Wellington Basics for Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers
Wellington’s central business district is fairly level and easy to navigate in a wheelchair. That said, a little planning goes a long way to having a more enjoyable time in the capital city. With that in mind here are a few resources and tips to help you map out a truly accessible Wellington visit.
Getting Around
Getting around Wellington is easy, once you have the right resources at your fingertips. Accessible airport transfers are available through Wellington Combined Shuttles (www.taxis.co.nz/about-us/shuttles/), while wheelchair-accessible taxis can be booked through Wellington Combined Taxis (www.taxis.co.nz/about-us/total-mobility/) or Hutt and City Taxis (www.huttcitytaxis.co.nz ). Although Hutt and City Taxis operate around the clock, Wellington Combined Taxis does not offer accessible services from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., and from 2:15 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., as they transport children to and from school during those hours.
If you’d prefer public transportation, 71% of the Metlink bus fleet is equipped with kneeling or lift-equipped buses. Although they can easily handle power or manual wheelchairs, scooters are not permitted on the buses. For more information on the accessible bus routes visit www.metlink.org.nz/getting-around/accessibility-guide/.
The Wellington Cable Car (www.wellingtoncablecar.co.nz) is also wheelchair-accessible. Reminiscent of the Peak Tram in Hong Kong, this hillside cable car departs from Lambton Quay and passes through three tunnels before it arrives at the upper station. There’s level access to the cable car via the top set of doors, and barrier-free access to both stations.
Loaner Scooters
Additionally, slow walkers can take advantage of the Wellington City Council’s City Mobility Program, which offers free loaner scooters at these six locations.
CQ Hotel
223 Cuba Street
(04) 385 2156
Freyberg Pool
139 Oriental Parade
(04) 499 1299
Wellington Railway Station (New World Metro Kiosk)
2 Bunny Street
(04) 801 4530
Wagamama Restaurant
33 Customhouse Quay
(04) 473 7999
Wellington City Council
101 Wakefield Street
(04) 499 4444
Wellington Cable Car
292 Lambton Quay
(04) 472 2199
Scooters can be booked for up to four hours, and although there’s no charge for the service, a security deposit (such as a credit card) is required. Reservations, which can be made directly with the pick-up location, are highly recommended. Sponsored by TSB Bank and the Wellington City County Council, this innovative program provides a very accessible way to wheel around Wellington. So save your energy and reserve a scooter today.
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