Wellington

November to April are the warmer months and the best time to visit; average maximum temperatures during this time hover around 20°C (68°F). During the colder, wetter months, May to August, the daily temperature lurks around 12°C (54°F). Wellington is renowned for being windy - the city's maritime climate catches the blustery, persistent and often chilly winds that whistle through the Cook Strait.

overview

The Stagecoach Flyer (tel: 0800 801 700; www.stagecoach.co.nz/flyer) is a local bus running between the airport, Wellington city and Lower Hutt, calling at major stops. Wellington has an efficient local bus system. Stagecoach (tel: 0800 801 700; www.stagecoach.co.nz/wellington), has frequent services from 07:00-23:30 on most routes.

Most depart from the Lambton Quay interchange (beside the train station) and from the major bus stop on Courtenay Place at the intersection with Cambridge Terrace. The City Circular (10:00-16:45) is the name given to the distinctive bright yellow buses that take in Wellington's prime inner-city locations, making it handy for travellers wishing to see the major sights. These buses loop the city every 15 minutes. The After Midnight Bus Service (tel: 0800 801 700) has buses departing from the central entertainment district (Courtenay Pl or Cuba St) until 03:00 Saturday and Sunday to a number of outer suburbs.

As well as the major car-hire companies, Wellington has a number of operators that will negotiate cheap deals, including Ace Rental Cars (tel: 0800 535 500; www.acerentalcars.co.nz), Apex Car Rental (tel: 0800 939 597; www.apexrentals.co.nz) and Omega Rental Cars (tel: 0800 667 722; www.omegarentals.com). Taxi companies include Wellington Combined Taxis (tel: 0800 384 4444) and Wellington City Cabs (tel: 0800 388 8000). Tranz Metro (tel: 0800 801 700; www.tranzmetro.co.nz) operates five suburban train routes. Trains run frequently from 06:00- 24:00, departing from Wellington train station.

Airport