Wellington Airport serves New Zealand's capital, approximately 8 km from the city center.
Wellington is known for its vibrant cultural scene, often intense winds, and as the home of Weta Workshop, famous for the special effects of Lord of the Rings.
How to get to Wellington International Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to WLG
Parking near Wellington International Airport
A multi-story parking structure is located next to the terminal.
Rates are in line with New Zealand standards.
How to get to Wellington from WLG
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Need an airport transfer?
Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com
Car rental at Wellington International Airport
Major car rental companies are present with their own desks in the arrivals area.
Driver's license, passport, and credit card are required; remember that in New Zealand, driving is on the left.
Hotels near Wellington International Airport
At the airport (Rongotai)
The Rydges is built above the international terminal, with direct access from the arrivals hall via escalators: 3 minutes on foot, no transfer. The Airport Motel Wellington, on Tirangi Road in Kilbirnie, is about 500 metres away (5 minutes by car).
Best for: Departures before 7 and tight connections, when Wellington's winds make any delay risky.
- The Rydges lets you reach the gate literally on foot, without ever leaving the terminal
- Both properties avoid the Mount Victoria tunnel, the traffic bottleneck towards the centre
- Only the terminal and the houses of Kilbirnie around: for dinner you stay at the hotel
- For the centre you still need 15-20 minutes by car, more if there's a queue at the tunnel
Recommended hotels
- Rydges Wellington Airport Built above the international terminal, with direct access from the arrivals hall via escalators: no transfer, no traffic. 134 rooms, gym and indoor restaurant with runway views. View availability
- Airport Motel Wellington On Tirangi Road in Kilbirnie, about 500 metres from the terminal; in-room kitchen and free parking, designed for those who want to stay close without paying terminal rates. View availability
Wellington city centre
8 km from the airport through the Mount Victoria tunnel: taxi 15-20 minutes (30-40 NZD) under normal conditions, up to 40 minutes at rush hour; the Airport Flyer bus takes about 25-30 minutes.
Best for: Those who want Cuba Street, the waterfront and Te Papa within walking distance, accepting a 15-20 minute transfer (up to 40 at rush hour).
- Cuba Street, the waterfront and the Te Papa museum within walking distance of the centre's hotels
- Wellington's railway station, the terminus for regional trains, is a few minutes' walk from the Sofitel
- The Mount Victoria tunnel is the only bottleneck towards the airport: at rush hour traffic slows significantly
- No direct train to the airport: only bus or taxi remain
Recommended hotels
- InterContinental Wellington by IHG On Grey Street, overlooking the waterfront just steps from Parliament; indoor pool, fitness centre open 24 hours and three in-house restaurants. View availability
- Sofitel Wellington On Bolton Street, a few minutes' walk from the railway station and Parliament; views over the hills and the Botanic Garden from the upper floors. View availability
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The terminal is appropriately sized for its role as the capital's hub, with a design that includes a famous Gollum statue from The Lord of the Rings.
Those departing on international flights should arrive 2.5 hours early.
Map of Wellington International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. Why can landings in Wellington be bumpy?
The city lies in a geographically exposed position between two bodies of water, which generates often intense winds: this is a normal phenomenon for the airport, not a cause for concern.
Q. What is Weta Workshop?
The special effects and props studio founded in Wellington, famous for its work on The Lord of the Rings trilogy and numerous other international films.
Q. Is Wellington easy to explore on foot?
Yes, it's a compact capital with a center that's easy to walk around, surrounded by hills with scenic trails.
Q. How far is central Wellington from the airport?
About 5.5 km, a 10–15 minute taxi ride.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
