Wheeling Around Wellington

Candy B. Harrington

Planning a trip to new Zealand can certainly be a challenge. Not so much in the logistics of it all, but more in deciding which sites to visit in this diverse island nation. Certainly a road trip around the country is essential; however it’s also a good idea to spend some pre-road trip time in an urban setting to learn a little about the culture, history and people of New Zealand. And in that respect, Wellington is the perfect choice. Not only is it centrally located at the southern tip of the North Island, but it also offers a good variety of accessible attractions, transportation and accommodations. In short, it’s the perfect starting point for any New Zealand visit.

Wellington Basics

Getting around Wellington is easy, once you have the right resources at your fingertips. Accessible airport transfers are available through Wellington Cooperative Shuttles (+64 4 387 87 87, www.co-opshuttles.co.nz), while wheelchair-accessible taxis can be booked through Wellington Combined Taxis (+64 4 384 4444, www.taxis.co.nz) or Hutt and City Taxis (+64 4 57 000 57, 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.

The i-site Visitor Center, on the corner of Victoria and Wakefield Streets in Civic Square, also has a number of good resources, including a map of Wellington with access features clearly marked. The staff is well versed on the accessibility of attractions throughout the city; and if they don’t know the answer to your question they will find it for you.

The Wellington City Council also has an Accessibility Advisor on hand to field access-related questions. Just call +64 4 499 4444 and ask to speak to an Accessibility Advisor, or e-mail info@wcc.govt.nz with your questions. An accessibility map of Wellington, with notes about the access details of the major attractions, is also available from the Wellington City Council.

Slow walkers can take advantage of the Wellington City Council’s City Mobility Program, which offers free loaner scooters at nine locations throughout the city. You can book a scooter for up to four hours, and although there is no charge for the service, a security deposit (such as a credit card) is required. Scooters are available at the Freyberg Pool (+64 4 8014532), Wellington City Council (+64 4 499 4444), Wellington Botanic Garden (+64 4 499 1400), Fergs Kayaks (+64 4 499 8898), Te Papa (+64 4 381 7000), Wellington Cable Car (+64 4 472 2199), Zealandia (+64 4 920 9200), Karori Community Center (+64 4 476 4968) and Kilbirnie Library (+64 4 387 1480). Contact the preferred pick-up location directly to make a reservation; or fax +64 4 801 3138 or e-mail info@wcc.govt.nz the Wellington City Council your booking request.

New Zealand Primer

The best place to start your Wellington visit is at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa (+64 4 381 7000, www.tepapa.govt.nz). Known as Te Papa to the locals, this national museum gives a good overview of the art, history, people and natural environment of New Zealand.

There’s level access across the plaza, with barrier-free access to the front entrance, and elevators to all floors. Don’t miss the Mountains to Sea exhibit on the second floor, which highlights the six major ecosystems of New Zealand, or the traditional Marae on the fourth floor, which serves as a good introduction to the Maori culture.

Outside, there’s also a nicely accessible boardwalk surrounded by native plants. It’s a barrier-free oasis in the middle of the city, and a great place to get away from it all. Best of all, there’s no admission charge to this world-class museum.

Explore the Wharf

After you’ve had a good dose of culture, save some time for a leisurely walk along the Wellington waterfront. There’s barrier-free access behind Te Papa to the Tanaka Street Wharf, past Franks Kitts Park all the way down to Queens Wharf. It’s a very pleasant level stroll, and a nice alternative to city streets.

For a look into Wellington’s past, pop into the Museum of Wellington City and Sea (+64 4 472 8904, www.museumswellington.org.nz/museum-of-wellington-city-and-sea) located where Queens Wharf meets Jervois Quay. Housed in the historic Bond Store, this free museum celebrates Wellington’s social, cultural and maritime history. There is level access on the Wharf side of the historic building, with elevator access to all floors.

The first floor features exhibits about 20th century Wellington, while the second floor is dedicated to the city’s maritime history. And up on the third floor, you’ll learn about the history of the Maori people in Wellington. Highlights include exhibits about the 1968 Wahine ferry disaster, and 101 stories of 20th century Wellington life. And don’t miss the popular show about Maori myths and legends — A Millennium Ago.

Save some time to browse through the Academy galleries of the New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts (+64 4 499 8807, www.nzafa.com), located just across the street. There is level access to the building, with plenty of room to roll around the galleries. Most of the works are for sale, and it’s a great place to pick up pieces by up-and-coming New Zealand artists.

Read the rest of this article in the Spring 2012 issue of Emerging Horizons. Subscribe today!