Getting around Wellington

Public transport

Since Wellington is a compact city, you can easily explore it on foot. However, there's a good network of buses, running roughly 0700-2300. Metlink (tel: 0800 801 700, in New Zealand; www.metlink.org.nz) can provide information on bus, trains and ferry routes and timetables.

Several passes are available, including a Snapper card entitling the user to a 20% discount on single fares on certain buses around Wellington (Go Wellington, Valley Flyer, Runcimans and the Airport Flyer). You can also buy day passes for buses, trains or both. A cable car runs from Lambton Quay to the Cable Car Museum too.

Taxis

There are several taxi stands throughout the city. Capital Taxis (tel: +64 4 384 5678) and Green Cabs (tel: +64 508 447 336) are both reputable companies.

Driving

It doesn't pay to drive around the city as the one-way system can be confusing to new arrivals. Plus, it's easy to walk around and explore on foot. If you do decide to drive around Wellington, there is a Clifton car park and Civic Square car park, which are both run by the council. There are also various on-street parking options.

Car hire

Car hire companies in downtown Wellington include Avis (tel: +64 4 801 8108; www.avis.com), Budget (tel: +64 4 802 4548; www.budget.co.nz), Apex (tel: +64 4 385 2163; www.apexrentals.co.nz), and Vancy, who also rent camper vans (tel: +64 4 384 6650; vancy.co.nz).

Bicycle hire

You can hire bikes from Avanti Plus/On Yer Bike, 181 Vivian Street (tel: +64 4 384 8480; www.avantiplus.co.nz) and Mud Cycles, 424 Karori Road (tel: +64 4 476 4961; www.mudcycles.co.nz).

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

Book Accommodation

Featured Hotels

Ohtel

Inspired by New York’s high-end boutique hotel scene and modern architecture, Ohtel is a small but luxurious place to stay for the traveller who wants a unique Wellington experience. All the mid-century furnishings are from the founder’s private collection, and the hotel itself is built into the base of a steep coastal cliff space. Even the cheapest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee.

Cambridge Hotel

The Cambridge has been a Wellington establishment since 1883 - Queen Elizabeth herself stayed here in the 1960s. Overall, it offers great facilities at amazing prices. Located in the centre of Wellington, it is minutes from major attractions, fine dining, and great shopping. The Cambridge has rooms to suit all budgets, from backpacker dorms to en-suite doubles and all of the rooms come with SKY TV and a mini fridge.

Victoria Court Motor Lodge

In the heart of downtown Wellington, this lodge offering studios, and one- and two-bedroom apartments, is ideally located within easy walking distance of theatres, shops, bars and museums. Most of the 25 units have spa baths/showers, cook tops, queen-size beds and Sky TV. Off-street parking is available.

InterContinental Wellington Hotel

The imposing InterContinental Hotel, the best five-star hotel in town, is one of the city's landmarks, with two restaurants, café, pool, sauna, fitness centre, large indoor heated swimming pool, conference and banquet facilities, and business centre. Many of the 231 modern and stylish rooms and suites have excellent harbour views.

Ibis Wellington

This international budget chain hotel is a good-value option for those who want to be close to the action, but don't want to stay in a backpacker's hostel. There's a restaurant for breakfast, lunch or dinner but limited parking.

Museum Art Hotel

Set across from the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, the Museum Art Hotel offers both classic hotel and apartment style accommodation. The chic hotel is peppered with paintings and sculptures, and even comes with an art map for guests wishing to take a self-guided tour of the premises.

Introducing Wellington

While you’re there

Plan your trip

New Zealand Information

Airports