The easiest way to book a car rental in Wellington
Great value rental cars from Wellington’s most trusted car hire providers
Car rental rates in Wellington / Te Whanganui a Tara
Set at the southern tip of the North Island, Wellington / Te Whanganui a Tara is the capital of New Zealand, and one of the most popular destinations in the country. A beautiful harbour-side city, Wellington is known for its museums, galleries, tremendous food scene, and its icy winds. Wellington lies two and a half hours by car from Wanganui and a six-hour drive from Tauranga.
Getting on the road in Wellington is easy with VroomVroomVroom. By using our easy to use search to find a competitive car hire rate from our selection of well respected car hire provider, you can book your car in as little as a couple of minutes.
Special
Mystery Vehicle or similar
View offerTravel 04 Oct - 09 Oct 2026
from NZD $42/day
Economy Car
Suzuki Swift or similar
View offerTravel 04 Oct - 11 Oct 2026
from NZD $45/day
Compact Car
Kia Stonic or similar
View offerTravel 04 Oct - 11 Oct 2026
from NZD $45/day
Compact SUV
Kia Seltos or similar
View offerTravel 04 Oct - 11 Oct 2026
from NZD $47/day
Intermediate SUV
Mg Zs Excite or similar
View offerTravel 04 Oct - 11 Oct 2026
from NZD $48/day
Standard SUV
Mitsubishi Outlander or similar
View offerTravel 06 Oct - 11 Oct 2026
from NZD $60/day
Premium Ute (double cab)
Premium DC 4WD Lid Canopy or similar
View offerTravel 02 Oct - 05 Oct 2026
from NZD $75/day
Fullsize SUV
Skoda Kodiaq or similar
View offerTravel 04 Oct - 09 Oct 2026
from NZD $78/day
Premium SUV
Ford Everest or similar
View offerTravel 06 Oct - 11 Oct 2026
from NZD $84/day
Rental rate prices displayed are NZD and were available in response to a search at 12:01 am on October 01, 2026 by a New Zealand resident aged between 30 and 69 years old, for the specified travel dates, with a pickup and return time of 10:00 am. Rates and vehicle availability may change without notice. Use our price comparison tool to get current rental rates. Rates include all mandatory fees for the rental and exclude credit card surcharges and extras.
Rates are in NZD and were last updated on 01 October, 2026
YOU’RE IN GOOD COMPANY
Here’s what VroomVroomVroom customers think
- 20 Sep 2026alistair f.Booked: Kia Stonic or similarWellington Downtown
- 10 Jul 2026dorothy a.Booked: Mystery Vehicle or similarWellington
We ask users of our booking service to review it after they've completed their reservation. We present a selection of reviews on this page. Our review scores are calculated by averaging the scores of all the reviews that we collect. We don't publish reviews that violate our guidelines. To learn more about guidelines and our reviews generally, visit Terms and Conditions.
Learn more about our reviews.
WE COMPARE CAR HIRE
Unlock Wellington with car hire made simple
VroomVroomVroom makes comparing car hire quick and easy, getting you great rates from New Zealand’s leading rental providers, including Apex, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Hertz, and Thrifty.
Search, book, drive.
Secure the perfect ride in 2 minutes.
Car rental experts
A friendly customer care team who are here to help
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Quick facts on hiring a car in Wellington
| 🚗 Vehicle types | Car, Passenger Van, Pick up (double cab), SUV and Sport. |
|---|---|
| 🔑 No. of depots | Ten car rental depots in Wellington. |
| ✅ Rental brands | Apex, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Europcar, Hertz and Thrifty. |
Car models commonly available in Wellington
Popular rental car models in Wellington last month
- % of BookingsModelPrice range last monthProviders
1
14%
3338Kia StonicCompact Car
5
4
1 large, 1 small
Rent withThrifty
2
14%
76223
Mazda 3Compact Car
5
5
2 small
Rent withBudget
3
14%
4868Mitsubishi OutlanderStandard SUV
5
4
3 small
Rent withEuropcar
4
7%
3636
Hyundai I30Compact Car
5
4
2 large, 1 small
Rent withApex
5
7%
8383
Kia Niro HybridCompact SUV
5
4
1 large, 1 small
Rent withThrifty
Ford vehicles for hire in Wellington
Ford Everest
7
5
4 small
ProvidersAvis, Budget, Europcar, Thrifty, Hertz
Ford Ranger 4wd (inc Canopy)
5
4
4 small
ProvidersEuropcar
Ford Ranger Wildtrak
5
4
4 small
ProvidersEuropcar
Honda vehicles for hire in Wellington
Honda Cr-v Awd
5
4
3 small
ProvidersEuropcar
Hyundai vehicles for hire in Wellington
Hyundai I30
5
4
2 large, 1 small
ProvidersApex
Hyundai Santa Fe
5
4
4 small
ProvidersEuropcar, Hertz, Apex
HYUNDAI SANTA FE HYBRIDHybrid
7
4
4 large, 2 small
ProvidersHertz
Hyundai Tucson
5
5
4 large, 3 small
ProvidersApex
Kia vehicles for hire in Wellington
Kia Carnival
8
4
2 large, 1 small
ProvidersHertz
Kia Carnival or Hyunda Imax or Toyota Previa
8
5
2 large, 1 small
ProvidersThrifty
Kia Niro HybridHybrid
5
4
1 large, 1 small
ProvidersThrifty, Hertz
Kia Seltos
5
5
1 large, 1 small
ProvidersThrifty, Hertz
Kia Sorento
5
5
5 small
ProvidersAvis, Budget, Europcar
Kia Sportage
5
5
2 large, 2 small
ProvidersThrifty, Hertz
Kia Stonic
5
4
1 large, 1 small
ProvidersThrifty, Hertz
Mazda vehicles for hire in Wellington
Mazda 3
5
5
2 small
ProvidersAvis, Budget
Mazda CX-30
5
5
3 small
ProvidersAvis, Budget
MG vehicles for hire in Wellington
Mg Hs Excite PhevHybrid
5
4
3 small
ProvidersEuropcar
Mg Zs Excite
5
4
3 small
ProvidersEuropcar
Mitsubishi vehicles for hire in Wellington
Mitsubishi ASX
5
5
2 large, 3 small
ProvidersApex
Mitsubishi Outlander
5
5
5 small
ProvidersAvis, Budget, Europcar, Thrifty, Hertz
Nissan vehicles for hire in Wellington
Nissan Xtrail Aw.d.
5
5
4 large, 3 small
ProvidersApex
Polestar vehicles for hire in Wellington
Polestar 2Electric
5
4
1 large, 2 small
ProvidersThrifty, Hertz
Skoda vehicles for hire in Wellington
Skoda Kodiaq
7
5
2 small
ProvidersThrifty
Suzuki vehicles for hire in Wellington
Suzuki Jimny
4
3
1 small
ProvidersEuropcar
Suzuki Jimny 5dr
4
4
1 small
ProvidersEuropcar
Suzuki Swift
5
4
2 small
ProvidersEuropcar, Thrifty, Hertz
Suzuki Swift HybridHybrid
5
4
2 small
ProvidersEuropcar
Toyota vehicles for hire in Wellington
Toyota Kluger HybridHybrid
7
4
4 large, 2 small
ProvidersHertz, Thrifty
Toyota RAV-4 HybridHybrid
5
5
1 large, 1 small
ProvidersThrifty, Hertz
TOYOTA RAV-4 HYBRIDHybrid
5
4
1 large, 1 small
ProvidersHertz
Toyota Rav4 HybridHybrid
5
5
5 small
ProvidersAvis, Budget
Other vehicles for hire in Wellington
12 Seat Bus
12
4
12 large
ProvidersThrifty, Hertz
Chery Tiggo 4 Ultimate
5
4
2 small
ProvidersEuropcar
Chery Tiggo 7Hybrid
5
4
3 small
ProvidersEuropcar
Cy Tiggo 9Hybrid
5
4
4 small
ProvidersEuropcar
Hv H6 Ultra Phev 2wdHybrid
5
4
3 small
ProvidersEuropcar
Mystery Car
5
4
ProvidersBudget, Europcar
Premium DC 4WD Lid Canopy
5
4
2 large, 2 small
ProvidersThrifty, Hertz
“Or similar” refers to how our rental providers classify cars. Please be advised they cannot guarantee that a specific car model will be available. Partners categorise similar models into “vehicle groups” and confirm availability on this basis. Our team are available to contact the depot on your behalf where you are picking up your vehicle to enquire what models are available under the vehicle group you booked. Please contact customer support for further information.
Vehicle models are subject to provider availability
Wellington daily rate data
Price range over the past 12 months for a compact SUV
Price range over the past 12 months for an intermediate SUV
Next 7 days rates
Per day price range
01 Oct
$48
$253
02 Oct
$51
$192
03 Oct
$51
$192
04 Oct
$47
$192
05 Oct
$61
$192
06 Oct
$51
$192
07 Oct
$61
$192
Next 7 days rates
Per day price range
01 Oct
$59
$177
02 Oct
$63
$198
03 Oct
$64
$202
04 Oct
$48
$202
05 Oct
$63
$228
06 Oct
$54
$225
07 Oct
$62
$214
Next 7 days rates
Per day price range
01 Oct
$83
$254
02 Oct
$113
$250
03 Oct
$85
$250
04 Oct
$78
$250
05 Oct
$62
$268
06 Oct
$60
$265
07 Oct
$62
$254
Next 7 days rates
Per day price range
01 Oct
$83
$210
02 Oct
$91
$274
03 Oct
$94
$274
04 Oct
$85
$274
05 Oct
$113
$171
06 Oct
$84
$286
07 Oct
$113
$169
Next 7 days rates
Per day price range
01 Oct
$61
$140
02 Oct
$48
$99
03 Oct
$49
$99
04 Oct
$45
$120
05 Oct
$59
$107
06 Oct
$49
$108
07 Oct
$59
$95
Next 7 days rates
Per day price range
01 Oct
There is limited availability for pick up at this location on some dates in the next seven days. Use our price comparison tool to get current rental rates and availability.
Limited availability
02 Oct
There is limited availability for pick up at this location on some dates in the next seven days. Use our price comparison tool to get current rental rates and availability.
Limited availability
03 Oct
There is limited availability for pick up at this location on some dates in the next seven days. Use our price comparison tool to get current rental rates and availability.
Limited availability
04 Oct
There is limited availability for pick up at this location on some dates in the next seven days. Use our price comparison tool to get current rental rates and availability.
Limited availability
05 Oct
$291
$321
06 Oct
$291
$321
07 Oct
$291
$321
Next 7 days rates
Per day price range
01 Oct
$75
$173
02 Oct
$75
$137
03 Oct
$75
$139
04 Oct
$75
$184
05 Oct
$135
$148
06 Oct
$77
$148
07 Oct
$134
$148
Historical daily rate pricing information is data from actual bookings made using our search engine in the previous 12 months.
Next 7 days rates are obtained from searches in our reservation system for a 3 day rental duration, by an Australian resident aged between 30 and 69 years old, with a pickup and return time of 10:00 am on the indicated pick up date. Rates and vehicle availability may change without notice.
Prices are in NZD and include all mandatory fees for the rental and exclude credit card surcharges and extras.
While we make reasonable efforts to provide accurate and reliable data, the data is provided ‘as is’ and errors or other defects may occur. For more information, click here: Terms and Conditions.
Rates are in NZD and were last updated on 01 October, 2026
Wellington Airport car hire
Are you flying into Wellington?
Consider collecting your vehicle from the airport. We work with a range of car hire providers at Wellington Airport (WLG).
Local expert tips for hiring a car in Wellington
Stop signs and amber lights
If you come across a stop sign, you are required to bring your vehicle to a complete stop before you check for oncoming traffic, and if the traffic lights are flashing amber, please give way to other traffic.
Peak hour traffic
Traffic can be busy in Wellington during peak times, so if possible avoid driving across peak periods or allow extra time for your trip during these periods.
Keep to the left
If you are visiting from another country, take note that in New Zealand you must keep to the left side of the road.
Watch your speed
The speed limit on major highways linking Wellington to other New Zealand locations is generally 100km for cars.
Simplify hiring a car
You will need to fill your rental car with fuel before you return it to the depot. There are plenty of petrol stations located in and around downtown Wellington.
Wellington parking
During weekdays, parking fees will apply for on-street parking around the city centre. On weekends and public holidays, parking is not charged, but time restrictions will still apply.
Car rental depots in Wellington
Find a convenient car hire depot on the map below.
Apex Wellington City
4.7 (15)186 Victoria Street, Te Aro
Mon–Sun 08:00–16:30
Avis Wellington City
N/A186 Victoria St Te Aro
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:30, w/e 08:00–17:00
Budget Wellington
4.9 (7)186 Victoria St Te Aro
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:30, w/e 08:00–17:00
Dollar Wellington Downtown
N/A38-44 Hania St, Wellington
Mon–Fri 07:30–17:00, w/e 08:00–17:00Dollar Wellington Ferry
N/AInterislander Terminal, 1 Aotea Quay, Pipitea
Mon–Sun 12:30–18:30
Europcar Wellington Ferry Terminal
N/AWellington Ferry - 1 Aotea Quay
Mon–Sun 08:00–17:00
Hertz Wellington Downtown
4.7 (5)38-44 Hania St, Wellington
Mon–Fri 07:30–17:00, w/e 08:00–17:00Hertz Wellington Ferry
N/AInterislander Terminal, 1 Aotea Quay, Pipitea
Mon–Sun 12:30–18:30
Thrifty Wellington Downtown
4.2 (8)38-44 Hania St, Wellington
Mon–Fri 07:30–17:00, w/e 08:00–17:00Thrifty Wellington Ferry
N/AInterislander Terminal, 1 Aotea Quay, Pipitea
Mon–Sun 12:30–18:30
Frequently asked questions
On hiring a car in Wellington
How much does it cost to hire a car in Wellington?
For a rental period from 8 October to 15 October 2026, prices range from NZD $44 per day for an Economy Car to NZD $231 per day for a Fullsize SUV. Enter your planned dates to compare live rental rates for your vehicle in Wellington.
What is the cheapest car rental in Wellington?
The cheapest car rental in Wellington for the rental period from 8 October to 15 October 2026 is a Mystery Vehicle or similar from Budget costing NZD $40 per day. Enter your travel dates in the search form and compare live rates from Australia’s most respected rental car providers.
What is the best way to rent a cheap car in Wellington?
Booking your hire car in Wellington 12 days beforehand can save you over 25 per cent, based on our own daily rate checks.
How much does it cost to hire a Minivan or People Mover in Wellington?
The price of a minivan hired in Wellington from 4 October to 9 October 2026 ranges from NZD $78 to NZD $213 per day before any added extras. Enter your travel dates and compare live rates for a minivan rental in Wellington.
What is the highest-rated hire car in Wellington?
The highest-rated rental car in Wellington is Toyota Rav4 4w.d. or similar, based on ratings by our customers within the last 12 months.
What is the best car rental company in Wellington?
Budget is our highest-rated car hire provider in Wellington, scoring an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 based on actual bookings by our customers.
What is the cheapest car rental company in Wellington?
Thrifty is the cheapest car rental company in Wellington, with rates from NZD $49 per day based on our rolling weekly search data. Enter your travel dates in the search form and compare live rates from New Zealand’s most respected rental car providers.
Is it cheaper to book a weekly car rental in Wellington?
The per-day rates of some rental cars may fall if you book for a longer rental period. Prices often change around daily, three-day, five-day and seven-day periods. Also, note that the selection of rental cars available in Wellington may be more limited if you are looking for a long-term car rental, so it’s best to compare a few different booking durations first.
Is it easy to drive a rental car in Wellington?
You can expect the same type of traffic in Wellington as you would be used to in any capital city, which is to say peak hour can lengthen your travel time. It is also important to note that Wellington is often referred to as the Windy City and you should heed the weather situation when driving — especially if you are not used to driving in high wind conditions.
Can I take the hire car on the ferry to Picton?
Each provider has its own terms and conditions when it comes to taking a rental car on the ferry to Picton. In some instances you’re allowed to, however, the car is not insured while on the ferry. In other instances, you will need to drop your rental car at the Wellington Ferry Terminal and collect another rental car once you arrive in Picton. If you require further information about using the ferry, please contact our customer care team.
Have a question we haven’t answered?
