Car Rental
Whanganui Airport
Whanganui Airport Car Rental Rates
Compact Cars
From NZD $49 per day
SUVs
From NZD $53 per day
Hybrid/Electric
From NZD $175 per day
The above are indicative & based on low season. Rental rates fluctuate significantly depending on factors like rental dates, hire duration, rental company, and how early you book. (Usually the earlier you book, the lower the rate). Click here to get the latest rates for your rental period.
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Easy and efficient. Competitive prices with good choices. Worth a try.
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Car Hire Options at Whanganui Airport
Whanganui (Wanganui) Airport is a small provincial airport with limited flights and rental car options. The airport car rental brands we offer are limited to Hertz and Thrifty.
If you're wanting more rental company options then consider picking up a rental car in Palmerston North. It's only an hour's drive away and we have multiple car rental brands available for your to choose from.
To maximise your savings it's a good idea to book your car early, especially for travel during peak periods. Just put your travel details into the Quote box at the top of the page to instantly compare a huge choice of vehicles at the very best prices.
Why Rent A Car In Whanganui
One of the key reasons for renting a car when you’re visiting Whanganui is the freedom and flexibility it offers.
With a rental car you’re free to explore at your own pace and on your schedule - not someone else’s.
There is no bus service from the airport into town, so if you don't have a car you'll need to take a taxi. A taxi into the centre of town will cost you between $15 and $32, depending on traffic. This excludes the airport fee charged.
Low daily rental rates plus unlimited kilometres means that hiring a rental car is a cost effective option and allows you to make the most of your limited time.
Driving From The Airport
Whanganui Airport is 6 km south of the town of Whanganui (also spelt Wanganui). It's just a 10 minute drive into the centre of town.
Once you've collected your rental car, take the road out of the airport for 3 km. At the roundabout turn left onto State Highway 3 and cross the river. At the next roundabout turn right into Heads Road. Follow the road for 0.5 km and then turn left onto Hatrick Street. Follow this for 1 km into the CBD of Whanganui.
Whanganui Airport Car Hire FAQ
Rental companies offer a range of vehicle types, including compact cars, sedans, and SUVs. 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 it’s wise to book as early as possible to secure availability and better rates. If you book later 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.
Collect your bags and then follow signs in the terminal to the Hertz / Thrifty counter.
After completing the rental agreement paperwork at the check-in counter, you will be directed to the pick-up area for your vehicle.
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 in the airport terminal.
For after-hours returns, park and lock the car and place the keys in the drop box located in the returns area.
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 from Whanganui Airport and drop it off at another location, such as Auckland or Wellington. One-way rentals often include an additional fee.
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.
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.