Your guide to autumn in Wellington
The autumn leaves are numerous and so are the gigs, exhibitions, and festivals in Wellington. Head out into the crisp air and enjoy the buzz.
By plane
Wellington International Airport has direct connectivity to the rest of New Zealand, Australia, and Fiji, across various airlines. Domestic air services are regular and fast. Flights leave for Auckland and Christchurch international airports hourly, and travel time is usually an hour. Queenstown is an hour and a half away, with multiple flights daily. Flights to Rotorua take just over an hour.
By ferry or cruise
The capital is a coastal gateway between the North and South Islands. There are regular ferry services across the Cook Strait to and from Picton. The three-and-a-half-hour journey takes you through the picturesque Marlborough Sounds. You can sail with either Interislander or Bluebridge. Taking a vehicle is easy, just drive on and off.
Cruise ships often stop in the city. The port hosts over 120 ships every year and is a ten-minute drive from the central city.
By car
If you are driving, Wellington is connected to two of the country’s major state highways, SH1 and SH2. The drive time from Auckland is approximately nine and a half hours, and Rotorua is five and a half hours.
Wellington is also part of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail. Keep an eye out for the brown road signs displaying grapes as you travel along the scenic driving route.
By train
The train station is in the centre of the city.
Great Journeys of New Zealand have a regular Northern Explorer train service, which connects Auckland and Wellington. The scenic 648km journey takes one day and includes multiple stops along the way.
If you’re heading to the South Island via ferry, jump on a Coastal Pacific train from Picton to Christchurch.
Once you’re here
You’ve arrived! Find out how you can get around once you’re in the capital.
Looking for more?
At start of items
Paul Ward: a local guide to nature
Paul Ward, founder of Capital Kiwi, shares his favourite Wellington trails for mountain biking, walking and spotting native birds in the wild.
Anjali Burnett: a local guide to fashion
There are a tight group of fashion designers and stores in the city. Ingenuity and inventiveness are words often associated with them. Co-founder of local label twenty-seven names, Anjali Burnett, knows many of them as both a colleague and a customer.
Megan Dunn: a local guide to arts and culture
Author, curator and art writer Megan Dunn keeps her finger on the cultural pulse of the city. She knows where to find the top galleries, installations, and espresso martinis.
Megan Wyper: a local guide to coffee
The Wellington coffee scene is known for its quality cafés. Acme co-owner Megan Wyper gives the lowdown on some great cafés to visit.
Max Gordy and Stina Persen: a local hospitality guide
Wellington is heaven if you’re a foodie. Husband and wife, Max Gordy and Stina Persen from the award-winning Graze Wine Bar, run down their list of tasty finds.
Your guide to cruise in Wellington
Wellington is compact and walkable, allowing you to do a lot when visiting on a cruise. Find what you need to know when docking in New Zealand's capital city.
Your guide to spring in Wellington
Spring in Wellington is a bit like the city itself — lively, unpredictable, and full of surprises. As the days grow longer and the city bursts into bloom, you’ll find pockets of sunshine, crisp sea breezes, and the occasional gust.
12 hours in Porirua
There's plenty of things to do in Porirua, just a short trip from Wellington. Take 12 hours to get your fill of beautiful walks, activities, and great food.
A long weekend in Wellington
Extend your weekend trip and spend three days in Wellington. Here’s an itinerary for 72 hours packed with hospitality, events, nature, and fun.