Wellington Car Rental: Airport, City and the Ferry South

Quick summary: Wellington, New Zealand’s capital, sits at the southern tip of the North Island between the harbour and the hills. You can pick up a rental car at Wellington Airport, around 8 km from the centre, or at depots in the city. The compact centre is best on foot, so most travellers use a car for day trips to the Wairarapa wine country, the Kāpiti Coast, or the start of the journey north, and to connect with the Cook Strait ferry.

At a glance
Airport	Wellington Airport, around 8 km from the centre
City depots	In and around the central city
Ferry terminals	Close to the centre, for the crossing to Picton
Day trips	Martinborough, the Kāpiti Coast, Cape Palliser
Getting around the centre	On foot, by cable car or bus
Tours	Wellington tours

Compare car rental at Wellington Airport

Is the airport or a city depot better for pickup?

Pickup	Best for
Wellington Airport	Arriving by air and driving straight out of town
City depot	Spending a few days in the capital first, or collecting after the ferry

Compare car rental in downtown Wellington

What is driving in Wellington like?

Hilly and compact. Streets in the suburbs are steep and narrow, and the central city has one-way streets and busy waterfront traffic. Parking in the centre is mostly in parking buildings and paid street spaces. Wellington is also famously windy, so take care on exposed roads and when opening doors.

What day trips can you take?

Trip	Highlights
Martinborough	Wairarapa wineries and a village square
Cape Palliser	Seal colonies and a lighthouse on the wild south coast
The Kāpiti Coast	Beaches, cafés and views of Kāpiti Island
Remutaka Hill road	A winding drive over the range to the Wairarapa

How does a rental car fit with the Cook Strait ferry?

Some rental companies let you take the car across on the ferry; others ask you to drop it in Wellington and collect another in Picton. Check the terms before you book the crossing. See car rental and the Cook Strait ferry.

What can you see without a car?

Te Papa, the waterfront, the cable car to the Botanic Garden, and Cuba Street’s cafés are all within walking distance. Browse Wellington tours.

Should you start a campervan trip here instead?

Wellington is a flexible place to start a campervan trip, with the ferry on the doorstep. See starting a motorhome trip from Wellington and campervan or car rental?.

Frequently Asked Questions