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Airport Transportation

Wellington International Airport

Also known as: Wellington Airport, WLG Airport, Wellington NZ Airport. Formerly Rongotai Aerodrome.

WLG · NZWN · Wellington

Airport facts

Name
Wellington International Airport
IATA code
WLG
ICAO code
NZWN
City
Wellington
Country
New Zealand
Address
28 Stewart Duff Drive, Rongotai, Wellington 6022, New Zealand
Coordinates
-41.3272, 174.8053
Time zone
Pacific/Auckland
Terminals
One terminal for domestic and international flights, with three piers

About Wellington International Airport

Wellington International Airport (WLG) is the airport for Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, and for the wider Wellington region at the southern tip of the North Island. It stands in the suburb of Rongotai, between Evans Bay and Lyall Bay, about 5.5 km southeast of the city center in a straight line and about 8 km by road through the Mount Victoria Tunnel.

Air New Zealand is the main airline, linking Wellington with Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown and most other cities in the country, while Jetstar, Sounds Air, Originair, Air Chathams and Golden Bay Air add domestic and regional routes, including short hops across Cook Strait to Picton and Nelson. Across the Tasman, Air New Zealand, Qantas and Jetstar fly to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and the Gold Coast, and Fiji Airways flies to Nadi. The airport handled about 5.1 million passengers in 2025.

Every flight uses one terminal with three piers, so domestic and international passengers arrive under the same roof.

From the airport, most travelers head into the central city, Lambton Quay, Courtenay Place and the waterfront around Te Papa and Oriental Bay, usually 15 to 25 minutes by road. Others go to the Interislander and Bluebridge ferry terminals for the crossing to the South Island, to the cruise wharves, or north to Lower Hutt and Petone in the Hutt Valley.

Airport operator, runways and traffic

Operator

Wellington International Airport Ltd, owned by Infratil (66%) and Wellington City Council (34%)

Runway

One, 16/34, 1,815 m threshold to threshold, with an arrester bed (EMAS) completed in March 2026

Passengers per year

About 5.1 million in 2025

Opened

The current airport opened in 1959, on the site of the 1929 Rongotai Aerodrome

Arrival tips for Wellington International Airport

On a domestic flight you walk straight from the gate to baggage claim on the Ground Floor and out into the arrivals area; there are no border checks.

On an international flight you go through passport control first, where eligible passports can use the eGates, then collect your bags and pass customs and biosecurity. Every traveler needs a completed New Zealand digital arrival declaration (NZTD), and all food and used outdoor gear must be declared. Parent and caregiver facilities are before passport control.

Once you are through, everything is on the Ground Floor of the one terminal. Taxis and shuttle vans wait at the taxi stand directly outside baggage claim through Door G, and Uber and DiDi pick up one lane over. For the Airport Express bus into the city, leave through Door E and follow the signs; the Snapper card kiosk is beside the same door. Prosegur Change has a currency exchange counter on the Ground Floor.

New Zealand drives on the left and uses the New Zealand dollar.

Ground transportation

The Airport Express is the cheapest way into the city; a taxi or pre-booked car is easier with luggage or for the ferry terminals.

  • Airport Express bus

    Metlink's Airport Express leaves from outside Door E every 10 to 20 minutes for most of the day, stopping in Kilbirnie, Hataitai, Courtenay Place, Manners Street, Willis Street and Lambton Quay. It reaches Wellington Railway Station in about 25 to 35 minutes, depending on traffic, and takes Snapper, cash or contactless cards.

  • Taxi from Wellington airport

    Taxis wait at the taxi stand directly outside baggage claim on the Ground Floor, through Door G, and go door to door to the city in about 15 to 25 minutes. Fares run on the meter, so traffic in the Mount Victoria Tunnel adds to the cost.

  • Uber and DiDi

    App-based rides pick up on the Ground Floor through Door G, one lane over from the taxi stand. Wait times depend on how many drivers are nearby when flights land.

  • Metlink bus route 2

    Route 2 between Miramar and the city stops within walking distance of the terminal. It is a regular city bus with no luggage space, so it suits travelers with light bags.

  • Private transfer

    A pre-booked driver meets you in the arrivals area, useful for families, groups, late arrivals and trips to the ferry terminals or the Hutt Valley.

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Terminals

Main Terminal

The single terminal handles domestic and international flights. International departures use the north-west pier, and all arriving passengers collect their bags on the Ground Floor.

Airlines and destinations

All airlines use the same terminal.

Air Chathams Main Terminal

Chatham Islands

Air New Zealand Main Terminal

Auckland, Blenheim, Brisbane, Christchurch, Dunedin, Gisborne, Hamilton, Invercargill, Melbourne, Napier, Nelson, New Plymouth, Queenstown, Rotorua, Sydney and more

Fiji Airways Main Terminal

Nadi

Golden Bay Air Main Terminal

Takaka

Jetstar Main Terminal

Auckland, Christchurch, Gold Coast, Queenstown

Originair Main Terminal

Nelson

Qantas Main Terminal

Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney

Sounds Air Main Terminal

Nelson, Picton, Taupō, Westport

Facilities

  • Currency exchange

    Prosegur Change has a counter on the Ground Floor, open daily from 09:00 to 01:30.

  • Information counters

    Airport Ambassadors staff the information counters on Level 1 and the Ground Floor every day from 8:00 to 18:00.

  • Baggage storage

    Paid lockers are on Level 1 of the multi-level parking garage, by the motorbike parking; oversized items such as bikes and surfboards are stored by the Operations team near Baggage Belt 1. Payment is by card only.

  • Showers

    Free showers are on Level 1 of the main terminal, before security. Bring your own towel.

  • Parent and caregiver rooms

    One is on Level 1 in domestic departures, on the retail street near Relay, and another is in international arrivals before passport control, both with changing and feeding facilities.

  • Baby changing

    Changing tables are in the toilets in domestic and international departures, near gate 15 and after customs in international arrivals.

  • Snapper card kiosk

    Buy or top up a Snapper card for Wellington buses at the kiosk on the Ground Floor by Door E.

  • Wi-Fi

    The airport offers internet and Wi-Fi access in the terminal.

  • Airport hotel

    Rydges Wellington Airport is beside the terminal, a short walk from the multi-level parking garage.

Airport lounges

  • Air New Zealand International Lounge

    In the north-west pier after outbound passport control, for eligible Air New Zealand international passengers and Koru members.

  • Air New Zealand Domestic Lounge

    In the south-west pier after security, for Koru members and eligible Air New Zealand domestic passengers.

  • Air New Zealand Regional Lounge

    On the second floor of the main terminal, for Koru members flying on Air New Zealand's turboprop services.

  • Qantas Lounge

    In the north-west pier after outbound passport control, for Qantas Club members and eligible passengers on Qantas international flights.

Accessibility and passenger assistance

  • Requesting assistance

    Wheelchairs and mobility help are provided by the airlines, so contact your airline at least 48 hours before you travel to arrange them.

  • Reduced mobility

    Elevators with Braille buttons serve every level of the terminal and the parking garage, and wheelchair-accessible toilets are in the main terminal and the departure lounges. A unisex accessible toilet with a shower is next to the Icebreaker store.

  • Hidden disabilities

    The airport offers a hidden disability lanyard for travelers whose disability is not immediately obvious, such as autism, dementia or anxiety.

  • Help points

    Customer assistance phones on Level 1 and the Ground Floor connect you to the Airport Operations Team, and Airport Ambassadors are at the information counters from 8:00 to 18:00.

  • Mobility parking

    Accessible spaces are on Level 1 just outside the multi-level parking garage, following the P120 Express signs, and in the Long Term lot; display your mobility card.

Parking

Valet Parking

Drive up to the terminal and staff park your car for you.

Covered

Levels 1 to 7 of the multi-level parking garage, a 1 to 5 minute walk from the terminal.

Premium Secure

The ground and mezzanine levels of the multi-level parking garage, a 1 to 2 minute walk from the terminal.

Uncovered

On the ground floor south of the terminal and on the top deck near drop-off, a 2 to 5 minute walk.

P120 Express

Short-stay parking on the uncovered top deck next to drop-off, a 1 to 2 minute walk from the terminal.

Long Term Parking

On Freight Drive at the southern end of the airport, linked to the terminal by a shuttle in about 10 to 15 minutes.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Wellington airport from the city center?

Wellington Airport is in Rongotai, about 5.5 km southeast of the city center in a straight line and about 8 km by road through the Mount Victoria Tunnel. A taxi or car usually takes 15 to 25 minutes, and the Airport Express bus reaches Wellington Railway Station in about 25 to 35 minutes, depending on traffic.

How many terminals does Wellington airport have?

Wellington Airport has one terminal for both domestic and international flights, with three piers. International departures use the north-west pier, and every arriving passenger collects bags on the Ground Floor, so there is no terminal to choose and no transfer between buildings when you connect between a domestic and an international flight.

Is there a bus from Wellington airport to the city?

Yes. Metlink's Airport Express leaves from outside Door E every 10 to 20 minutes for most of the day, seven days a week. It stops in Kilbirnie, Hataitai, Courtenay Place, Manners Street, Willis Street and Lambton Quay before Wellington Railway Station, about 25 to 35 minutes away, and takes Snapper cards, cash and contactless cards.

Where are the taxis at Wellington airport?

The taxi stand is directly outside baggage claim on the Ground Floor of the terminal, through Door G. Wellington Combined Taxis, Hutt & City Taxis, Urban Link Wellington and Capital Taxis may pick up passengers without a booking there. A taxi goes door to door to the city, the ferry terminals and the Hutt Valley.

Where do Uber and DiDi pick up at Wellington airport?

Uber and DiDi pick up on the Ground Floor of the terminal. Leave through Door G, by baggage claim, and cross one lane from the taxi stand to reach the designated app-based pickup area. YourRide drivers use a separate zone reached through Door G and across the first pedestrian crossing, on your right.

Which airlines fly to Wellington?

Air New Zealand flies the most routes from Wellington, across New Zealand and to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Qantas flies to the same three Australian cities, Jetstar to Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown and the Gold Coast, and Fiji Airways to Nadi. Sounds Air, Originair, Air Chathams and Golden Bay Air fly smaller regional routes.

Can I fly from Wellington to Picton or Nelson instead of taking the ferry?

Yes. Sounds Air flies from Wellington to Picton and Nelson, and Originair and Air New Zealand also fly to Nelson, in short hops across Cook Strait. The Interislander and Bluebridge ferries sail from terminals near the city center, not from the airport, so ferry passengers continue by road after landing.

What do I need to enter New Zealand at Wellington airport?

Most visitors from visa-waiver countries, including the US and UK, need a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) and pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy with it; Australian citizens are exempt. Every traveler, children included, also completes the NZTD digital arrival declaration, which can be submitted up to 24 hours before departure.

What must I declare at biosecurity in Wellington?

Declare all food, plant and animal products, and used outdoor gear such as hiking boots, tents and fishing equipment, on your arrival declaration. Biosecurity officers check what you declared after baggage claim. If you are unsure about an item, declare it or drop it in an amnesty bin before you reach the inspection point.

Are there lounges at Wellington airport?

Yes. Air New Zealand has an International Lounge in the north-west pier after passport control, a Domestic Lounge in the south-west pier after security and a Regional Lounge on the second floor for turboprop flights. Qantas has a lounge in the north-west pier for Qantas Club members and eligible passengers on its international flights.

Is Wellington airport open all night?

No. The airport says it is open every day but closes from 1:30 to 3:00 at night, so you cannot wait in the terminal through those hours. If you arrive late or leave on an early flight, Rydges Wellington Airport is beside the terminal, a short walk from the multi-level parking garage.

Where can I store luggage at Wellington airport?

The airport runs paid baggage lockers on Level 1 of the multi-level parking garage, by the motorbike parking. Oversized items such as bikes and surfboards are stored by the Operations team; use the wall phone near Baggage Belt 1 on the Ground Floor. Payment is by EFTPOS or credit or debit card only, as cash is not accepted.

Where can I park at Wellington airport?

Wellington Airport offers Valet Parking at the terminal, Covered and Premium Secure parking in the multi-level parking garage, Uncovered parking south of the terminal, P120 Express on the top deck next to drop-off, and Long Term Parking on Freight Drive, about 10 to 15 minutes from the terminal by shuttle. Parking can be booked online.

Why book with Airport Transportation?

We provide private transportation from any airport to any hotel at the best price, and we are licensed with complete insurance liability.

Is the transportation private or shared?

Airport Transportation provides private transportation only, in vans, luxury SUVs, or semi-buses.

Are prices per person or per vehicle?

Prices on our website are per vehicle, not per person, based on a range of passengers.

How many people can a van carry?

Regular vans carry up to 9 passengers, semi-buses up to 16, and luxury SUVs up to 6 passengers.

How do I find you at the airport?

Walk all the way out of the airport. You'll see representatives holding boards. Look for the Airport Transportation logo or your name.

What kind of vehicles do you use?

Commonly Toyota Hiace, Volkswagen Transporter, Mercedes Sprinter, Volkswagen Crafter, Chevrolet Tahoe, and Chevrolet Suburban.

Do you have insurance?

Yes. We carry insurance with complete liability for all passengers while using our services.

Do you provide baby seats?

Baby seats are provided with prior notice, subject to availability, one seat maximum per vehicle.

How far in advance should I book?

You can book any time in advance; we suggest one week to one day ahead. Same-day reservations are available.

What payment methods are accepted?

PayPal is our main payment method; a cash option is also available when booking through our website. Credit cards are accepted through PayPal.

Do vehicles have air conditioning?

Yes. For your comfort all our units have air conditioning.

What if my flight is delayed?

During booking we ask for your airline and flight number so we can track delays and wait for you.

Can I make stops during my ride?

Yes, you can add an extra stop to your service during the booking process.

Do children pay differently than adults?

No. Prices are set per passenger range or per vehicle, not per age.

Is my reservation refundable?

Yes. Cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before your pick-up and you are refunded in full. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before service are not refundable.

Do drivers speak English?

Yes. While their English may not be native-level, drivers have the skills to communicate with passengers.

Are tips mandatory?

Tips are not mandatory but are highly recommended; drivers earn them through service quality.

What currencies are accepted?

All prices are in USD. Via PayPal you can pay in almost any currency; cash payments accept USD only.

Are pets allowed?

We can transport domestic pets kept in cages that fit in a normal vehicle.

Is there room for luggage?

Yes. There is plenty of room for one suitcase and one carry-on per person.

What is included in the price?

Every private transfer includes a professional, licensed driver; an insured, well-maintained vehicle; real-time flight monitoring; meet-and-greet service at arrivals; and door-to-door service with no hidden fees added after booking. Your fixed price covers the full route to your destination.

Book a transfer from WLG