Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
following a number of routes to the outer suburbs. Fares range from $6.50 to $13.50, de-
pending on how far away your bed is.
CAR
There are a lot of one-way streets in Wellington, and parking gets tight (and pricey) during
the day. If you've got a car or a caravan, park on the outskirts and walk or take public
transport into the city centre. Campervans can also park during the day at the Wellington
Waterfront Motorhome Park and the open-air car park outside Te Papa.
Aside from the major international rental companies, Wellington has several operators
that will negotiate cheap deals, especially for longer-term rentals of two weeks or more,
but rates generally aren't as competitive as in Auckland. Rack rates range from around
$40 to $80 per day; cars are usually a few years old and in pretty good condition. Operat-
ors include the following:
Jucy Rentals
( 0800 399 736, 04-380 6211;
www.jucy.co.nz
;
5 Ropa Lane, Miramar)
Apex Car Rental
( 0800 300 110, 04-385 2163;
www.apexrentals.co.nz
;
186 Victoria St)
Omega Rental Cars
( 0800 667 722, 04-472 8465;
www.omegarentalcars.com
;
77 Hutt Rd)
If you plan on exploring both North and South Islands, most companies suggest you leave
your car in Wellington and pick up another one in Picton after crossing Cook Strait. This
is a common (and more affordable) practice, and car-hire companies make it a painless ex-
ercise.
There are often cheap deals on car relocation from Wellington to Auckland, as most
renters travel in the opposite direction. The catch is that you may only have 24 or 48 hours
to make the journey.
TAXI
Packed ranks can be found on Courtenay Pl, at the corner of Dixon and Victoria Sts, on
Featherston St and outside the railway station. Two of many operators:
Green Cabs
(
0508 447 336;
www.greencabs.co.nz
)
Wellington Combined Taxis
(
04-384 4444;
www.taxis.co.nz
)
TRAIN
Tranz Metro
( 0800 801 700;
www.tranzmetro.co.nz
)
operates four train routes running through
Wellington's suburbs to regional destinations. Trains run frequently from around 6am to
11pm, departing Wellington train station. The routes: Johnsonville, via Ngaio and Khan-
dallah; Kapiti, via Porirua, Plimmerton, Paekakariki and Paraparaumu; Melling, via
