Wellington Travel Guide

New Zealand

216K
Population
WLG
Nearest airport
$117
Daily Budget
85
Walkability
HIGH
Safety

Interactive Map

All POIs
Top Picks
Free Entry
Family-Friendly

Plan your arrival in Wellington

Arriving

  • Wellington International Airport (WLG) · 5 km away
  • Main stationsWellington Railway Station

Getting online on arrival

  1. Install your New Zealand eSIM at home over Wi-Fi: iPhone or Android steps.
  2. When you land at Wellington International Airport (WLG), turn on the eSIM line and data roaming for it.
  3. Networks listed on our New Zealand plans: One NZ (5G).
  4. New Zealand plans currently start at $2.75, for 500MB over 7 days. Compare all 14 plans.

New to eSIMs? How an eSIM works · How much data you need

Landing late or with kids? Pre-book an airport transfer

Staying connected

  • Coverage4G/5G · excellent
  • Wi-Fiwidespread
  • Suggested dataabout 1.5 GB a day · work it out
  • Weak signalSome suburbs in the hills
Compare eSIM plans

Useful apps

  • TransportMetlink and Uber
  • Food deliveryFoodbox and UberEats

Wellington at a glance

Region
Wellington Region
Population
216,200 (2023)
Elevation
0 m above sea level
On or near
Cook Strait
Currency
New Zealand dollar (NZD)
Plug types
I
Emergency numbers
111
Drives on the
left
Official languages
English, Māori and New Zealand Sign Language
Calling code
+64

Sources: Wikidata and OurAirports open data, checked 29 October 2026.

Top Attractions

1
Te Papa Tongarewa
New Zealand's national museum showcasing the country's history and culture.
2h Free
2
Wellington Cable Car
A scenic ride offering stunning views of the city.
1h $5

Best Areas to Stay

Te Aro
Vibrant area with many bars and restaurants.
TouristsNightlifeBusiness
Mount Victoria
Quiet neighborhood with access to parks and walking trails.
FamiliesNature lovers

Typical Costs (USD)

$100
Hotel/Night
$15
Meal
$3
Transport
$4
Coffee
Estimated Daily Budget (USD)
Backpacker: $52 Tourist: $117 Family: $364

* Estimated from typical costs

Local Tips

Peak Hours:7-9am, 5-7pm
Best Day:Weekdays
Custom:Tipping is not customary but appreciated.
Common Mistakes
  • Not checking public transport schedules
  • Underestimating weather changes

Food & Drink

Must Try:Pavlova, Hangi
Vegetarian:High
Tap Water:Drinkable
Cuba StreetWellington Waterfront

Getting Around

Public Transport:Excellent
Rideshare:Uber
Walkability:85/100
BusTrain

Climate & Weather

Best time to visit: December, February, March

Warmest monthFeb21°C average high
Coolest monthJul7°C average low
Wettest monthJul110 mm of rain
Driest monthJan60 mm of rain
Average daily high and low (°C) Rain (mm)
Monthly figures
MonthHigh °CLow °CRain mmRainy days
Jan21.014.6607
Feb21.214.8606
Mar19.713.5667
Apr17.311.7809
May15.410.18810
Jun13.28.010312
Jul12.57.111011
Aug13.07.69411
Sep14.48.98010
Oct15.810.19111
Nov17.411.4758
Dec19.613.5678

Averages for 1991–2020, not a forecast. Source: WMO climate normals (Wellington Aero AWS, 5 km from Wellington).

Wellington travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Wellington?

December, February and March are usually the best months to visit Wellington. Average daytime highs range from about 13°C in July to 21°C in February.

How much does a day in Wellington cost?

Plan from about US$52 a day on a backpacker budget to around US$117 for a typical visitor, covering accommodation, meals and local transport (estimates).

How do I get around Wellington?

Public transport includes bus and train and is rated excellent. Ride-hailing is available through Uber. Walkability scores 85/100.

Which airport serves Wellington?

The nearest airport with scheduled flights is Wellington International Airport (WLG), about 5 km from Wellington.

Is Wellington safe for tourists?

Overall safety is rated high. Watch for overcharging taxi fares. Areas generally considered safe include Central Wellington and Mount Victoria. Check official travel advice before you go.

How do I stay connected in Wellington?

Install a New Zealand eSIM before you travel and turn it on when you land at Wellington International Airport (WLG). Our New Zealand plans list One NZ (5G).

Is tap water safe to drink in Wellington?

Tap water is generally considered drinkable.

Explore more of New Zealand

New Zealand travel guideNew Zealand eSIM plans

Straight-line distances from Wellington.

Disclaimer

The information in this guide is intended for general travel planning purposes only and may change without notice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, Graba SIM does not guarantee the completeness, reliability, or timeliness of the content. Travellers should verify entry requirements, local laws, health advice and services with official sources before and during their trip. Graba SIM is not responsible for any loss, injury, or inconvenience arising from reliance on the information provided. Always check with relevant government and health authorities for the most up-to-date travel requirements.