Queenstown and Wellington are arguably two of New Zealand’s most popular city destinations, but driving between the two for a holiday takes upwards of 13 hours - plus there’s a water crossing, too. So, when you want to travel from Queenstown to Wellington, a direct flight is the natural go-to, especially since it takes less than 90 minutes. That’s just enough time to squeeze in a quick nap, or an episode or two of your favourite sitcom. As the capital of New Zealand, a visit to Wellington is on most people’s radars. Even if its geographical clout doesn’t lure you though, Wellington’s arsenal of waterfront promenades, great beaches, top restaurants and cultural events surely will.
To find the best Queenstown to Wellington flights, use Webjet’s airfare finder. Remember to also check out Wellington holiday packages for even better travel deals.
What is the best time to visit Wellington?
For travellers looking to avoid too many crowds and high accommodation prices, the best time to book Queenstown to Wellington flights is for travel during February and March. Hotel prices begin to drop as summer comes to an end, but weather conditions are still favourable. However, if you are looking for the cheapest time to visit this spectacular city, then you should opt for doing so from June to August. Winter is the most budget-friendly time to discover Wellington, as you will be able to find cheap flights from Queenstown to Wellington with Webjet at very affordable prices. Accommodation prices are also lower compared to other times of the year.
What is the best way to get around Wellington?
The Airport Flyer bus is a quick and easy way to reach the CBD from Wellington Airport (WLG). It makes multiple stops in popular areas like Courtenay Place and Willis Street. Travellers arriving on flights from Queenstown to Wellington can also reach the city on Metlink bus route 2. The bus stop is a short walk from the airport terminal, and the bus makes stops throughout Hataitai, the CBD, and Karori.
Central Wellington is very walkable, but public buses are another good way to get around. Metlink operates 108 routes all around the city and suburbs of Wellington. There are also five train routes, which all depart from Wellington Station at the northern end of the CBD. The trains are a good option if you’re looking to take day trips after travelling from Queenstown to Wellington. Catch the train to popular spots like Paraparaumu on the Kapiti Coast and various spots throughout the Hutt Valley.
You can take even more day trips around the area by hiring a car from Wellington Airport (WLG). The Wairarapa region and the Martinborough wine region are easily accessible from the city by car.
What are Wellington’s most famous landmarks and monuments?
Wellington Cable Car
The historic red Cable Car is one of the most popular attractions to have on your radar after booking tickets to Wellington from Queenstown. The Cable Car first opened in 1902 as a way for city residents to reach the hilltop neighbourhoods of Kelburn and Karori. Passengers on the Cable Car will be treated to gorgeous views during the ride, and a lookout point at the top offers panoramic views over the city and Wellington Harbour. Learn more about the Cable Car’s history at the free Cable Car Museum. You can then catch a ride back down to Lambton Quay or take a scenic walk through the Wellington Botanic Garden.
Zealandia
New Zealand is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. You can see some of this nature on display at Wellington’s Zealandia Ecosanctuary, a conservation centre that aims to protect the country’s endangered plants and animals and reintroduce them back into the region. Take in the sights along any of the walking paths that wind through the forest. Along with the trees and plants, you’ll get the chance to see a variety of wildlife, including takahe and hihi. You may even spot a little spotted kiwi if you book one of Zealandia’s after-dark tours while holidaying on cheap flights from Queenstown to Wellington.
The Beehive
Wellington is at the centre of New Zealand politics, and the Beehive is where a lot of the action happens. The Beehive – officially known as the Executive Wing of New Zealand Parliament Buildings – got its nickname thanks to its distinctive shape. You can take a tour of the Beehive for an insight into the world of NZ politics while holidaying on Queenstown to Wellington flights. Several public tours are available each day, with some geared toward adults and others designed for families with kids. Tours can fill up, so you may wish to reserve a spot in advance through the New Zealand Parliament website.
Departing From Queenstown
Queenstown Airport (ZQN) serves more than a million passengers each year; it is the fourth busiest airport in the country. Queenstown to Wellington flights are operated by Air New Zealand and Jetstar. Most services include one stopover (usually in Auckland or Christchurch), however, some return direct flights are available. There are upwards of 10 ZQN to WGE flights available to book every day.
Getting to Queenstown Airport (ZQN)
Queenstown Airport (ZQN) is located only eight kilometres from the CBD in Frankton. It offers travellers good transportation links, and the cheapest and most convenient is travel on the Orbus. This is Queenstown’s local bus service and four return routes travel to the airport. A one-way fare begins from $2 NZD if you have a GoCard, otherwise, a cash fare to the airport is $10 NZD for adults. There are also shuttle services, car hire and taxis.
Parking at Queenstown Airport (ZQN)
Queenstown Airport (ZQN) has three parking areas for passengers who wish to leave their car at the airport while they fly from Queenstown to Wellington.
Where to Park at Queenstown Airport (ZQN)
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Area A: Located directly in front of the airport terminals, Area A also has an express pick-up and drop-off zone. Area A’s rates are $25 NZD per day, or $100 NZD per week.
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Area B: This car park is still only a five-minute walk away from the terminals and operates at the same rates as Area A.
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Park & Ride: There are 300 spaces in the airport’s new Park & Ride area, which is also serviced by a shuttle bus that takes passengers between their cars and the airport terminal. It is $10 NZD per day or $70 NZD per week.
Arriving in Wellington
Those travelling on cheap flights from Queenstown to Wellington will land at Wellington International Airport (WLG). Wellington International Airport (WLG) serves as Air New Zealand’s hub and is also one of the busiest airports in New Zealand.
How to Get from Wellington International Airport (WLG) to Your Wellington Hotel or Accommodation
Wellington International Airport (WLG) is located 10 kilometres from the city CBD and offers visitors a handful of transfer options. A taxi from the airport into a city centre hotel will run between $29 to $39 NZD and is an approximately 15-minute journey. This is a great option for travellers wanting to be taken straight to their Wellington accommodation. However, if you are on a tight budget, then you should opt for using the reliable shuttle service. A shuttle ride from the airport to the CBD is $20 NZD one-way and takes roughly 30 minutes.
What are the best things to do in Wellington?
Sure Wellington might be the capital of New Zealand, but it is also one of the country’s cultural, creative and culinary epicentres too. This is a city that is bursting with life and energy, and for visitors that means that there is plenty to do, see and experience. Head to Te Papa, New Zealand’s interactive national museum, to learn about Indigenous Maori traditions and to wander between the great exhibitions and displays.
Make the journey to the summit of Mount Victoria for a panoramic view across Wellington’s harbour and skyline - and don’t forget to pose for a selfie at the lookout point. Clamber into the Wellington Cable Car, a historic city icon that runs from Lambton Quay to Kelburn. Refuel after your initial explorations by sitting down to a coffee, craft beer, local wine or degustation meal at one of Wellington’s great bars and cafes. The bounty of Marlborough, one of the country’s most lauded wine-producing regions, is just across the harbour for those keen on an oenophilic day trip before heading home on flights from Wellington to Queenstown.
What is the cost of visiting Wellington?
The average price of a hotel room in central Wellington is between $150 and $200 NZD per night. Budget options are available through Webjet too, with options starting from about $45 NZD per night. You can hire a car with Webjet after booking your cheap flights from Queenstown to Wellington and your hotel room. Rates start around $60 NZD per day.
Public transport is also available to travellers who book Queenstown to Wellington return flights. The Airport Flyer bus from the airport costs $12 NZD, and bus and train fares are based on a zone system. Cash fares range from $2.50 to $4 NZD within the CBD and inner suburbs, and transport into many areas of the outer suburbs costs $5 NZD.
Wellington is teeming with free attractions, such as Te Papa museum, Cuba Street, Mount Victoria, and the Wellington waterfront. The Cable Car is a must-do for many travellers who book cheap flights to Wellington from Queenstown – a single ride ticket costs $5 NZD for adults and $2.50 NZD for kids. Take in some of New Zealand’s gorgeous nature by visiting Zealandia – entrance costs $22 NZD for adults and $10 NZD for children. Cinephiles who travel from Queenstown to Wellington can learn all about the NZ film industry at the Weta Cave. Guided workshop tours cost $28 NZD for adults and $13 NZD for children.
FAQs
How far is Wellington from Queenstown?
Wellington is approximately 650 kilometres from Queenstown.
Which airlines fly from Queenstown to Wellington?
Queenstown to Wellington flights are currently serviced by Jetstar and Air New Zealand.
What is the cheapest month to travel from Queenstown to Wellington?
The cheapest month to travel from Queenstown to Wellington is usually July, at the height of winter in the country’s capital.
