Getting around Wellington

Public transport

Since Wellington is a compact city, you can easily explore it on foot. However, there's a good network of buses, running roughly 0700-2300. Metlink (tel: 0800 801 700, in New Zealand; www.metlink.org.nz) can provide information on bus, trains and ferry routes and timetables.

Several passes are available, including a Snapper card entitling the user to a 20% discount on single fares on certain buses around Wellington (Go Wellington, Valley Flyer, Runcimans and the Airport Flyer). You can also buy day passes for buses, trains or both. A cable car runs from Lambton Quay to the Cable Car Museum too.

Taxis

There are several taxi stands throughout the city. Capital Taxis (tel: +64 4 384 5678) and Green Cabs (tel: +64 508 447 336) are both reputable companies.

Driving

It doesn't pay to drive around the city as the one-way system can be confusing to new arrivals. Plus, it's easy to walk around and explore on foot. If you do decide to drive around Wellington, there is a Clifton car park and Civic Square car park, which are both run by the council. There are also various on-street parking options.

Car hire

Car hire companies in downtown Wellington include Avis (tel: +64 4 801 8108; www.avis.com), Budget (tel: +64 4 802 4548; www.budget.co.nz), Apex (tel: +64 4 385 2163; www.apexrentals.co.nz), and Vancy, who also rent camper vans (tel: +64 4 384 6650; vancy.co.nz).

Bicycle hire

You can hire bikes from Avanti Plus/On Yer Bike, 181 Vivian Street (tel: +64 4 384 8480; www.avantiplus.co.nz) and Mud Cycles, 424 Karori Road (tel: +64 4 476 4961; www.mudcycles.co.nz).

Visa and passport information is updated regularly and is correct at the time of publishing. You should verify critical travel information independently with the relevant embassy before you travel.