Wellington airport is among the busiest airports in New Zealand. As a tourist landing here after the long haul flight to this beautiful country and looking to rent a van in Wellington, you will most likely prefer to get your rental van from a rental company with a location at Wellington airport. This is mainly due to the convenience that airport rental locations offer.

Wellington airport has several rental companies that you can take advantage of to get a quality and cheap rental van.

The process of renting a car is easier said than done and some people end up paying extra charges for things that would easily be avoided. This article discusses three steps you should follow when renting a car at Wellington airport to ensure your trip is successful and a few tips you should consider when renting a car at Wellington airport.

Do Your Research

Before settling on one rental company, do some research. These will include comparing prices between the different rental companies, reading reviews from previous customers, and going through their different rental policies as you try to identify one that will best suit you.

As you do your research make sure you also check for discounts and promotions as you can take advantage of them and save some money. While doing your research also read the fine print to avoid being caught off guard by any hidden fees. Some of the other things you can check-out include:

Under 25 rental policies;
Insurance;
Prices of add-ons like GPS and child seat;
Additional driver fees.

Settle on the Right Car Based on Your Needs

When choosing a rental car, among the main considerations are the number of people and the amount of luggage you intend to bring along. You don’t want to go around New Zealand in a cramped space. You want ample legroom and headroom, and enough space for your luggage.

This makes a van an ideal option because it offers this extra space that other passenger vehicles are limited in. Check out van rental Wellington and get yourself one that will best suit you in terms of space and price.

Another thing you may want to consider as you choose the right car is off-road capabilities. New Zealand has some great off-beat destinations that you should try out. Consider a car with

off-road capabilities to enjoy your trip to the fullest.

Book in Advance

Booking early is always a wise decision. This will among other things help you get the model that you want since popular models “fly off the shelf quickly”, avoid last-minute inconvenience, and also get you a cheaper price.

As soon as you confirm your travel dates and come up with an itinerary, make your booking early enough. It is also advisable to book with the option of canceling without a penalty in case you get a better deal elsewhere before you travel.

Car Rental Tips To Consider When Renting a Car at Wellington Airport

After taking the above three steps, here are a few rental tips you should consider to make your experience even better.

Always Inspect the Car Before Driving off

In case of any damages, you will be required to take care of the repairs. So to avoid being charged for dents or scratches you didn’t cause, check the car keenly. You can even take pictures as evidence if you notice an issue.

Avoid GPS as an Add-on

Gps as an add-on will come with an extra daily charge. Instead, you can use your phone. You can download maps that you can then use offline in case of poor data connection.

Avoid Renting One Way

Picking and dropping the car at the same location will be much cheaper than renting one way. You can schedule your itinerary so that your trip starts from one place and ends at that same place.

Stick to One Driver

Sticking to one driver ensures you save the extra money you would pay for an additional driver. Come up with a designated driver and take periodic rests to ensure they are not fatigued.

Fill up the Tank Yourself

Most car rentals will expect you to bring the car back with a full tank. Make sure you do that yourself and avoid the option of the rental company filling up the tank for you because you find it convenient. They will charge extra for the filling up because of the convenience.

Important Road Rules In New Zealand

Below are a few important road rules you should put in mind while driving in New Zealand.

Don’t exceed the speed limits indicated on road signs.
Follow the traffic lights.
Ensure you wear your seat belts.
Driving under the influence of alcohol is a crime punishable by law in New Zealand.
Be aware of the metrics. For example, distance is in Kilometers.
Don’t overtake on a continuous yellow line.
Talking on a hand-held phone while driving is an offense.

Conclusion

When visiting Wellington and coming through the airport. The most convenient place to rent a car will be in the car rental locations at the airport. There are many cheap vans for rent in New Zealand and depending on your preferences you will get just the perfect one for this trip. The three steps discussed above and the few tips shared will ensure you get the best deal in Wellington van rentals to make your trip a success and ensure you enjoy Wellington and New Zealand at large.