Flights from Auckland to Wellington

The best time to visit Wellington

Wellington has four distinct seasons during the year. Summer brings warm and sunny weather, and a calendar of festivals and events. On the flip side, it is also high season in the city. Wellington gets busier during the summer, and as a result, hotels raise their rates. If you hope to visit in the summer, be sure to book your hotel in advance to find the best rates. Airfares from Auckland to Wellington should also be booked in advance to maximise savings.

Spring and autumn are the shoulder seasons in Wellington.The city is not too busy with other visitors and you can find some good deals on hotels. Temperatures are pleasant, averaging about 15°C during the day. These seasons are also the perfect times to experience Wellington’s Botanic Gardens. In the spring, there are lots of colourful flowers blooming, and in autumn, the gardens come alive with vibrant foliage.

For the best bargains, look into return flights from Auckland to Wellington in the winter. Winter is chilly with regular rain and the strong winds that have given it the nickname ‘Windy Welly.’ But during the low season, hotels lower their prices, making it possible to find some great deals.

Departing From Auckland

There is one airport servicing Auckland and it is here where flights depart for Wellington Airport (WLG). Auckland Airport (AKL) is 25 kilometres (15.5 miles) south of the CBD and has two terminals: one domestic and one international.

Each day, there are about 55 return flights from Auckland to Wellington. Both Air New Zealand and Jetstar fly the AKL to WLG route, and many of their flights are direct. A direct flight will get you into Wellington Airport (WLG) in about an hour.

Getting to Auckland Airport

There are several options to reach Auckland Airport from the city centre. The most affordable method is to catch the city’s SkyBus. The SkyBus operates 24 hours a day and reaches the airport in about 40 to 60 minutes. Buses depart every 10 minutes from the main stop by the harbour on Customs Street East. Stops are also available along Queen Street, Dominion Road, Symonds Street, and Mount Eden Road. A one-way ticket to the airport is $18 NZD, while a return ticket costs $32 NZD.

To reach the airport in less than 30 minutes, you can catch a taxi or an Uber from locations all over Auckland. From the CBD and inner suburbs, a taxi will get you to Auckland Airport for about $60 NZD. Uber offers a slightly lower fare of about $45 NZD.

Parking at Auckland Airport

Auckland Airport offers several different car parks with easy access to the Domestic Terminal. To secure the best rate on your parking space, be sure to book in advance.

Where to Park at Auckland Airport

• Park and Ride: The most affordable option is this car park. Free shuttles are available to the terminal every 15 minutes, and rates start from $32 NZD per day.

• Car Park O: Offers uncovered spots that are a 3- to 5-minute walk to the Domestic Terminal. Parks start at $46 NZD per day.

• Car Park R: For covered spots that are a 1- to 2-minute walk to the terminal. You can park for $53 NZD per day.

Arriving in Wellington

There is one major airport in Wellington, which is located 8 kilometres (5 miles) southeast of the city. Wellington Airport (WLG) receives daily flights from Auckland and offers several affordable options to reach the city.

How to Get from Wellington Airport (WLG) to Your Wellington Hotel or Accommodation

The main transportation option from Wellington Airport (WLG) into the city is the Airport Flyer bus. The bus departs every 20 minutes from the airport and is hard to miss thanks to its bright orange colour. The bus will get you to the city centre in about 30 minutes for a fare of $9 NZD. The Airport Flyer makes several central stops in Wellington, including Courtenay Place, Willis Street, and Lambton Quay.

For a lower price, you can catch a city bus into the city. From the airport, make the 10-minute walk to the corner of Broadway and Hobart streets. The number 2 bus departs from here and makes several stops throughout the CBD. Normal fare is $5 NZD, but if you have a Snapper transport card, you can ride this bus for $2.81 NZD.

If you would prefer to catch a taxi to your hotel, you will arrive in about 15-20 minutes. Taxis from Wellington Airport (WLG) operate on metres, and fare typically costs between $30 to $40 NZD.

Things to do in Wellington

Ride the Cable Car to the Botanic Gardens

One of the first attractions visitors head to when they arrive in Wellington is the Cable Car. The red Cable Car takes passengers up a steep hill from Lambton Quay in the CBD to the city’s Botanic Gardens. While riding the Cable Car, and once you reach the top, there are some stunning views of Wellington and the surrounding area from above. Once you disembark from the Cable Car, there is a museum you can visit to learn about its history. Then, take a walk through the Botanic Gardens to see lots of plants and colourful flowers.

Zealandia

Zealandia is a large ecosanctuary where you can see native New Zealand plants and animals. Many of these species are endangered, and Zealandia is doing its part to get their population back up. To reach Zealandia, you can catch a free shuttle from the top of the hill where the Cable Car terminates. While visiting Zealandia, you can follow walking trails through the sanctuary. None of the animals are enclosed at Zealandia, so you will regularly see small animals and birds walking along beside you, making for a completely unique and natural experience.

Explore the Waterfront

Wellington is located on a large harbour and the CBD stretches along the water. Take a walk along the waterfront for incredible mountain views and to see boats and rowers cruising the harbour. There are plenty of restaurants and bars along the waterfront where you can enjoy a meal or a drink with a view. On the eastern end of the waterfront, you’ll find Oriental Bay, which is a popular neighbourhood among locals. Here, you can visit a small beach, walk along a boardwalk lined with houseboats, and see colourful houses stacked up on the steep hills beside the harbour.

Te Papa Museum

Te Papa is the national museum of New Zealand and it offers a variety of interesting exhibits. While visiting Te Papa, you can learn about the country’s Maori culture, fault lines and seismic activity, art, and natural history. Along with its main exhibits, Te Papa features several short-term exhibits that touch on different aspects of New Zealand’s history and culture.

Mount Victoria Lookout

Wellington is located on a series of hills and with that comes some stunning views. One of the most popular views to see is from the lookout on Mount Victoria. The large hill is located just outside the CBD and is easily accessible by foot. The hike to the top of Mount Victoria is steep at times, so wearing good shoes is advisable. From the summit, you’ll be rewarded with views of the city and harbour in one direction and the green hills of Miramar on the other.

The Weta Studios

Wellington is home to the Weta Studios, which has been involved in some of the most famous movie franchises over the past few decades.The studio creates props, costumes, sets, and special effects for blockbuster Hollywood movies. Most famously, the Weta Studios played a large part in the production of Lord of the Rings and also contributed to The Chronicles of Narnia series and Avatar. On a visit to the studio, you can tour the Weta Workshop and learn about their process, see some famous props, and maybe even get a sneak peak into their next big movie franchise.