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Wellington New Zealand

Our Wellington Airport car rental branch is conveniently located on Shelly Bay Road, just a few minutes' drive from the airport terminal. We offer a range of reliable vehicles to suit your travel needs, including fuel-efficient compact cars, spacious SUVs, and more.

Our friendly team at the Wellington branch is ready to help you choose the best vehicle for your journey and share local tips and recommendations to make your trip even more enjoyable. Whether you're heading into the city or exploring the stunning Wellington region, we've got you covered.

Wellington Airport Rental Vehicles

Mode Rentals offers a wide selection of vehicles for every traveller arriving at Wellington Airport. Whether you’re looking for a compact vehicle for city trips, a family-friendly sedan or a van hired in Wellington for more space, our fleet has the right option for your needs. Every vehicle in our Wellington car rental lineup is maintained to the highest standard, ensuring a smooth journey.

 

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Contact & Location Info

Address

25 Shelly Bay Road
Maupuia, Wellington 6022
New Zealand

Phone:

(04) 213 8938 (from NZ) +64 4 213 8938 (international)

National Call Centre:

(09) 979 7670  (from NZ) +64 9 979 7670 (international)

Hours:

Summer Hours (November - April)
Monday to Sunday 8:30am - 5:30pm

Winter Hours (May - October)
Monday to Sunday 9:00am - 5:00pm

After Hours:

After-hours pick-up and drop-off is available between 6:00 AM to 11:55 PM only. Pre Booking required.

Services we offer:

We provide a complimentary shuttle service to and from Wellington Airport. If you are travelling by ferry, we can assist you to make your own transfer arrangements between the Bluebridge or Interislander Cook Strait Ferry terminals and our Wellington branch.

Finding Our Wellington Airport Rental Branch

Our Mode Rentals branch at Wellington Airport is easily accessible at 25 Shelly Bay Road, Maupuia, located around the corner from the airport terminal for your convenience. Whether you're arriving from an international or domestic flight, finding our Wellington airport car rental location is straightforward. The Wellington airport branch is a quick 5-minute drive or 30-minute walk from the terminal. We also offer a complimentary shuttle service between our branch and Wellington Airport.

If you are travelling by ferry, we can assist you to make your own transfer arrangements between the Bluebridge or Interislander Cook Strait Ferry terminals and our Wellington branch for pick-up or drop-off of your rental vehicle.

Wellington Airport Car Rental Drop off & Pick Up

Dropping off or picking up your rental vehicle from Mode Rentals at Wellington Airport is designed to be quick and hassle-free. Our easy-to-follow instructions for pick-up and drop-off ensure a smooth start or end to your journey. With a complimentary shuttle service between our branch and Wellington Airport, starting or ending your rental is simple. We offer both same-location and one-way rentals, so whether you're returning to Wellington or continuing your journey, you can drop off at whichever Mode Rentals branch suits you.

After Hours Pick Ups & Drop Offs

Mode Rentals understands that flight times don't always fit within regular business hours. That's why we offer after-hours pick-ups and drop-offs for all Wellington car rental bookings. Our after-hours pick-ups and drop-offs are available from 6:00am to 11:55pm, however, these require pre-booking. Get in touch to book your after-hours return or pick-up that suits your travel plans.

Wellington Airport Shuttle Information

Mode Rentals is conveniently accessible from Wellington Airport with our complimentary shuttle service. After you have collected your luggage, give us a ring at (04) 213 8938 to order your shuttle. To meet your shuttle driver, exit the airport terminal through the G door on the ground floor, turn right and walk approximately 100 metres to follow the sign to 'Car Rental Shuttle', where your shuttle will pick you up and take you to your rental car. If you are travelling by ferry, we can assist you to make your own transfer arrangements between the Bluebridge or Interislander Cook Strait Ferry terminals and our Wellington branch.

Wellington Airport Car Rental Insurance & Roadside Assistance

At Mode Rentals Wellington Airport, we've got you covered with comprehensive rental car insurance and roadside assistance. All of our rentals include full vehicle insurance and third-party liability protection, ensuring peace of mind throughout your trip. You can select your preferred Liability Limit, which determines the amount you'll be responsible for in case of damage or theft, with flexible options to suit your needs. We also provide NZRA Roadside Assistance throughout New Zealand for mechanical issues like engine or transmission failure, keeping you supported on every journey.

Wellington Airport Car Rental Bond & Cancellation

At Mode Rentals Wellington Airport, we require a bond for all rentals, including car hires and van rentals. The bond reflects the liability limit you've selected and is held only during the rental period. Once your vehicle is returned with no damage, a full fuel tank and other conditions met, the bond is released.

For cancellations, we offer flexible options—cancel up to 24 hours before your booking for a full refund (minus a $25 administration fee). Our team is happy to assist with any questions or refer to our FAQs for more details.

Things To Do In & Around Wellington

Wellington is full of exciting things to do and see. With your Wellington car rental from Mode Rentals, you're free to explore this vibrant capital city and beyond. Check out Te Papa Museum for a dive into New Zealand's culture or take a scenic drive along the Wellington coastline. On a short trip outside the city, you can visit the beautiful Wairarapa wine region or enjoy nature at the Zealandia eco-sanctuary. Whether you're into city vibes or nature escapes, your rental car will take you wherever your adventure leads.

Where To Drive From Wellington?

Wellington is the perfect starting point for exploring the lower North Island. Take your rental car to explore Wairarapa's vineyards, visit the Martinborough wine region, or head up the Kapiti Coast for beautiful beaches and nature reserves. Taking your rental car on the ferry from Wellington also allows you to easily cross over to the South Island and explore the other half of New Zealand. Whether you're planning a short road trip or a longer journey, Mode Rentals provides a reliable Wellington car rental to get you there comfortably.

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Wellington City Car Rental FAQs

Planning a trip in or around New Zealand’s capital? Our Wellington car rental FAQs cover everything you need before hitting the road. From vehicle options and one-way rentals to ferry travel and local driving tips. Wellington works as a great starting point for exploring both the North Island and South Island, with easy access to coastal drives, regional towns, and the Cook Strait ferry. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a longer road trip, find answers to common questions about renting a car with Mode Rentals in Wellington.

To rent a car at Mode Rentals in Wellington, drivers must be at least 18 years old. A valid driver’s licence is required, and additional conditions may apply for younger drivers. Speak with our team to confirm details before booking your Wellington car rental. 

Yes, international travellers can rent cars in Wellington. Mode Rentals welcomes travellers from around the world. All you need is a valid international driver’s permit or a licence in English to enjoy a stress-free car hire Wellington experience. 

There are several petrol stations that sit close to the Mode Rentals’ Wellington branch and Wellington Airport, as well as central Wellington, making refuelling simple before returning your rental vehicle. Drivers will find several fuel stops within a short drive of the branch, such as Z-Miramar (27 Miramar Avenue, Miramar) a 1-minute drive from the rental branch, Z-Broadway (Cnr Calabar Road & Broadway, Strathmore Park), a 3-minute drive from the Mode Rentals branch, or Mobil Kilbirnie (1 Bay Road, Kilbirnie), a 6-minute drive from the branch. As the branch sits only around 5km from Wellington Airport, these same stations are also convenient for travellers returning vehicles picked up at the airport. Staff at the Wellington branch can also help with pointing out options to fuel up. Wellington’s compact layout means most services remain within easy reach, whether heading from the CBD or the airport side.

Renting a car in Wellington with Mode Rentals is easy. Book online, then provide your reservation details on arrival and pick up your vehicle from our Wellington branch, just a short shuttle ride from the airport. With a simple booking process, we make sure your rental is quick and hassle-free. 

Yes, Mode Rentals offers long-term car rentals in Wellington. Whether you need a vehicle for a few weeks or several months, we have flexible options to suit your travel plans. Contact our team for more details on long-term car hire Wellington services. 

The cost of hiring a car in Wellington depends on the vehicle type, rental duration, and season. Mode Rentals offers competitive pricing for Wellington car rentals, with options for every budget. Enter your dates and times above to check current rates and availability. 

In Wellington, the speed limit varies depending on the area. In urban areas, the general speed limit is 50 km/h, while highways and open roads have limits of 100 km/h. Make sure to follow posted signs and drive safely during your Wellington car rental adventure.

Mode Rentals Wellington branch offers a wide range of vehicles suited to different travel plans across New Zealand. Travellers can choose from compact cars for city driving, SUVs for extra space and comfort, plus passenger vans for larger groups or families. Each option supports different travelling needs, from short trips to longer road journeys across the North Island. With a fleet spread across multiple locations nationwide, availability remains consistent and flexible, so you have options to choose from. 

Mode Rentals supports one-way rentals across New Zealand, giving travellers flexibility when planning multi-stop trips. You can collect a vehicle in Wellington and return it at another branch, such as Auckland, Christchurch, or Queenstown. This setup suits road trips that move in one direction rather than looping back. With five locations nationwide, travel routes are easier to plan without retracing steps. Extra conditions may apply depending on availability or travel distance, so checking details early helps. 

Driving a rental vehicle onto the Cook Strait ferry is possible. Ferry crossings connect Wellington with Picton, opening access to South Island routes. If you’re looking to cross from Wellington to Picton, be sure to book your ferry far in advance, as these can sell out, especially during busier peak seasons. Be sure to also plan ahead on the day of your travel to avoid any delays at the ferry terminal. Taking a vehicle across the Cook Strait allows for a continuous road trip experience, linking both islands without changing transport, which suits longer journeys through New Zealand.

Wellington works well as a starting point for car hire, especially for travellers planning to explore beyond the city. While the central area includes public transport, having a vehicle gives access to coastal drives, regional towns, and nearby spots. The roads in Wellington connect easily to key routes heading north or toward the ferry. City streets suit smaller vehicles, making a compact car rental a great option if you’re exploring the city, while larger rentals are great if you’re heading out to explore the North Island. Renting a car in Wellington supports flexible travel plans without relying on fixed schedules. Many visitors choose Wellington for its position between islands and its access to varied driving routes to see the rest of the country. 

Wellington opens the door to several road trip options across the North Island and beyond. Head north to explore the Kapiti Coast, continue toward Tongariro National Park, or drive through Wairarapa for vineyards and coastlines. Each route offers different scenery within a few hours. Taking the ferry leads to Picton and connects directly to the South Island, opening your plans up to a range of travel routes. Travellers often combine both islands for a wider experience. Wellington is one of the best starting points for your New Zealand road trip as a central hub to reach many surrounding areas. 

Choosing the right vehicle depends on how you plan to explore Wellington and nearby areas. Compact cars suit city streets, tight parking spaces and short drives. SUVs offer more room for luggage and suit longer trips outside of the city. Groups or families may prefer passenger vans for added seating. Each option supports different travel styles, whether staying local or heading further afield. Staff can guide you based on your route and group size. Matching your vehicle to your plans helps create a smoother driving experience across both city roads and open highways.