One-Way Car Rental from Wellington to New Plymouth | Compare Prices & Fees

Home One-way Car Rentals Wellington to New Plymouth

Can I rent a car from Wellington to New Plymouth?

Yes, you can rent a car for a one-way trip from Wellington to New Plymouth. Many major companies offer this service, but there are specific requirements, especially for foreign renters.

Documents required for NZ residents

Documents required for international visitors

Form of ID: A valid physical New Zealand national photo ID
Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence should be held for at least 1 year(s).

Notes: Provisional licence is not accepted.
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, and AMEX.
Age requirements: The general driving age is 18-99 years. Young drivers aged 18-20 may incur a fee of NZD 20 per day (capped at NZD 140 per rental). Young drivers aged 21-24 may incur a fee of NZD 20.7-25 per day.

Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence should be held for at least 1 year(s). Accepted driving licence include:
• Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP)
• Original driving licence + NZTA Translation
• Original South Korea Driving Licence (English version)
• Original driving licence + Dealer translation
• Original driving licence + Notarized English translation

Notes: Support NZTA certified translation pickup.
Form of ID: A valid passport
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, AMEX, and UnionPay. Some dealers also accept Debit Mastercard and Visa Debit.
Age requirements: The general driving age is 18-99 years. Young drivers aged 18-20 may incur a fee of NZD 20 per day (capped at NZD 140 per rental). Young drivers aged 21-24 may incur a fee of NZD 20.7-25 per day.

How much does renting a car from Wellington to New Plymouth cost?

One-way rentals typically includes a drop-off fee, depending on the company and distance. Below are approximate rates for different vehicle types:

Cheapest Economy Rate

Starting from

US$ 60/day

Cheapest SUV Rate

Starting from

US$ 30/day

Vehicle Types

Vehicle Types	Daily Rate(One-way Fee Included)	One-way Fee	Total(3-day Trip)	Best For
Small	US$ 88-US$ 175	US$ 0-US$ 95	US$ 179-US$ 246	Solo travelers, couples
Medium	US$ 152	US$ 95	US$ 218	Small families, light luggage
Large	US$ 152	US$ 95	US$ 218	Families, comfort seeker
SUV	US$ 97-US$ 247	US$ 0-US$ 95	US$ 90-US$ 554	Large groups, long drivers
Van	US$ 223-US$ 291	US$ 0-US$ 95	US$ 528-US$ 615	Large families, groups
Pickup Truck	US$ 120-US$ 232	US$ 0-US$ 95	US$ 317-US$ 400	Adventure Travelers, heavy luggage

What should I pay attention to for a one-way rental?

Key Consideration：

One-Way Fee: One-way rentals typically incur an additional fee. Research this cost beforehand to accurately budget your trip.
Drop-Off Locations: Ensure your drop-off location is confirmed and compatible with your schedule and destination preference.
Additional Distance Policies: Some rentals may charge extra based on mileage. Verify the limits to avoid unexpected fees.
Cross-Border Restrictions: Check if your route involves any cross-border driving as this may have restrictions or require additional processes.
Rental Period Specifications: Understand the terms regarding rental periods, especially in cases of delays in drop-off.

Smart Planning Tips:

Plan Drop-Off Timing: Plan your trip to ensure you reach the drop-off location during operational hours to avoid complications.
Examine Rental Insurance Policies: Verify the insurance options to select the one that grants adequate coverage throughout the trip.
Reserve In Advance: Advance booking can not only secure availability but also provide better pricing deals.
Pack Necessary Travel Essentials: Ensure all required documents, including driver’s license and credit card, are packed.
Monitor Traffic Updates and Road Conditions: Stay informed about New Zealand road conditions along your route to navigate effectively.
Familiarize with Navigation Tools: Equip yourself with reliable GPS devices or download offline maps beforehand.

Insurance: A Critical Consideration

Rental car insurance is essential for peace of mind on your journey. Counter rates can be expensive, often adding $20-40 per day to your rental cost.

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Book Earlier for Better Rates

Car rental prices fluctuate based on demand and availability. Booking in advance typically secures better rates, especially during peak travel seasons.

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Refueling, Parking and Tolls

Refueling

Parking

Refuel Policy Basic

Refuel the vehicle before returning to avoid additional charges from the rental company.

Keep the last fuel receipt as proof of refueling.

Be aware of the fuel type required for the vehicle to avoid engine damage.

Fuel Cost

The average fuel cost along the route is approximately NZD $2.80 per liter.

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed and use cruise control where possible.

Ensure tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure for optimal fuel efficiency.

Avoid excessive idling and use air conditioning sparingly.

Wellington Parking

Parking in Wellington central can range from NZD $2.50 to $4.50 per hour.

Free parking is available in suburban areas but may have time limits.

Consider using parking apps to find affordable options in advance.

New Plymouth Parking

Parking in New Plymouth ranges from NZD $1.50 to $3.00 per hour in central areas.

Free parking is available in residential zones but check for restrictions.

The New Plymouth District Council provides parking maps online for convenience.

Recommended Parking Apps

ParkMate: Offers real-time availability and booking options.

PayMyPark: Convenient for finding and paying for parking in New Zealand.

Parkopedia: Provides comprehensive parking information globally.

Popular Self-Drive Routes

Explore Notable Routes:

Coastal Highway Journey

Scenic Drive 7 hours

Follow the coastline with stunning ocean views, offering a relaxed and enjoyable drive.

Kapiti Coast , Wanganui , Mt. Taranaki

Heritage Expedition

Historic Route 6 hours 30 minutes

Explore historical landmarks and culturally significant areas along your journey.

Foxton , Whanganui Regional Museum , New Plymouth Coastal Walkway

National Park Adventure

Outdoor Adventure 8 hours

Drive through national parks with opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing.

Taupo , Tangarakau Gorge , Egmont National Park

Epic Road Trips:

Wellington to Kapiti Coast

1 hour

A short drive ideal for exploring beaches and local culture.

Whanganui Loop

2 hours

A detour through this region gives insights into Maori culture and art.

Taranaki Gardens Route

1 hour 30 minutes

Discover beautiful gardens and lush landscapes in the Taranaki area.

Mount Taranaki Summit Drive

45 minutes

A drive with scenic mountain views and hiking opportunities at the destination.

Road Trip Planning Tips

Choose a Suitable Vehicle: Pick a car comfortable and reliable for the travel distance and type of terrain.

Plan Your Route: Decide on the best route considering time, scenic opportunities, and facilities.

Know Fuel Stops: Identify fuel stations before starting to avoid running out in remote areas.

Stay Connected: Ensure your phone has maps downloaded or a navigation system for guidance.

Understand Costs: Be clear of rental fees, insurance, and deposit requirements to avoid surprises.

Safety First: Adhere to speed limits, wear seatbelts, and be aware of road conditions.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Introduction to company selection, only include companies that offer one-way rental service

Company	One-Way Fee	Fleet Variety	Location Coverage	Key Advantage
Budget Car Rentals	$	High	Excellent	Competitive pricing , Frequent discounts , Wide range of vehicles
Avis Car Rental	$$	Very High	Excellent	High-quality fleet , Good accessibility , Reliable service
Hertz	$$$	Moderate	Good	Luxurious options , Special membership discounts
Thrifty Car Rental	$	High	Excellent	Budget-friendly deals , Convenient locations

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Selection Criteria for One-Way Rentals:

Pricing Considerations

Base rental rate per day
One-way drop-off fees
Additional driver charges
Insurance costs
Fuel policy and potential charges

Vehicle Selection

Vehicle size for passengers and luggage
Fuel efficiency for long drives
Comfort features for highway driving
Navigation and entertainment systems
Vehicle condition and mileage

Company Reliability

Customer service reputation
Transparency in fees and policies
Roadside assistance coverage
Cancellation and modification policies
Reviews from other one-way renters

Rental Car Center Information

Operating Hours:

Rental car counters usually operate from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily, but it's advised to check with the respective company.

Location:

Rental car centers are located at New Plymouth Airport near the arrivals section.

Shuttle Service:

Complimentary shuttle vans run between terminals and rental car offices.

Parking Facilities:

Designated areas for rental returns located adjacent to the rental office.

Pro Tips for Wellington Airport(WLG) Car Rentals

Book in advance during peak vacation seasons to ensure availability and more economical rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pick up the car in Wellington and drop it off in New Plymouth?

Yes, most major car rental companies allow one-way rentals between these two cities. Be sure to check any additional fees for this service before booking.

Are there any additional charges for a one-way rental?

Many companies charge a one-way fee, which is a surcharge for returning the car at a different location. This fee varies between providers.

What is the distance from Wellington to New Plymouth?

The road distance is approximately 350 kilometers, and it takes around 4 to 5 hours to drive, depending on the specific route and traffic conditions.

Do I need to refuel the car before returning it?

Most rental agreements require you to return the car with the same amount of fuel it had when you picked it up. Be sure to check your rental agreement for specific refueling policies.

Are there age restrictions for renting a car for this route?

Yes, most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, and some impose extra fees for drivers under 25. Check the policies of your selected rental provider.

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