Wellington International Airport (WLG) was upgraded in recent years, just in time for the New Zealand Rugby World Cup (2011). The airport is situated in the Rongotai suburb of Wellington, just five miles (8km) from central Wellington, and commands spectacular views of the surrounding hills as well as the Cook Strait, which separates the North and South Islands of New Zealand.
There are only three international carriers offering flights to Wellington International; however the airport is well-serviced by domestic carriers with many flights connecting the airport to both Christchurch and Auckland. Wellington International is well-connected to the rest of New Zealand and is well-serviced by a public bus connecting it to various parts of the city.
As the third-busiest airport in New Zealand, Wellington is a great airport to use when arriving in New Zealand, particularly for passengers wishing to avoid the rush and bother of Auckland after a long flight.
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Taxi: The two taxi ranks are located just outside the baggage claim area on the arrivals level. One rank is reserved for Wellington Combined Taxis and all other taxi operators use the other rank. Taxi fares to different parts of Wellington range from NZ$18 (about £9) to Seatoun to NZ$95 (£49) for a taxi to Upper Hutt. A taxi to Lambton Quay costs NZ$32 (£16), Terrace is NZ$35 (£18), Johnsonville is NZ$50 (£26) and a taxi to the railway station generally costs about NZ$32 (£16). Some taxis will charge a few dollars extra for each additional passenger so it’s best to check with the driver before departing. A number of door-to-door shuttles are available at the airport. Prices are significantly cheaper than taxi prices, but they charge NZ$6 for each additional passenger. A shuttle to the railway station costs NZ$18 (£9), while a trip to Upper Hutt is NZ$61 (£31).
Bus: The Airport Flyer runs an express service from Wellington International Airport to Hutt Valley, Queensgate and the centre of Wellington (route 91). The bus leaves every 15 minutes from level 0 on the southern end of the terminal. The buses are great and even have free Wi-Fi on board. Airflyer buses run quite regularly and the bus timetable is available on the Metlink website. Bus tickets cost NZ2-8.50 (up to £4) depending upon your destination.
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There are four parking options at Wellington International Airport: premium, terminal, “heart” and long term. Premium parking is covered and really close to the terminal. It costs NZ$5 (£2.60) per half hour up to two hours and a further NZ$5 per hour thereafter. The maximum daily rate is NZ$39 (£20).
Terminal parking is adjacent to the main terminal building. Charges start at NZ$3.50 (nearly £2) per half hour for the first two hours, NZ$2 per hour after that up to a daily maximum of NZ$27 (£14). The “heart” car park is on the southern in of the main terminal building and has similar rates.
The long-term parking area can be found off Freight Drive on the southern end of the airport. Airport parking fees are NZ$27 for the first 24 hours and NZ$12 (£6) per day thereafter. A free shuttle service operates between the long-term car park and the terminal.
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Money and communications: ATMs, banks and currency exchange facilities.
Luggage: Luggage trolleys are provided at the airport. There is also a luggage-storage room, which charges between NZ$5 (£2.60) to store an item for 12 hours, or NZ$15 (nearly £8) for 12-24 hours and a further NZ$10 (£5) per day thereafter. There is a lost property office at the airport or contact the airport’s police office.
Conference and business: A number of conference rooms are available, as are smaller meeting rooms. The Corporate Box Airport Lounge costs NZ$25 for access and it has all the facilities business travellers might need, including barista-made coffee, light meals, newspapers, magazines, Wi-Fi, work zones, work stations and office facilities.
Other facilities: Public telephones, airline lounges, a parenting room and first-aid facilities are all available at the airport, which is also fully accessible to passengers with disabilities.
Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is available free of charge at the food court area, fuel espresso and the international departures lounges on level one through the “Wild at Heart” network.
Shopping: Shops at Wellington International Airport range from those selling surf gear and sunglasses (Beach Culture and Sunglasses Hut) to souvenirs (Discover NZ), beauty products (Essity), books and DVDs (Whitcoulls and Marbecks), clothing (3 Wise Men and Icebreaker) and jewellery (Silvermoon).
Food and drink: Wellington International Airport has a mouth-watering selection of food options. Passengers wishing for some traditional South East Asian or Indian food should head to Billie Chu or Curry Capital, while those after a quick snack, a sit-down meal or coffee can choose from Cafe Arome, Wishbone, Fresh Bites, Fuel Espresso, Mojo, Orb or Red Rocks.
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