Transport and accommodation product updates

Cross the Cook Strait with Bluebridge ferries. Offering a full cafe-style menu, free movies, wifi and activities for the kids. Located across from the Wellington train station, the Bluebridge terminal is within walking distance of many major Wellington hotels and attractions.

• New ship Connemara joined the Bluebridge fleet in February 2023, increasing passenger capacity by 500 and cabins by 120. The Connemara also offers dog-friendly cabins.
• Both vessels have private cabins for pre-purchase, all with their own ensuite.
• When booking, please refer to Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferries by name.

The Interislander ferry sails between the North and South Island of New Zealand. It offers locally sourced food and beverages, cinemas, free kids activities and premium lounges on board all ferries. The Kaiwharawhara Wellington Terminal is accessed from the Hutt Road (from the north) and Aotea Quay (from the south).

• Make the journey extra special in Interislander Plus — the exclusive upgrade option includes lounge-style seating, hot meals, a range of beverage options and dedicated lounge staff. Restricted to ages 18 years and over.
• New family-friendly Pelorus Jack Lounge is now onboard Kaitaki, perfect for those travelling with older children and are after a guaranteed seat, a range of buffet options, and readily-available tea and coffee.
• Two purpose-built superships are underway for 2025 and 2026 delivery.
• Other commissionable products are available, including private cabins, meal vouchers and group offers.

Great Journeys of New Zealand have resumed the Northern Explorer and Coastal Pacific scenic trains with exciting new tourism offerings.

• New Short Breaks & Packages are available.
• Introduction of new travel packages and guided tours from October 2022.

Northern Explorer

Explore the rural heart of New Zealand’s North Island on this epic 648km journey from Auckland to Wellington by train.

• Operating northbound, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
• Southbound, Monday, Thursday and Saturday.

Coastal Pacific

One of the most picturesque journeys on New Zealand’s railways, the Coastal Pacific train combined with the Interislander ferry, is the perfect way to connect Wellington, Blenheim, Kaikoura and Christchurch.

• The Picton to Christchurch day train runs Thursday to Sunday, 23 September to 24 January.
• Daily services run between February and 24 April.

Explore the capital city through a unique vantage point with Wellington Helicopters. Choose from a short, exhilarating flight over the city or escape to a winery to taste local wines and cuisine. Options are available for per-person fares or private charters.

• Exceptional service and diamond safety record, including 100% Pure New Zealand Experience 2021 winner.
• Qualmark Gold operator, a division of GCH Aviation.

South Coast Discovery

• The experience takes you down the rugged coastline, landing amongst the seal colonies that hug the cliffs of the South Coast.
• $370 (allow 40 minutes).

Heli-lunch packages

• Indulge in a day visit for lunch or stay at remote luxury lodges such as Wharekauhau or Bay of Many Coves and Marlborough Sounds.
• Wharekauhau Heli-lunch: $720pp (allow 3 hours).
• Bay of Many Coves Heli-lunch: $920pp (allow 3 hours).

The Airport Express Bus is back up and running. Now fully electric, this service enables visitors to keep their emissions low with this competitive airport transport option.

Travelling from the Wellington International Airport, through the CBD and to the Wellington Railway Station — connecting you to the wider Wellington region. The AX departs from outside the Airport Terminal or at Stop A at the Railway Station and runs frequent daily services.

The AX service has been designed with travellers in mind, with free wifi, USB charging and luggage racks — to get visitors into the city in 25 to 35 minutes. Travellers can pay onboard with cash, EFTPOS (credit or debit) or Snapper (local transport card).

Wyndham is making its mark in Wellington, opening its third property, TRYP Hotel. Inspired by the art deco style of old-Chicago architecture, TRYP by Wyndham Wellington offers all travellers an elevated hotel experience.

• Offering 77 accommodation options, with a mix of hotel, apartment and suite style rooms in a range of layouts.
• The elegant Executive Suites feature one and two bedroom options with full kitchen and laundry facilities and balconies overlooking the city.
• Opulent, bold and making a statement to the city of Wellington - the luxury Penthouse 601 is the largest hotel penthouse in the city and offers guests a truly luxurious experience.

Newly built Proximity Wellington is a modern, serviced apartment hotel nestled in Wellington’s vibrant city.

• Centrally located to key attractions Sky Stadium, The Beehive, and Wellington CBD.
• Digital hotel solutions, including online check-in and check-out features, and the ability to chat with the team directly via WhatsApp.
• Brand new purpose-built serviced apartment hotel

Accor’s newest Wellington property, The Sebel Wellington is located in Lower Hutt, just 20 mins drive from Wellington City centre.

• The Sebel sits proudly alongside Te Awa Kairangi (Hutt River), and is in close proximity to the Lower Hutt Events Centre, providing guests with a dynamic atmosphere and stunning views of the river and the Riddiford Gardens.
• Showcases upscale design along with modern-day amenities throughout to provide a truly unique accommodation experience.

The newest addition to the Independent Collection by EVT, the Museum Apartment Hotel features 97 beautiful furnished apartments in the heart of Wellington CBD.

• Every guest will have access to QT onsite leisure facilities, including a swimming pool and gym.
• Next door, QT Wellington’s food and beverage outlets, including simply stunning French fare at Hippopotamus, signature cocktails at Hot Sauce and nightcaps in the Lobby Lounge, are at the fingertips of Museum Apartment Hotel guests.

Rydges Wellington has returned to the market following a recent refurbishment of Deluxe and Suite rooms, conference space and leisure facilities, and overall seismic strengthening.

• The refurbished Deluxe Rooms offer a more contemporary feel and complement the stunning harbour and city views.
• The newly renovated leisure centre cements the hotel’s positioning as a key corporate and leisure property within Wellington CBD.
• Portlander reopens with a deliciously refreshed menu and even more exciting events for guests and its loyal Prime Club members alike.

Singapore company Naumi Hotels is now fully open, offering two properties — Naumi Hotel Wellington and Naumi Studio Wellington. Featuring bold palettes, delightful design and 178 rooms in total.

• The lounge bar and restaurant offer whimsical and contemporary styling. Along with an on-site pool and plenty of meeting and event spaces.
• Both interconnecting hotels are centrally located on Cuba Street, one of Wellington’s main streets for all things fun, tasty and hip.

Sojourn Ghuznee is a brand-new apartment hotel located 150 meters from the vibrant Cuba St precinct.

• Featuring 75 apartment-styled rooms equipped with full kitchenettes.

Quest 256 Lambton is a brand new Quest property in Wellington.

• 54 serviced apartment-style hotel rooms accommodating short and extended stays.
• Includes studios and one-two bedroom apartments.

New to New Zealand is Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts. Mövenpick Hotel Wellington is a five-star offering located on The Terrace overlooking the vibrant Cuba Quarter and within walking distance to major Wellington attractions.

• Features include Kitchen & Bar Restaurant, 24-hour reception, a 12m indoor heated lap pool, sauna, a fully equipped gym, and a dedicated conference and events floor equipped with the latest technology.
• Special offerings also include a 24-hour sundae service, a daily chocolate hour, and their ‘Kea Kids Retreat’.

Ramada Suites by Wyndham is open on Taranaki Street with 72 rooms.

• Centrally located, surrounded by many dining options and easy access to public transportation.
• Free WiFi, a gym, and well-appointed guest rooms.

Microtel by Wyndham from Marsden Hotels & Resorts open with 80 rooms.

• Opened in 2022, making it the group’s 13th property within New Zealand.
• Located on Vivian St so centrally located, surrounded by many dining options and easy access to public transportation.
• Free WiFi, paid parking, a café and modern guest rooms.

James Cook Grand Chancellor is a 4.5-star hotel with 269 rooms — including Terrace and Executive Rooms. Easily access the hotel off The Terrace or Lambton Quay — key shopping and attractions streets in Wellington.

• A 200-room refurbishment was completed in 2019.
• Level 16 conference floor of the hotel has been completely refurbished, and two new function spaces have been added, bringing the total number of function rooms up to 10.
• Coach ‘drop off’ zone at the Terrace Street entrance.
• Two restaurants and two bars available, including Whitby’s Restaurant serving its famous dinner buffet from Wednesdays to Saturdays.

Family-owned and operated, the 5-star Bolton Hotel is just steps from Parliament, with easy access to the city’s shops, restaurants and the vibrant waterfront.

• Spacious apartment-style suites all feature separate living rooms and full kitchens with washer/dryer facilities.
• A refurbishment is currently underway, and four floors are already complete with elegant decor.
• The fitness centre, spa pool, lap pool and sauna ensure guests obtain zest or rest.
• The newly refurbished restaurant, Artisan, is the heart of the hotel. Led by head chef Mike Williamson, Artisan showcases seasonal flavours and authentic Kiwi cuisine in sophisticated comfort.

Located on the corner of Cambridge Terrace and Wakefield Street, YHA Wellington offers travellers room types to suit all needs, including plenty of private and ensuite facilities.

• Has reopened its doors to backpackers.
• All guests can enjoy our fully-equipped kitchens, TV lounges, bike storage, and 5GB free WiFi per day.

Oaks Wellington opened in 2019 and is a 4.5-star hotel with 226 modern and spacious rooms.

• Located on Courtenay Place, in the heart of the entertainment and café area.
• Just a short walk to the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa and the waterfront.

DoubleTree by Hilton opened in 2019 and is located within Wellington’s central business district, adjacent to the Wellington Cable Car and less than 5 minutes away from the waterfront.

• Offering on-site conference centre, fitness centre, restaurant and parking.

• Park Wellington Hotel has closed its doors permanently.
• Distinction Hotels Wellington has closed its doors permanently.

Ranginui Retreat is a Qualmark Silver 4-star+ hosted boutique accommodation. This sophisticated country accommodation is situated 10 minutes from Masterton on the Classic NZ Wine Trail SH2.

• A swimming pool and tennis court sit within the beautifully landscaped garden, surrounded by farmland home to belted Galloway heifer cows.
• Two suites (King and Queen) are available in the main homestead, and adjacent to that is a separate one-bedroom cottage.
• Dinner and cooked breakfast available on site, on request.

In the last couple of years, great occupancy has cemented Martinborough and The Claremont Motels and Apartments as a must-do for overseas and domestic tourists. Recently completed significant upgrades around the complex:

• Air Conditioning units installed
• Replacement of Queen/Super King splitable beds
• All one Bedroom units have new bathrooms, carpet, and fresh paintwork completed.

The iconic country hotel, The White Swan, is located on the main street of Greytown.

• Now under new ownership, the hotel is trade ready. 
• New sophisticated food and beverage offerings and stylish refurbished interior.
• Through warm hospitality and fresh produce, this hotel provides a rich connection to the Wairarapa region.

The Martinborough Hotel is a beautiful boutique accommodation full of old charms and quirks, in the heart of Martinborough — Wairarapa’s very own wine village.

Freshly completed, full internal upgrade including an internal repaint, upgrade of Heritage rooms and Suites, new beds and upgraded IT facilities in both conference rooms.