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Metlink: bus, train and ferry.

Greater Wellington Regional Council’s transport network, Metlink, connects the wider Wellington region, including Wellington City, Hutt Valley, Porirua, Kāpiti Coast and the Wairarapa.

There are more than 38 million journeys a year on the Metlink bus, rail and harbour ferry transport network. We have 5 rail lines, nearly 100 public bus routes, more than 180 school bus services and a harbour ferry service.

We work with our transport operators to deliver a connected, integrated network with patronage across all modes growing at a rapid rate. Every day we have thousands of people travelling with Metlink (across rail, bus, ferry and total mobility services) and every one of those journeys matters to us.

Plan your journey around Wellington city on buses, trains and ferries with Metlink.

About the transport network

The Metlink network comprises of:

• Over 250 public and school bus routes which service over 3,000 stops throughout the region
• 5 train lines servicing 48 stations
• 1 harbour ferry servicing 5 docks
• Total mobility service

We manage the Metlink public transport network. Our work includes:

• Managing and maintaining many of the local railway stations, bus stops, signage and Park & Ride facilities.
• Designing routes and manage the delivery of services with our operators on over 250 public and school routes and 5 train lines.
• Managing contracts with our operators to deliver our network
• Metlink communications including contact centre, website, and social media (Twitter and Facebook).

Find out  more about Metlink.

Planning a transport network that works now and in the future

Metlink is the Greater Wellington Regional Council (Greater Wellington) public transport authority which plans and delivers public transport within the wider Wellington region.

Greater Wellington works in partnership with Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, KiwiRail and territorial authorities to plan and fund the region’s public transport network. Greater Wellington also works with other regional councils like Horizons on inter-regional transport initiatives. Metlink is focused on providing a great service to our communities across the region and on the welfare and wellbeing of our customers and staff, particularly our frontline staff and drivers.

Metlink is building a world class, low-emission public transport network that is more accessible for people. This involves making extensive and continuous improvements to the Metlink network to deliver faster, affordable, more frequent, and reliable services which links to their three strategic priorities:

1. To continue to improve customer experience on public transport across the network

The customer experience on the Metlink network is being continuously improved based on our customers’ feedback. We have a dedicated focus on understanding customer needs and developing solutions to meet these. This includes refinements to our timetables and routes based on our ongoing reviews of performance, upgrading the usability of our online journey planning and real-time information, introducing digital payment to rail services and ensuring passengers have right information and tracing so they can continue to travel confidently during Covid-19.

2. To reduce public transport carbon emissions decarbonising the public transport fleet

Planning for a fully decarbonised bus fleet by 2030 is already underway with Metlink adding the first of 98 electric vehicles to its fleet in August, this is working towards a target of 108 buses by 2023. When all 108 EVs are on the road, they will make up 22 per cent of Metlink’s bus fleet, shaving 17 per cent off of our total carbon emissions.

3. To contribute to the regional target of a 40% increase in mode share from public transport and active modes

With public transport and active travel accounting for half of all trips into central Wellington, the highest figure in the country, there is already strong appetite for mode shift among the region’s commuters. Metlink is keen to build on this success and recognise that a strong public transport network will help bolster this figure. With initiatives such as Bike and Ride Facilities, investing in infrastructure that makes it easier to access public transport and working with operators to provide a reliable network, Metlink is well on the way to achieving this.

Find out about the:

• Latest on Metlink network changes .
• Public transport operating model (PTOM) and bus contracts
• Wellington Regional Public Transport Plan
• Wellington Public Transport Spine Study

Extra passenger services

• Park your car and ride a train. There are free  Park and Ride areas  at railway stations
• Take your  bike on public transport  or leave it at the station in our Bike and Ride facilities
• Passengers with accessibility needs are eligible for  Total Mobility  discounts

Get in touch

Getting around Wellington

Here’s how you can get around once you’re in Wellington. With a compact city centre and accessible transport options, navigating the capital is a breeze.

Celeste Fontein

Public transport

Buses and trains.

Wellington has an extensive public transport system that is well-used by locals. Buses and trains can get you around the city, suburbs, and wider region. 

There is also the East by West Ferry that takes you across Wellington Harbour, from Queen’s Wharf in the city across to Eastbourne in Lower Hutt.

Metlink has an easy-to-use journey planner, getting you from A to B using all of the city’s transport options.

Airport Express (AX)

If you’ve arrived by plane, one of the easiest ways to access the city is via the airport bus. The Airport Express (AX) runs every 10 to 20 minutes, seven days a week. The trip takes approximately 30 minutes, and airport buses have wifi, USB charging, and luggage racks.

Pay for your journey with a Snapper card

Paying for your journey is easier and more convenient with a Snapper card. They can be purchased from the Wellington isite Visitor Information Centre or various convenience stores. Top up and tap your card on and off each mode of transport.

Wellington Cable Car

As well as being a tourist attraction, the Cable Car is mainly used as a mode of transport. The red cars take passengers from the hills of leafy Kelburn to the heart of bustling Lambton Quay. A number of attractions are located at or near the top of the Cable Car (including the Wellington Botanic Garden, Space Place, Zealandia, and Cable Car Museum). It’s a great way to bundle a number of activities together.

One of the best ways to explore Wellington is by foot. The central city is only two kilometres across, meaning you can walk from one side to the other in around 30 minutes (not accounting for any coffee stops along the way). Grab a downtown map from the Wellington isite Visitor Information Centre, and get to know the capital on your own two feet.

Wellington has an abundance of cycle lanes, so pedalling around the city is another great transport option. There are many bike hire businesses. Switched On Bikes operates from Queens Wharf and has both regular and e-bikes for hire. Fergs Kayaks also offers bikes on the waterfront. For an on-the-go option, Beam and Flamingo have electric bike and scooter share services. These are easily hired via mobile apps.

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Taxis and rideshare

Taxis are plentiful in the city, with multiple companies operating. They can be booked in advance or found in taxi ranks. Ride-share services like Uber also operate around Wellington and have a designated area at the airport.

If you have a private or hire vehicle, parking is available around the city. Alongside private parking buildings, on-street parking is available and is metred with time limits.

Car shares are available on demand for daily or hourly hire. Mevo and Cityhop have designated parking spaces and easy-to-use apps for hiring vehicles.

Greater Wellington Regional Council

• #56 in Travel
• 2.4 • 43 Ratings

Screenshots

Description.

The Metlink app is used by thousands of commuters every day, that’s why having a modern, user-friendly app is so important to receive timely, accurate information about their journey on Wellington's public transport network. We've made key features more accessible and user friendly: - It's now easier to look up a service or stop with the upgraded search function. - You can now plan your journeys with clearer options, timings and easily identify where vehicles are located. - Service alerts are now relevant to your selected journey or service. - The map view shows all stops, with quick access to their real time information and facilities. - Timetables are now simpler to use online. - Access key transport information through the main navigation.

Version 3.0.0

This release contains the following changes: - Website pages now show in menu - New journey planner options - Under the hood technical improvements - Bug fixes

Ratings and Reviews

Start and end point changed by system.

The updated app is buggy. When I use the Journey Planner and enter 2 stations (eg, from Wellington to Waterloo), the system will show me inaccurate info. When I then pick “Leaving now”, the Start and End points changed automatically to Station Village Complex and Taita Railway Station. I prefer the previous design of the app cos it just worked. :(

Better but still issues

I’m confused when I enter my stop number it doesn’t show me the time the bus is scheduled to be there, but 10 minutes earlier (departure time?). This has confused me for months until I clicked into it today and saw the actual timetabled time is 10 minutes later.

Dropped Taita service

Have reported this issue a few weeks ago and still not fixed. The Taita service that I catch is missing all together, so this app is no use to me. Used to find it useful, especially when tracking train and giving realtime estimates. Hopefully they add the service back soon as waiting on platform for longer than necessary in winter is not good.

App Privacy

The developer, Greater Wellington Regional Council , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer's privacy policy .

Data Not Linked to You

The following data may be collected but it is not linked to your identity:

Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More

Information

• Developer Website
• App Support
• Privacy Policy

More By This Developer

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Tickets and fares

About metlink fares.

All fares and passes have their own terms and conditions, and Conditions of Carriage apply for all Metlink services.  

Find your fare

You can use the  Journey Planner to see the fare for your journey. Set your fare type in your MyMetlink preferences, or in the options in the journey planner results page.

Journey Planner

News & updates.

See our Projects Timeline for updates about the upcoming National Ticketing Solution. Metlink is working with Waka Kotahi to introduce and implement the  National Ticketing Solution (external link) .

National Ticketing Solution

Fares Increase on 1 July 2024

Greater wellington councillors have agreed to increase metlink public transport fares by 10 percent from 1 july 2024..

A report before council estimated that without the fares increase, a rates rise of 3.3 percent would be needed to cover public transport costs, expected to climb by 19 percent in the next financial year.

Approximately a third of Metlink funding comes from fares, the rest from the government and regional council rates.

Journey Planner fares for trips from 1 July show the updated fares. To calculate your new fare, simply change the departure date in the options to a date on or after 1 July.

Journey Planner (external link)

Why are you increasing the fares?

The costs of running our public transport have increased. We have seen inflation and interest rates reach levels no one anticipated. Rising inflation and insurance have also affected our public transport operators. These costs, along with driver wage increases (to remedy the shortage of drivers), have added to operating costs.

When are you increasing the fares?

Bus, train and ferry fares are increasing from Monday 1 July 2024.

How much are you increasing them by?

We are increasing the fares (bus, train and ferry) by 10% to cover current and historic inflationary costs.

Won’t increasing fares, put people off using public transport?

Our aim is always to keep fares as low as possible to encourage people to use public transport. We invest fares revenues back into our public transport network.

Many thousands of people rely on our public transport system to connect them across the Region and demand is increasing. We are working to provide public transport services the community can have confidence in and are proud of: a reliable, accessible, low-carbon public transport network.

New Zealand has one of the most affordable public transport fares in the world, relative to average and minimum wages.  The increase is only the third fare increase in six years (since 2018).  We have not made any other inflation adjustment increases during this time.  

• Affordability is based on the following source:  2023 Fares Benchmarking Report (ninesquared.com.au) (external link) ]

Snapper fares

Using snapper.

Snapper is the stored value card for Metlink buses and trains. Any concession you have loaded on your Snapper card will work automatically, and you will be charged the discounted fare determined by your concession. Off-peak discount automatically applies on eligible services when using Snapper. 

Snapper App

The Snapper app is used for account management and top-ups only, and can't be used to tag on or off of Metlink services - you'll still need a Snapper card.

Other Payment Options

Single cash tickets and day passes can be purchased on board.  Metlink trains and buses (except Airport Express) do not accept EFTPOS or credit cards, can't do contactless or mobile device tag-ons, and there are no ticket vending machines. Ferries accept cash, EFTPOS and credit cards on board, but do not accept Snapper.

Peak fares with Snapper

Buses: Weekdays 7am to 9am, and from 3pm to 6:30pm

Trains: Weekdays until 9am, and from 3pm to 6:30pm

• If you forget to tag off when using Snapper, you may be charged a default fare .
• Airport Express ,  Metlink OnDemand , and  Wellington Harbour Ferries have special set fares.

Off-peak fares get a 50% discount when using Snapper, including concessions.

The off-peak discount applies to all Snapper fares, including concessions. If you start your trip during off-peak hours, your whole journey is charged at off-peak rates, including any eligible Metlink services you transfer to. 

Weekdays 9am to 3pm and after 6:30pm

Weekends &  public holidays. , weekdays before 7am (buses only, excludes supergold card) (external link).

• Children under 5 travel free and do not need a Snapper card.
• Children under 13 travel free only when using a Snapper card with a Child free pass applied. (ends 30 April 2024)

Day passes and 30-day passes don't get an off-peak discount.

Airport Express has special fares, and there is no off-peak discount.

• Ferries have special fares, and there is no off-peak discount.
• Metlink On Demand has special fares, and there is no off-peak discount.
• There is no off-peak discount on taxis under the Te Hunga Whaikaha Total Mobility scheme.

Snapper 30-Day passes can start any day and are valid for 30 days following the first use. Buy 30-day passes through the Snapper app, or at a Snapper retailer. Passes can't be purchased using existing Snapper credit.

With all Snapper fares and passes, if you forget to tag off, you will be charged a   default fare .

Rail 30-day passes (Snapper only)

If travelling between Wellington Station and a station in zone 4 or higher, your Snapper 30-day passes for rail includes your train trip and your bus trip to your local train station (between zone 4 and the outer zone included in your pass).  It does not include bus travel within zones 1 to 3, such as Wellington City or Johnsonville. 

To buy a child pass your Snapper card must have a valid Child Concession loaded.

• Other Concessions do not apply to the 30-day pass. 
• Rail 30-day passes do not include the Airport Express or the ferry.

Bus 30-day passes (Snapper only)

• 30-day bus passes do not include the Airport Express or the ferry.
• Concessions and child fares do not apply to the bus 30-day pass. 

Explorer day passes

Weekdays after 9am Weekends &  public holidays (external link)

Day passes can be purchased on board buses or trains with cash, or loaded onto your Snapper. Keep your day pass in a safe place, as it won't be replaced or refunded if you lose it.  Buy Snapper Metlink Explorer day passes through the Snapper app, or at a Snapper retailer. Passes can't be purchased using existing Snapper credit. If you forget to tag off, you may be charged a default fare .

• Explorer Day passes can be used on the Airport Express.
• Explorer Day passes can't be used on the ferry.
• Day pass includes 1 adult and 1 child up to 15 years old travelling together.
• Concessions and child fares do not apply to the Explorer day pass. 

*The ticket for zones 1-14 can also be used on the Wairarapa Rail Line service departing Wellington at 8.21am.

Kāpiti  Combo bus & rail return ticket

Kāpiti Combo tickets are a set fare for same-day return travel using buses and trains between Waikanae and Paraparaumu or between Ōtaki and Paraparaumu. Kāpiti Combo tickets can be purchased with cash on-board the relevant bus routes, but not on the train. Snapper does not offer this combo ticket.

• There are no one-way combo tickets.
• Concessions do not apply to Kāpiti Combo tickets.

Default fares for Snapper

If you forget to tag off, you will be charged a default fare (penalty), even if you are using a pass . You need to have enough balance on your Snapper to pay the default fare when you next tag on. If your Snapper has a negative balance, you won't be able to tag on.

On buses, the default fare is calculated as if you had travelled to the end of that route. 

On trains, the default fare depends on which Station you tag on your trip as below:  

• Tag on at Wellington Station: the amount charged is a fixed fare of $10 for adults, with applicable concessions for eligible groups.   
• Tag on at all other Stations: the amount charged is a Snapper fare for the longest possible travel from the tag on Station to a maximum of $10 for adults, $2.50 for children, $5 for passengers with Accessible, Community Connect and Young Adult concessions, and $7.50 for passengers with Tertiary Concession.   

Cash tickets are not eligible for concessions or discounts, except for Child fares. Off-peak discounts do not apply to cash fares.  Children under 5 travel free and do not need a Snapper card.

Single cash tickets can be purchased on board.  Metlink trains and buses (except Airport Express) do not accept EFTPOS or credit cards, and there are no ticket vending machines.

Airport Express and Harbour Ferries have special set fares. Cash fares listed here do not apply to those services.

Express buses  30x (external link) ,  31x (external link) ,  32x (external link)  are Snapper-only, and do not accept cash. This ensures the fastest possible travel time for commuters. 

Express buses  30x (external link) ,  31x (external link) ,  32x (external link) are Snapper-only, and do not accept cash. This ensures the fastest possible travel time for commuters. 

Fares for special services

T he Airport Express, Metlink OnDemand, and Wellington Harbour Ferry have special set fares and various payment options.

Te Hunga Whaikaha Total Mobility is a New Zealand central government scheme offering subsided transport to those eligible who may need assistance using regular transport methods.

Airport Express

Wellington Harbour Ferry

Metlink On Demand

Te Hunga Whaikaha Total Mobility

Concessions

Off-peak travel gets a further 50% discount when using Snapper, including concessions. Only one concession can be loaded on to your Snapper card at a time. If you qualify for a concession, head to the Snapper website to apply the concession to your Snapper card.

Children under 5 travel free

Children under 5 years old travel for free anytime on Metlink buses, trains, and ferries, as long as they travel with another passenger who is at least 10 years old. See  also travelling with Children & Prams (external link) .

Child Concession

50% discount for children

School-aged children get a 50% discount on the adult fare (known as a Child concession) on all Metlink services. Concessions are still valid during school holidays. When using cash, the discount may not be exactly 50% of the adult fare, because cash fares are rounded up to the nearest 50 cents.

On buses & trains

Snapper cards will automatically apply the concession on buses and trains, as long as the   Child Concession has been applied (external link)   to the card.   Green Snapper cards (external link)   already have the child concession loaded, and are available at all   Snapper retailers (external link) . Fares on school buses work the same way. More information about school bus services can be found on the   Schools guide (external link) .

All ferry ticket types receive the Child Concession. 

Eligibility

School-aged children have some additional criteria to be eligible for the Child Concession.

• Children between age 5 and 6 years who have not started school are entitled to the Child Concession.
• Primary and intermediate school students are entitled to the Child Concession while in or out of school uniform. 
• Secondary school students must either be wearing their school uniform, or present a valid secondary school photo ID, if requested by Metlink staff.
• School-aged children who are not enrolled in school must present a bona fide photo ID card for home-schooled children issued by the National Council of Home Educators New Zealand (NCHENZ), or an approval document from the Ministry of Education that shows the child is exempt from enrolment at a school.
• Children 16 or older who have left school   don't   qualify for a Child Concession.

Applying a Child Concession to a Snapper card

A Child Concession on a Red Snapper card is only valid until the cardholder turns 16. Students using a Red Snapper card need to have the concession loaded and renewed by 28 February each year, until they leave school. If the card holder does not apply for renewal of the concession, the Snapper card will start charging adult fares from 1st March of that year. See Snapper website for more information.

You can drop into a  Snapper Service Centre (external link)  to have the ID checked and the concession applied to your card, or apply online using the Snapper website. Metlink ticket offices, Snapper retailers and Snapper kiosks are not able to apply concessions to Snapper cards.

Apply for a child concession online (external link)

Topping up your child's Snapper card

Child Concessions are a discount to regular fares, not a "term pass", so you'll need to top up the balance on the card regularly. Find out how to top up your child's Snapper card on the Snapper website.

Snapper top up options (external link)

Accessible Concession for buses, trains & ferries 

If you are a member of Blind Low Vision NZ or are a Total Mobility cardholder, you are eligible for a 50% discount on adult fares when using Snapper cards, train tickets, and ferry tickets. Additional off-peak fare discount applies when using an Accessible Concession on eligible buses and trains.

If you need assistance to travel, a carer can travel with you for free, as long as they are with you for the entire journey. Keep your Total Mobility card or Blind Low Vision NZ membership card with you, as Metlink staff may ask to see your card when you travel. 

Your Total Mobility card is a Snapper card, and can be used to tag on and off of buses and trains, just like a regular Snapper card. Accessibile Concessions can also be applied to regular red Snapper cards. If you are bringing a carer with you, please let the driver know before you tag on.

Snapper 30-day passes don't have an Accessible Concession option, since they are already discounted.

On trains and ferries, you can purchase a single Accessible concession ticket with cash. Cash fares on buses are not eligible for the Accessible concession.

• Cannot use Total Mobility and SuperGold cards for the same trip, or to get a free trips for both yourself and your carer
• If using SuperGold during off-peak, carer does not travel for free

Eligibility & how to apply

Through total mobility.

You can find out if you're eligible by visiting the Total Mobility page on our website. 

Total Mobility (external link)

These cards can be used as a Snapper card for public transport, as well as to get a discount on some transport operators.

Through Blind Low Vision NZ

Blind Foundation members can apply for the Accessible Concession:

• By phone the Snapper helpdesk on 0800 555 345 or
• In person at a Snapper Service Centre (refer to the table below)
• By emailing  [email protected]  with your Snapper card number and a copy of your Blind Foundation ID card

When applying please bring your Blind Foundation ID card and proof you live in Wellington (e.g. something with your address such as a rates bill or bank statement).

Please  contact the Blind Foundation if you want to become a member (external link) (external link) .

Snapper service centre

Wellington City iSite (external link)

More information

Total Mobility

Accessibility Guide

Metlink Accessibility Charter

Community Connect Concession*

*The Community Connect Scheme (external link) is inclusive of all youth discounts, and the Community Service Card holders.

Community Services cardholders can get a 50% discount on adult fares when paying with a Snapper card. While travelling on the Community Connect Concession, have your Community Services card handy to show Metlink staff on request. 

Once the concession is loaded on your Snapper card, a 50% discount will apply to all trips on Metlink buses and trains. When purchasing a Ferry ticket, let staff know that you have a Community Services card.

Your Community Connect Concession will apply for as long as you have a current Community Services card. When this card expires, you will need to reapply for the concession when you get a new Community Services card. 

Community Connect Concession does not apply to:

• Cash fares on buses and trains
• Metlink Explorer day passes or 30-day passes.
• Snapper Green (child) cards
• Multiple concessions - you can only have one concession loaded onto your Snapper card at a time.

How to apply

Apply for this new concession if you have a current Community Services card from the Ministry of Social Development (MSD). To find out if you’re eligible for a card, visit the Work and Income website (external link) .

To get this concession, register your Community Services card on your Snapper card online at Snapper’s website.

Apply for Community Connect Concession (external link)

To apply for the concession, you will need:

• Your valid Community Services card
• Your red Snapper card

You can also get help to apply for this concession by calling Metlink on 0800 801 700.

Register the concession on your existing Snapper card or receive a free Snapper card from Metlink while stocks last. To get your free Snapper card:

• fill out the online form   or
• Call Metlink on 0800 801 700

Request a Snapper card

Tertiary Concession

Eligible full-time tertiary students receive a 25% discount on adult Snapper fares.   When travelling on the tertiary concession, keep your student ID handy to show to Metlink staff, if requested. Your concession will remain valid as long as you meet the eligibility conditions for Tertiary Concession.

On ferries, Tertiary Concession discount only applies to 10-trip tickets.

Metlink is working with approved Tertiary Education Organisations to contact students via email to explain how to get the Tertiary Concession online. If you do not receive an email, then as long as you belong to one of the above approved Tertiary Education Organisations, you can simply:

Apply online (external link)

The tertiary students of an   approved Tertiary Education Organisation   must either:

• At least 12 weeks long, and 
• Meets the minimum full-time Equivalent Full-Time Student (EFTS) value; or
• The Ministry of Social Development records as “Limited Full-Time”; and
• For bus travel, upload satisfactory confirmation of their status via the   Snapper website (external link) (external link) ; and
• For ferry travel, present satisfactory confirmation of their status to the Tertiary Education Organisation in a form acceptable to the Tertiary Education Organisation

Tertiary students must be enrolled at and attending an accredited and approved full-time tertiary course at a Ministry of Education-registered Tertiary Education Organisation.

Approved Tertiary Education Organisations

• Academy of Diving Trust
• Achievement NZ Limited
• Animation College New Zealand Limited (Yoobee)
• Capital Training Limited
• Dev Academy Aotearoa
• English Language Partners New Zealand Trust
• English Teaching College
• G&H Training Limited
• Horowhenua Learning Centre
• Le Cordon Bleu New Zealand
• Massey University
• New Zealand Management Academies
• New Zealand School of Dance
• New Zealand School of Tourism Limited
• Otago Polytechnic
• Premier Institute of Education
• Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust
• Te Kura Toi Whakaari O Aotearoa: New Zealand Drama School Incorporated
• Te Rito Maioha Early Childhood NZ
• Te Wananga o Aotearoa (Wellington)
• Te Wānanga o Raukawa
• The Learning Connexion Limited
• Universal College of Learning (UCOL Masterton)
• University of Otago (Wellington)
• Victoria University of Wellington
• Wellington Institute of Technology
• Whitecliffe Education
• Whitireia Community Polytechnic
• Youth Cultures and Community Trust (Praxis)

SuperGold cardholders ride free during off-peak.

Under the SuperGold programme, "off-peak hours" are between 9.00am and 3.00pm and after 6.30pm from Monday to Friday, and all day on weekends and public holidays.

SuperGold Card and Veteran SuperGold card holders travel for free during off-peak hours* by showing their card to the driver or on-board staff. SuperGold cardholders also travel for free on all after-midnight bus services.  SuperGold cardholders may be asked to show another form of ID to confirm ownership of the card. Electronic SuperGold cards are not accepted at this stage.

More information on SuperGold (external link)

• Free SuperGold travel does not apply during during peak hours, so you will need to pay the regular adult fare. We recommend Snapper when travelling during peak hours.
• If you have lost your card or do not have your SuperGold card with you, you will have to pay the regular adult fare, even if you are over the age of 65.
• GoldCard travel applies only to the cardholder. Travel companions, including children over 5 years old, require a paid fare.
• Overseas equivalents of SuperGold are not eligible for free off-peak fares.

Non-Metlink services

Currently, the Cable Car (external link) offers free off-peak travel to SuperGold cardholders, although we cannot guarantee this information, as it is a non-Metlink service. We recommend visiting their website for the most current information.

Māori  Wardens  wearing a uniform travel free on buses and trains to, from and during work by showing their Warden Warrant Card.

How zones & fares work

Zone-based fares.

Fares are calculated based on the number of zones you travel through (including the zone where you start and end your journey)  and applying any transfer rules or pass exclusions.

Standard fares are based on geographic  fare zones. You can see fare zones by turning on the Fare Zones toggle in the map options on the home page of the website or app. Fare zone is also listed on every stop and station information page on the website and app.

Fare Zone Map [PDF, 281 KB]

Wellington central city including Thorndon, Te Aro, Aro Valley, Mt Victoria and Oriental Bay

The boundary between zone 1 and zone 2 occurs at the following points:

• Hutt Road at Aotea Quay - stops 5026 and 5488
• Grant Road at Newman Terrace - stops 4116 and 5116
• Glenmore Street at Botanic Gardens - stops 4313 and 5313
• Kelburn – Cable Car Station (KELB)
• Victoria University Kelburn Campus - stops 4915 and 5915
• Brooklyn Road at Bidwill Street - stops 6715 and 7715
• Wallace Street at Massey University - stops 6914, 7914 and 7919
• Adelaide Road at Basin Reserve - stops 6014 and 7014
• Wellington College (school grounds) - school stop 6011
• Wellington East Girls' College - Ellice Street (school stop) - stop 6008
• Pirie Street at Bus Tunnel - stops 6215 and 7215
• Palliser Road - Town Belt - between stops 6564 and 6565
• Oriental Parade at Carlton Gore Road - stops 6519 and 7519

Kaiwharawhara, Wadestown, Mairangi, Wilton, Northland, Kelburn, Highbury, Brooklyn, Kowhai Park, Kingston, Vogeltown, Berhampore, Newtown, Wellington Hospital, Hataitai, Mt Victoria Lookout and Roseneath

The boundary between zone 2 and zone 3 occurs at the following points:

• Hutt Road at Rangiora Avenue - stops 3258 and 3260
• Kaiwharawhara Road/Ngaio Gorge Road - stops 4404 and 5404
• Churchill Drive/Blackbridge Road
• Churchill Drive at Wilton Bush Road - stop 5136
• Karori Tunnel at Karori end - stops 4320, 5320, 5380 and 5920
• Happy Valley Road - between stops 7794 and 7795
• Adelaide Road at Wakefield Park - between stops 6127 and 6128
• Mt Albert Road at Mt Albert Park - between stops 6942 and 6946
• Sutherland Road at Sutherland Crescent - stops 6926 and 7926
• Kilbirnie Shops - stops 6224, 7224, 6026 and 7026.
• Evans Bay Intermediate School (school stop) - stop 6020
• St Patrick's College - Evans Bay Parade - stop 6553
• St Patrick's College - Evans Bay Parade - stop 7553

The remaining suburbs in Wellington City: Maupuia, Miramar, Seatoun, Strathmore, the Airport, Rongotai, Lyall Bay, Southgate, Houghton Bay, Island Bay, Ōwhiro Bay and Happy Valley, Karori, Crofton Downs, Ngaio, Awarua Street, Simla Crescent, Box Hill, Khandallah, Ngauranga, Broadmeadows, Raroa, Newlands, Johnsonville, Paparangi, Grenada Village, and Churton Park.

The boundary between zone 3 and zone 4 occurs at the following points:

• Middleton Road - stops 3906 and 3966
• North of bus stop 3451 at 68 Havana Rise
• Hutt Road at Horokiwi Road

Takapu Road, Redwood, Tawa, Linden, Korokoro, Western Hutt, Maungaraki, Normandale, Harbourview, Tirohanga, Melling, Boulcott, Hutt Central, Queensgate, Alicetown, Petone, Ava, Woburn, Moera, Waiwhetu, Waterloo, Gracefield, Seaview and Hutt Hospital

The boundary between zone 4 and zone 5 occurs at the following points:

• Main Road to Kenepuru Drive at Gee Street - between stops 3948 and 3950
• Western Hutt Road between Melling and Belmont - between stops 9150 and 9347
• High Street at Hutt Hospital - stops 8123 and 9223
• Oxford Terrace at Epuni Station - stops 8201 and 9201
• Fairfield Shops - Waiwhetu Road (near 300) - stop 8168
• Fairfield Shops - Waiwhetu Road (near 197) - stop 9268
• Wainuiomata Hill summit bridge-and lookout
• Marine Drive at Port Road - stops 8737 and 9837

Porirua, Elsdon, Titahi Bay, Waitangirua, Ascot Park, Papakowhai, Kenepuru, Kelson, Belmont, Pomare, Taita,  Wingate, Naenae, Epuni, Fairfield, Wainuiomata, Point Howard, and Mahina Bay.

The boundary between zone 5 and zone 6 occurs at the following points:

• Paremata Station and bus stop 2600
• Paremata Crescent - stops 2742 and 2751
• Tirowhanga Road at Kahu Road - between stops 2580 and 2582
• Omapere Street at Transom Close - north of stops 2706 and 2774
• High Street at Eastern Hutt Road
• Marine Drive between Mahina Bay and Sunshine Bay - between stops 9842 and 9843

Whitby, Mana, Plimmerton, Manor Park, Silverstream, Stokes Valley, and Heretaunga

The boundary between zone 6 and zone 7 occurs at the following points:

• Trentham Station
• Ararino Street at Trentham Station - stops 9525 and 9526
• Fergusson Drive at Camp Street (Trentham Shops) - stops 8467 and 9567
• State Highway 1 between Pukerua Bay and Whenua Tapu Cemetery

Pukerua Bay, Muri, Emerald Hill, Totara Park, Timberlea, Upper Hutt, Wallaceville and Trentham

The boundary between zone 7 and zone 8 occurs at the following points:

• State Highway 2 between Emerald Hill and Te Marua
• State Highway 1 at Ames Street

Paekakariki, Te Marua, and Maymorn

The boundary between zone 8 and zone 9 occurs at the following points:

• State Highway 1 at McKays Crossing
• State Highway 2 at Kaitoke Loop Road/Station Drive

Raumati, Raumati South, Paraparaumu, and Paraparaumu Beach

The boundary between zone 9 and zone 10 occurs at the following point:

• State Highway 1 at Waikanae River Bridge
• State Highway 2 at Pakuratahi River Bridge

Waikanae and Waikanae Beach

The boundary between zone 10 and zone 11 occurs at the following point:

• State Highway 1 at Greenhill Road -
• State Highway 2 between Rimutaka Crossing Lookout and Featherston

Peka Peka on the west coast and Featherston in the Wairarapa

The boundary between zone 11 and zone 12 occurs at the following points:

• State Highway 1 at Te Hapua Road
• State Highway 2 at Tauherenikau River bridge
• State Highway 53 at Tauherenikau River bridge

Te Horo on the west coast, and Woodside and Greytown in the Wairarapa

The boundary between zone 12 and zone 13 occurs at the following points:

• Otaki River Bridge
• Waiohine River Bridge
• Ruamahanga River bridge

Ōtaki and Ōtaki Beach on the west coast, Carterton, Matarawa and Martinborough in the Wairarapa

The boundary between zone 13 and zone 14 occurs at the following point:

• State Highway 1 at Atkins Road.
• State Highway 2 at Waingawa River Bridge 

The final zone covers Masterton in the Wairarapa, including Masterton Station, Renall Street Station and Solway Station.

Metlink fares and concessions are set against the standard adult peak Snapper fares. We use this as our base fare ra te to calculate other concession s , period passes and cash fares.   Any fare changes apply to all the base fares at full price. This approach ensures that pricing of fares will remain consistent over time for all concessions and zones.

Cash fares are at least 25 percent more expensive than the equivalent Snapper fares, and are rounded up to the nearest 50 cents for cash handling. This means that increases to cash fares would only be made once the increase rounds up to 50 cent or more. With the half-price fares, the rounding effect may be more pronounced for lower-base cash fares in percen tage terms.

Off-peak discounts do not apply to cash fares.

Default fares

If using Snapper and you forget to tag off, a default fare may be charged to your account. If you don't have enough regular Snapper credit to cover the default fare, your pass will stop working because you would have a negative balance on your card.

More information about default fares.

Ferry fares

Ferry fares are set higher than standard zone-based fares, and are rounded up to the nearest dollar for ease of cash handling.  Ferries don't use Snapper or have an off-peak discount, so the additional off-peak discount on concession fares does not apply.

Airport Express fares

Airport Express fares are set higher than standard zone-based fares.  Airport Express doesn't have an off-peak discount, so the additional off-peak discount on concession fares does not apply.

Why does Metlink discount off-peak fares?

All cities have busy times for traffic, and public transportation has the same issue. Weekdays just before and after regular business hours are the busiest, with tens of thousands of Wellingtonians making their way to work and school. Peak time means that some passengers may have to stand during their journey or wait for the next service if their first choice service was full. 

Off-peak travel is discounted when travelling with a Snapper card to encourage passengers to travel when it is less busy. SuperGold cardholders travel free during off-peak times. 

Metlink buses and trains are designed for customers to stand safely with lots of handholds, either on the seats or overhead. Matangi trains, which run on the Kāpiti, Johnsonville, Hutt Valley and Melling Lines, are designed to have 60% of customers seated and 40% standing when the trains are full during peak times. 

Since December 2022, paper tickets were discontinued for trains. The last day to upcycle old paper tickets for Snapper credit was in February 2023. 

There are no ticket offices or ticket windows at any train station, but cash fares can be purchased on board. Wellington Station ticket window offers Snapper top-up and sells Snapper cards, but does not sell paper tickets.

Remaining trips on paper 10-trip tickets are still accepted on board. Any paper 10-trip tickets that were purchased during the 'half price fares' initiative will be clipped twice to cover the return to full-price fares from 1 September 2023. 

How passes work

Metlink currently offers Snapper 30-day passes for rail or bus, and Day passes for bus and rail that can be purchased with cash or loaded to a Snapper card.

Snapper passes

Passes start automatically on the first use, as long as the trip is eligible for that pass (based on mode, zone, or time of day). 

You can have up to two (2) active rail 30-Day passes and two (2) active 30-Day bus passes at one time. The second pass won't be active until your first pass expires.

If you have purchased multiple pass types (like a Day pass and a 30-Day pass), Snapper will automatically use the  Metlink Explorer day pass first, then the 30-day pass, then the stored value Snapper credit last. If you plan to use a Metlink Explorer day pass, we recommend you only purchase it on the day you plan to use it, because they start automatically on on the first eligible use.

Snapper travel passes (external link)

Which rail pass do I need? (external link)

When you use your Snapper card to tag on or off, it will show if your pass is expiring within the next 7 days. Both the iOS and Android mobile apps will show the days remaining for all Snapper passes.

If you have two passes of the same type on your Snapper card, the second pass will not activate until the first pass has expired.

Passes do not automatically renew. You'll need to renew your pass before it expires, or it will revert to standard fares.  If your Snapper card is registered, you will receive notice via email that your expiry date is approaching. There will also be a 7-day countdown to expiry shown on the Snapper validator when you tag on and off (including an audible warning).  

You can have a total of 2 rail passes and 2 bus passes loaded onto your Snapper at any time. Bus and rail passes can both be used without conflicting with each other.

How transfers work

Free transfers only apply to journeys using Snapper, SuperGold card or Day Pass that meet the terms & conditions below. Cash fares are not eligible for free transfers.

A journey may include several trips on different vehicles. Some combinations of trips are eligible for free transfers, and some are not. 

"Journey-based fare calculation’ is a way of calculating fares for passengers transferring between several trips on a journey and using a stored value card, like Snapper. Essentially, passengers would pay the same fare as what they would have paid if it was a single trip on the same vehicle. This is also known as 'free transfers'.

Tag on time determines whether the fare for entire journey is a Peak or Off-Peak fare, as below:

• an Off-Peak fare on Snapper card is charged for a journey that begins in the Off Peak, even if one or more of the tag ons for the later trips in the journey are in the Peak; and
• a Peak fare on Snapper card is charged for a journey that begins in the Peak, even if one or more of the tag ons for the later trips in the journey are in the Off-Peak

Transferring to peak buses in Wellington City

If you start your journey on a Metlink bus in off-peak (before 3pm) with your SuperGold card, and need to transfer to another Metlink bus in the afternoon peak (after 3pm), you will be able to continue your off-peak journey for free if you transfer to a second Metlink bus between 3pm and 3.30pm in Wellington city only. All you need to do is tell the driver that you have transferred from a previous off-peak service, and get on. 

These SuperGold transfer provisions are only valid for an interim period until notified.  They only apply to Metlink bus services in Wellington city and do not apply on Metlink trains or ferries, non Metlink services (such as the Cable Car), or Metlink bus services outside Wellington city.  

If transferring between buses, free transfers apply within 30 minutes of tagging off from the first bus and tagging on to the following bus, for up to 5 bus trips within a 4 hour period. Airport Express is not included in bus to bus transfers, and requires a separate fare.

Full details

The journey-based fares apply to bus to bus transfers if a journey meets all the following conditions:

• Journey-based fares apply to journeys involving transfers between eligible Metlink buses, including on after midnight buses, but excluding Airport Express buses and On-Demand services
• Passengers must pay using Snapper card stored value; the free transfer does not apply when fares for single trips are paid in cash
• Fares for consecutive trips of a journey must all be paid using the same Snapper card
• The Snapper card must be active and have no outstanding amount owed after tagging on for each trip of the journey
• The Snapper card must have a minimum balance of $0.00 or more at each tag on
• Passengers must correctly tag on and off at the start and end of each trip of the journey
• Tagging on to the next bus must occur within 30 minutes of tagging off the previous bus
• Up to four transfers are allowed for a journey eligible for journey-based fares
• A journey ends once the fifth trip is tagged off. A separate fare would apply after the fifth trip
• Tag on for the last trip in a journey must occur within four hours of the tag on for the first trip of the journey
• For multi-passenger tag on, the same number and types of passengers that boarded the first trip of a journey must board each subsequent trip in order to be eligible for journey-based fares.

For bus journeys, the journey-based calculation applies:

• to all concession types where applicable
• to travel in any direction on the same route and between different routes
• when a tag off and the subsequent tag on occur within the same or different zones

Some train service timetables require a transfer between two trains on the same line to complete a journey.  This typically happens during peak hours where a journey between two outer-stations requires transferring between an express service and a non-express service on the same line.

The journey-based fares apply to rail to rail transfers if a journey meets all the following conditions:

• Passengers must pay using stored value on Snapper card.
• Passengers must transfer between trains on the same line and in the same direction.
• Passengers must tag on at the first station and tag off at the last station of the journey. Tagging off and then on at an intermediate station would break the journey.
• 90 minutes for Johnsonville Line and Melling Line
• 120 minutes for Hutt Valley Line and Kapiti Line
• 180 minutes for Wairarapa Line

Transferring between trains with a Rail Transfer Permit

The Metlink Rail Transfer Permit is a free ticket that in conjunction with a valid rail single trip cash ticket (on-board strip tickets) allows passengers to transfer from one train to another, where service timetables require a transfer between two trains on the same line.

Where a transfer is needed, passengers must present a valid single trip ticket on the initial journey, and request a Transfer Permit from the on-board Metlink staff. 

Once transferred to the next train, passengers need to present both tickets for inspection and surrender the transfer ticket to the on-board Metlink staff. 

The Rail Transfer Permit:

• Is to be used on the next available train
• Cannot be used over two lines
• Cannot be used for more than one transfer
• Can be used only in conjunction with an adult or child on-board single trip cash ticket
• Can only be issued on-board

Where applicable, rail transfer permits are valid on buses replacing trains. 

Currently, transfers between trains and buses require a separate fare when using Snapper, except when using a 30 day rail pass and travelling on a bus trip covered under the terms of your pass. 

Where Snapper readers are available on the buses replacing trains, passengers paying with stored value or a pass product on a Snapper card and transferring between a replacement bus and train must tag on and off for each trip of the journey.  Each trip will cost a separate fare.

Transfer discount or journey-based fare charging will not apply when transferring between trains and buses partially replacing a train service.

Any overcharge claimed will be proactively refunded by Snapper through post-travel processing.

Snapper Metlink Explorer day passes , cash Metlink Explorer day passes and Snapper 30-Day passes allow an unlimited number of transfers only between valid services included in that pass. Valid services, routes and zones vary by pass type.

Fare changes on 1 May 2024

What’s happening  .

The government has made the decision to withdraw the government funding for the age-based concessions that have been in place since 1 September 2023. As a result, fares for children aged 5-12 and young adults under 25 years old will automatically return to the standard price fares from 1 May 2024. The current age-based concessions are funded by the government.  

Under 13 free pass (5-12 years)

• Free travel ends, and Child Fare Concession of 50% off adult fare applies.

Child fare 13-18 years old (or still in secondary school)

• 75% discount ends, and 50% off adult fare applies for secondary school students, aged 13 to 16 years old (or older if still in secondary school).
• Children aged 16 years or older who are no longer in secondary school will need to buy a Red Snapper card, and full adult fare applies unless eligible for another concession.

Young Adult (Connect) (19-24 years)

• This concession ends, and full adult fare applies, unless eligible for another concession. Tertiary students are encouraged to apply for the Tertiary Concession.

Under 18s who are eligible for the Accessible Concession

• Under 18s who have been using one of the aged-based concessions listed above instead of the Accessible Concession will need to use their Te Hunga Whaikaha Total Mobility card (external link) to travel on the Accessible Concession, which continues as a 50% discount off adult fares.

All other concessions and fares are not affected.

When will the changes come into effect?  

The fares for children aged 5-12 and young adults under 25 years old will automatically return to standard fares from 1 May 2024.  

When will the current government funded age-based fares end?  

The current concessions will end at midnight on the 30th of April 2024. From the 1st of May, standard concessions will apply.  

Why did Metlink/Greater Wellington make this decision?  

Greater Wellington reviewed the costs to maintain these concessions and agreed that continuing to fund these within the Wellington region could directly affect our rate payers. P lease refer to NZTA’s CERF programme page (external link) for more information on the funding package.  

What happens to the rest of the other concessions and fares?  

Metlink’s other concessions and fares remain the same as follows and you do not need to take any action .  

• Under 5 (0-4 years) – 100% free travel  
• Adults (25 years or older or those who are not eligible for concessions) – Full adult fares  
• Community Connect Concession for Community Services Card holders – 50% off adult Snapper fares  
• Tertiary Concession – 25% off adult Snapper fares  
• Accessible Concession (including Te Hunga Whaikaha Total Mobility card holders) – 50% off adult fares  
• Super Gold Concession – Free off-peak travel  

Snapper fares are 50% off when travelling during off-peak hours.  

Can I still use the same Snapper card after the 1st of May?  

Yes, you can continue using your current Snapper card from the 1st of May.

However, children aged 16 years or older who are no longer in secondary school who are currently using a Snapper Green card for the Child Concession (following the 1 September 2023 changes), will no longer qualify for the Child Concession from 1 May 2024 and need to use a Red Snapper card for travel at the full adult fare.

What if I don't have enough credit?  

Make sure you have enough credit on your Snapper card before the 1st of May to avoid any disruptions to your travel.   Top up (external link) your Snapper card to ensure you have enough credit.

If your card goes into a negative balance, you will not be able to tag on to the service until you have topped up. For more information, please refer to snapper.co.nz (external link)  

Do the changes apply to bus, train and ferry services?  

This concession change will apply to all bus, train, and ferry services (excluding on-demand services where there is only one fare for all passengers).  

Do I still need to tag on and tag off for every trip?  

Yes, however if you forget to tag off at the end of your journey, you will be charged a default fare.   

If the default fare puts your card into a negative balance, your card won't work until you have topped up. We recommend keeping enough balance on your card for your journey.  

This does not apply for ferry or On Demand services, since these services do not use Snapper.

How will group travel work?  

On a bus – You can use your Snapper card to tag on multiple passengers, just ask the driver before you tag on to set up the reader for the passenger number and fares you require, For example 1 Adult and 2 x children. You can also pay with cash and purchase multiple tickets for your group.    

On Rail and Ferry - For capacity planning and safety reasons, group journeys of over 10 people must be booked in advance of travel. For information on how to do this, you can contact Metlink on 0800 801 700.   

Please note, that for school groups the functionality to board multiple U13s will be removed from 1 May 2024.  

If you are paying for your rail journey with Snapper , one card per person is required.  

Do Transport Officers check concession compliance ?   

Transport officers may check for concession compliance.  

Secondary school students must either be in uniform or show their photo school ID if they are asked by the Metlink staff.  

How can I get support/ where can I find more information?  

The Metlink Contact Centre can be contacted on 0 800 801 700.  

We will have Transport Officers at some stations available to help during the day if needed. Feel free to reach out to them and ask questions.  

Under 13 Free Pass (5-12 years) ends from 1 May 2024

F ree travel ends from 1 May 2024, and the C hild C oncession of 50% off the adult fare on travel will apply.

Y ou won’t need to reapply for the Child Concession. Your Green Snapper card already has the Child Concession on it.  Just continue using your Green Snapper card and you will get the Child Concession 50% off adult fare discount automatically.  You will need to t op up your Snapper card to ensure you have enough cred it.   Child Rail passes (external link) are also available for purchase for frequent rail travellers.  

This change will apply to all bus, train, and ferry services (excluding on-demand services where there is only one fare for all passengers).  

When does my current free Under 13 pass expire?

Free Under 13 Pass es expire 180 days from the first time you use it. Snapper card readers (bus and train) will show a countdown 7 days before the pass expires. However, this pass is being removed from circulation and will stop working from 1 May – at which point, the Green Snapper card defaults to the Child Concession Fare . 

What happens to my current free Under 13 pass from 1 May if my pass has not yet expired?

Your Free Pass will stop working from 1 May 2024, however, it will sit on your card until it expires. 

I have recently purchased a Green Snapper card to qualify for the free pass. Since this is being discontinued, will I get a refund?  

Unfortunately, there will be no refunds. For more information, refer to our refund policy. (external link)  

Under 13s who qualify for the Accessible Concession

U nder 13s who have been using the free pass instead of the Accessible Concession will need to use their Te Hunga Whaikaha Total Mobility card to travel on the Accessible Concession, which is a 50% discount off adult fares.

Can I use my Snapper card to pay for my friends?

Yes, as long as they are all eligible for a child concession, you can use your Green Snapper card to pay for your friends on the bus (just let the driver know). For more information about group travel with one Snapper card, visit metlink.org.nz/fares . (external link)

Tag on and tag off for every trip  

If you forget to tag off at the end of your journey, you will be charged a default fare. The default fare is the same as the standard child default fare (up to $5.00). If the default fare puts your card into a negative balance, your card won't work until your balance is in positive balance. We recommend keeping a balance on your card.  

When using cash  

When using cash, the standard child fare applies, and this will be 50% off adult fares from 1 May 2024. Remember that when you pay with cash, the discount you get on your child concession may not be exactly 50% of the adult fares, because cash fares are rounded up to the nearest 50 cents.  

Child fare discount changes from 1 May 2024

From 1 May, 75% discount off adult fare ends, and 50% off adult fare applies on all Metlink services for children aged 5  to 16 years old (or older if still at secondary school).  Children aged  16 or older who are no longer in secondary school will  no longer qualify for this concession and will need to use a Red Snapper card (external link) , and the full adult fare will apply, unless you qualify for another concession.

Child Concession applies to:

• Children aged 5 to 6 years old who have not started school are qualified for the Child Concession.   
• Children who are enrolled in a primary or intermediate school are entitled to the Child Concession at all times in or out of school uniform.  
• Children who are enrolled in a secondary school are entitled to the Child Concession at all times and must either:
• Be wearing school uniform, or
• Present a valid physical or digital secondary school photo ID, if requested by Metlink staff.
• C hildren who are not enrolled in a school must present:
• a bona fide photo ID card for home-schooled children issued by the National Council of Home Educators New Zealand ( NCHENZ (external link) ); or
• an approval document from the Ministry of Education (external link) that shows the child is exempt from enrolment at a school.

Students attending a polytechnic, university, language academy or other similar learning institutions, or youths aged 16 or older who have left school, do not qualify for a Child Concession.

Passengers must provide proof of entitlement for the concession when requested by Metlink staff.

Do I need to apply for another Child Concession from 1 May?  

You won’t need to apply for another Child Concession. You can continue using your Green Snapper card or Red Snapper card with a Child Concession or your School Photo ID printed on your Snapper card from the 1 st of May.  

Green Snapper cards already have a Child Concession applied for both buses and trains. The Child Concession is also available on ferry services with a child ticket. You can pay for a ferry ticket using Cash or EFTPOS.   For more information, visit eastbywest.co.nz (external link)  

What do I need to do if I am between the ages of 13 to 16 years (or older if still at secondary school)?  

If you are 13 to 16 years old (or older if still at secondary school), you will need to top up your Snapper card to ensure you have enough credit from the 1 st of May 2024.    

Am I required to carry my ID?  

Some schools print their ID cards on Green Snapper cards. See Snapper website (external link) for more information. If you don’t have a student ID on your card, please make sure you carry ID with you when you travel.  

What do I need to do if I am over 16 years old and no longer in secondary school?  

As a result of this change, you no longer qualify for the Child Concession. We encourage you to purchase and top up a Red Snapper card (external link) , which will apply the full adult fare. If you currently have a Child Concession loaded onto a Red Snapper, please contact the Snapper Centre on 0800 555 345 , and we can assist you in expiring your current Child Concession.     However, if you qualify for other concessions such as Tertiary, Community Connect concessions, or Accessible Concessions such as Total Mobility, please consider applying for these concessions (external link) .  

Can I load multiple concessions?  

Only one concession can be loaded on your card, so it’s important to choose the one that gives you the best discount, if you’re eligible for more than one.

Children who qualify for the Accessible Concession

Children who have been using the Child Concession (75% discount) instead of the Accessible Concession (50% discount) will need to use their Te Hunga Whaikaha Total Mobility card to travel on the Accessible Concession, which is 50% discount off adult fares.

While the Child Concession of 50% off adult fare applies for 5 to 16-year-olds (or those still in secondary school), the Accessible Concession offers the same 50% discount, but uses the Te Hunga Whaikaha Total Mobility card to tag on and off.  This removes the hassle of carrying two cards to travel, since the Snapper Green card will no longer be required.

I have recently purchased a green Snapper card, but I will no longer qualify for the Child Concession due to this change. Will I get a refund?  

Unfortunately, there will be no refunds. If you have a credit balance on your Green Snapper card, you can contact the Snapper Contact Centre on 0800 555 345 to block your Green Snapper card and transfer your credit to your new red Snapper card. For more information, refer to our refund policy. (external link)  

Can I multi tag/ or pay for my friends?  

Only one concession can be loaded on your card, and you can tag on and pay with your Snapper card for up to five friends who also are entitled to a Child Concession.  

When using cash, the standard child fare applies, and this will be 50% off adult fares from 1 May 2024.  Remember that when you pay with cash, the discount you get on your child concession may not be exactly 50% of the adult fares, because cash fares are rounded up to the nearest 50 cents.  

Young Adult (Connect) Concession ends from 1 May 2024

From 1 May, this concession ends and the full adult fare applies, unless  you qualify for another concession, such as the Tertiary Concession or the Community Connect Concession. If you do not qualify for any other concessions (or have not yet applied them to your Snapper card), you will be automatically charged the full adult fare from 1 May 2024.  

This change will apply to all bus, train, and ferry services (excluding on-demand services where there is only one fare for all passengers).

If you have the (Young Adult Connect) Concession, you will need to:  

• Top up your Snapper card to ensure you have enough credit    
• OR find another concession you qualify for such as the Tertiary Concession or the Community Connect Concession and apply before 1 May 2024. You might qualify for the Tertiary Concession, which gives you 25% discount off adult fares if you are a full-time tertiary students OR Community Connect Concessions, which gives you a 50% discount off adult fares if you have a Community Services Card.   

We strongly encourage you to   apply for a new concession (external link) through the Snapper website (external link) , if you know the concession you qualify for.  

New c oncessions can take 24 hours  or longer  to be applied to your Snapper card .

Concessions can take up to 24 hours or longer to apply to your Snapper card, but once they are applied, they will immediately override the existing concession on your Snapper card.

Tertiary Concessions that require approval from your Tertiary Organisations can take longer than 24 hours to be applied on your Snapper card. Please keep this in mind when applying for concessions.  If you travel before your concession is applied, you will be charged the default full adult fare.

Can I still use the same Red Snapper card from the 1st of May?  

Yes, you can continue using your current Red Snapper card after the 1st of May.  

I am between the ages 19 to 24, and will not qualify for any other concession from 1 May, what does this change mean for me?  

If you do not qualify for any other concessions, you will be automatically charged the full adult fare from 1 May 2024.  

I am a Tertiary student, what does this change mean for me from 1 May?  

If you are a full-time tertiary student, you might qualify for the Tertiary Concession which gives you 25% discount on adult fare or Community Connect Concessions which gives you 50% discount off adult fare if you have a Community Services Card.   

Under 25s who qualify for the Accessible Concession

Under 25s who have been using the Young Adult Concession instead of the Accessible Concession will need to use their Te Hunga Whaikaha Total Mobility card to travel on the Accessible Concession, which is 50% discount off adult fares.

Will you refund me for the time I was waiting for my concession to be applied on my card?  

Unfortunately, we're unable to offer refunds for the time you waited for your concession to be applied to your card. It is the customer's responsibility to ensure you apply for your concession in a timely manner.  

If I apply for a new concession before 1 May, can I get a refund?  

Unfortunately, there will be no refunds. We recommend that you apply for any new concessions closer to the 1 st of May, so that you can maximise using the Young Adult Concession 50% discount for longer. For more information, refer to our refund policy. (external link)  

What if I apply for the Tertiary concession before the 1st of May, what discount will I qualify for?  

If you apply for a Tertiary concession before 1 May, you will immediately qualify for the 25% discount off adult fare and the 50% off adult fare will no longer apply. Your card will only read the current concession loaded on your card. This is because once a new concession is applied on your card, it will immediately override the existing concession on your Snapper card.  

We recommend that you apply for your Tertiary Concession closer to the 1 st of May, so that you can maximise using the Young Adult Concession 50% discount for longer.  

Under 18s who qualify for the Accessible Concession

The change on 1 May 2024 only affects those 5 to 18 years old ( or older if still attending secondary school), as they currently receive higher discounts than those provided by the Accessible C oncession under the existing government-funded age-based concessions.  

U nder 18s who have been using one of the aged-based concessions instead of the Accessible Concession will need to use their Te Hunga Whaikaha Total Mobility card to travel on the Accessible Concession, which continues as a 50% discount off adult fares.

Nothing is changing for the rest of the other Te Hunga Whaikaha Total Mobility card holders. T hey can continue to do what they have been doing .

Below are the changes to the current age-based concessions from 1 May 2024:    

5 –12 year olds    .

Free travel will end, and 50% off adult fare will apply through the Accessible Concession . Children must tag on and off using their Te Hunga Whaikaha Total Mobility card ONLY to travel with their carer on the Accessible Concession.  

The Green Snapper Card will no longer be required for travel, removing the hassle of carrying two cards.  

13- 18 Year Olds (or still in secondary school)  

75% discount off adult fare will end, and 50% off adult fare will apply through the Accessible Concession . Children must tag on and off using their Te Hunga Whaikaha Total Mobility card ONLY to travel with their carer on the Accessible Concession.    

What happens to the rest of the other Te Hunga Whaikaha Total Mobility card holders?  

Nothing is changing for the rest of the other Te Hunga Whaikaha Total Mobility card holders, they do not need to take any action and can continue as usual.   

The change only affects children and young adults between the ages of 5 to 18 years old (or older if still attending secondary school), as they currently receive higher discounts than those provided by the Accessible Concession under the existing government-funded age-based concessions.  

Do these changes also apply to taxis?  

No, these changes do not apply to taxi services. For door-to-door services, the Te Hunga Whaikaha Total Mobility subsidy remains at 75% of the total fare, up to a maximum of $60.    

What is the process from 1 May, if I want to travel using a bus, train or ferry?  

• Top up your Te Hunga Whaikaha Total Mobility card to ensure you have enough credit.    
• Carry your Te Hunga Whaikaha Total Mobility Card ONLY to board the bus or train .   The Green Snapper Card will no longer be required for travel, removing the hassle of carrying two cards.  
• Tag on and off with your Te Hunga Whaikaha Total Mobility Card to get 50% discount off adult fare.  
• On the ferry, you will need to show your Total Mobility ticket.    

What about my carer?   

If you have a carer, show your Te Hunga Whaikaha Total Mobility card to the driver after you tag on, and your carer automatically travels for free.  Your carer will be issued with a ticket by the driver.  

What happens to the Green Snapper card that was sent to me by Metlink when the current fares came into effect?  

You can keep the Green Snapper card, but anyone using the Green Snapper card must be entitled to the Child Concession.  

My Green Snapper card has a credit balance. What happens to my balance?  

If you have a credit balance on your current Green Snapper card, please contact the Snapper Contact Centre on 0800 555 345 , and Snapper will block your Green Snapper card from further use and move your remaining credit balance to your Te Hunga Whaikaha Total Mobility card.   

Kindly also note that the Green Snapper card was given to you free of charge by Metlink and no refunds will be provided on these cards.    

Can I get a refund on my credit balance?  

Unfortunately, no refunds will be provided. If you have any credit balances on your card, contact the Snapper Contact Centre on 0800 555 345 and they will block your Green Snapper card from further use and move your remaining credit balance to your Te Hunga Whaikaha Total Mobility card.  

Kindly also note that the Green Snapper card was given to you free of charge by Metlink and no refunds will be provided on these cards.  

How can I get support?  

For more information, visit metlink.org.nz (external link) /fares , or call the Metlink Contact Centre on 0800 801 700   or email us on [email protected]  

What if I don’t have access to the internet?   

For support, you can also call 0800 801 700. Our Transport Officers will also be visible at some stations during the day to help you. Feel free to reach out to them and ask questions.  

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Wellington Trip Planner

Top attractions in wellington.

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Top searches in Wellington

Popular road trips from wellington, all road trips from wellington.

• Wellington to Auckland drive
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Explore nearby places

• Abel Tasman National Park
• Westland National Park (Te Wahipounamu)
• Pauatahanui
• Paekakariki
• Raumati Beach
• Paraparaumu
• Featherston
• Maraetai Bay
• Endeavour Inlet
• Martinborough
• Kenepuru Sound

All related maps of Wellington

• Map of Wellington
• Map of Abel Tasman National Park
• Map of Westland National Park (Te Wahipounamu)
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Wellington throughout the year

• Wellington in January
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• Wellington in May
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• Wellington in July
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• Wellington in October
• Wellington in November
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Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Wellington?

Get inspired for your trip to Wellington with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

• 1-Day Wellington Itinerary
• 2-Day Wellington Itinerary
• 3-Day Wellington Itinerary
• 4-Day Wellington Itinerary
• 5-Day Wellington Itinerary

Weather in Wellington

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Metlink 1 bus

Johnsonville w / churton pk / grenada village - island bay, metlink 1 bus stop list and next departures.

The Metlink 1 - Johnsonville W / Churton Pk / Grenada Village - Island Bay bus serves {count_of_stops} bus stops in the Wellington area departing from {first_stop} and ending at {last_stop}. Scroll down to see upcoming 1 bus times at each stop and the next scheduled 1 bus times will be displayed. The full 1 bus schedule as well as real-time departures (if available) can be found in the app .

The Metlink 1 - Johnsonville W / Churton Pk / Grenada Village - Island Bay bus route map is shown above. The route map shows you an overview of all the stops served by the Metlink 1 bus to help you plan your trip on Metlink. Opening the app will allow you to see more detailed information about the route on a map including stop specific alerts, such as stops that have been closed or moved. You can also see the location of vehicles in real-time on the route map so you know when the 1 bus is approaching your stop.

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Open the app to see more information about any active disruptions that may impact the 1 bus schedule, such as detours, moved stops, trip cancellations, major delays, or other service changes to the bus route. The app also allows you to subscribe to receive notifications for any service alert issued by Metlink so that you can plan your trip around any active or future disruptions.

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The next 1 bus leaves {first_stop} at {first_stop_first_time}, and arrives at {last_stop} at {last_stop_first_time}. The total trip time for the next Metlink 1 bus is {number_of_minutes} minutes.

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Other Metlink bus schedules, routes and maps

• 2 Karori - Wellington - Hataitai - Miramar / Seatoun
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• 4 Strathmore - Newtown - Wellington - Univ - Mairangi
• 7 Kingston - Brooklyn - Wellington
• 12e Strathmore Pk - Kilbirnie - Hataitai - Wellington
• 13 Mairangi - Glenmore St - Brandon St
• 14 Wilton - Wellington - Roseneath - Hataitai - Kilbirnie
• 17 Kowhai Park - Brooklyn - Wellington
• 18 Miramar - Newtown - Kelburn - Karori
• 19 Johnsonville - Churton Pk - Johnsonville
• 20 Kilbirnie - Mt Victoria - Wellington Sta
• 21 Karori (Wrights Hill) - Kelburn - Courtenay Pl
• 22 Johnsonville - Mairangi - Kelburn - Wellington
• 23 Houghton Bay - Newtown - Wellington

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Plan your journey and find timetables by visiting the Metlink website.

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Wellington Itinerary With The Top Things To Do In Wellington

By: Author Lotte

Posted on Last updated: February 21, 2023

Categories New Zealand

Wellington is the capital of New Zealand and this small city offers a wide range of activities despite its small size.

It has a vibrant and lively culture, amazing local restaurants and cafes, plenty of outdoor activities to explore, and stunning scenery all around.

Plus, Wellington's central location in New Zealand makes it easy to explore the rest of the country. But not before you've spent some time exploring Wellington itself.

This Wellington itinerary will help you plan your trip to Wellington and make the most of your visit to this quirky and windy city!

Wellington itinerary

Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). We're very grateful when you use our links to make a purchase:-).

Where to go in Wellington: map

In the map below you can find all the cool things to do in Wellington, as well as suggested places to stay and eat.

Click here for the interactive map

Wellington things to see in and around town

• Te Papa Tongarewa Museum
• Cuba Street
• The Wellington Cable Car
• Parliament Buildings
• Old Saint Paul's
• Wellington Waterfront
• Zealandia Ecosanctuary
• Mount Victoria Lookout
• The Weta Cave
• Paekakariki Escarpment Track

Plan your New Zealand trip like a pro with these tools: ? Rent a campervan for your NZ road trip (or a car via Rentalcars.com ). ? Arrange your NZ working holiday with Global Work & Travel . ? Stay connected with a New Zealand SIM card . ? Plan your journey with the New Zealand Lonely Planet . ?️ Find the best hotel deals on Booking.com or Agoda . ? Join the best tours in New Zealand via Get Your Guide or Viator . ?️ Travel safely and get reliable travel insurance from Safety Wing .

10-day New Zealand South Island Itinerary

Don't feel stressed out by the prospect of planning your epic New Zealand adventure. Get the ultimate 10-day South Island itinerary for the trip of a lifetime!

What's included:

• A day-by-day outline of your 10-day trip around the South Island of New Zealand (including Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook, Queenstown, Milford Sound, and the West Coast). • Accommodation recommendations • Tips for great restaurants • A Google Map with all the highlights • Driving distances • And more…

Where to stay in Wellington

In the table below you can find the best hotels in Wellington. Further down in the post you can read more details about these hotels.

Note: Prices for these hotels depend on the time of year and how far in advance you book. Therefore, the prices mentioned above are a rough indication of the price per night to help you compare the different options. Use ‘click here' to see the latest prices on Agoda and Booking and book ahead to get the best deal.

Fun and interesting things to know about Wellington

With a little over 400.000 residents , Wellington is the second most populous urban area of New Zealand (Auckland is the largest) and New Zealand’s capital. Wellington is comprised of four different cities: Wellington City, Porirua, Lower Hutt, and Upper Hutt.

Wellington is nicknamed ‘ Windy Welly ‘ , which is due to the fact that the city is located in the ‘Roaring Forties’. This meteorological phenomenon occurs between 40 and 50 latitudes in the Southern Hemisphere. Hot air from the equator meets the cold polar wind, resulting in average wind speeds of 29km/h in Wellington city on an ordinary day. On windy days (180 days a year), however, gales of 75km/h aren't unheard of.

If you want to avoid the crowds it's best to visit in October-November (Spring) or March-April (Autumn). Temperatures are between 15-20°C and the weather is generally sunny and dry.

Ideally, I would recommend spending at least three or four days in Wellington. That way, you will be able to see many of the Wellington highlights listed below without feeling rushed. During your visit to Wellington, you can add some Wellington days trips to your itinerary as well. There are several great options listed in this post.

Best places to visit in Wellington

1. visit the te papa tongarewa museum.

Stella from Around the World in 24 Hours : Windy Wellington, New Zealand’s capital, has many wonderful attractions. An absolute must-see in Wellington is the famous Te Papa Tongarewa, the Museum of New Zealand.

Te Papa is open between 10 AM to 6 PM every day of the year (except Christmas) and is completely free to visit.

The museum is very centrally located on 55 Cable Street and will be easy to reach no matter where in Wellington you are staying.

Te Papa contains exhibits on any and every aspect of New Zealand's history and culture. If you are interested in New Zealand’s glorious wildlife, start with the exhibit on the national icon, the kiwi bird.

But don’t miss the other unusual New Zealand animals, like the world’s tallest bird, the moa, and the majestic Colossal Squid.

If you are more interested in history, you can see artifacts from the Treaty of Waitangi and the tragically famous World War I Battle of Gallipoli. There’s also a major section dedicated to the devastating earthquake that leveled the towns of Napier and Hastings back in the 1930s.

Perhaps the most interesting section of Te Papa is dedicated to Maori culture. It's not permitted to take photos of most of the Maori artifacts.

However, Te Papa does have a beautiful wharenui , which means meeting house in the Maori language.

Here you can take pictures and see the work of modern Maori artists. It’s the perfect place to learn about the fascinating Maori culture.

Set aside an entire day for this magnificent museum, it's worth every minute!

2. Stroll through Cuba street

Lauren from Justin Plus Lauren : Cuba Street is one of the most famous streets in Wellington and also one of the most lively areas of the city. In fact, the street is even registered as a Historic Area under the Historic Places Act .

The street is a pedestrian mall and a very walkable part of Wellington. You can check out bohemian shops, kitschy cafes, and restaurants with many international flavors.

It's an area for creativity, self-expression, and the arts, featuring exhibitions, street performers, and galleries. The street is decorated with colorful street art and displays of public art.

The Wellington Night Market happens on Cuba Street every Friday and Saturday night, and you must check it out when you're in town on (one of )these days.

It's a great foodie adventure, featuring cuisines from around the world. You'll be able to discover many new flavors for very reasonable prices.

The Wellington Night Market is a free entertainment event that brings even more excitement to vibrant Cuba Street.

Cuba Street, along with many other wonderful places to visit in Wellington, makes the city an excellent addition to any  New Zealand road trip . 

3. Ride the Wellington Cable Car

Emma from Emma Jane Explores : the Wellington Cable Car is a historical funicular that rattles and glides up 120 meters from the city center to the hilly, lush greenery of Kelburn where remarkable views of Wellington’s waterfront below can be enjoyed.

The cable car was opened in 1902, making it a foundational part of Wellington's history and one of the best things to do in Wellington.

A trip on the cable car won’t take too big a chunk out of your day or your wallet. A ride from end to end takes a mere 5 minutes and will set you back less than $10 NZD for a return trip.

Wellington’s Snapper and transport cards can also be used. To catch the Cable Car, you’ll need to head to Lambton Quay in Wellington’s center. You won’t be waiting long, as the cable car arrives every 15 minutes.

The best part about taking the cable car up into the Wellington hills is the view over the Wellington Harbour, which can be enjoyed from a grassy knoll at the final stop of the cable car’s journey.

Here is the perfect spot to sit, take in the sights and stop for a picnic lunch. 

The Wellington Botanical Gardens are also located here, so be sure to spend some time wandering the beautifully curated gardens.

You can either hop back into the cable car or follow a trail down through the Botanical Gardens back down into the city (you will end up at the New Zealand Parliament Buildings, the next stop on the itinerary).

Click here to buy tickets for the Wellington cable car.

4. Take a tour of the New Zealand Parliament Buildings

Sarah from Sarah sees the World : the Parliament Buildings are a famous Wellington landmark.

Free guided tours of New Zealand's Parliament buildings are available on the hour, every hour between 10 am and 4 pm seven days a week.

As well as taking you inside the famous Beehive (a building shaped like its name would suggest!) and other buildings, you'll learn about New Zealand's parliamentary processes and history and see some amazing photos and pieces of art.

Group sizes are limited, so you need to make a booking via phone or email at least 24 hours in advance. You need to arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, go through security screening, and check-in any bags before the tour starts.

Cameras and phones are not allowed on the tours and some areas are off-limits to the public, such as the Prime Minister's office.

As somebody who is lucky enough to be living in Wellington , I've done this tour several times with visitors and have found it to be very different each time as the different hosts have different stories to tell.

5. Old Saint Paul's

Old Saint Paul's is a beautiful little church, built with different types of wood native to New Zealand (such as totara, kauri, and rimu).

This unique wooden church was built in 1866, the entire building was finished in a mere nine months!

The church is beautiful both on the outside and as well as inside. The lighting within Old Saint Paul's is stunning, filtering through the stained glass windows and creating a very special atmosphere.     

Old Saint Paul's is one of the best examples of Gothic Revival architecture in the world, a Wellington landmark, and a popular wedding venue.

The church was almost demolished in the 1960s, luckily it was purchased by the New Zealand Government and subsequently renovated.

Extensive earthquake-strengthening works have been executed in 2019, to preserve Old Saint Paul's for future generations.

6. Wellington Waterfront

Ioana from The World Is My Playground : one of the most beautiful places in Wellington is the bustling waterfront.

Separating the central city from the water, the pedestrian-only waterfront is one of the best places to visit in Wellington. It has the perfect mix of adventure, culture, history, and beautiful scenery.

The best time of day to visit is early in the morning and experience the serenity this area has to offer. If you’re a morning person, get there just after sunrise to see the sun dancing on the water in the golden hour glow.

Wander around and explore the area or take the Writer’s Walk to see the 19 text sculptures with quotations about the city of Wellington.

Keep an eye out for the beautiful Maori carvings and unique sculptures that you’ll see while you walk around.

For adventure types, there’s plenty to do in the area as well. Hire a bike from a nearby shop, go roller skating, rock climbing, or rent a kayak or paddleboard to see the waterfront from a different angle.

Other points of interest are the Wellington Museum, the Wharf, Chaffers Marina, and the sandy beach at Oriental Bay.

Oriental Bay also has quaint cafes that are perfect for taking a break or enjoying delicious gelato.

Things to do near Wellington

There aren't just many top things to do in Wellington center. If you venture a little further afield there is a whole lot more to be explored.

7. Learn about conservation at the Zealandia Ecosanctuary

Viola from the Blessing Bucket : if you are an animal lover, check out Zealandia in Wellington.

This world-renowned urban ecosanctuary is home to many of New Zealand’s rare and endangered native wildlife, mostly birds and reptiles.

Zealandia started as a conservation project with a beautiful 500-year plan to recover Wellington valleys, forests, and freshwater ecosystems.

Their vision is to restore the area to its pre-human state as close as possible and undo much of the damage brought on by mammalian predators.

Since the start of this ambitious plan, Zealandia has been able to reintroduce 18 species of native wildlife back to the area. 

As you walk around the grounds, which are set around a stunning reservoir, you can see many endemic birds and creatures, such as little spotted kiwi, kākā, and tuatara. 

It only takes a mere 10 minutes to get to Zealandia from Wellington CBD, by car or with public transport. Zealandia is open Monday to Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm.

Consider joining one of the informative tours led by knowledgeable guides , who will point out all the special species living in the sanctuary and teach you all about the unique natural history of New Zealand.

8. Mount Victoria Lookout

Katie from Two Wandering Soles : getting a glimpse of Wellington from above should definitely be on your list of  things to do in New Zealand .

While not exactly a true mountain, Mount Victoria stands 196 meters (643 feet) tall and offers sweeping 360-degree views of the capital city and bay below. 

Depending on how much time you have and how fit you are, there are a few different ways to get to the viewpoint at the top.

The easiest and quickest way to reach the viewpoint is to drive. You can also catch Bus 20 from Courtenay Place, which will bring you to the top for around $4 NZD.

If you’re up for a bit of exercise and have more time to kill, you can also hike up to the lookout point.

There are a couple of different walking routes that lead to the summit, some through pine tree forests and others with more exposed views.

Once you reach the top, be prepared for strong winds. The lookout at Mount Victoria’s summit is exposed to the elements, so there is no protection on rainy or windy days.

Also, be sure to bring your phone or camera , because you’ll definitely want to capture the beautiful views!

9. The Weta Cave

Stuart from Just Travelling Through : Wellington has a long-standing movie history and is often referred to as the film capital of New Zealand.

Both for the filming locations around the city, as well as the studios based in the area. If you love movies, a visit to the Weta Cave Workshop must be incorporated into your trip to Wellington.

The Weta Cave is a special effects workshop based on the outskirts of the city. These guys are the best of the best and have collaborated with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Peter Jackson.

They've worked on incredible high-profile projects, such as The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings.

Located around 8km from Wellington city center in the Miramar suburb, the Weta Cave is open 364 days a year from 9 am to 5:30 pm.

If you only want to visit the shop and watch the documentary (shown every 30 minutes) entry is free.

You can also see the famous trolls from the Lord of the Rings franchise lurking menacingly outside and pose for a photo with them.

Tours of the workshop are a must-do for any movie fan looking for a behind-the-scenes glimpse.

If you don't have a rental car or campervan , bus number 2 from Wellington will take you to Miramar.

Check the best rental car deals for your NZ road trip

10. Hike the Paekakariki Escarpment Track

Jennifer from Backyard Travel Family : the Paekakariki Escarpment Track has to be one of the most scenic walks in Wellington. 

Just an hour by train from Wellington train station, or a 35-minute drive from Wellington City, it's easily accessible by locals and international visitors alike.

This track showcases New Zealand’s amazing coastline, where on a beautiful clear day, you can see all the way to the South Island. 

You can view the incredible blue shoreline throughout the majority of the track, including Kapiti Island, a bird sanctuary and nature reserve.

This 10 km track takes around 3-4 hours to complete and runs from Paekakariki to Pukerua Bay. It is part of the Te Araroa Trail which runs the length of New Zealand.

Do be aware that this is not a track for the faint of heart. It’s also known as New Zealand’s Stairway to Heaven and is very steep in parts.

Beware if you have vertigo and a fear of heights. This is a trail right on the edge of the cliff. There are two amazing swing bridges to cross which are surely the highlights of the walk.

Hiking this trail is free thanks to the amazing Department of Conservation . 

Make sure you bring your own water and food as there is none available on the trail. Sunscreen , a hat, and a jacket  are recommended as the track is extremely exposed.

Getting here is easy, just hop on a train to Paekakariki train station or Pukerua Bay Station (or drive and park here).

The track starts close to both of these train stations. You can walk the trail in either direction, but our preference is to start at Paekakariki.

Best places in Wellington to eat or have a drink

Boulcott street bistro.

Nicole from Nicole LaBarge Travel : I've been living in Wellington for 15 years now and if there is one thing Wellingtonians know, it's good food.

With so many places to eat, it can be hard to choose! The best thing to do is to ask a local what their favorite Wellington restaurant  is, and you are sure to have a good meal there.

Boulcott Street Bistro is a Wellington institution that has been around since 1991.  The bistro serves modern fare along with classic bistro dishes.

It’s a favorite place of mine to celebrate a birthday, but it's also a great place to treat yourself to a nice dinner or lunch.

My favorite dish is the steak with béarnaise sauce and pomme frites and red sauce au jus .  It's simply perfection.

Honestly, you could order anything here and it would be delicious, from the Sunday Roast to the scallops. Just make sure you leave room for dessert!

Craft beer tasting

Nicholas from the Rambling Feet : Wellington happens to be the  New Zealand craft beer  capital.

Every August, the Beervana festival takes place in the city and it attracts breweries and beer lovers across the country and further afield for three days of drinking the best, boldest, and wildest beers you'll ever encounter.

Even if you visit the city at other times, there are plenty of craft bars and taprooms to explore.

Garage Project's Cellar Door, Fortune Favours, Heyday Brewing Co., Panhead's Tory Street Bar, and Tuatara's The Third Eye “ temple of taste ” are all located in Te Aro, while ParrotDog's taproom is in Lyall Bay, which is close to the airport.

If you feel adventurous, Panhead's tasting room is at their brewery in Upper Hutt, a short drive away. Prefer to try everything in one place?

You can head to the underground Hashigo Zake, the Little Beer Quarter, Golding's Free Dive, or Fork & Brewer.

This list is hardly exhaustive, though, so go ahead and explore the city. It's all too easy for your visit to turn into your own craft beer festival!

The beer selection usually changes regularly at these places, but I can recommend the following if you see them:

• Garage Project Yuzu Pernicious Weed (Double IPA)
• Garage Project Fuzzbox (Hazy pale ale)
• Panhead Supercharger (American pale ale)
• ParrotDog Glen (Boysenberry kettle sour)
• ParrotDog Keith (Hazy IPA)
• ParrotDog Terry (Stout)
• Tuatara Hefeweizen (Wheat beer)

The best places to stay in Wellington

Wellington offers plenty of accommodation for any budget. From free campsites to 5-star boutique hotels, the choice is yours when looking for the best Wellington places to stay.

Owhiro Bay Campground (free)

If you have   a self-contained campervan   you can stay at Owhiro Bay campsite for free! It's only a 10-minute drive from Wellington, and from the campsite, you can enjoy a beautiful ocean view.

Note that this is a popular campsite and it's advised to arrive early as spots fill up quickly. Also, know that this is a very windy spot to spend the night. Not an issue, but good to know.

The Marion Hostel ☆☆

This clean and centrally located accommodation offers a double room with a shared bathroom. Friendly staff, spacious rooms, and comfortable beds make The Marion Hostel excellent value for money.

Click here to book

Sofitel Wellington ☆☆☆☆☆

The Sofitel Wellington offers city-view rooms with a comfortable bed, a modern bathroom, high-speed internet, tea-making facilities, and lots of other amenities.

The genuinely nice staff will make you feel at home and are always happy to help with any questions you may have about Wellington. A highly recommended place to stay!

Bolton Hotel ☆☆☆☆☆

If you're looking for an elegant 5-star boutique hotel in Wellington, the Bolton Hotel is the best place to stay.

The Bolton Hotel offers a choice of spacious studios and suites (suites come with a fully equipped kitchen!).

Furthermore, there is a fitness center, a spa pool, and the in-house restaurant Artisan serves delicious modern New Zealand dishes. This hotel is great for couples but also welcomes traveling families.

The best Wellington activities: in conclusion

I hope this post has given you lots of inspiration for your Wellington trip! It's such a lovely city and it's dangerously easy to stay (a lot) longer than you planned.

Looking for more New Zealand posts? Also read these articles:

• New Zealand budget
• New Zealand campervan tips and driving tips
• New Zealand short hikes
• New Zealand South Island hikes

This post was updated in November 2022.

Darlene Martin

Monday 6th of April 2020

Looking forward to self-driving in New Zealand in Nov and Dec 2021. Thanks for all the tips and places to see in new Zealand especially all the info on the beautiful lakes. We cannot wait to see the scenery in New Zealand. We are going to book B&B's before we go.

Thursday 9th of April 2020

Hi Darlene,

Thank you for reading my New Zealand posts and I'm happy to hear these have helped you plan your NZ road trip for 2021:-) Have an amazing time there!

Meera Shankar

Sunday 2nd of February 2020

Wow, Wellington has a lovely melange of things to do for any traveler! Cuba Street and the cable car ride sound so exciting :) Can't wait to plan my New Zealand trip. Is Wellington the best place to travel to in New Zealand if you're on a budget?

Thanks for reading, Wellington is lovely indeed! Regarding your question, you can definitely travel Wellington on a budget, however, that depends on your travel style. We stayed at a free campsite and cooked our own food in our campervan. Most activities in Wellington we did were either free or not expensive. But if you go for lunch, dinner or a craft beer tour expenses will obviously be higher. Nevertheless, enjoy your NZ/Wellington trip!

Friday 20th of December 2019

Hi, how to get back from this Paekakariki Escarpment Track back to Wellington?

Saturday 21st of December 2019

Excellent question! The trail starts at Paekakariki Station (36 minutes from Wellington) and ends at Pukerua station (46 minutes to Wellington). Both are located along the Kapiti Line, which runs between Wellington and Waikanae. Enjoy the trail:-)

Brian & Noelle

Thursday 9th of June 2016

Great post Lotte! We loved Wellington too but only had two days to see it all as our ferry crossing was booked so we felt quite rushed and didn't get to see as much as we wanted. We'll have to go back! ;-)

Thanks Brian and Noelle! I really like your post too, seems like we have the same interests! Going back to New Zealand is always a great idea;-)

Sunday 24th of January 2016

I loved Wellington! In fact, we once played with the idea to move to NZ and then our pick to live, would've been there. However, we never got that far and ended up buying a house in the town we live still these days. Last time we were there, the weather was horrible but the first time around, it was amazing. I am sure people who live in Wellington live a great life :-)

Wow, that would have been awesome! But from the pictures I see on your FB and Instagram, the Veluwe also suits you very well;-)

New Zealand

Nestled in the Pacific Ocean, New Zealand is famous for its biodiverse wildlife, dramatic landscape, and fascinating Maori culture.

New Zealand- simply put, an awesome, diverse, and stunning island country – is located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. Composed of two main landmasses, the North Island and the South Island, and over 700 smaller islands, New Zealand is a unique country of adventure and serenity, biodiverse wildlife and vivid landscape, dazzling fjords and golden beaches, rich culture and laid-back charm. The culture of the Maori people, the indigenous population that migrated from Polynesia in the 14th century, is still an integral part of life in contemporary New Zealand – known as Aotearoa in Maori. And the locals? Nicknamed “kiwis,” they are known for their warm welcome and quick smiles.

Waitomo Caves

Coromandel Town

Fox Glacier Weheka

Christchurch

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The climate in New Zealand varies greatly from north to south, but, with much of the country lying close to the coast, there are mild temperatures year-round in many parts. Located in the southern hemisphere, December through February are summer months – perfect for beach, nature, and hiking- and June through August are winter- turning the south into a winter wonderland for snow sports enthusiasts.

New Zealand’s North Island is home to most of the country’s population as well as its largest and most cosmopolitan metropolis – Auckland - known as “the City of Sails, as it’s surrounded by islands and bays.

Auckland’s needle-like Sky Tower offers dazzling views from its exterior platform – and, for those seeking a thrill, a sky jump off the platform. Waitemata Harbour, dividing Auckland in two, is a beautiful area for entertainment, dining, and shopping. The Auckland Harbour Bridge offers opportunities not only for panoramic views but adventure, such as bungee jumping. The beautiful Hauraki Gulf islands, a ferry ride away, are popular destinations, especially Waiheke Island with villages boasting art galleries, cafes, and pristine beaches. One Tree Hill, the volcanic cone located in the lush Cornwall Park , is an Auckland icon.

Auckland is also home to several outstanding museums, including the Auckland Art Gallery , the New Zealand Maritime Museum , and the Auckland War Memorial Museum . For families, SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium is a must-see with close underwater views, huge aquariums filled with unusual sea life, and a snow-filled penguin area. Auckland’s zoo is renowned.

Wellington , the small capital city of New Zealand, is also known as the country’s culinary capital with its award-winning restaurants and a café and bar culture. Its iconic red cable cars offer panoramic views, and its botanic gardens are breathtaking. Wellington is also home to the outstanding Museum of New Zealand – the Te Papa .

The city of Tauranga and its environs feature many natural attractions – such as Rainbow Springs Kiwi Wildlife Park and Okere Falls – as well as cultural highlights such as art galleries and the Classic Flyer’s Museum . Rotorua , with its surrounding lakes, hot springs, mud pools, and geysers, is famous for its geothermal activity. The city of Hamilton mixes culture and entertainment with stunning nature such as gardens, lakes, and parks.

New Zealand’s oldest heritage trail, the Forgotten World Highway, is both scenic and mysterious, snaking through many natural and historical points of interest, and the Waitomo Caves are an extensive system of caves with unusual limestone formations and stunning waterfalls.

While New Zealand’s South Island offers untainted natural landscapes – an extraordinary mix of rare wildlife, untamed wilderness, deserted coastlines, magnificent fiords, and delicious seafood – it is also home to several large cities. Christchurch boasts an array of architectural styles, museums, wildlife preserves, treks, and gardens. It is a vibrant urban center known also for its street art and foodie scene.

Queenstown is a resort area with stunning landscape, galleries, eateries, and abundant adventure activities – including great skiing in the winter months. The city of Dunedin is known for its fascinating history, cultural highlights, architectural heritage, as well as its natural beauty.

Don’t miss these other outstanding destinations in the south! Milford Sound – a dramatic fiord located in the spectacular Fiordland National Park , Mount Cook National Park, Lake Tekapo , and the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers.

Need guidance?

Whether you’re looking for kiwi-style adventure or serenity – or some of both - start planning, organizing, and booking your customized dream trip to New Zealand using RoutePerfect’s unique set of planning tools. Unlike any other company, Routeperfect offers its exclusive Popular Itineraries written by tourism professionals and experienced travelers to jumpstart your planning, helping you to personalize your travel and book your accommodations so that you can experience the country YOUR way.

Regions in New Zealand

Attractions in new zealand, popular itineraries in new zealand.

Wellington City’s Long-term Plan adopted

Investment into Wellington’s future has been set with the adoption of the City Council’s 2024-34 Long-term Plan.

The Council today officially approved and accepted the plan, which was put out for public consultation in April and May.

Mayor Tory Whanau says the decision marks the end of a comprehensive process focused on striking a responsible balance. “The decisions we have made over this process deliver the investment needed to help Pōneke continue to be a city where people and nature thrive, while balancing our economic constraints. 

“Our Long-term Plan invests $1.8b to protect one of our most important natural resources – water, delivers better transport with bus lanes and cycle lanes, tackles climate change by transforming our waste system and decarbonising our pools, provides extra funding to pay workers the Living Wage, puts $500m into upgrading social housing and invests in our community by funding city safety.

“Our communities deserve to have access to warm, dry and safe homes, with transport that gets them across the city where they can enjoy our world-class arts and culture scene where everyone is celebrated. 

“Our future can be thriving and exciting. I am proud of where we landed today and thank Wellingtonians for helping to guide us on this huge decision for our city.”

The plan outlines how nearly $5 billion of capital expenditure will be spent on improving Pōneke over the next 10 years and directs $11.6 billion towards running the city and providing services. Over 4000 people made a submission during formal consultation on the plan.

Along with the record investment in water, which was strongly backed by public submissions, the plan sees the introduction of an organic waste collection service and increased capacity for recycling collection – also strongly backed by the public.

A new Perpetual Investment Fund will also be created using proceeds from the sale of the Council’s minority shares, (34%), in Wellington Airport. A majority of public submissions favoured selling some or all of the shares.

Over $42 million will be spent on upgrading and renewing the city’s Coastal, Town Belt and Reserves infrastructure and there is $106m of funding for recreation facilities and services.

More than $325m will be spent on operational costs for social housing and nearly $593m on renewing and upgrading units.

Over $104m has been earmarked for the completion of the new Te Matapihi Central Library and $1.1b is set aside for the transport network, including $115.2m on sustainable street changes.

The final plan adopted by Councillors includes:

• The removal of proposals to introduce suburban parking fees in selected areas;
• Introduction of fees for motorcycle parking in the central city;
• A one-year pause and review of plans to close Khandallah Pool by a newly established Advisory Group;
• Sale of the Wadestown Community Centre and subsequent engagement with the community about how the proceeds of the sale are used;
• Removal of funding for the annual mid-year fireworks display;
• Earlier-than-scheduled closure of the Arapaki Service Centre and temporary library on Manners Street;
• Stopping the planned upgrade of Ian Galloway Park and Waitangi Park skate facilities;
• Scale back the Thorndon Quay and Hutt Rd projects;
• Scale back the City Streets and Bike network projects;
• Reprioritise funding from Creative Capital towards the National Music Centre;
• Allocate $14m from the Climate Resilience Fund to degasify the pool network;
• Increase social grants for safety initiatives in the CBD by $500,000 a year;
• Consider options to reallocate any funding not spent against the Town Hall and Te Ngākau Civic Square to water capital renewal projects;
• Focus on the delivery of City Streets projects like a Secondary bus corridor, cross-city cycle connection, Cuba St pedestrianisation and Dixon Street upgrade in the first three years of the Long-term Plan.

Following the adoption of the Plan, an average rates increase of 16.9% for the 2024/25 year has been finalised to help finance the investments. The sludge levy , which is in addition to general rates, will be introduced from 2024/25 and is a further 1.6% increase.

Alongside rates, most fees and user charges will increase, effective 1 July. Key fee increases are in the following areas:

• Wellington Gardens
• Waterfront Public Spaces
• Waste Minimisation including general rubbish, green waste and rubbish bags.
• Swimming Pools
• Recreation Centres
• Burials and Cremations
• Public Health Regulations
• Dog Registration
• Building Control & Facilitation
• Development Control & Facilitation
• Network-wide control & Management

There are several variables that impact on how fees and charges are set. These vary from activity to activity, and generally can be attributed to growing costs associated with services.

The full list of proposed changes to fees and charges can be found on the Council website here.

25 June 2024

Sludge facility named Te Whare Wai Para Nuku

A te reo Māori name for the sludge minimisation facility being built at Moa Point has been formalised during the site blessing today.

21 June 2024

Have your say on Grenada North Park upgrades

Concept designs to upgrade Grenada North Park are being developed and the community is invited to have their say on this multi-functional sports and r...

Restoring the heart of our capital city? Absolutely

We’re making good progress on multiple projects that will enhance the resilience of Te Ngākau Civic Square and restore it to its place as the civic an...

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May 2024 update.

The government made the decision to withdraw the government funding for the age-based concessions that have been in place since 1 September 2023.

Fares for children aged 5-12 and young adults under 25 years old returned to the standard price fares on 1 May 2024.   

More information

Answer the questions below to find out which fare type you should use. .

Apply for concessions on the Snapper website. (external link)

To find fares for special services, such as the  Wellington Harbour Ferry , Airport Express , Metlink OnDemand and Te Hunga Whaikaha Total Mobility taxis , see those pages on our website.

All fare prices, including 30-day passes and day passes, are listed on the Tickets & fares page.

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 If you have a SuperGold card, tick "I have a SuperGold card" in the question above. 

If you are over 65 years of age, but don't have a SuperGold card, you will pay the Adult fare, unless you are eligible for another concession. This also applies if you don't have your SuperGold card with you when you travel. 

Free off-peak transport is not available to Australian Seniors Card cardholders or other overseas equivalents of the SuperGold card. If you reside in New Zealand, s ee the SuperGold website for information about eligibility and applying for a SuperGold card.

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• I'm 25 to 64 years old (Adult)

If you have the SuperGold and Community Services 'combo' card, you can use it during off-peak for free travel. For peak travel, you'll need a red Snapper card with the Community Connect Concession applied to get discounted peak fares (50% discount). 

Your best fare: supergold , ride free with your supergold card during off-peak hours..

You'll need to have your SuperGold card with you to show Metlink staff when you board.  Overseas equivalents of the New Zealand SuperGold Card are not accepted on Metlink services.

Off-peak hours

• Weekdays 9am to 3pm, and after 6:30pm
• Weekends and Public Holidays

During peak time, you'll have to pay a fare as shown below:

Your best fare: tertiary concession, eligible tertiary students get 25% off the adult fare when using snapper..

When travelling on the tertiary concession, keep your student ID handy to show to Metlink staff, if requested. Your concession will remain valid as long as you meet the eligibility conditions for Tertiary Concession.

You qualify for both the Child Fare and the Accessible Concession. We recommend travelling with the Accessible Concession so that your carer can travel with you for free.

You qualify for both the child fare and the accessible concession. to get your best fare, tag on with your green snapper card to get the child fare (75% discount). show your te hunga whaikaha  total mobility card to the driver so that your carer can travel with you for free., your best fare: under 5 free.

Children under 5 are always free, and do not need to have a Snapper card. They must travel with someone at least 10 years old.

Under 13 Free Pass ends at midnight April 30, 2024.

Regular child fare applies, and child concession will automatically be applied to Snapper Green cards.

Your best fare: Child fare

75% discount with a green snapper card ends on 30 april 2024., 50% discount with a green snapper card starts from 1 may 2024..

Anyone 5 to 16 years old or still at secondary school is eligible.

Green Snapper cards already have the Child Concession applied, so you don't need to do anything. 

The new Child Fare will automatically be applied to your green Snapper card from your first tag on and tag off from 1 May 2024.

Some schools print their student IDs onto Snapper cards. You don't need to do anything - the concession will automatically apply.

Young Adult (Connect*) Concession ends midnight April 30, 2024.

Regular adult fare applies, unless you are eligible for and apply for a different concession.

Your best fare: Adult

From 1 may 2024,  adult fares  apply for anyone over 16 years old who is not eligible for another concession..

If you're not eligible for concessions, using Snapper is still cheaper than cash, and off-peak trips get a 50% discount only with a Snapper card. When using cash, off-peak discounts and free transfers do not apply.

Your best fare: Community Connect Concession

50% discount on fares for community services cardholders.

Your Community Connect Concession will apply for as long as you have a current Community Services Card. When this card expires, you will need to reapply for the concession when you get a new Community Services Card. 

The Accessible Concession gives you more benefits than Community Connect Concession, including free travel for your carer.

Your best fare: accessible concession, 50% discount on fares. your te hunga whaikaha  total mobility card is also a snapper card..

Your carer travels with you for free anytime you use your  Te Hunga Whaikaha Total Mobility card.

You need a red Snapper card with the Accessible Concession applied.

Remember to carry your Blind Low Vision NZ ID card with you when you travel to show Metlink staff, if requested.

 If you're eligible for a concession, head to the Snapper website to apply.

If you'd like to calculate the fare for a journey, use our  Journey Planner.

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Last published: Wednesday, 29 May 2024 at 3:18 am

• Published Jun 13, 2024

Get the best value in your cloud journey with Azure pricing offers and resources

• Business decision makers
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A guide for businesses to align their pricing needs with their cloud journey  

Cloud computing continues to transform the way businesses operate, innovate, and compete. And whether you’re just moving to the cloud or already have an established cloud footprint, you may have questions about how to pay for the services you need, estimate your costs, or optimize your spending. To help answer these questions, Azure provides a variety of resources and offers to help you get the best value at every stage of your cloud journey.  

This blog post will show you how to approach and think about pricing throughout your cloud adoption journey. We will also give an example of how a hypothetical digital media company would approach their Azure pricing needs as they transition from evaluating and planning to setting up and running their cloud solutions. After reading this post, you will know more about how to select the best Azure pricing option for your business objectives and cloud needs.

Find guidance and resources to navigate Azure pricing options    

If you are new to Azure or cloud computing in general, you may want to learn the basics of how cloud services are priced, and what options you have for paying for them. Azure offers a variety of pricing options to suit different needs and scenarios, from free tier and pay-as-you-go to commitment and benefits. Here’s a brief overview of each option: 

Free tier : You can get started with Azure for free, and access over 25 services for 12 months, plus $200 credit to use in your first 30 days. You can also use some services for free, such as Azure App Service, Azure Functions, and Azure DevOps, with certain limits and conditions. The free tier is a great way to explore Azure and learn how it works, without any upfront costs or commitments. 

Pay-as-you-go : You can pay only for the services you use or consume, based on the measured usage and the unit prices of each service. For example, you can pay for the number of virtual machine (VMs) hours, the amount of storage space, or the volume of data transferred. Pay-as-you-go is a flexible and scalable option that lets you adjust your usage and costs according to your changing needs and demands. 

Read more about how Azure pricing works here . 

Estimate Azure project costs  

If you have a new project to migrate to or build in Azure, you need an accurate and realistic estimate of your project costs to make an informed decision about moving forward. To help with this decision, Azure provides several tools and resources, such as: 

TCO calculator : You can use the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) calculator to estimate how much you can save by migrating your on-premises workloads to Azure. You can input your current infrastructure details, such as servers, storage, and network, and see a detailed comparison of the costs of running them on-premises versus on Azure. 

Azure Migrate : You can use Azure Migrate to assess and plan your migration to Azure. You can discover and evaluate your on-premises servers, databases, and applications, and get recommendations on the best Azure services and sizing options for them. You can also get estimated costs and savings for your migration scenario and track your progress and readiness. 

Azure Architecture Center : You can get guidance for architecting solutions on Azure using established patterns and practices such as OpenAI Chatbots , Windows VM Deployment, and  Analytics end-to-end with Azure Synapse with cost factors included. 

Read more about estimating project costs here . 

Calculate costs of Azure products and services  

If you are ready to deploy specific Azure services and you want to budget for them, you may want to consider the different pricing options and offers that are available for each service. Azure provides resources and guidance on how to budget for specific Azure services, such as: 

Azure pricing calculator : Estimate your monthly costs based on your expected usage and configuration such as region or virtual machine series. 

Product pricing details pages : Find detailed pricing information for each Azure service on its pricing details page. You can see the pricing model, the unit prices, the service tiers, and the regional availability.  

Azure savings plan for compute : An easy and flexible way to save up to 65% on select compute services, compared to pay-as-you-go prices. The savings plan unlocks lower prices on compute services when you commit to spend a fixed hourly amount for one or three years. You choose whether to pay all upfront or monthly at no extra cost. 

Azure reservations : Reserve Azure resources, such as VMs, SQL Database, or Cosmos DB, for one or three years and save up to 72% on your cloud costs. Improve budgeting and forecasting with a single upfront payment that makes it easy to calculate your investments. Or lower your upfront cash outflow with a monthly payment option at no additional cost. 

Azure Hybrid Benefit : Apply your existing Windows Server, SQL Server licenses with active Software Assurance or subscriptions to Azure Hybrid Benefit to achieve cost savings. Save up to 85% compared to standard pay-as-you-go rates and achieve the lowest cost of ownership when you combine Azure Hybrid Benefit, reservations savings, and  Extended Security Updates . You can also apply your active Linux subscription to Azure Hybrid Benefit. 

Read more about budgeting for Azure products and services here . 

Manage and optimize your Azure investments  

If you are already using Azure and you want to optimize your spend for your current Azure workloads, you may want to review your usage and costs, and look for ways to enhance your investments. Azure provides several tools and resources to help you with this process, such as: 

Microsoft Cost Management : You can use Microsoft Cost Management with Copilot to monitor and analyze your Azure spending, and to create and manage budgets and alerts. You can see your current and forecasted costs, your cost trends and anomalies, and your cost breakdown by service, resource group, or subscription. You can also get recommendations on how to optimize your costs. 

Azure Advisor : You can use Azure Advisor to get personalized and actionable recommendations on how to improve the performance, security, reliability, and cost-effectiveness of your Azure resources. You can see the potential savings and benefits of each recommendation and apply them with a few clicks. 

FinOps on Azure: You can leverage FinOps best practices on Azure to empower your organization by fostering a culture of data-driven decision-making, accountability, and cross-team collaboration. This approach will help you maximize investments and accelerate business growth through improved organizational alignment 

Read more about managing and optimizing spend here . 

An example of a company’s cloud journey and pricing needs  

To illustrate how a customer can choose the best pricing option and resources for their cloud journey, let’s look at an example. Contoso, a hypothetical digital media company, wants to migrate their infrastructure and build a new OpenAI Chatbot application in Azure. Here’s how they would think about their Azure pricing needs at each stage of their journey: 

Considering Azure: Contoso wants to understand how Azure pricing works. They use the free tier to try out some Azure services to test functionality. They also leverage the pay-as-you-go model to explore how some services are billed. 

Assess and plan Azure projects : Contoso needs to estimate their project costs. To compare the costs of running on-premises versus on Azure they input their on-premises server infrastructure in the TCO calculator. They also use the Azure Architecture Center to learn how to develop an OpenAI chatbot with best practices.  

Deployment in Azure : Contoso is ready to migrate their environment and deploy their company’s chatbot app and wants to budget for the specific Azure services needed. They leverage the product specific pricing pages and the pricing calculator to estimate their monthly costs based on their expected usage and configuration. They purchase Reservations for their stable and predictable VMs and Azure Database usage. They already have on-premise Windows Server licenses, so they enroll in Software Assurance to get a credit for those licenses with the Azure Hybrid Benefit when deploying their VMs to save on operating costs.  

Post-deployment optimization in Azure: After running their environment on Azure for a few months, Contoso wants to review and optimize their workloads. They use Azure Advisor to get personalized and actionable recommendations on how to enhance their cost-effectiveness. Leveraging these recommendations, they purchase Azure savings plan for compute for their dynamic compute workloads that may change regions or scope and right-size their VMs.  

Learn more about Azure pricing

We hope this blog post has helped you understand how to consider Azure pricing in your cloud journey. Whether you are just getting started, ready to deploy, or looking for ways to optimize, Azure has pricing resources that suit your needs and goals. To learn more about Azure pricing, visit the Azure pricing overview page , where you can find more explanatory content, tools, and resources.  

Azure pricing

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Additional resources:  

Azure Enablement Show | Understand Azure pricing & resources

Azure Enablement Show | Learn to budget & optimize in Azure

Blog: Azure pricing | How to navigate Azure pricing options and resources

Blog: Azure pricing | How to estimate Azure project costs

Blog: Azure pricing | How to calculate costs of Azure products and services

Blog: Azure pricing | How to optimize costs for your Azure workloads

Azure pricing skilling content collection  

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