Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington
Transport
Wellington Airport is approximately 8 kilometers (about 5 miles) from the Wellington Central Business District (CBD).
Buses & Trains
- 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.
Ride the Wellington Cable Car - The bright red Wellington Cable Car is a bit of a classic. Enjoy a ride up from the terminal in the heart of the Lambton Quay shopping district up to the lookout for panoramic views of the city. You’ll also find the Cable Car Museum, Space Place at Carter Observatory, and Botanic Garden.
Learn about movie-making magic - Take a behind-the-scenes tour at the Academy Award-winning Wētā Workshop for a peek into incredible artistry and remarkable Kiwi innovation, as well as a few industry secrets. And of course, a visit to The Lord of the Rings locations is a must for Middle‑earth™ fans.
Discover New Zealand wildlife - Get up close and personal with a three-eyed prehistoric reptile and New Zealand’s native birds (the kiwi) at nature reserve Zealandia. Spot seals at Red Rock Reserve or head over to Wairarapa to visit the home of endangered birds at Pukaha Mount Bruce. Wellington is brimming with nature experiences.
Spend the day at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa - No trip to Wellington is complete without a visit to the incredible Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. Discover great treasures and stories of this country, its unique natural environment, Māori culture, art, heritage, and fascinating history at this innovative museum.
Tour boutique vineyards - Just over an hour’s drive or train ride from Wellington city will take you to Wairarapa, one of New Zealand’s premier wine regions. Once here, hire a bike from Green Jersey Cycles in Martinborough to cycle your way around the boutique vineyards. You can even book a Martinborough Wine Tour day trip from Wellington.
Take in the views at Mount Victoria Lookout - Nestled between a stunning harbour and protected green belt, there’s nothing quite like the view from Mount Victoria Lookout in the central city. You can drive all the way up, or walk through the nature trails. Grab some fish and chips and sit on the grass as the sun goes down and the lights come up.
Get your coffee fix - Named as one of the top 8 coffee cities in the world by CNN, Wellington knows its brews and beans. You’re spoilt for choice in New Zealand’s coffee capital and it’s pretty tough to go wrong, but for a typically Wellington brew and vibe, Flight Coffee’s The Hangar is a good place to start.
Savour capital flavours - Known as New Zealand’s culinary capital, you won’t struggle to find excellent dining in Wellington, from eateries like Pickle & Pie to stalwarts such as Ortega Fish Shack and Logan Brown. Wellington is also renowned for its beer scene – barely a city block goes by without a specialist brew bar.
The Festival runs each March in Te Whanganui-ā-Tara. “Honouring the past, building for the future and celebrating the now”.
Eat & Drink
Jano Bistro - delivers a seasonally inspired, innovative menu that celebrates the best New Zealand produce. Set within a beautifully restored historic cottage in downtown Wellington, the restaurant invites diners to unwind and indulge in a memorable culinary experience.
Floriditas - a beloved Wellington institution whose charm has not diminished over time. Known for its elegant yet relaxed atmosphere, this European-inspired eatery serves up seasonal cuisine made from high-quality ingredients.
Highwater Eatery - an award-winning restaurant and wine bar known for making almost everything from scratch, from bread rolls and pickles to cured meats.
Havana Bar & Restaurant - Located in a rustic Victorian cottage – like many of Wellington’s top restaurants – the restaurant serves modern tapas and seasonal cocktails.
Koji - For exceptional pan-Asian cuisine, featuring a generous plant-based menu that’s an attraction, rather than an afterthought.