About Wellington
About Wellington
Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand, home of Parliament and known for its cultural and creative activities including theatre, music, and a thriving film industry (Wellywood). The city is nestled between bush-clad hills and a beautiful harbour. The downtown area is compact and easily explored on foot, and has quality restaurants, bars, cafés, theatres, art galleries, museums and a vibrant nightlife. Wellington is great for shopping, offering fashion boutiques, quality vintage clothing, gift shops, arts and crafts.
Visitor Information
Wellington i-Site Visitor Centre provides information and maps, and is located in Civic Square, Corner Victoria and Wakefield Streets, Wellington. Phone +64 4 802 4860
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 8.30 am - 5.00 pm. WellingtonNZ provides information about accommodation, events, activities, and shopping.
Climate
July is the middle of winter in New Zealand and it can be rainy, cold and windy so you will need to come prepared. The average daily temperature for July is 6-11°C or 43-53°F. However, Wellington can turn on some lovely weather and as the locals say, “you can’t beat Wellington on a good day!”
Getting Around
Walking around the central city and the waterfront is easy, and there are also buses and taxis. Check the Metlink bus timetable for routes and timetable. To get to the conference venue at Massey University from the central city, catch a number 11 Seatoun bus or a number 10 Newtown Park bus.
To get from the airport to the city, there are taxis and shuttle vans available, as well as the airport bus that goes at regular intervals.
Things to Do and See
- The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa is the national museum which tells the story of New Zealand through striking exhibits, many of which are interactive. It also houses art exhibitions and a craft and gift shop. It is located on the waterfront at 55 Cable Street, and open Monday to Sunday 10.00 am - 6.00 pm, late night Thursday till 9.00 pm. Admission is free, though charges apply to some short-term exhibitions. There is also the Museum of Wellington City and Sea on Queen’s Wharf which tells the social, cultural and maritime history of Wellington.
- There are many art galleries throughout the city. The City Gallery is found in Civic Square. Admission is free but some visiting exhibitions may have a charge.
- The Cable Car takes you from Lambton Quay up to Kelburn, where there is a great view of the city, the Cable Car Museum, the Carter Observatory and the Botanic Gardens.
- The waterfront provides great walking and lovely views of the harbour, and can be accessed anywhere between the central city through to Oriental Bay.
- On Saturdays from 10.00 am - 4.00 pm the Wellington Underground Market takes place in the underground carpark on Jervois Quay, at the lagoon end of Frank Kitts Park. It features Wellington's emerging designers, artist and craftspeople, along with imported exotic goods, fresh ethnic food, and live music.
- On Sundays from 7.30 am - 2.00 pm, the Harbourside Market at Waitangi Park, Cable Street, features produce from a diverse range of local suppliers including coffee, cheeses, olives, condiments, deli meats, fresh fish, confectionery, fresh fruit and vegetables, tofu, organic produce and delicious hot foods.
- Also on Sundays from 8.30 am - 12.30 pm, the City Market can be found in the atrium of the landmark Chaffers Dock Building. This weekly food market features the best of the region’s food, wine, beer and more.
- Zealandia urban wildlife sanctuary is an award-winning eco-attraction located 10 minutes from central Wellington. It offers a state-of-the-art indoor exhibition that showcases New Zealand’s natural history and conservation , and the opportunity walk among 225ha (550 acres) of bush to see rare native birds and reptiles. Admission for one adult costs $18.50 to the indoor exhibition or the outdoor sanctuary, and $28.50 to visit both. Students with ID $12 and $18.50. Zealandia is open daily 10.00 am - 5.00 pm. It is located in Waiapu Road, just past the Karori tunnel. Phone +64 4 920 9200
- At the Weta Cave in the suburb of Miramar, you can see some of the characters, props and displays from films such as Lord of the Rings. You will learn about the artists who created them and how they were brought to life. Located at the corner of Weka Street and Camperdown Road, Miramar. Admission is free. Phone +64 4 380 9361
Accommodation
The closest accommodation to the conference venue is at 88 Wallace Court Motel, located at 88 Wallace Street, Mount Cook, Wellington. Rates from $115 per night. Phone +64 4 385 3935. Freephone in New Zealand 0800 4 WALLACE (0800 492552)
Other Accommodation
- Adelaide Motel is within walking distance of the conference and has rooms from $120 per night. 209-211 Adelaide Road, Newtown, Wellington. Phone +64 4 389 8138 or Freephone 0508 ADELAIDE (233 524)
- Quest on Johnston Serviced Apartments are located in the central city with easy access to shopping and the cable car. 35 Johnston Street, Wellington. Phone +64 4 460 5100 or Freephone 0800 508 021
- West Plaza Hotel is also located in the central city close to shopping and entertainment. 110-116 Wakefield Street, Wellington. Phone +64 4 473 1440 or Freephone 0800 7310444
Luxury Accommodation
- Amora Hotel is in the heart of the city in the arts and entertainment quarter, and has views across the harbour. It is located at 170 Wakefield Street Room. Phone +64 4 473 3900
- Quality Hotel Wellington is located in central Wellington in the funky Cuba Street quarter renowned for its restaurants, cafés, eclectic shopping, arts, and buskers. The address is 213-223 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington. Phone +64 4 385 2156 Freephone 0800 888 5 999.
- James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor is in the heart of Wellington’s retail and commercial quarter. It has two restaurants and bars, and serves High Tea 10.00 am - 5.00 pm daily. It is located at 147 The Terrace, Wellington. Phone +64 4 499 9500
Backpackers
- Base Wellington is in the Courtney Place quarter, the heart of the city’s nightlife. Located at 21-23 Cambridge Terrace, Wellington, it offers a variety of accommodation from dorm share to private rooms with en-suites. Phone +64 4 801 5666 or Freephone 0800 BASE NZ (2273 69)
- Downtown Backpackers provides budget accommodation in an Art Deco building located at 1 Bunny St, across from the Wellington Railway station and close to the bus terminal and the interisland ferry terminals. It offers shared, single, twin and double rooms. Phone +64 4 473 8482 or Freephone 0800 225 725
