About Wellington
Perched on the edge of a stunning harbour and encircled by green, rolling hills, New Zealand's capital extends just two kilometers in diameter. Wellington is a 'walking city', and most attractions in the centre city are easy to reach by foot.
For further information about restaurants, shops, sights, activities and transport in Wellington city, visit the Positively Wellington Tourism or Word on the street websites.
General Information
Wellington International Airport
Travel time between the city centre and the airport is 20 to 30 minutes.
As at October 2011, the approximate cost by taxi (one-way) is NZ$30.00 to $40.00. Shuttle service: about NZ$16.00 one-way.
Recommended check-in times before departures: Domestic: 1 hour, International: 2 hours
Hotel accommodation
List of hotels within walking distance of Reserve Bank of New Zealand
Bolton Hotel - map (adjacent to the Reserve Bank building)
Electricity and internet
New Zealand’s electricity is supplied at 230 volts, 50 hertz. You will require a 2 or 3-flat-pin plug. Equipment designed for different voltages requires a transformer, although most hotels provide 110V a/c sockets (rated at 20 watts).
Free public WIFI is available in outdoor areas of the central business district from the stadium along Lambton Quay and the waterfront to the end of Courtenay Place.
Goods and Services Tax
Goods and services sold in New Zealand are subject to a 15% Goods and Services Tax (GST). Retail suppliers are required to show the GST inclusive price on goods and services, and must clearly state if the tax is not included in the advertised price.
GST cannot be claimed back on purchases when leaving New Zealand. However, depending on the retailer, some goods can be purchased on a GST exclusive basis at the point of purchase, where it can be demonstrated that the items are leaving the country. The retailer is required to courier the items to the airport for you to collect on departure.
Time
New Zealand time is 12 hours ahead of GMT. From September to March, New Zealand is 13 hours ahead of GMT.
Local weather
See: http://www.metservice.com/towns-cities/wellington
In December it can vary from warm (over 20oC) and sunny, to chilly (10oC) with rain and strong southerly winds. Bring a jacket.
Shopping
Lambton Quay, a block from the hotel and Reserve Bank has a wide variety of shops.
The Cuba Quarter and Courtenay Quarter are the main locations for restaurants and entertainment. They are a half hour walk or a short taxi ride from the hotel and bank. Many of the buses that go along Lambton Quay stop at Cuba Street or Courtenay place.
