Getting to and around Wellington

The strategically located Wellington is an important transport hub. The capital city has the strong network of air, road, rail and sea links. Getting around Wellington is relatively easy, because the city is very compact. There is a strong transport system linking Wellington to all the major cities of New Zealand. Wellington is situated at the southern tip of the North Island, and is a gateway between the two islands of New Zealand. Wellington has an international airport and is also the departure point of ferries to the South Island.

Wellington has a busy international airport and is served by several domestic airlines. Wellington Airport receives flights from neighboring Australia and many other countries. Air New Zealand has the extensive network of domestic flights. Qantas and other smaller airlines like Origin Pacific and Soundsair also runs domestic flights in Wellington. Getting to Wellington from the airport is convenient; it is just 15 minutes drive to downtown, shuttle buses provide door to door service for travelers.

State Highway 1 and 2 are the two main roads in Wellington. Both of the highways follows different routes, State Highway 1 follows the western coast and State Highway 2 leads you to north east, through Hutt Valley, over Rimutaka Ranges. Wellington has the strong bus network; the well planned public transport system links city to the other regions of New Zealand. The city circular buses take you round to all the major sight seeing attractions for just NZ$2. The city circular bus connects with the Wellington Railway Station. All the major bus stops in Wellington are located at the Railway Station and the Courtenay Place. Day tripper passes, another exciting facility available for bus travelers, gives unlimited access to bus travel in a day.

The suburban railway service in Wellington is considered to the best in the New Zealand. Regular and electric trains operate form Upper Hutt, Johnsonville, Paraparaumu and Rimutaka Range to Masterton in the Wairarapa. There is a regular day time train to Auckland every morning. Tranz Scenic trains are the most unforgettable experience in Wellington; you can enjoy the eccentric landscape, wild coast while en route.

Walking is the best way of getting around Wellington; it is a small city with magnificent landscape. Walking will take you anywhere you want to be. Wellington is a compact and pedestrian friendly city. The readily available buses and trains provide easy transport to the suburbs.