Ring in the New Year on the road from Wellington Airport
Late December at Wellington Airport has a feel all its own. The wind is up, the sun sits high and bright over Cook Strait, and the arrivals hall is full of families hauling suitcases toward the summer holidays. Ten nights from 29 December to 8 January puts you right across New Year's Day, when half the country heads for beaches, vineyards and ferry queues. Wellington Airport car rental gets busy now, and the 71 listings we found show how much choice is out there. Book early and you'll have your keys before the gate crowd even reaches the baggage belt.
Europcar is the one to watch, averaging $2023 across 16 listings and holding the cheapest quote of $1539, while GO Rentals ($2118 average) and Ezi ($2168) both sit below the median of $2252. Budget averages $3001 and tops out at $3851, so compare before you commit. Eight listings showed zero, so skip those and judge on the real quotes.
Most of the fleet is five seaters, which suits couples and small families, and the nine seven-seaters and four eight-seaters are worth locking in early if you're travelling with a group. Expect a busy State Highway 1 north in the days after New Year, and leave extra time for the Interislander or Bluebridge crossing if the South Island is calling. A hybrid or compact SUV is a sensible all-rounder for summer, with room in the boot for beach gear and fuel economy you'll appreciate on the long stretches.