, we recommend something sturdy with some pep in the engine. During peak periods such as Christmas and New Year, Easter, and holiday weekends, there will be less stock to go around, so it is important to book early.
Off-peak travellers will usually be rewarded with cheaper rates and greater choices. Always hit the road with a plan and awareness of the next fuel stop—some stretches of highway in New Zealand have fewer services, particularly outside of normal business hours.
Done exploring Wellington and seeking another location to uncover? Why not rent a car in a different city and start your New Zealand car hire tour from there? You can try Christchurch Airport car hire, car hire from Dunedin or Queenstown Airport to explore the South Island. The choice is yours!
