The Wellington region visits easily. Wellington centre is compact and walkable — the whole centre on foot in 20-30 min. For the hills (Mt Victoria, Kelburn) or outer neighbourhoods (Miramar for Weta, Karori for Zealandia), use: Metlink buses (NZD 4-6 per trip, Snapper Card), the historic Wellington Cable Car (NZD 7 return), taxis or Uber (NZD 20-40 for most urban trips), on foot for the sporty (Mt Victoria 1 h from Cuba Street).
From Wellington Airport (WLG) to the city centre (8 km, 20-30 min): Airport Express shuttle (NZD 12/person), public bus 91 (NZD 4-6), taxi/Uber (NZD 30-50). The airport is mainly domestic (flights Auckland 1 h, Christchurch 1 h, Queenstown 1h30) with some regional international flights.
For Wairarapa/Cape Palliser excursions, the rental car is the recommended option (€50-90/day) — distances 1h30-2h30 on winding scenic roads. Alternative: Wairarapa Connection train (Wellington Station to Masterton, 1h30, NZD 18-25) then local bus or taxi to Martinborough (15 min).
The Interislander ferry (and its competitor Bluebridge) departs daily from Wellington's ferry terminal to Picton (South Island) — 3h30 crossing through Cook Strait and the Marlborough Sounds, one of the world's most beautiful sea crossings. 4-5 daily crossings in high season. Prices: €70-100/person foot passenger, €200-400 with car/campervan.
The regional train from Wellington Railway Station: Wellington-Palmerston North (Capital Connection), Wellington-Masterton (Wairarapa Connection), Wellington-Waikanae (Kapiti Line), Wellington-Hutt Valley.
Read also
- Wellington — Capital, Te Papa Museum, Cuba Street, coffee and craft beer scene among the world's best.
- North Island — Auckland, Rotorua, Hobbiton, Tongariro: the populated, geothermal half of the country.
- South Island — Queenstown, Milford Sound, Aoraki/Mt Cook: the wild, alpine half, accessible by ferry.
- New Zealand — Complete country guide: 2 islands, NZeTA formalities, budget, best period.