About Wellington

Wellington is often described as the cultural, sporting and political capital of New Zealand. There's so much going on, you'll never be lost for something to do. There are always events happening in the city as well as the greater Wellington region. Wellington also boasts one of the highest ratios of cafes per person in the world. In summer or winter, there is always plenty to do. Super 14 Rugby, film festivals, wine and food festivals, arts, cultural, jazz and comedy festivals, concerts, theatre, museums, galleries, craft fairs, the list goes on.

The main University campuses, accommodation and the city are all within easy walking distance. Trains, buses and the cable car are very accessible and don't cost much. The key is student discounts! Always ask, as it is more than likely that there will be discounted fares for students. You will need to present your student ID card to obtain a student rate.


Walking

Wellington is a great place to walk, as the city is so compact, and there's always a new view to come across. Always remember:

  • If you are within 20 metres of a pedestrian crossing you must use the crossing to cross the road. Traffic must stop for pedestrians using a crossing but don't suddenly step out - give the car time to stop
  • Obey any traffic signals. A buzzer, green walking person or arrow will signal when it is safe to cross

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Cable Car

On those wet and cold Wellington days, the cable car is a great way to travel from the city to Kelburn Campus. For students it is $1 each way, and concession 10 trip cards are also available. Visit the Wellington Cable Car.

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Buses

For timetables, fares (concessions), routes, and stations, visit Metlink or phone 04-801 7000.

Single tickets are purchased upon entering the bus. Ten trip, monthly passes, and Snapper cards are also available. The price depends on how many 'zones' (sections) you are travelling. These are economical if you travel regularly and can be bought from dairies, the bus or train station, Victoria Books shop, and tourist information offices.

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Trains

Local train tickets can be purchased from the ticket counter at the train station or on the train. Also available are ten-trip and monthly passes. For timetables, fares, routes, and stations, visit Metlink.

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Cycling

Because of its many hills and tight curves in the roads, cycling around Wellington can be tricky. When cycling:

  • always ride to be seen - wear reflective or light clothing at night
  • be sure you have the correct and legal equipment, such as lights and reflectors
  • wear a correctly fitted cycle helmet - the penalty for not wearing a helmet is an instant fine of $55
  • obey the road code at all times

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Taxis

Taxis are usually taken from one of the many taxi cab ranks around the city and in the suburbs, or ordered by phone for a small extra charge - see the Yellow Pages under 'Taxi' for phone numbers.

For large groups, shuttles (Co-op Shuttles, phone 04-387 8787) are cheaper than a taxi. When ordering the shuttle, inform them of your destination and the number of people, and they will advise you of the price, as most operate a fixed price schedule. These can also be used for single passengers, particularly for going to the airport. It's about $25 from Kelburn to the airport.

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100 free things to do in Wellington

  • Te Papa, Our Place, New Zealand's National Museum on Cable Street, along the waterfront. It is open 365 days a year (some exhibitions have an entry fee).
  • Tour the Parliament Buildings and The Beehive, Molesworth Street: Mon-Fri 9am-4pm, Sat 10am-3pm, Sun 1-3pm
  • Botanical Gardens, top of the cable car, Kelburn. There are events in the gardens for the Summer City Programme from December to February.
  • The Museum of Wellington City and Sea, Queens Wharf -open 10am-5pm daily.
  • Otari-Wilton Bush, Wilton.
  • Red Rocks Coastal Walk - this takes 2-3 hours and you will see seals from May to October
  • City Gallery, Civic Square (some exhibitions have an entry fee).
  • Dowse Art Museum, 35 Laings Road, Lower Hutt.
    Open Mon-Fri 10am-4pm and Weekends/Public holidays 11am-5pm.
  • Short walks, beach walks, city walks, heritage and nature walks - pick up a free walkway brochure from the Wellington Visitor Centre, Wakefield Street
  • Wellington Public Library, Victoria Street - a great resource, where you can borrow from a huge range of books, music CDs and DVDs
  • The wind turbine, Brooklyn
  • St Paul's Cathedral, Molesworth Street
  • Capital E, Civic Square - events, theatre, arts centre and school holiday programmes

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10 things to do for less than $10

  • Wellington Zoo, Newtown, $9 plus concessions
  • Wellington Aquatic Centre, Kilbirnie and Freyburg Pool, Oriental Parade - $5.50
  • Travel the Wellington region on a train or a bus
  • Hire rollerblades/tandem bikes at Oriental Bay
  • Catch the ferry across the harbour to Day's Bay, Eastbourne
  • Go ten-pin bowling at Bowland, Petone
  • Check out the view and the stars in the planetarium at the top of the Botanic Gardens
  • Go rock climbing or kayaking at Ferg's Rock n Kayak on Queens Wharf
  • See native New Zealand birds at the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary

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USEFUL WEBSITES:

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Entertainment

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