How to get to Wellington

Wellington is the picturesque capital of New Zealand, situated at the southern tip of the North Island, where urban dynamics meet wild natural beauty. You can reach this cultural and political centre of the country in a variety of ways: from a quick flight and a scenic railway route to an exciting ferry journey across the Cook Strait. The city is welcoming to travellers, offering convenient logistics regardless of the chosen mode of transport.

The fastest way to reach the capital is to take a flight to Wellington International Airport (WLG). This busy aviation hub serves over 5.3 million passengers annually and is known for its incredibly scenic location, ensuring convenient connections between the city and the rest of the world.

In some cases, especially when travelling on complex routes, tourists choose to fly into neighbouring regional airports. For example, flights are received by the cities of Paraparaumu on the Kapiti Coast, as well as Picton and Blenheim on the South Island, from where the journey can be continued by land or water transport.

Travelling by train to Wellington is an excellent way to see the diverse landscapes of the North Island. The Northern Explorer tourist express connects Auckland with the capital, arriving at the historic Wellington Railway Station, located within walking distance of the city centre and the waterfront.

For those in the vicinity, a convenient access point is the station in the town of Paraparaumu, from where commuter trains run regularly. Travellers from the South Island often travel by train to the town of Picton to then transfer to the ferry across the Cook Strait.

Bus services allow you to reach the capital in comfort while enjoying the landscapes of New Zealand. The trip from the coastal town of Paraparaumu (about 47 km) will take just 1.2 hours, making this route fast and convenient.

Routes from the South Island include a scenic ferry crossing. The journey from Picton, covering a distance of about 100 km, will take approximately 4.1 hours, while the road from the winemaking region of Blenheim (about 125 km) will require around 5.3 hours of total travel time.

A trip by car to Wellington gives you the freedom to plan stops in the most beautiful places. A short route from Paraparaumu (54 km) via a modern highway usually takes about 0.7 hours.

For those driving from the South Island, the journey turns into a real adventure with a vehicle ferry crossing. The road from the port of Picton will take approximately 4.0 hours, and the journey from the city of Blenheim (127 km) will last about 4.4 hours, allowing you to enjoy views of the Marlborough Sounds.

To make your stay in the "Windy City" as comfortable and safe as possible, it is worth noting several important local features. The following tips will help you adapt easily and enjoy your trip.

1. Clothing. The weather in Wellington is changeable and windy. Be sure to bring a high-quality windbreaker and dress in layers to easily adjust to temperature changes throughout the day.
2. Sun Protection. Due to the thin ozone layer, the sun in New Zealand is very strong. Using cream with SPF 50+ is mandatory even in cloudy weather to avoid sunburn.
3. Transport. The city centre is very compact and is best explored on foot. To climb the hills, use the famous red cable car or the convenient bus network.
4. Coffee Culture. Wellington takes pride in its coffee. Do not miss the chance to try a local "Flat White" — here it is part of the cultural code, and the quality of the drink is excellent almost everywhere.
5. Finances. The official currency is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). Credit cards are accepted everywhere, but a small amount of cash may be useful at street markets.
6. Safety. The city is safe for tourists, but like the rest of the country, it is worth remembering that this is a seismically active zone. Familiarise yourself with simple safety rules for earthquakes.
7. Etiquette. Locals (Kiwis) are very friendly. The greeting "Kia Ora" (in the Māori language) will be received with warmth and respect.

By following these simple recommendations, you can feel confident and focus on exploring the unique atmosphere of the world's southernmost capital.