Cheap Car Rental Wellington Airport

Rental companies offer a range of vehicle types, including compact cars, sedans, SUVs, and vans. When booking, consider your needs for luggage capacity, fuel efficiency, and the number of passengers. Always check the vehicle specifications to ensure it meets your requirements.

The terms 'economy' and 'compact' cars are used inconsistently by rental operators to describe smaller cars. That said, economy cars tend to be older vehicles supplied by some of the local rental operators.

For peak travel seasons (November to April), it’s wise to book as early as possible to secure availability and better rates. During off-peak times, booking 3-7 days in advance is usually sufficient but you may find your choices are limited and rental rates higher, compared to booking earlier. The general rule of thumb is to book as early as possible.

International visitors need a valid overseas driver’s license. If the license is not in English, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required. Always carry both your original license and the IDP when driving.

Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with a minimum of one year of driving experience. Drivers under 25 may incur an additional young driver surcharge. Be sure to check the specific age requirements and fees with your rental provider before booking.

Rental rates are generally based on the rental duration, type of vehicle, and any additional services or insurance options selected. Additional fees may include charges for GPS, child seats, extra drivers, or young driver surcharges. Make sure to review the terms and conditions with your rental provider.

Beyond the base rental cost, be aware of potential additional fees such as young driver surcharges, additional driver fees, GPS rental, child seats, and after-hours service charges. Ensure you understand all included costs and any potential extra charges. If you require additional services such as GPS navigation or child seats, it's advisable to request these services at the time of booking, rather than when collecting your vehicle to ensure availability.

Most rental companies accept major credit cards like Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Some also accept debit cards, but cash payments are generally not accepted. Check with your specific rental company to confirm their payment policies.

Rental companies provide various insurance and coverage options. These typically include Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Theft Protection, and Third-Party Liability. Additional coverage options may be available for personal accident insurance or roadside assistance. Make sure to understand what each option includes and excludes to choose the best coverage for your needs. We highly recommend having adequate insurance. While it's an unwelcome extra cost, the potential expenses of not having insurance far outweigh the price. We never rent a car without taking insurance.

On-airport hire car collection

Car rental counters are conveniently located inside the airport terminal building, on the ground floor next to domestic baggage claim.

Most rental companies have extended hours to accommodate late flights. For example, Budget Rent a Car is open from 7:00 AM to 12:30 AM daily. If you're arriving outside regular hours, contact the rental company in advance to make special arrangements.

After completing the necessary paperwork at the check-in counter, you will be directed to the pick-up area for your vehicle. Exit the terminal on the ground floor through exit doors E, F, or G. Turn right and follow the footpath towards the "Pre-booked Vehicles & Car Rentals" area.

Off-airport hire car collection
If you've booked an "off-airport" rental car, these companies don't have check-in desks within the airport.

You'll need to go to their car hire depot to check in and collect your rental car. Most offer free shuttle services and will pick you up from the airport. This should be arranged when you make your booking, and you’ll need to notify them upon your arrival.

Return your rental car to the same location where you picked it up, unless it's a one-way rental.

On-airport hire car return
To return your on-airport rental car, follow the car park signs for car rental returns. Park the vehicle in the designated space and return the key to the car rental desk.

For after-hours returns, park and lock the car and place the keys in the drop box located in the returns area.

Off-airport hire car return
Off-airport rental car depots are in various locations outside Wellington Airport - most are a short drive of 10-15 minutes. Once you've returned you vehicle a courtesy shuttle service will take you a drop-off point close to your departure terminal.

To avoid being late for your flight it's essential you allow sufficient time for both returning your car AND the transfer from the depot to airport.

Shuttle transfers are limited to depot opening hours, so if you return your car after-hours you may need to arrange a taxi to the airport from the depot.

If your flight to Wellington arrives after the car rental desk is closed, you still have options to pick up your rental car:

• After-hours service: Many car rental companies at Wellington International Airport offer after-hours services for late arrivals. This means you may still be able to collect your vehicle even if the rental desk is closed.
• Advance arrangements: It's crucial to inform the car rental company in advance about your late arrival. Most companies will make special arrangements if they know you'll be arriving outside of regular business hours.
• Extended operating hours: Wellington International Airport is open daily for 22 hours, closing only between 1:30 AM and 3:30 AM. Many car rental desks have extended hours to accommodate late flights. 

To ensure a smooth process:

• Include your flight number in your rental car booking.
• Keep the rental company's contact information handy.
• Inform the company of significant delays if possible.

Many rental companies offer free cancellations up to 24-48 hours before the scheduled pickup time. If you cancel at the last minute, cancellation fees may apply. Always review the cancellation policy of your rental company when making a booking.

Yes, you can rent a car in Wellington and drop it off at another location. One-way rentals often include an additional fee.

Policies differ between rental companies regarding rental vehicles being taken between the North & South Islands.

Rental brands like Omega Rentals and Budget allow vehicles to be taken between the North & South Islands. This means you can use the same vehicle throughout your journey, including taking it on the ferry, although it is your responsibility to book ferry tickets. Some rental conditions, like a minimum hire period or one-way fees, may apply.

Other rental firms, such as Avis, do not allow their vehicles to be taken on the ferry. Instead, they offer a "Multi-Island Hire" service, where you can make a single reservation that covers two vehicles—one on each island. If you return a car to a different island than where you rented it, a relocation fee may be charge

In case of an accident or breakdown, contact the rental company's emergency assistance number immediately. Follow their instructions and, if necessary, contact local emergency services. Ensure you document the incident and obtain a police report if required.

New Zealand rental companies generally do not permit smoking in their vehicles. If evidence of smoking is found in a returned vehicle then cleaning charges will be applied. These vary by rental firm, but typically are $200 or higher. 

The fuel policy varies by rental company. Some operate on a full-to-full basis, meaning you return the car with the same amount of fuel it had when you picked it up. Others may offer pre-purchase options or charge for refuelling if the tank is not full upon return. Check your rental agreement for specific details.

If your rental needs to be returned with a full tank then it's a good idea to top up the tank at a petrol station near the depot. The extra 5 or 10 minutes this takes will definitely save you money.

If you drop off a rental car at a car hire depot with less fuel than when you picked up it up then the car hire company will charge a high price to top up the tank. These charges can be excessive, such as a $2.50 a litre surcharge additional to the fuel cost. Not a nice surprise to later find this charge on your credit card.

There are a number of petrol stations close by the airport, including the following which operate 24 hours.

• Z Petrol - Cnr Calabar Road & Broadway, Strathmore
• Z Petrol - 27 Miramar Ave, Miramar
• Mobil - 1 Bay Rd, Kilbirnie

Rental companies expect vehicles to be returned in a reasonably clean condition. It's generally understood that the car should be returned in a similar state to how it was received.

If a rental car is returned excessively dirty, the rental company may withhold some or all of your security bond to cover cleaning costs.  When you return a rental car, its condition will be assessed by the rental company. This assessment likely includes cleanliness as well as any damage.