Two spring weeks of Wellington wind, harbour light and Mid-Autumn cars
Late September in Wellington brings bright, shifting spring light, a harbour that can swing from glassy to whitecapped within the hour, and a southerly that loves to greet you on the terminal steps. This 24 September to 8 October window spans the Mid-Autumn Festival, so families are reuniting and travellers are heading out of the airport with a full fortnight ahead. If you're lining up Wellington International Airport car rental, two weeks gives you time for the Kapiti Coast, the Wairarapa wine country and a ferry day if you head south. We found 13 quotes, and the median is $686.96.
Alamo is the only supplier in this run, and it owns both ends of the price range. The cheapest quote is $646.92 and the most expensive is $3927, about six times higher. The bargains live in the small cars: Economy, Compact, Intermediate and the Mystery Car all land between $646.92 and $932.26. Pick from that group and walk straight past the Fullsize and Tesla rows.
Every car in the list seats five, which suits two couples with soft bags but gets snug once big suitcases join in. Petrol is the easy default, and the three Hybrids deserve a look if you're planning long days on State Highway 1. Early October brings gusts on the Remutaka Hill road and the Wellington motorway, so a Corolla or similar feels steadier than a very light hatchback. Choose a pickup slot away from the first morning flight rush and you'll dodge the longest queue at the desk.