Cheap flights to Wellington International Airport are available from Sydney and Brisbane. Many flights from these departure points have arrival times either side of midnight. Cheap flights depart from Cairns and may include a transfer through Auckland International Airport. Flights leaving from the Gold Coast will typically include a transfer through Sydney as will the majority of departures from Melbourne and Adelaide. Flights leaving from Perth and Darwin will include a transfer in Sydney or Brisbane. Other options for cheap flights may include the opportunity to fly into another New Zealand city and take a domestic flight into Wellington. The Airport Flyer bus operates a cheap service every 15 minutes into the city. This service runs well into the evening, however with late flight arrivals this option may not be available to you. There is a taxi rank near the baggage claim area and as the city is less than 10km from the airport, this is both convenient and economical. The Super Shuttle offers discounted door-to-door travel in a shared ride service. Alternatively, there are five onsite car rental companies.

Wellington is the capital of New Zealand and the city is geographically quite small. Within the CBD walking is the most convenient option. Public transport is well organised and offers reasonably cheap bus, train, ferry and cable car services. You can hire a Wellington Combined Taxi by the hour to do your sightseeing or hire your own vehicle. Self-drive touring in Wellington is a great option to provide you with the greatest coverage of this fabulous city.

Wellington is a beautiful city where the old sits adoringly beside the new. Make your way up to the Mount Victoria Lookout where the views showcase the architecture, brilliant blue water and picture perfect landscape. For a cheap day out take a ride on the Wellington Cable Car to the Botanic Gardens. The cable car also stops at Kelburn where you can ride the free shuttle bus to Zealandia, a remarkable wildlife conservation sanctuary. Visit the National Museum of New Zealand or if you’re a car enthusiast, the Southward Car Museum. Be adventurous and explore Tunnel Gully on horseback, mountain bike or on foot. Mountain biking tours up Mount Kaukau are an exhilarating way to see a magnificent sunset. If you’re looking for Lord of the Rings screenshots, book a guided tour for the best concentration of local knowledge. Just outside Wellington you can white water raft at Otaki Gorge or bungy at Gravity Canyon.

Dress-Smart Outlet Shopping Centre has over 30 retail outlets for great discount buys. Queensgate Mall has department, chain, boutique and speciality stores. Cuba Street houses a collection of hipster boutiques, bohemian characters and trendy cafes. For moderately priced menu options try The Larder in Mirmar or Two souls Bistro in Te Aro. The White House Restaurant offers fine dining and a romantic, picturesque backdrop over Oriental Bay. If you do enjoy the finer things in life, book a table for a 6-course meal at Logan Brown. Eat at the Phoenician Falafel for cheap middle-eastern cuisine and Fidel’s Café for delicious Cuban coffee. For swanky cocktails, Matterhorn is the place to be. Alice is a charming Alice in Wonderland themed bar that will melt your heart and make your eyes sparkle before your night takes off. Party at Good Luck Bar, Mighty Mighty or sit down to a beer at The Malt House. Stay stylish at Hawthorn Lounge where you can sip glorious concoctions while toasting marshmallows over the fire.