Rental Cars Wanganui

Whanganui

Easy Whanganui pick up and drop off

Need a car to zip around or to explore the Whanganui region? Pegasus has you sorted with affordable car hire right here on the west coast of the North Island. From last-minute errands to weekend getaways, we’re your local rental car provider in Whanganui.

Pick up your rental vehicle with ease from Whanganui Airport or central city hotels during office hours, with $30 transfers available (or $15 for one-way transfers). After-hours collection is no problem either. Just give us a call or email to arrange. Let us know your flight number, date, and time, and we’ll have your car ready and waiting at the terminal. A $45 fee applies for after-hours pick-up or drop-off.

Pegasus Rental Cars Wanganui

21 Heads Road, Gonville,
Wanganui 4500, New Zealand

wanganui@rentalcars.co.nz

Opening Hours

8am – 5pm Monday to Friday
8am – 12pm Saturday
For bookings outside these hours please phone 0800 35 45 11

Reviews

Reviews from our Whanganui customers

We love to hear about your experience with us! Read what our past customers had to say:

Vehicle Range

Our vehicle range

Our Whanganui car rentals consist of fuel-efficient and well-maintained vehicles. Choose from economical hatchbacks, comfy sedans, and roomy SUVs to suit your needs and budget. For larger groups, we also have spacious people movers.

For your peace of mind, we give each car a 23-point safety check and thorough inspection before you drive away. All vehicles are covered by 24-hour roadside assistance, New Zealand-wide. Enjoy unlimited kilometres on all hires of 4 days or more. Hires for up to 3 days include 150 free kilometres per day. Child seats and GPS navigation are available for rent.

Sub Compact

Nissan March. They are suitable for 4 adults with a small amount of luggage. Very capable cars for the city or covering the country. Very Economical and easy handling.

Compact Hatch

Toyota Yaris or Mitsubishi Mirage. Our compact cars are perfect for getting around town, or heading off on a short road trip. Our most popular category, the compact cars, is a very fuel-efficient car. Zip through to your destination in style and comfort with smooth performance that puts you in control.

Sedans

Toyota Corolla Sedan or Toyota Corolla Hybrid. Our sedans are perfect for getting around town, or for touring. Suitable for up to 5 people. With economical engines, these vehicles provide an affordable and convenient way to travel.

SUVs

Nissan Qashqai, Mitsubishi ASX or Mitsubishi Outlander (7-Seater). Our SUV’s offer more space and greater visibility than our car categories. These SUVs seat 5 adults, with extra legroom and suitcase storage. Perfect for road trips, adding comfort & convenience to your journey.

8-Seater People Mover

Nissan Serena. Our 8-seater people movers allow the freedom to explore. Perfect for family touring or group trips, these vehicles are a cost-effective transportation method to get you safely & comfortably to your destination.

Things to do in Whanganui

Visit Bushy Park Sanctuary

Just 25 minutes from Whanganui, you’ll find Bushy Park Sanctuary, a must-visit destination that makes for a truly memorable day, or an overnight stay at the Homestead. Experience the lush lowland forest filled with native plants and bird species, and then stay at the private and protected bed and breakfast.

Enjoy family travel games to beat ‘are we there yet?’

Long road trip ahead? Keep the kids entertained (and your sanity intact) with fun in-car games, activities, and tips to make the journey just as enjoyable as the destination.

Read up on 14 key tips for driving safely in New Zealand

From winding coastal highways to scenic alpine routes, New Zealand roads are stunning, but can also be unpredictable. Read our blog covering must-know safety tips and local rules to keep your trip smooth and stress-free.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Before you book

How much does it cost to hire a car in Whanganui?

We offer competitive pricing on car rentals, with affordable options on economical hatchbacks, sedans, SUVs, and people movers. Head to our deals page to snap up any current specials. Need transportation for several days or more? The longer you rent, the lower your daily rate. Lock in a great price today!

What documentation will I need to rent a car in Whanganui?

A valid full driver’s licence is essential. If it’s not in English, bring either an official English translation or an International Driving Permit.

How do I check availability for rental cars in Whanganui?

Super easy! Just enter your preferred dates and pick-up/drop-off location on our booking page. We’ll show you all available vehicles in real-time.

Is insurance included in your rental rates?

Yes. All bookings include Bronze Cover as standard. You can upgrade to Silver (reduced excess) for extra peace of mind.

What is the minimum and maximum age for making a booking?

You can rent a car from the age of 21 years with a full driver’s license.

Can I modify, extend, or cancel my reservation?

Get in touch with our office on 0800 35 45 11 as soon as possible, and we’ll do our best to accommodate changes, subject to vehicle availability.

Vehicle information

Are baby and child seats available?

Absolutely. Child booster seats and baby seats are available at an extra cost. Simply request them when making your reservation to discover availability and total cost.

Pickup & travel options

Can I book a one-way car hire from or to Whanganui?

Yes. One-way rentals are available to and from many other Pegasus locations across the country. Just enter your desired drop-off branch when booking, or give us a call to check availability and fees.

Is after-hours pickup available at your Whanganui branch?

Yes, we offer after-hours collection and drop-off at our Whanganui depot. You can pre-arrange this with our team so we can provide you with access instructions. A $45 fee applies.

Do I need to return the vehicle with a full tank of gas?

Yes, please return your vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional refuelling charges.

What petrol stations are closest to your Whanganui branch?

You can fuel up at one of these nearby service stations:

Waitomo Fuel: 19 Carlton Avenue, Gonville
BP: 75 Taupo Quay, Whanganui
Z: 14 Dublin Street, Whanganui

During your rental

How do I contact customer support during my rental period?

You can call our team at 0800 35 45 11 or email wanganui@rentalcars.co.nz if you need support or have any questions during your hire.

Driving around Whanganui

Are there toll roads in Whanganui?

Nope — Whanganui is toll-free. There are no toll roads in the lower North Island, so you can explore freely without worrying about extra charges.

What are petrol prices like in Whanganui?

Petrol prices for 91 unleaded usually range between $2.47 and $2.86 per litre (as of Q3 2025). Prices vary by station and may shift daily depending on supply and demand.

What's the speed limit in Whanganui?

In built-up areas, it’s generally 50km/h or 70km/h. On the open road, it’s 100km/h unless signposted otherwise. Watch for reduced limits near schools and roadworks.

When is peak hour traffic in Whanganui?

Like most towns, peak traffic tends to occur around 7:30-9:00 am and 4:30-6:00 pm on weekdays. City roads and SH4 into and out of town can get busy at these times.

Where are the best places to park in Whanganui?

You’ll find plenty of parking across in the city centre and outskirts, including on-street meters and off-street car parks. Check the Whanganui District Council website for current locations, rates, and any time restrictions.

Book now with Pegasus

With 15 depots nationwide, you can find a Pegasus rental car location near you. The Pegasus team wants to see you off on a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable journey. We can’t wait to welcome you to the North Island!