Wellington

Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand and the world’s windiest city.


Sport in Wellington

Rugby Union, Cricket, Football, Basketball and Netball are among the most popular sports to watch in Wellington:

  • The Wellington Regional Stadium, known as ‘The Cake Tin’ is the main sporting focal point of the city, hosting international rugby union, cricket and football. The Hurricanes of Rugby Union’s Super Rugby call the stadium home, along with the Wellington Lions side who compete in the domestic Mitre 10 Cup. The only professional football team in New Zealand, Wellington Phoenix FC also play the majority of their A-League fixtures at the ground.
  • The Wellington cricket team (known as the Wellington Firebirds in the Super Smash) play at the Basin Reserve, a ground which has hosted all forms of international cricket.
  • The TSB Arena is an indoor arena, which is home to Central Pulse of Netball’s ANZ Premiership, as well as the basketball team the Wellington Saints of the National Basketball League.

Getting to Wellington

Airport – Wellington Airport is approximately 10km from the Westpac Stadium. The international airport is the third busiest in New Zealand and mainly has flights to domestic airports and Australia, from where you can connect to the rest of the world.

The airport is only accessible by road, with the Airport Flyer bus being the easiest option.

Thinking of going to Wellington? Search & book your flights through Skyscanner here.

Bus –  InterCity has buses running from Wellington (Platform 9, Wellington Railway Station) to most of the North Island, and indirectly to the South Island. 

Ferry – The scenic North to South island ferry runs through the Cook Strait from Wellington to Picton in about 3 to 3.5 hours. There are two companies offering this service, both costing approximately the same – the Interislander Ferry or the Bluebridge Ferry.

Train – The Northern Explorer departs from Wellington Railway Station at 7:55am on Wednesday’s, Friday’s and Sunday’s, arriving at Auckland at 6:50pm. The train travels through Papakura, Hamilton, Otorohanga, Tongariro National Park, Ohakune, Palmerston North and Paraparaumu. 

The Capital Connection is a weekday commuter service running from Palmerston North at 6:15am via Shannon, Levin, Otaki, Waikanae and Paraparaumu to Wellington, arriving at 8:20am. The reverse journey leaves Wellington at 5:15pm, arriving at Palmertston North at 7:20pm.


Where to stay in Wellington

Use TripAdvisor to find some great places to stay in Wellington by clicking here.


Food & Drink in Wellington

Use TripAdvisor to read other travellers reviews of bars and restaurants and find some great places to eat and drink in Wellington by clicking here.


What to do in Wellington

  • Cable Car & Wellington Botanic Gardens – First opened in 1902, the cable car climbs the hill from Lambton Quay to Kelburn and offers wonderful views across the city. The Wellington Botanic Gardens are at the top, with 25 hectares of floral splendour.
  • Mount Victoria – East of the city centre is another great lookout, upon the 196 metre high Mount Victoria which is accessible either by walking or by bus.
  • Te Papa Museum – The national museum of New Zealand is a wonderfully interactive place to visit, with exhibitions on Maori culture, natural, Pacific and New Zealand history.
  • Oriental Bay – Just under 2 kilometres from the CBD, Oriental Bay is a wonderful beach area of the city.

Last Updated on February 27, 2023 by Sports Tourist

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