Two spring weeks of Wellington wind and wide-open Kiwi roads
Late September into October is when Wellington shrugs off winter. The light is sharp over the harbour, the southerly still has some bite, and the first warm afternoons arrive along Oriental Bay. Planes come in low over Lyall Bay, and travellers spill from the terminal ready to tackle the Remutaka Hill or catch the Interislander ferry. This 14 night National Day Golden Week window is a long one, so Wellington International Airport car rental beats leaning on taxis and trains. Collect your car at the airport and you can be rolling onto State Highway 1 within minutes.
Alamo is the only supplier showing for these dates, so the real comparison is between its own cars. The Mystery Car is cheapest at $789.64, with a Toyota Yaris at $797.78 and a Toyota Corolla at $814.06 close behind, and the median across all 13 listings is $906.10. Book one of those lower priced cars early, and give the $3,927 Tesla Model Y a miss unless a premium electric is the whole point of your trip.
Most of the fleet is standard petrol, though there are 3 hybrids, a diesel and an electric if you'd like fewer fuel stops on the long drive north. Every car seats 5, so check boot space against your bags before you commit, especially with more than two suitcases. Wellington weather can flip fast in spring, so leave extra time for the Remutaka Hill and the coastal roads, and pick up your keys in daylight if you can.