Rental Cars in Wellington?

[Spanky Cruise 1]

Hi - We are arriving on RCCL Ovation of the Seas in January and think we would like to rent a car and drive around the area in Wellington.

 

From what I can tell Hertz and Omega both have rental car offices in the ferry terminal. Is this near the area where the Ovation will dock?

 

Thanks for your help. Much appreciate it.

 

Sarah

[hangfive]

We have just organised rental at Wellington port. Try Omega or Buzzy. You will have to email them re Aotea Quay. Buzzy has the cruise port listed on their site, but Omega doesn't (but will pickup/dropoff at port). Both gave us good quotes. Even though the ferry terminal is close by, you have to attempt to cross a busy/fast road leading onto the motorway, as by memory there is not a footpath on the terminal side leading up to the ferry terminal.

[Spanky Cruise 1]

Thank you -- we will email them and go from there.

[Beanb41]

I have a bit of experience in dealing with backyard rental car operators in NZ. Until the name "Buzzy rentals" popped up on Trip Advisor a few days ago I had never heard of them and they had not popped up with other Trip advisor users of car rentals. There are many backyard operators who operate out of private homes or as third party operators in New Zealand who base their business on price with limited after hours customer services and operate a drop off service at airports and cruise terminals and after the customers have left the country they get a bill on their credit card for damage although the customers swears that there was no damage to the vehicle. Unfortunately when one is on the other side of the world it is almost impossible to argue ones case. This company maybe reputable but it also may be an expensive cost to find out. If one uses the recognised international companies like Hertz, Avis or similar or second tier companies like Omega and Apex in Wellington for example one can be assured they are dealing with long standing reputable companies. Sure they may be a bit more expensive than a back yard operator but in the overall scale of things peace of mind is more important. If hiring for one day ensure that you have an all inclusive no excess insurance policy. This is obtained from the reputable companies for a small per diem increase around $NZ15. This will ensure that in event of a damage claim you wont get hit by a $NZ5000 excess claim after you arrive home. My credibility can be found on Trip Advisor NZ forum. Customer service is more important for car rentals that saving a few bucks. All the reputable companies have fully inclusive websites which detail in minute detail their terms and conditions. Ensure you have peace of mind when making your choice. Safe and happy motoring and have a great stay in the Collest little capital in the World

[hangfive]

I have a bit of experience in dealing with backyard rental car operators in NZ. Until the name "Buzzy rentals" popped up on Trip Advisor a few days ago I had never heard of them and they had not popped up with other Trip advisor users of car rentals. There are many backyard operators who operate out of private homes or as third party operators in New Zealand who base their business on price with limited after hours customer services and operate a drop off service at airports and cruise terminals and after the customers have left the country they get a bill on their credit card for damage although the customers swears that there was no damage to the vehicle. Unfortunately when one is on the other side of the world it is almost impossible to argue ones case. This company maybe reputable but it also may be an expensive cost to find out. If one uses the recognised international companies like Hertz, Avis or similar or second tier companies like Omega and Apex in Wellington for example one can be assured they are dealing with long standing reputable companies. Sure they may be a bit more expensive than a back yard operator but in the overall scale of things peace of mind is more important. If hiring for one day ensure that you have an all inclusive no excess insurance policy. This is obtained from the reputable companies for a small per diem increase around $NZ15. This will ensure that in event of a damage claim you wont get hit by a $NZ5000 excess claim after you arrive home. My credibility can be found on Trip Advisor NZ forum. Customer service is more important for car rentals that saving a few bucks. All the reputable companies have fully inclusive websites which detail in minute detail their terms and conditions. Ensure you have peace of mind when making your choice. Safe and happy motoring and have a great stay in the Collest little capital in the World

Interesting reading, thanks. For the record, we opted for Omega. Their quote was only slightly dearer, but main reason was for the Nil excess, which we believe everyone has to have. I hope the op reads your comments.

Thanks again......feeling good re our rental choice!

[Beanb41]

Peace of mind and the ability to sleep at night overrides any extra small per diem costs. Omega cars are generally somewhat older than some companies and may have a few dings and scratches on them. If you have a no excess policy it wont be an issue but if anyone else hiring a car doesn't not have the No excess policy ensure you go over the car thoroughly before leaving the depot and always ensure someone signs the car back in at the end of the hire. Failure to ensure the latter could leave you with a large unanticipated bill

[Suzbluz]

I have a bit of experience in dealing with backyard rental car operators in NZ. Until the name "Buzzy rentals" popped up on Trip Advisor a few days ago I had never heard of them and they had not popped up with other Trip advisor users of car rentals. There are many backyard operators who operate out of private homes or as third party operators in New Zealand who base their business on price with limited after hours customer services and operate a drop off service at airports and cruise terminals and after the customers have left the country they get a bill on their credit card for damage although the customers swears that there was no damage to the vehicle. Unfortunately when one is on the other side of the world it is almost impossible to argue ones case. This company maybe reputable but it also may be an expensive cost to find out. If one uses the recognised international companies like Hertz, Avis or similar or second tier companies like Omega and Apex in Wellington for example one can be assured they are dealing with long standing reputable companies. Sure they may be a bit more expensive than a back yard operator but in the overall scale of things peace of mind is more important. If hiring for one day ensure that you have an all inclusive no excess insurance policy. This is obtained from the reputable companies for a small per diem increase around $NZ15. This will ensure that in event of a damage claim you wont get hit by a $NZ5000 excess claim after you arrive home. My credibility can be found on Trip Advisor NZ forum. Customer service is more important for car rentals that saving a few bucks. All the reputable companies have fully inclusive websites which detail in minute detail their terms and conditions. Ensure you have peace of mind when making your choice. Safe and happy motoring and have a great stay in the Collest little capital in the World

 

Motor vehicle excess costs are often covered by travel insurance so it is worth checking your policy before you pay the extra charge.

[Spanky Cruise 1]

Thanks for the suggestions. We were looking at Hertz as well.

[Beanb41]

If one is relying on travel insurance to meet any excess be aware that the rental car company wont deal with your insurance company. As far as they are concerned you are the client and you pay. Whatever arrangement you have with an insurance company is your concern.

Secondly if you are again relying upon your travel insurance for any excess, you leave the vehicle at the wharf and sailaway you run the risk of your insurance company not paying out for damage as you could be deemed as having abandoned your car. It has been known to happen.

 

For a one day hire pay the no excess premium only a few dollars and maintain that piece of mind

[Kiwi Kruzer]

Good luck driving and parking in Wellington . It is a very compact City. If you are planning on driving out of the City make sure you leave enough time to get back and avoid the rush hour ,There is only 1 road in and out and it can get very busy .

[hangfive]

Good luck driving and parking in Wellington . It is a very compact City. If you are planning on driving out of the City make sure you leave enough time to get back and avoid the rush hour ,There is only 1 road in and out and it can get very busy .

Correct (unless you know the back roads well). This time we are in Wellington on a Saturday, so plan on being back in the vicinity of the city just after lunch.