Wellington Transportation
Transport is never a problem in the capital with major sea, rail and road links, and a wide range of sightseeing options.
Buses
Stagecoach Wellington and Cityline Hutt Valley run the majority of scheduled bus services in Wellington. The city’s trolley buses provide scheduled services to most central suburbs. For all bus, train and ferry information, phone Ridewell 801 7000.
Ferry Services
- Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferry
Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferry sails twice a day (up to four times a day from December) between Wellington and Picton. The Bluebridge Wellington terminal is located close to the city centre, across the road from Wellington Railway Station. Onboard facilities include café-style food, free movies and lounges.
- Interislander
The Interislander ferries carry cars and passengers between Wellington and Picton up to five times daily. Make sure you verify times and prices before you set out. A complimentary shuttle service runs between the Interislander Terminal and Wellington Railway Station.
- Dominion Post Ferry
The Dominion Post Ferry makes regular trips from Queens Wharf to the scenic reserve of Somes-Matiu Island and the seaside suburbs of Eastbourne, Days Bay and Petone. Phone 494 3339 or office 499 1282.
Train Services
The main train and bus station is on Bunny Street at Thorndon Quay (phone 0800 872 467 for train tours and phone 801 7000 for general timetable information). This historic building dates back to 1937, with marble walls, an ornate ceiling and a tavern. Wellington’s suburban train network, Tranz Metro connects the central city with Johnsonville, Melling, Paraparaumu, Upper Hutt, Masterton and points in between. For a short excursion, take a scenic trip up to beautiful Kapiti Coast to enjoy some of the local attractions, including The Lindale Centre and Southwards Vintage Car Museum. Tranz Scenic offers longer excursions, including the Overlander to Auckland. The network also connects the central city with Hutt Valley.
Taxis
- Airport & City Taxis
Phone 388 8900
- Corporate Cabs
Phone 387 4600
- Executive Taxis
Phone 499 9955
- Hutt & City Taxis
Phone 570 0057
- Wellington Combined Taxis
Phone 384 4444
Wellington Cable Car
Wellington’s historic cable car runs between Lambton Quay and the Wellington Botanic Garden – a climb of 610m. It’s a good way to get your bearings and the views from the top are stunning. Phone 472 2199.
Wellington International Airport
- Reservations and fare inquiries
Freephone 0800 737 000
- Stagecoach Flyer
The express bus route that makes travel to and from the airport much easier and faster. The Stagecoach Flyer takes you from Upper Hutt to the centre of Wellington and then on to Wellington Airport.
- Arrivals and departures
Phone 388 9900.
- Duty-free allowance
Arriving passengers are allowed 1.125 litres of spirits, 4.5 litres of wine and 200 cigarettes.
- Storage lockers
Coin-operated lockers can be found in the main terminal on the ground floor. Close by is the oversize baggage room.
- Conference centre
The airport has conference facilities. Four rooms are available, three of which can be sectioned off. Rates range from $100 for a meeting room to $700 for the entire facility. Phone 385 5100.
Vehicle Rentals
For those who want to explore further afield, there are several companies offering a comprehensive selection of fully-equipped mobile homes at conveniently located city depots. A huge range of car rentals are also available from the domestic and international airports, the city and outer suburbs.
Driving Facts
- You need to be 21 to hire a rental car and show a current driving licence and/or an international licence.
- New Zealand drives on the left-hand side and, when turning left, you will need to give way to traffic crossing from your right.
- New Zealand law requires everyone in a vehicle to wear a seatbelt at all times while mobile.
- The speed limit on the open road is 100km/h and 50km/h in residential areas unless otherwise marked.
- Be aware that winding roads, difficult terrain and adverse weather conditions may slow you down considerably, so allow plenty of time to reach your destination. Comfortable driving distances are 200-300km a day, but less if you want to stop and enjoy attractions.
- Take extra care when pulling onto the road after stopping to rest or admire the scenery.