SETAC ACTRA 2025

Your Host, Te Whanganui-ā-Tara Wellington
Wellington is a magnet for creative thinkers and is widely regarded as New Zealand’s arts and culture capital.

There’s prolific public art, fabulous and funky boutiques and a show on pretty much every night. But as well as all that arty stuff, Wellington’s loved for its gastronomic delights. You might say they like their food and they like it good. If you need to walk off all that goodness, you’re also in luck. Wellington is a capital city right on nature’s doorstep, with a peaceful walk through native bush or along a golden sand beach never far from the urban hub.

How many times have you taken your running shoes to a conference, but never made it to the gym? In Wellington, you can exercise and see the sights at the same time. A hike up Mount Victoria for panoramic views of the city, or a stroll through the Botanic Garden are just a few minutes’ walk away from the inner city hotels.

Guests also love the stories of nationhood and heritage as told at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, Parliament Buildings and the region’s many boutique museums. Others just like to take their shoes off and sit on the golden sand on Oriental Bay with a good strong flat white. Who could blame them?

Image: WellingtonNZ

Top 10 activities Visitor Map

Scroll down for transport information!

Getting Here

The capital acts as the nation’s transport hub and is easily and regularly accessed by domestic flights, inter-island ferries, trains and cars. Wellington International Airport is a mere 10 minute drive from the central business district. Taxis and shuttles are on hand to transfer visitors to the central city. With a city centre just two kilometres in diameter, Wellington is also seamlessly and cost-effectively navigated once on the ground.

Airport Express

The Airport Express (AX) runs 7 days a week, every 10-20 minutes, except for the first few morning services and evening services. Travel time from Wellington Station to the Wellington International Airport is approximately 25-35 minutes, depending on traffic. Free Wi-Fi, USB charging and luggage racks are available on board.
More information here.

Taxis, Ubers and Shuttles

Wellington Airport is 8 kilometres away from the Central Business District (CBD). The average journey is 20-30 minutes depending on traffic flow and time of day. Taxi ranks can be found directly outside the baggage claim area on the Ground Floor of the main terminal. Use Door G. You can also use Uber which has it's own pick up at the airport.
More information here.

Buses and Trains

Wellington has an extensive public transport system that is well-used by locals. Buses and trains can get you around the city, suburbs, and wider region.
There is also the East by West Ferry that takes you across Wellington Harbour, from Queen’s Wharf in the city across to Eastbourne in Lower Hutt.

Metlink has an easy-to-use journey planner, getting you from A to B using all of the city’s transport options.

Pay for your journey with a Snapper card

Paying for your journey is easier and more convenient with a Snapper card. They can be purchased from the Wellington iSite Visitor Information Centre or various convenience stores. Top up and tap your card on and off each mode of transport.

Images: WellingtonNZ