What you should know before hiring a car in Wellington
| Wellington city centre | ||
| Wellington International Airport (WLG): 68 km from city centre | ||
Practical information
Where to rent a car in Wellington?
Wellington is located in the south of the North Island of New Zealand, and is the country's capital city. With a coastal location, Wellington is home to a number of beaches as well as attractions such as The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa; the "Beehive" (a parliamentary building); and the Wellington Cable Car. The city is served by Wellington International Airport, which is just three miles from the center of Wellington. Upon arrival at the airport, travelers can choose from a number of transport options to continue their journey into Wellington. Taxis, buses and private transfers are all available; however, for the freedom to explore the city and beyond at your own pace, there is no better option than renting a car. Car rental companies including Europcar, Jucy Car Rentals, Ace Rental Cars, and Avis all offer car rental services in Wellington.
Driving in Wellington: parking and other tips
When driving in Wellington, be aware that both speed and distance is measured in km/h. Drive on the left hand side of the road; to hire a car in New Zealand, you will need a valid driver's license from your country of residence. Roads in New Zealand are generally well maintained, although extra care may be required during the winter months. Speed limits in New Zealand are usually well sign-posted, however are generally 50km/h in urban areas, and 100km on open roads.
Looking for a parking space in Wellington? There are a number of options, including parking lots and on-street parking. Parking lots generally allow for a longer stay and can be found across the city; parking fares vary, so check before entering. On-street parking is often metered, and fees vary depending on which part of the city the space can be found. On weekends and public holidays, on-street parking is free. The Wellington City Council website has more details regarding parking, including fares and restrictions.
Road trips from Wellington
Driving through New Zealand is an experience in itself, with beautiful landscapes to be seen along the country's roads. Rent a car and discover cities, lakes and mountains with these three road trip destinations from Wellington.
Auckland
New Zealand's largest city, Auckland is a 400 mile drive north from Wellington, and is well worth the trip! Located on the northern coast of New Zealand, Auckland is home to attractions such as the Sky Tower; the Auckland Harbor Bridge; the Auckland War Memorial Museum; and the Auckland Domain Park. Plus, the drive allows visitors to pass through much of the North Island before arriving in the city - the perfect way to see plenty of New Zealand along the way!
Lake Taupo
Around 230 miles north of Wellington lies the vast Lake Taupo - New Zealand's largest lake. Formed as a result of a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago, the lake is now a popular attraction in New Zealand. On the lake itself, enjoy water sports and fishing; or relax on the beaches dotted around the lake. Nearby, the spectacular Huka Falls welcome numerous visitors every year, while the Craters of the Moon and Mount Tauhara are also popular visitor attractions near Lake Taupo.
Rotorua
The city of Rotorua can be reached thanks to a 280 mile drive from Wellington. Overlooking Lake Rotorua, the city is located on the Rotorua caldera and as such, is known for its geothermal activity. Visitors can check out hot springs and geysers at a number of locations throughout the city and in the surrounding areas, such as the Pohutu Geyser and the Polynesian Spa. The city is also known for its Maori culture, which visitors can discover at the Tamaki Maori Village and The New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute.