TRAVEL INFO
Guide to Wellington
Surrounded by hills and a sparkling harbour, Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington is rich in culture, nature and cuisine. Nestled in the heart of Aotearoa New Zealand, the capital is a compact city and region brimming with exciting treasures to explore. Fuel your days with strong coffee, wander through hidden laneways, and hike along the nature trails right on your doorstep. Be inspired in museums and galleries, and indulge at award-winning restaurants, cocktail lounges, and craft beer bars.
It’s easy to be entertained in Wellington. Neighbouring regions Wairarapa and the Kāpiti Coast provide even further options for exploration. Experience art, culture, and beautiful scenery like nowhere else on earth!
What to see and do
Activities for the whole family
iPRES Local Organising Committee local favourites - coming soon!
Getting around Wellington
Wellington is a compact city, and easy to explore via public transport options, including buses, trains, ferry, or even by cable car!
Wellington central city map
Walking is one of the best ways to explore Wellington - 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!)
Wellington has an abundance of cycle lanes, so pedalling around the city is another great transport option. There are bike hire businesses, as well as electric bike and scooter share services that can be hired via mobile apps.
Read more about getting around in Wellington.
Buses and trains
Wellington has an extensive public transport system that is well-used by locals. Metlink has an easy-to-use journey planner, getting you from A to B using all of the city’s transport options. It will even allow you to compare carbon emissions for different routes/modes of transport.
Snapper is the payment card for the Greater Wellington Region public transport network. You can add dollar value to your Snapper card, and use the card to tag on and off of buses and trains for discounted public transport fare. Learn more about Snapper here.
Single cash tickets can be purchased on board Metlink trains and buses. Metlink buses and trains do not do not accept credit or debit cards, with the exception of the Airport Express. Current Snapper and cash fares information is available on the Metlink website.
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. The Airport Express is the only Metlink bus that accepts contactless payment via credit or debit card. More information about the Airport Express, including routes and and fare information is available here. The timetable is here.
Wellington Cable Car
As well as being a tourist attraction, the Cable Car is also a key mode of transport. The Cable Car connects bustling Lambton Quay with the hills of Kelburn and the Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington campus. A number of attractions are located at or near the top of the Cable Car, including the Wellington Botanic Garden, Space Place, and Cable Car Museum, as well as one of the best views of the city.
Conference Venue
Tākina Wellington Convention and Events Centre is located at 50 Cable Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011. The international convention centre is within easy walking distance of key transport links, entertainment and recreation options, and has many accommodation options nearby.
To get to Tākina from the Wellington Airport:
Airport Express (AX) bus
The Airport Express (AX) bus goes from Wellington Airport through the Central Business District (CBD) and ends at Wellington Station.
To get to Tākina Convention and Exhibition Centre, take the Airport Express (AX) bus toward Wellington Station to Courtenay Place - Stop A.
Continue on Courtney Place towards Tory Street. Turn Right on Tory Street, then turn Left on to Wakefield Street. Tākina Wellington Convention Centre will be on your right, approximately a 6 minute walk from the bus station.
Fares: $11 cash/contactless payment, or $8.76 using Snapper card.
Taxi
Wellington Airport is 8 kilometres away from the Central Business District (CBD). The average journey is 20-30 minutes depending on traffic flow and time of day. Taxi ranks can be found directly outside the baggage claim area on the Ground Floor of the main terminal, through Door G.
Fares: While costs may vary between service providers, a taxi to/from Wellington CBD can cost between $40-60 NZD. You can pay this fare with cash, credit or debit card.
More information about Taxi options and companies that service Wellington Airport.
Airport Super Shuttle
An airport shuttle is an alternative to a taxi if you’re travelling on your own or in a large group. Shuttle ranks can be found directly outside the baggage claim area on the Ground Floor of the main terminal, but you can book online or download the free Super Shuttle app.
Shared-ride fares offer substantial discounts for passengers travelling in the same group to the same destination. Costs vary depending on your destination, but a shuttle to/from Wellington CBD starts at $18 NZD. You can pay for your shuttle with cash or credit card or you can book online.
Super Shuttle
P: 0800 SHUTTLE (0800 748 885)
https://www.supershuttle.co.nz/app
More information on transport options is available on the Wellington Airport website.
Travel times from Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre:
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2 mins walk to Wellington's scenic waterfront, home of New Zealand's national museum Te Papa.
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5 mins walk to Courtenay Place, where you'll find some of the city's top restaurants and a bustling arts and theatre scene.
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5-10 mins walk to colourful Cuba Street and its inner-city laneways - the heart of Wellington's world-renowned cafe culture.
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15-20 mins walk to The Beehive, Parliament Buildings and Lambton Quay - Wellington's premier shopping precinct.