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Metlink: bus, train and ferry.

Greater Wellington Regional Council’s transport network, Metlink, connects the wider Wellington region, including Wellington City, Hutt Valley, Porirua, Kāpiti Coast and the Wairarapa.

There are more than 38 million journeys a year on the Metlink bus, rail and harbour ferry transport network. We have 5 rail lines, nearly 100 public bus routes, more than 180 school bus services and a harbour ferry service.

We work with our transport operators to deliver a connected, integrated network with patronage across all modes growing at a rapid rate. Every day we have thousands of people travelling with Metlink (across rail, bus, ferry and total mobility services) and every one of those journeys matters to us.

Plan your journey around Wellington city on buses, trains and ferries with Metlink.

About the transport network

The Metlink network comprises of:

• Over 250 public and school bus routes which service over 3,000 stops throughout the region
• 5 train lines servicing 48 stations
• 1 harbour ferry servicing 5 docks
• Total mobility service

We manage the Metlink public transport network. Our work includes:

• Managing and maintaining many of the local railway stations, bus stops, signage and Park & Ride facilities.
• Designing routes and manage the delivery of services with our operators on over 250 public and school routes and 5 train lines.
• Managing contracts with our operators to deliver our network
• Metlink communications including contact centre, website, and social media (Twitter and Facebook).

Find out  more about Metlink.

Planning a transport network that works now and in the future

Metlink is the Greater Wellington Regional Council (Greater Wellington) public transport authority which plans and delivers public transport within the wider Wellington region.

Greater Wellington works in partnership with Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, KiwiRail and territorial authorities to plan and fund the region’s public transport network. Greater Wellington also works with other regional councils like Horizons on inter-regional transport initiatives. Metlink is focused on providing a great service to our communities across the region and on the welfare and wellbeing of our customers and staff, particularly our frontline staff and drivers.

Metlink is building a world class, low-emission public transport network that is more accessible for people. This involves making extensive and continuous improvements to the Metlink network to deliver faster, affordable, more frequent, and reliable services which links to their three strategic priorities:

1. To continue to improve customer experience on public transport across the network

The customer experience on the Metlink network is being continuously improved based on our customers’ feedback. We have a dedicated focus on understanding customer needs and developing solutions to meet these. This includes refinements to our timetables and routes based on our ongoing reviews of performance, upgrading the usability of our online journey planning and real-time information, introducing digital payment to rail services and ensuring passengers have right information and tracing so they can continue to travel confidently during Covid-19.

2. To reduce public transport carbon emissions decarbonising the public transport fleet

Planning for a fully decarbonised bus fleet by 2030 is already underway with Metlink adding the first of 98 electric vehicles to its fleet in August, this is working towards a target of 108 buses by 2023. When all 108 EVs are on the road, they will make up 22 per cent of Metlink’s bus fleet, shaving 17 per cent off of our total carbon emissions.

3. To contribute to the regional target of a 40% increase in mode share from public transport and active modes

With public transport and active travel accounting for half of all trips into central Wellington, the highest figure in the country, there is already strong appetite for mode shift among the region’s commuters. Metlink is keen to build on this success and recognise that a strong public transport network will help bolster this figure. With initiatives such as Bike and Ride Facilities, investing in infrastructure that makes it easier to access public transport and working with operators to provide a reliable network, Metlink is well on the way to achieving this.

Find out about the:

• Latest on Metlink network changes .
• Public transport operating model (PTOM) and bus contracts
• Wellington Regional Public Transport Plan
• Wellington Public Transport Spine Study

Extra passenger services

• Park your car and ride a train. There are free  Park and Ride areas  at railway stations
• Take your  bike on public transport  or leave it at the station in our Bike and Ride facilities
• Passengers with accessibility needs are eligible for  Total Mobility  discounts

Get in touch

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Online services

• Renew vehicle licence (rego)
• Book, change or cancel a driving test
• Bought a vehicle
• Sold a vehicle
• Change your address
• Buy road user charges (RUC)
• Order replacement labels
• Report a phishing scam
• Access all online services
• Media releases

Plan ahead for a safe journey in and out of Wellington this Easter

31 March 2021 2:13 pm | Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport is predicting that roads in and out of Wellington will be very busy over the upcoming Easter break and is advising people to plan ahead for a safe and enjoyable journey.

Update at 5.04pm today

The planned tree-felling works on SH1 at Johnsonville, mentioned in the media release below, have been cancelled this weekend due to forecast high winds.

“We want everyone to arrive at their destination safely this long weekend, so we’re encouraging everyone to plan ahead and drive to the conditions,” Regional Transport Systems Manager Mark Owen says.

Journey Planner tool for Easter weekend (external link)

Waka Kotahi has updated its holiday journeys traffic prediction tool, which shows predicted traffic conditions for popular routes over the Easter period, based on travel patterns from previous years.

The tool predicts that State Highway 1 travelling out of Wellington will be busy most of Thursday, with traffic heaviest between 11.30am through to 6pm. Friday will be busy from 6.30am through to 3.30pm, particularly between 9.30am and 2pm, while Saturday, Sunday and Monday are expected to busy from around 9am until 3.30pm each day.

For those heading into Wellington on State Highway 1, traffic is expected to be busy in the afternoons on Thursday and Friday, during mid-morning on Saturday, and from around 10am to 6pm on Sunday and Monday, particularly after midday, as people return home.

Waka Kotahi is undertaking tree-felling works on State Highway 1 at Johnsonville on Friday and Saturday morning, which will require the closure of the southbound lanes between the Johnsonville southbound off-ramp and Newlands southbound on-ramp, from 7am to 12pm. Southbound traffic will detour through the Johnsonville CBD.

“We’re taking this action to reduce the risk to people’s safety. With an easy detour available we expect the impact won’t be significant, however traffic will be monitored throughout the works and traffic management be altered as necessary to avoid the build-up of lengthy queues,” Mr Owen says.

For people heading north out of Wellington on State Highway 2 over the Remutaka Hill, traffic is expected to be busy on Thursday from 1.30pm to 7.30pm, particularly between 2.30pm and 6.30pm. Traffic will also be heavy on Friday between 9.30am and 1.30pm, and busy on Saturday between 9.30am and 12.30pm.

For southbound traffic on State Highway 2, the busiest times are expected to be Saturday between 4pm and 6pm and Sunday between 10.30am and 4.30pm. Monday is predicted to be busy between 11.30am and 5pm, with traffic heaviest between 2.30pm and 5pm.

“It’s inevitable that there will be congestion and delays during peak times. We know it can be frustrating getting stuck in traffic, but the most important thing is that everyone gets to their destination safely. Please plan ahead, be patient and drive to the conditions,” Mr Owen says.

“Because predicted peak times can change based on incidents, weather or even driver behaviour, people should also check our journey planner before they head off, which provides traffic information and real-time updates on delays, road works and road closures.

“It’s important to remember that we all play a part in making our roads safer for everyone. We want everyone to arrive safely at their destination these Easter holidays, so we all need to take responsibility for the safety of ourselves and other road users.

“Trying to ‘make up lost time’ by speeding and unsafe overtaking puts everyone on the road at risk. Even when speed doesn’t cause the crash, it is most likely to determine whether someone is killed, injured, or walks away unharmed. For everyone’s safety, please slow down.”

Drive to the conditions, allow plenty of time and take regular breaks to stay alert.

• Check your vehicle is safe to drive. Check your tyres, wipers, lights and indicators, and ensure you have a valid Warrant of Fitness before you leave.
• Please be patient when driving this Easter so everyone can relax and enjoy their holiday.
• Drive to the conditions - whether it’s the weather, the road you’re on, the time of day or the volume of traffic on the roads.
• Take regular breaks to stay alert.
• Keep a safe following distance from vehicles in front so you can stop safely.
• Allow plenty of time. You’re on holiday, no need to rush.

Plan ahead for a safe, enjoyable journey. Keep up to date with:

• Traffic updates: journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/wellington (external link)
• Facebook: facebook.com/nztawgtn (external link)
• Twitter: twitter.com/nztawgtn (external link)
• Journey planner: journeys.nzta.govt.nz/wellington (external link)
• Phone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi works to create transport solutions for all New Zealanders – from helping new drivers earn their licences, to leading safety campaigns to investing in public transport, state highways and local roads.

• Media release
• Lower North Island

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SCAM ALERTS:  We’ve seen an increase in scam texts and emails claiming to be from NZTA, asking for payments.  Learn more about the latest phishing scams or report a phishing scam to us

Online services

• Renew vehicle licence (rego)
• Book, change or cancel a driving test
• Bought a vehicle
• Sold a vehicle
• Change your address
• Buy road user charges (RUC)
• Order replacement labels
• Report a phishing scam
• Access all online services

Motor vehicles

• Renew your vehicle licence (rego)
• Update your address and contact details
• Order replacement motor vehicle labels
• Put your vehicle licence (rego) on hold
• Pay vehicle licence invoice
• Let us know you’ve sold a vehicle
• Let us know you’ve bought a vehicle
• Check your vehicle expiry date (rego and inspection)
• Check if a vehicle has been reported as stolen (NZ Police website)
• Check if a vehicle is written off or damaged

Road user charges (RUC)

• Buy a road user charges (RUC) licence
• Pay road user charges (RUC) invoice
• Order replacement RUC labels
• Application to change RUC vehicle type (RUCCV)
• Application to change to H RUC vehicle type (RUCCV-H)

Driver licensing

• Book a practical driver licence test
• Change or cancel your practical driver licence test
• Apply for a replacement driver licence card using RealMe
• Check the status of your PVIO application
• View my demerits using RealMe
• Already used a toll road? Pay a toll
• Going to use a toll road? Buy a toll
• Pay a toll payment notice
• Pay an infringement notice
• Log in to your toll account
• Create a toll account
• View or refund paid tolls

Registered person details

• Check if someone is the registered person for a vehicle
• Revoke authorised access to your personal details
• Apply for registered person name and address

Other online services

• Trader notice of acquisition (MR13C)
• Claim a regional fuel tax (RFT) rebate
• Application for storage provider to cancel registration (MR15A)
• Order transport service licence (TSL) labels

Driving in New Zealand

Driving in Glenorchy, Queenstown

By Miles Holden

What to know about driving safely in New Zealand

Driving is a wonderful way to explore New Zealand ’s spectacular scenery at your own pace . Before you get behind the wheel, check you understand the basics of driving in New Zealand and how to do it legally and safely.  

Important things to know about driving in New Zealand

Road Trip near Punakaiki, West Coast

By Matt Crawford

Here is what you need to know: 

• we drive on the left side of the road in New Zealand  
• many of our roads are hilly, narrow and winding so some distances may take longer to drive than you expect  
• some of our road rules may be different from what you’re used to, so take the time to understand them  
• our speed signs are in kilometres per hour, not miles  
• seatbelts are compulsory (front and back seats), as are child restraints  
• it’s illegal to drive while using a hand-held mobile phone   
• speeding and drink driving can result in strict penalties from the New Zealand Police  

Check out more information about driving in New Zealand  and a useful video for visiting drivers.

Do I need a special licence?

Driving in New Zealand, Queenstown

By Chris Sisarich

If you have a current driver’s licence you can legally drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months. You must have your licence with you whenever you’re driving. If your licence isn’t in English you must carry an accurate English translation.   

If you have a full car driver’s licence (that is not a provisional licence) you can drive a rental motorhome in New Zealand.  

You can also legally drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months if you have an International Driving Permit (IDP) that is issued in English or translated into English, as long as you also carry the current driver licence that the permit is based on.  

You can find out more about international driving licences and permits here .   

What are the roads like in New Zealand?

Driving in the Catlins, Dunedin

By Graeme Murray

New Zealand has diverse terrain and our weather conditions can change quickly. The roads are often narrow and hilly with twists and turns so may take longer to drive than you expect. Our  time and distance calculator  can help you plan your itinerary .    

Outside of the main cities, there are very few motorways. Most of our roads are two-way with one lane in each direction and no barriers in-between. In rural areas you’re likely to encounter gravel roads, as well as slow-moving farm machinery, horses and stock.   

New Zealand roads are busiest during summer and early autumn (December-April) and you need to take extra care when driving in winter as there may be snow, ice, or heavy rain and hail.  

It’s important to allow plenty of time for driving in New Zealand. Use the NZTA Journey Planner for the latest road and travel time information before you set out. Check the weather forecast too, as you may experience four seasons in one day when driving long distances.   

Use this distance calculator to get an approximate travel time and distance between two points in New Zealand.

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Tips for driving safely in New Zealand

Motorhoming in New Zealand, New Zealand

By Wilderness Motorhomes

Driving through New Zealand can be an exciting adventure, but here are some tips to keep you safe:

• get to know the road rules in New Zealand
• allow plenty of time for each leg of your journey so you are not rushing  
• never drive when you’re tired. Take regular breaks. You’ll see rest areas signposted so take a few minutes to stretch your legs
• never drink and drive. There are strict penalties for driving when under the influence. For drivers under 20 years old, there is a zero alcohol limit. For drivers aged 20 and over, the alcohol limit is 50 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood or 250 micrograms per litre of breath. If you’re planning to visit wineries, breweries or distilleries then ensure you have a sober driver, or join one of the many guided tours available

Tiaki promise

The Tiaki Promise is a commitment to care for New Zealand, for now, and for future generations. By following the Tiaki Promise, you are making a commitment to act as a guardian, protecting and preserving our home.

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Holiday traffic planner: NZTA's handy tool tells you when to avoid the motorways

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Traffic is expected to be heaviest heading south out of Auckland between 9.30am and 1.30pm. Photo / File

Commuting should be a breeze today if you're still stuck at work.

But if you're one of the thousands heading out of town today, the NZ Transport Agency has produced a handy holiday planner to tell you when to avoid the motorways for maximum happiness.

Based on previous years' holiday traffic, the NZTA is predicting Aucklanders heading north should avoid State Highway 1 from 11am till 3pm.

The stretch between Puhoi and Wellsford will start getting heavy at 10am and won't ease till 4pm, according to the Holiday Planner .

Heading north out of Whangārei, traffic is also expected to be heavy between 11am and 4pm.

For Aucklanders heading south, traffic is expected to flow fairly well, even in the traditional pinchpoint between Takanini and Papakura. However it will be slower going between 9.30am and 1.30pm - though it's hoped the three-laning of the Southern Motorway to Papakura will improve travel speeds.

The weather should be good for Auckland's escapees today, with cloud in the morning, a chance of a shower around midday before its fines up.

READ MORE • Hit the beach! Sunshine over most of country • Festive road works: New seal to slow Auckland Harbour Bridge traffic • Shut down: Passing lanes coned off in bid to prevent holiday crashes

Wellingtonians heading north can also expect trouble. Appalling traffic is expected between 10am and 6pm on SH1 through the Kāpiti Coast, especially between Peka Peka and Ōtaki.

Weather, crashes and other unforeseen events could impact predicted travel times. To find the most up-to-date information on your travel route, check the NZTA's Journey Planner .

NZTA's top tips for safe holiday driving

• Check your car is in good "health" before you head off: Check your tyre pressure and tread, windscreen wipers, indicators and lights.

• Take extra care when travelling in holiday periods because of increased traffic volumes, congestion, tiredness and people driving in unfamiliar environments.

• Drive to the conditions: whether it's the weather, the road you're on, the time of day or amount of traffic.

• Avoid fatigue: Take regular breaks to stay alert.

• Keep a safe following distance from vehicles in front so you can stop safely.

• Be patient: overtaking is unlikely to make a significant difference to your journey time due to the amount of traffic expected over the weekend.

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The people who pick up the pieces

NZTA reveals their tips and tricks on avoiding holiday traffic this summer

• Melania Watson

The New Zealand Transport Agency has revealed its tips and tricks for a safe and stress-free summer on the road. 

With Kiwis already ditching the cities to hit the beach, NZTA is encouraging people to plan ahead for their summer road trips. 

More from Newshub

NZTA journey manager Kingston Brands said using the online holiday journeys traffic prediction tool, people can plan their trips and avoid the worst delays. 

"If you're heading north or south out of Auckland or Whangarei, it's worth checking before you get on the road so that you know what to expect," Brands said. 

"The busiest times heading south of Auckland will start from Friday until Wednesday with the heaviest traffic between 11am and 2pm." 

He said people heading north of Auckland can expect the same traffic rush from Friday until the following Friday between 9:30am and 3pm. 

"If you're planning on heading further north from Whangarei, it'll be busiest on Thursday and Friday between midday and 5pm," he said. 

He said there will be a significant increase in temporary traffic management and increased travel time due to the summer maintenance programme. 

"To get an understanding of what's happening on the network, and for real time updates, please use our Journey Planner tool and allow extra time for your journey," he said, 

"More cars on the road, tired drivers and people driving on unfamiliar roads can all add up to make holiday driving stressful and risky. But there are simple things we can all do to stay safe. 

"Plan ahead, drive sober, watch out for signs of fatigue, keep your speeds down and drive to the conditions. Everyone should check that their car is safe before heading off and think about sharing the driving on long trips," Brands said. 

Tips for safe driving on your summer holiday: 

• Drive to the conditions, allow plenty of time and take regular breaks to stay alert. 
• Be patient when driving this summer so everyone can relax and enjoy the holidays together. 
• Keep a safe following distance from vehicles in front so you can stop safely. 
• Drive to the conditions - whether it's the weather, the road you're on, the time of day or the volume of traffic on the roads. 
• Take regular breaks to stay alert. 
• Allow plenty of time. You're on holiday, no need to rush.  

NZTA also warns people should check their vehicle is safe to drive before setting off on their holiday. 

This includes checking the Warrant of Fitness or Certificate of Fitness is up-to-date on any vehicle you plan to drive, including rentals. 

How to check your vehicle yourself: 

• Tyres - minimum tread is 1.5mm but the more tread, the better the grip. 
• Lights - check that all lights work so your vehicle is visible in poor light. 
• Indicators - ensure all indicators work so people know which direction you are moving. 
• Windscreen and wipers - check for wear and tear so you can see the road safely.  

Plan your trip with travel time information, traffic cameras, and updates on delays, roadworks and road closures.

Enter where you are travelling from and to.

This website is indicative of journey options only. There may be closures or unplanned events that could make the route shown unsuitable. Please check this section before you travel.

Find regional traffic information to help you plan your journey. See current travel times, traffic updates, information on incidents and roadworks, and traffic cameras in your region.

This section is indicative of journey options only. There may be closures or unplanned events that could make the route shown unsuitable. Please check this section before you travel.

Find road closures, incidents, roadworks and traffic cameras across New Zealand.

View traffic cameras from across New Zealand to see current road conditions, traffic jams and heavy traffic.

Use our holiday journey planner to check traffic predictions before you leave.

Every holiday period and long weekend we see large numbers of people heading out of the main centres to popular holiday destinations and this can cause queues and delays.

To help alleviate these problems we recommend planning your travel well in advance and travelling outside the busiest periods. To make this easier for you, we’ve created an interactive traffic prediction map for holiday periods. The map shows when we expect traffic to be heavy based on travel patterns from previous years.

Electric vehicle charging stations must meet certain requirements to be listed on this map. Find out more about the requirements and the nationwide network of public charging stations. Charging station details are based on information provided by the charging station operators.  Read the full disclaimer .