The best of
Wellington. Ranked.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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which lost its Wellington licence after exceeding and misreporting its scooter cap — older guides naming Beam are out of date.

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.

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.

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tip: YourRide replaced Zoomy, which shut down in September 2023 — if a guide still tells you to download Zoomy, it is out of date.

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.