The best of
Wellington. Ranked.

1. #1

   Editor's Pick
   

   Metlink Bus Network

   The region's bus, train and harbour-ferry operator, and the backbone of getting around the city. Pay by Snapper card, cash or contactless.

   Local tip: A Snapper card is cheaper than cash on almost every service, and the same card works on buses, trains and the harbour ferry.

   Citywide (Greater Wellington regional network)· See metlink.org.nz for route timetables

   SnapperAppCitywide
   Maps ReviewsWebsite
2. #2
   

   Wellington Cable Car

   $

   Lambton Quay to Kelburn in five minutes — a genuine piece of the transport network as well as the city's most photographed ride.

   Local tip: Adult $7 one-way / $13 return, child (5–15) $3.50 / $6.50. Return tickets carry no time restriction.

   Cable Car Lane, 280 Lambton Quay· Mon–Thu 7:30am–8pm, Fri–Sat to 9pm

   IconicHeritageView
   Maps ReviewsWebsite
3. #3
   

   Johnsonville Line

   The Metlink commuter rail line (JVL) from Wellington Station out to Johnsonville — single track with passing loops, and one of the more scenic suburban runs in the country.

   Wellington Station, Bunny Street· See Metlink timetable

   TrainCommuterSnapper
   Maps ReviewsWebsite
4. #4
   

   East by West Ferry

   The harbour ferry from Queens Wharf to Days Bay and Mātiu/Somes Island, running since 1989 — and home to Ika Rere, the southern hemisphere's first electric ferry.

   Local tip: It is a commuter service that happens to be the best-value harbour cruise in the city — ride the Ika Rere if the timetable lets you choose.

   Queens Wharf, Wellington Waterfront· See eastbywest.co.nz for sailings

   FerryDays BayScenic
   Maps ReviewsWebsite
5. #5
   

   Airport Express Bus

   $

   Metlink's airport service between the Wellington Station bus interchange and the airport, seven days a week, every 10–20 minutes.

   Local tip: Adult $12 cash but $9.23 on a Snapper card; child $6 / $4.62 and under-fives free. The trip takes 25–35 minutes.

   Wellington Station Stop B ↔ airport ground-floor carpark, Door E· Daily, every 10–20 minutes

   AirportDirectSnapper
   Maps ReviewsWebsite
6. #6
   

   Flamingo

   Shared e-scooters and e-bikes across the city. Flamingo holds one of the Wellington City Council micromobility licences confirmed in January 2026, alongside Lime.

   Local tip: Replaces Beam, which lost its Wellington licence after exceeding and misreporting its scooter cap — older guides naming Beam are out of date.

   Citywide, Wellington· 24 hours

   E-scooterE-bikeLast-mile
   Maps ReviewsWebsite
7. #7
   

   Switched On Bikes

   Waterfront e-bike hire beside Ferg's Kayaks — plus small-group guided waterfront e-bike tours and a service workshop.

   Local tip: An e-bike is the easy way to do the waterfront-to-Miramar run without the hills defeating you.

   Shed One, Queens Wharf, Wellington Waterfront· Daily 9am–5pm

   E-bikeWaterfrontTour
   Maps ReviewsWebsite
8. #8
   

   Kāpiti Line

   Metlink's KPL line from Wellington Station out to Waikanae — the fastest way to the Kāpiti Coast. Some peak services start or terminate at Porirua or Plimmerton.

   Wellington Station, Bunny Street· See Metlink timetable

   TrainKāpitiSnapper
   Maps ReviewsWebsite
9. #9
   

   Uber & YourRide

   Ride-hailing in the capital: Uber, plus the New Zealand app YourRide, which books registered taxis from a network of established NZ taxi companies.

   Local tip: YourRide replaced Zoomy, which shut down in September 2023 — if a guide still tells you to download Zoomy, it is out of date.

   Citywide· 24 hours

   RideshareApp24/7
   Maps ReviewsWebsite
10. #10
    

    Interislander Ferry

    The 3.5-hour Cook Strait crossing to Picton aboard the Kaitaki and Kaiārahi, carrying vehicles as well as foot passengers — the gateway to the South Island.

    Local tip: The terminal sits between the city and SH1, so allow for the transfer out of the CBD on top of the check-in time.

    Aotea Quay / Kaiwharawhara terminal, about five minutes from the central city· Multiple daily sailings

    South IslandScenicVehicle ferry
    Maps ReviewsWebsite

// Ready-made plans

Three Wellington days, already planned

Fixed routes built from the ranked lists on this site — walkable, in order, and copyable.