car hire wellington
Pick up your hire car at Wellington airport and explore New Zealand's capital, a boho treat surrounded by dramatic mountains and a perfect destination for hitting the open road.Book car hire wellington airport now
the 60-second guide to wellington
in its own head
"We're the capital of New Zealand for a reason - Welly is the political, cultural and sporting epicentre of the country. We leave Auckland trailing in our wake!"
but more realistically
Yes, Wellington is a political and cultural hub, but it's also one of the world's most picturesque cities, flanked by green hills and set around a majestic harbour.
the vibe
It has a friendly, laid-back atmosphere.
the natives
With such a thriving arts scene, expect to see plenty of poets, musicians, writers and actors hanging out in the city's many cafes and bars.
the weather
Because of its position on the edge of the Cook Strait, Wellington is a gusty city. But while you might need to batten down the hatches in 'Windy Welly', the breezy nature of the place means there's virtually no air pollution.
the local speciality
There's a shoal of good fish and chip shops and Malaysian food is also popular. Expect to find superb but reasonably priced restaurants everywhere.
the celebrity
The actor Russell Crowe, the director of the Lord Of The Rings films Peter Jackson, and Jemaine Clement and Bret McKenzie from The Flight Of The Conchords are some of Wellington's most famous exports.
did you know?
It has more cafes per head than New York.
they say
"Locked in an age-old struggle for hip supremacy with Auckland, Welly prides itself on its cultural and artistic wealth." - Lonely Planet
5 to see in town...
- 1. Botanic Garden
- 2. Wellington Zoo
- 3. Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
- 4. Karori Sanctuary
- 5. New Zealand Film Archive
Take a trip on the cable car and check out this lovely spot, which lays claim to more than 100 rose species and provides spectacular views of the city.
where to park?
There's a public car park next to the Lady Norwood Rose Garden through the Centennial Entrance on Tinakori Road. Parking is also available along Glenmore Street.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Botanic Garden
- 2. Wellington Zoo
- 3. Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
- 4. Karori Sanctuary
- 5. New Zealand Film Archive
Malayan sun bears, white-cheeked gibbons, red pandas and Tahi, a kiwi with a prosthetic leg - you'll find all these animals and more at Wellington's fabulous zoo.
where to park?
There's free on-site parking.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Botanic Garden
- 2. Wellington Zoo
- 3. Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
- 4. Karori Sanctuary
- 5. New Zealand Film Archive
This national museum on the waterfront runs excellent exhibitions about local art, nature and history.
where to park?
There's an on-site car park.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Botanic Garden
- 2. Wellington Zoo
- 3. Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
- 4. Karori Sanctuary
- 5. New Zealand Film Archive
This area of forest and wetland just outside the city is home to more than 30 native bird species and can be explored on guided tours.
where to park?
Use the on-site car park.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Botanic Garden
- 2. Wellington Zoo
- 3. Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
- 4. Karori Sanctuary
- 5. New Zealand Film Archive
If the Lord Of The Rings films got you interested in kiwi cinema, visit the New Zealand Film Archive, which has a vast treasure trove of movies, videos and TV programmes from 1895 onwards.
where to park?
There's parking on Taranaki Street.
and 4 to drive to...
If you fancy taking a dip in a tranquil river pool, hiking down a bush trail or checking out the setting for the elven outpost of Rivendell in the Lord Of The Rings movies, this is the place to visit.
how to get there?
It's 45 minutes north of Wellington. Head to the Wellington Urban Motorway and after two-and-a-half miles take Hutt Road for three miles.
and 4 to drive to...
Two hours from Wellington, this lovely national reserve is home to spectacular natural attractions such as the Putangirua Pinnacles, an ancient and bizarre rock formation.
how to get there?
It's roughly an hour's drive. Head east on the Wellington Urban Motorway for three-and-a-half miles, then take Hutt Road for three miles and Western Hutt Road for nine miles. Follow River Road for six miles, State Highway 2 for 16 miles and State Highway 53 for six miles.
and 4 to drive to...
If fishing, hunting or bird-watching are your thing, get yourself to these scenic wetlands on the banks of Lake Wairarapa. Be sure to pop into nearby Martinborough, a town in the heart of New Zealand's wine country (if you're going to sample the local wine, though, designate a driver or stay over - there are plenty of good hotels).
how to get there?
Head east on the Wellington Urban Motorway. It's roughly an hour-and-a-quarter's drive.
and 4 to drive to...
This rugged mountain range boasts some of the most dramatic views you'll ever see.
how to get there?
Head east on the Wellington Urban Motorway for two-and-a-half miles, take Hutt Road for three miles and the Esplanade for one mile, then drive in the direction of Wainuiomata and follow Coast Road for five-and-a-half miles.
ask a wellington cabbie!
Local taxi driver Louis Jermy on car hire in Wellington: "Wellington is a labyrinth of one-way streets and three-lane roads that dart off in all directions. This can be very confusing. Trying to pick the right street or lane can be a fun exercise - you could find yourself driving down a bus lane or the same road three times to get it right! Free parking is available at council-owned buildings from Saturday morning until Sunday evening."