Travel tips · Wellington · New Zealand
Wellington travel tips: what to know before you go
The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: russellstreet, CC BY-SA 2.0
Quick answer
Wellington is New Zealand's political and cultural capital, home to Parliament, the national museum, the national orchestra and the film industry around Miramar. It is informal, creative and outdoorsy: people walk the hills, swim in the harbour on calm days and talk about the wind. Te reo Māori names and greetings are widely used in public life.
Key facts
- Language
- English and Māori
- Currency
- NZD
- Plugs
- Type I sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
- Tap water
- Tap water is safe to drink and free in cafés and restaurants.
- Emergency
- 111 (police, fire, ambulance)
Things to know
- 'Kia ora' is a common greeting, and attempts at Māori place names are appreciated.
- Dress is casual; smart-casual is fine even for upmarket restaurants.
- Walk on the left on narrow footpaths and stairways, and give way to runners on waterfront paths.
- Keep at least 20 metres from seals on the south coast, and never get between a seal and the sea.
- If visiting a marae, including Te Papa's, follow guidance on protocol and remove shoes where asked.
- Book Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne ahead: Night tours are small and sell out; book ahead.
- Book Wētā Cave and Wētā Workshop tours ahead: Workshop tours run at set times and fill up; book online.
- Te Papa, Wellington Museum, Parliament tours, the Botanic Garden and Mount Victoria cost nothing.
Tipping
Tipping is not expected; prices include tax and service. Rounding up or leaving about 10% for excellent service in restaurants is appreciated but optional.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Kia ora | Hello / thank you (Māori) |
| Ka kite anō | See you again (Māori) |
| Sweet as | Great / no problem |
| Togs | Swimsuit |
| Tramping | Hiking |
What to wear
Pack a windproof, waterproof jacket in every season; strong gusts are common and the weather changes quickly. Comfortable shoes help on the steep streets and stairways.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type I sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
- Drinking water
- Tap water is safe to drink and free in cafés and restaurants.
- Emergency number
- 111 (police, fire, ambulance)
- Phone and internet
- Prepaid SIM and eSIM plans from One NZ, Spark and 2degrees are sold at the airport; free Wi-Fi is available in the central city, libraries and many cafés.
- Time zone
- Pacific/Auckland
Wellington is generally relaxed for visitors. Strong winds can make walking on exposed streets difficult and disrupt ferries and flights; New Zealand is seismically active, so learn the 'Drop, Cover, Hold' drill, and use strong sunscreen even on cool days.
Entry requirements
Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check New Zealand's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Plan the trip
Questions travellers ask
+Do you tip in Wellington?
Tipping is not expected; prices include tax and service. Rounding up or leaving about 10% for excellent service in restaurants is appreciated but optional.
+Can you drink the tap water in Wellington?
Tap water is safe to drink and free in cafés and restaurants.
+What plugs are used in Wellington?
Type I sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
+What language is spoken in Wellington?
English and Māori.