Getting around Wellington

Here’s how you can get around once you’re in Wellington. With a compact city centre and accessible transport options, navigating the capital is a breeze.

Wide of Bond Street in Wellington, with two yellow buses driving down the road.

Public transport

Buses and trains

Wellington has an extensive public transport system that is well-used by locals. Buses and trains can get you around the city, suburbs, and wider region. 

There is also the East by West Ferry that takes you across Wellington Harbour, from Queen’s Wharf in the city across to Eastbourne in Lower Hutt.

Metlink has an easy-to-use journey planner, getting you from A to B using all of the city’s transport options.

Airport Express (AX)

If you’ve arrived by plane, one of the easiest ways to access the city is via the airport bus. The Airport Express (AX) runs every 10 to 20 minutes, seven days a week. The trip takes approximately 30 minutes, and airport buses have wifi, USB charging, and luggage racks.

Pay for your journey with a Snapper card

Paying for your journey is easier and more convenient with a Snapper card. They can be purchased from the Wellington isite Visitor Information Centre or various convenience stores. Top up and tap your card on and off each mode of transport.

Looking into the Cable Car tunnel, with green LED lights lighting the inside and the 2 Cable cars meet in the middle of the tracks side by side.

Wellington Cable Car

As well as being a tourist attraction, the Cable Car is mainly used as a mode of transport. The red cars take passengers from the hills of leafy Kelburn to the heart of bustling Lambton Quay. A number of attractions are located at or near the top of the Cable Car (including the Wellington Botanic Garden, Space Place, Zealandia, and Cable Car Museum). It’s a great way to bundle a number of activities together.

Walking

One of the best ways to explore Wellington is by foot. The central city is only two kilometres across, meaning you can walk from one side to the other in around 30 minutes (not accounting for any coffee stops along the way). Grab a downtown map from the Wellington isite Visitor Information Centre, and get to know the capital on your own two feet.

Cycling

Wellington has an abundance of cycle lanes, so pedalling around the city is another great transport option. There are many bike hire businesses. Switched On Bikes operates from Queens Wharf and has both regular and e-bikes for hire. Fergs Kayaks also offers bikes on the waterfront. For an on-the-go option, Beam and Flamingo have electric bike and scooter share services. These are easily hired via mobile apps.

2 people walking down Cuba street underneath signs overhead.
Two cyclists are riding e-bikes along the walkway at Oriental Bay in Wellington.
2 people walking across the rainbow crossing on Cuba street, next to the rainbow umbrella.
The corner of Cuba Street and Vivian Street in Te Aro, Wellington on a cold overcast day.

Taxis and rideshare

Taxis are plentiful in the city, with multiple companies operating. They can be booked in advance or found in taxi ranks. Ride-share services like Uber also operate around Wellington and have a designated area at the airport.

Vehicles

If you have a private or hire vehicle, parking is available around the city. Alongside private parking buildings, on-street parking is available and is metred with time limits.

Car shares are available on demand for daily or hourly hire. Mevo and Cityhop have designated parking spaces and easy-to-use apps for hiring vehicles.

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24 hours in the Kāpiti Coast

If you only have a day to spend in the Kāpiti Coast then you’ll need to get cracking. The sunny coast has a great selection of things to see, do, and eat.

The view of Wellington Harbour from Mount Victoria on a sunny day.

Your guide to cruise in Wellington

Wellington is the perfect cruise destination. As a compact and walkable city, it allows you to see and do a lot in one day. Here’s what you need to know when docking in Te Whanganui a Tara.

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. Pack sunglasses and a raincoat and get ready to shake off the winter chill.

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Twelve hours in Porirua

From dawn until dusk Porirua has you covered. Spending a day in the city will give you your fill of beautiful walking tracks, outdoor activities, and great food.

The patio at Golding's bar located in Te Aro in Wellington, with four tables, twelve stools and eight people sitting enjoying beer and pizza.

A long weekend in Wellington

How much hospitality, arts, culture, nature, and wildlife can you fit into three days? Come to Wellington to find out.

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Welly-would: A film buff’s guide to Wellington

Lights, camera, and action. With special effect tours, huge production studios, and boutique cinemas, get a taste of movie magic in Wellington.

Your guide to autumn in Wellington

Autumn is a great time to visit Wellington. The days are calm, sunny, and typically less windy than other seasons. Head out and about to enjoy nature, galleries, cafés, and events.

Two people stroll along Oriental Bay Parade in Wellington holding hands on a sunny day.

Your guide to summer in Wellington

Visit an island, scream in a stadium, or indulge in ice cream. Here's how to enjoy some of Wellington's best summer days.

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How to get to Wellington

Located in the middle of New Zealand, it’s easy to get to Wellington. By plane, train, car, or boat, here’s how you can cruise into the capital.

Your guide to winter in Wellington

‘Brr’, you say? Yes, it’s winter in Wellington, so the chills are multiplying. Don’t worry, though — the city has plenty of fun to warm you up. So, grab your coat and scarf and head out the door.