Car Rental Wellington Ferry Terminal

Wellington is the perfect place to begin your New Zealand odyssey. With a beautiful, buzzing harbour at its feet and a backdrop of green rolling hills to hike, Wellington offers outdoor activities, a nature-rich lifestyle and good looks to boot. What makes it even more special for the traveller is its position at the southern tip of the North Island, establishing Wellington as an ideal gateway city. You’ll be primed to explore the creative and political capital of the country, discover its vibrant history, arts and culture, and impressively cool urban flavour; then unwind with some easy getaways to an array of great rural and coastal towns nearby. 

But more than that, Wellington is exceptionally situated to be the ultimate launchpad for your next big adventure down to the spectacularly stunning South Island. Once you’ve picked up your hire car from the Queen’s Wharf Ferry Terminal, you can simply drive on board the Interislander and settle into the 3.5-hour ferry journey between New Zealand’s two main lands. The passage across Cook Strait makes a marvellous experience – you’ll encounter the meeting of two great bodies of water, the Tasman Sea and South Pacific Ocean, both rich in marine life. Being this close as you meander through the isolated islands and secluded bays, is arguably more satisfying and inspiring than flying quickly over the water. Taking the slow journey allows you to indulge in this natural, timeless beauty, with views that will be etched in your memory for life. Your sense of astonishment and anticipation will be ignited as you take this epic trip towards the magnificent Marlborough Sounds, steering through to the calm waters of Picton’s harbour.

But before your big getaway from the world’s windiest city, spend a day or two immersing in some must-do experiences closer to home in wondrous Wellington. Whether you’re keen to take a culinary journey through the foodie favourites of the city; or journey back in time to learn more about the region’s rich heritage and Māori culture; or hop onto the Wellington Cable Car up the hill to Kilburn Station, and journey back into a romantic era of trams and old transport at the Cable Car Museum. There are so many attractions that you can fit into a quick visit to this unique compact city, or you can always return for more.

Discover the mecca of New Zealand’s art and culture in your hire car

From Wellington Ferry, you’ll be able to discover a range of things to do nearby. While you’re at the wharf district, stop in at the Lambton Quay for some shopping; then head to Cuba Street, Wellington’s most arty and offbeat strip with vintage boutiques and much-loved cafes. Look out for the famed Bucket Fountain for a quirky splash of colour; walking past is an essential ritual, with locals and visitors ‘baptised’ by its waters since 1969. 

Follow the waterfront to Oriental Bay and enjoy the path to golden beaches, delectable dining, and New Zealand’s national museum, the world-class Te Papa Tongarewa. As the richest treasure trove of Māori heritage, the museum plays host to innovative programs and outstanding cultural exhibitions. Journey back to the beginnings of Wellington’s history, and discover early Māori legends from 950 CE to the first settlement several centuries later. 

With your hire car, you’ll end your Wellington journey on a high note

One of the most popular things to do around Wellington is take a journey to ‘Middle-Earth’ – via the seaside suburb of Miramar, also known as ‘Wellywood’. Both a roaring tourist attraction, and a must for film buffs! Slip into the fantasy world of hobbits and elves, take a magical tour of the Weta Workshop that brought you the Lord of the Rings films, see the costumes and props, and learn from the wizards of artistry behind a score of other Hollywood successes.

Serious movie enthusiasts will also want to visit some of the shooting locations around Wellington, like the Mount Victoria Lookout. Walk up the nature trails or drive to the top to view the glorious panorama of the bay and coastline nestled in rugged hills. With some gourmet treats from Leeds Street Bakery, organic decadence from the Wellington Chocolate Factory, and a typical Kiwi brew from Flight Coffee, you’ll be set to watch the sun set over your stay in New Zealand’s ‘coolest little capital’. Refreshed, you’ll be ready for a new adventure across the Strait in the stunning South Island.