Getting to Wellington

Wellington is New Zealand's capital city and port of entry for inter-island travellers arriving from the South Island. This compact city has a thriving art and music scene, and is renowned for its cafe culture and trendy inner city.

BY SEA:

The Interisland Ferry Terminal is located off State Highway 1, in central Wellington. Passenger ferries between Picton (in the South Island ) and Wellington are operated by Interislander and Bluebridge.

During peak times the Interislander sails 5 times a day between Wellington and Picton, and 6 times on the return journey. Off peak (April to August) there are 2 sailings daily, Monday to Thursday, and 3 sailings daily on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The Bluebridge Ferry sails 4 times daily between Wellington and Picton.

BY AIR:

Wellington International Airport is located on Calabar Road, in Rongotai. International flights are operated by Air New Zealand, Qantas, Pacific Blue and Freedom air with direct flights to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Fiji and the Gold Coast.

Domestic carriers are Air New Zealand, Qantas, Pacific Blue, Sounds Air, Air2there and Air West Coast - with most major New Zealand destinations catered for.

The Stagecoach Flyer is a bus service operating directly to and from the airport. It runs between the airport and Upper Hutt, through Wellington CBD. The Stagecoach Flyer leaves the airport every half hour between 6.20am and 8.20pm (Monday to Friday), and every 1.5 hours from 6.50am to 8.50pm on weekends and public holidays.

Long and short term parking is available.

BY ROAD:

AUCKLAND TO WELLINGTON: Follow the Southern Motorway south out of the city for around 50kms. Continue on State Highway 1 to Ngaruawahia. Turn right onto Ngaruawahia Road / State Highway 39, and follow for 70kms to Otorohanga. At Otorohanga turn right onto State Highway 3, and follow for 30kms to Eight Mile Junction. At Eight Mile Junction turn left onto State Highway 4 and continue south to Wanganui. From Wanganui follow State Highway 3 to Samson, and then turn right onto State Highway 1. Continue south on State Highway 1 for 145kms to Wellington.

Driving Time: 8 hours 50 minutes

CHRISTCHURCH TO WELLINGTON: Head north out of Christchurch on Main North Road. Follow State Highway 1 through Amberley, Cheviot, Kaikoura and Blenheim to Picton - a distance of around 335kms. From Picton take the interisland ferry to Wellington - crossing time 3 hours.

Christchurch-Picton: 4 hours 35 minutes Ferry Crossing: 3 hours Total Travelling Time: 7 hours 35 minutes

TAUPO TO WELLINGTON: From Taupo head south on Tongariro Street, then turn left at Lake Terrace. Continue south on State Highway 1 for 141kms to Taihape. From Taihape continue on State Highway 1 for 81kms to Bulls. At Bulls turn left and continue south on State Highway 1 for 151kms into Wellington.

Driving Time: 5 hours 20 minutes