New Zealand Car Hire
 

Traveling for a month in NZ during March 2018 landing in Auckland and flying out of Christchurch. I will be renting a car and wanted input it it makes sense to hire a car in Auckland to Wellington, for approximately two weeks. Drop it off in Wellington and then pick up a car in Picton for an additional two weeks dropping off in Christchurch? It seems like the cost of the ferry is double with a car and do I need a car for a couple of days in Wellington? I imagine others have had this question!
Thanks,
Tdiddy

Apex, Go Rentals, and Omega are the only operators who will allow their cars on the ferry that I know of. I know Apex will pay the car's fee from personal experience. I've heard that Go and Omega will do the same - all with a minimum rental. In Apex's case, that was 7 days.

With the other companies, you drop the car at their office at the Wellington ferry terminal and pick up a new one at Picton and it's a very easy process. To do this, you book it on ONE contract.

If you opt not to have a car in Wellington those 2 days, you then will have two contracts. You'll have to weigh the differences in prices because usually the longer the rental, the lower the daily rate.

Thanks deSchenke. Do you have a preference of what car company? I imagine all three rent out of Auckland. So it sounds like you are saying that as I am not taking a car on the ferry, I will pay the walk on rate for two adults. Correct?

Sorry I just re-read your post. With the three you mentioned, you DO take the car on the ferry but they some how pay the difference?

I've just looked at Apex and they have the following:
$2,000 Excess
Unlimited KMs
Incl Car Ferry

What does Excess mean? Is that like the deductible?

A car is a hindrance in Wellington. It's a compact and walkable city and usually you will pay around $20 a night for parking so I wouldn't bother with a car.
Excess means in case of an accident you pay the first $2000 of any repair bill. That's quite a lot. Last time I hired a car I went for an excess of $500.

Yes, excess is deductible. We always rent with APEX. They rent both older and newer cars - we usually go for an older car because it's less expensive and we see no advantage to driving a pristine new car in NZ as we tend to go way off the beaten path:)

If you're from the US, check your credit card coverage. Ours covers us in NZ and AUS for up to 31 days AND they cover the excess. We never purchase rental car coverage from a rental car company.

I think, but I'm not certain, that APEX covers just the cost of the CAR on the ferry - you still have to pay for your persons.

In my experience $2000 is quite standard for excess in NZ (and AUS). The excess can be lowered by purchasing additional insurance from the car rental company, which I'm assuming you did Tasmangirl?

And I agree that a car is a hindrance in Wellie - they have some major parking issues there.

Thanks to all. How do you choose an older car at Apex? I will re-visit the website but I agree about getting an older car. Also does it make sense to turn in a car in Wellington and pick up another in Picton if it ends up being two contracts as deSchenke mentions. I probably won't be driving in Wellington, but is it more of a hassle and time consuming, dropping off a car the day we get there and then picking one up in Picton? We will only be in Wellington a day and a half. Haven't got a hotel yet. Do some hotels offer free parking?

I just booked APEX for our trip to NZ next May - the older cars were at the top of the page, lowest priced cars first - the year range is listed in small print next to each car option.

The only way to know if dropping off in Wellie and picking up in Picton under two contracts makes sense is to check the rental car sites and see which way is less expensive. In my experience, the longer the rental, the cheaper it is, all the more so with a month long rental.

So, you could well save money by keeping the car while you're in Wellington.

No idea about parking rates at CBD hotels- we parked at our hotel for no cost, but we were in Petone, not downtown Wellington. We took the bus to get downtown to avoid having to drive and park in the city and we were there for 3-4 days.

If I were only in Wellie for 1.5 days, I'd keep the car and bus to town if needed (or just keep it in the hotel lot if you're staying in the CBD). I'm guessing even if you have to pay for hotel parking, it will be less than splitting up your car rental under two contracts.

Looks like most of your questions have been answered.

>>>I think, but I'm not certain, that APEX covers just the cost of the CAR on the ferry - you still have to pay for your persons.<<<

That is correct.

We kept the car in Wellington and stayed at Victoria Court Motor Lodge, which is right behind Cuba Street (there was an alley connecting the two) and had free parking when we were there in 2016. They continue to advertise off-street parking, but don't indicate if it's free. It might be worth sending them an email to clarify. http://www.victoriacourt.co.nz/accom...ellington.html

Re the car rental I took an older car and I was familiar with the route I was taking so took the risk!
We go to Wellington often but never hire a car as we fly from Auckland.
Hotels we have stayed in always charge for parking. Apollo Motor Inn and the Airport Motor Inn offer free parking and a Best Western out at Johnsonville do as well. Staying out in the suburbs would be fine as Wellington is quite compact but if you then drive into the city you still have to park the car somewhere. Stay in a central city hotel and you can walk everywhere. A taxi to the airport is about $30.