The capital city of New Zealand, Wellington, is located in the southwestern region of the nation’s North Island. It is the southern capital of a sovereign state. Known as Te Whanganui-a-Tara by the native Mri people, you will find Wellington situated between the Remutaka Range of mountains and Cook Strait. This is the ocean strip separating New Zealand’s Islands. Are you thinking about visiting Wellington? Read on to check out our list of luggage storage in Wellington to make your trip stress-free.
According to Mri legend, Kupe first founded and explored the Wellington region sometime during the 10th century. Until 1839, when early European settlers began entering the area, it was inhabited solely by the Mri. Who are the Mri you may ask? They were primarily the descendants of Watonga. A Mri explorer who lived in the area around the mid-1100s.
Today, you will find Wellington is renowned for its vivid culture, incredible cuisines, and its unparalleled natural magnificence. As a matter of fact, if you’ve seen the movie Avatar or the Lord of the Rings trilogy? Then you already know just how incredibly beautiful Wellington is, as it served as the setting for both!
Airports
Although Wellington is New Zealand’s capital city, there is currently only one airport, The Wellington International.
Wellington International Airport
Formerly the Rongotai Airport, Wellington International Airport is located 5.5 kilometres (approximately three nautical miles) from the city centre. Located on the coast of Cook Strait and Wellington Harbour. The Wellington International Airport is the third busiest in the nation, seeing more than 6 million passengers annually. it is the second busiest for IFR movements.
The Wellington International Airport operates a single runway. This runway, unfortunately, has a reputation of being rather turbulent. Due to the winds that come in off the Cook Strait, you can sometimes have a rough landing. First opened in 1949, the airport serves ten airlines flying to more than 20 destinations domestically and abroad.
The Wellington International Airport provides travellers with self-service luggage storage lockers on Level 1 of the car park. A separate area is available on Level 0 storage for oversized baggage and items. Wellington International Airport charges for locker baggage storage and oversized baggage storage on a 12-hour basis. Overnight storage options are also available.
Location: Stewart Duff Drive, Rongotai, Wellington 6022
Official Site: https://www.wellingtonairport.co.nz/
Yes, there are self-service lockers on Level 1 of the car park, near the motorbike parking area. Alternatively, there is oversized baggage storage on Level 0, near Baggage Belt 1; use the phone on the wall. The typical cost for small items is $5 for a half-day, $10 for a full day and $10 for each additional day. Checked in luggage size is $10 for a half-day, $20 for a full day and $10 for each additional day. Oversized baggage storage is $20 for a half-day, $40 for a full day and $10 for each additional day.
Train Stations
Did you know that Wellington’s rail network is made up of more than 45 train stations? All the stations are owned by the Greater Wellington Regional Council, and most are served by a single railway line. This makes the transit system one of the easiest to navigate for tourists.
Wellington Railway Station
The main station in the area and the busiest is Wellington Railway Station. It is the southern terminal for the Johnsonville Line, the North Island Main Trunk, and the Wairarapa Line. The station first opened in June of 1937 to replace the services provided by the former Lambton and Thorndon Stations. It has nine platforms available.
The station is conveniently located in the middle of Wellington’s central business district, on Bunny Street in Pipitea. It is a proud symbol of Kiwi history, having served as a venue for casualties after the infamous Wahine disaster. Also, as part of the country’s home-front defence during World War II.
Unfortunately, the Wellington Railway Station does not currently offer any baggage storage services or luggage lockers. However, a quick walk across the street to the Hotel Waterloo, there are locker banks available.
Location: Bunny Street, Pipitea, Wellington 6011
No, however across the street at the Hotel Waterloo, (1 Bunny Street Pipitea, Wellington), there are locker banks available. A small locker is $4 per 8 hours and a large locker is $8 per 8 hours.
Porirua Railway Station
Wellington’s second-busiest station, Porirua is an essential station on the Kapiti Line. Transdev Wellington operates the Porirua Railway Station and serves as a crucial part of Wellington’s Metlink suburban rail network.
The Wellington and Manawatu Railway Company first opened the Porirua Railway Station in September 1885. However, in 1908 it was taken over by the government. Today, the station is best known for its appearance in the 1981 film, Goodbye Pork Pie. In the film, there is a chase scene that occurs in the pedestrian subway.
Unfortunately, the Porirua Railway Station does not currently provide luggage storage facilities for passengers.
Location: Porirua City Centre, Porirua 5022
Unfortunately no, they don’t have lockers available at this time.
Waterloo Railway Station
The Waterloo Railway Station was previously known as the Waterloo Interchange and Hutt Central Waterloo. It is situated in the Wairarapa Line’s Hutt Valley section. The station sits 15.5 kilometres (9.6 miles) north of Wellington and acts as a critical bus-rail interchange.
After opening to the public in 1927, the government eventually took over and electrified waterloo Railway Station in 1953. The station was rebuilt in 1988 and has undergone upgrades over the years. The Waterloo Railway Station consists of two mainline tracks and connects to five Metlink bus routes.
The Waterloo Railway Station does not provide luggage storage services for travellers at this time.
Location: Hutt Central, Lower Hutt 5011
Unfortunately no, they don’t have lockers available at this time.
Stadiums
Sports fans visiting Wellingtons are in for a treat. As home to more than 60 local sports clubs, everyone is welcome to join in and get into the game. Or, if you prefer, sit back, relax, and enjoy a professional game at one of Wellington’s premier stadiums.
Sky Stadium
Also known as Wellington Regional Stadium, Sky Stadium is a large-capacity venue capable of seating up to 34,500 fans. It hosts all manner of sporting events and live performances. Sky Stadium was first built in 1999 to replace the Athletic Park. It was the first-ever bowl stadium to be constructed in the country.
A multi-purpose facility, Sky Stadium serves as the home ground for the All Whites, New Zealand’s national football team. As well as the Phoenix Football Club, the Hurricanes Super Rugby team, and the Lions Mitre 10 Cup Rugby team. Although primarily used for sporting events, the stadium also hosts live performance acts like AC/DC and Bon Jovi.
Depending on the event you’re attending, you may be able to bring a bag with you. However, it must be smaller than 42 cm x 30 cm x 30 cm. Any items or bags brought into Sky Stadium are subject to search for the safety of all attendees. The stadium does not currently provide bag storage facilities at the stadium.
Location: 105 Waterloo Quay, Pipitea, Wellington 6140
Official Site: https://www.skystadium.co.nz/
No, Sky Stadium doesn’t have any locker or cloakroom facilities. Visitors can bring a maximum of one bag into the stadium, so long as it’s smaller than 42 cm x 30 cm x 30 cm.
Basin Reserve
Colloquially known as The Basin, Basin Reserve is the oldest test cricket ground in all of New Zealand. Established in 1868, The Basin is less than 2 km (approximately 1.2 miles) south of the city’s central business district. Revered among locals and fans of cricket worldwide, it has Historic Place status and its own award-winning Basin Reserve Museum Stand.
The Basin Reserve got its name from its location at the base of Mount Victoria. It is the home ground of the Wellington Firebirds, a first-class cricket team. Previously, The Basin was used for social gatherings and other sports. Now, it’s mainly used for cricket, especially Test matches.
Unfortunately, there is no baggage storage or luggage facilities available at The Basin. Guests attending events can bring small bags on their person into the stadium.
Location: Sussex Street, Mount Cook, Wellington 6021
Official Site: https://basinreserve.nz/
Unfortunately not, however, guests can normally bring small bags on their person into the stadium.
Tourist Attractions
Windy Wellington welcomes more than half a million international tourists and 3.6 resident Kiwis to its breezy streets every year. Life in Wellington is primarily driven by its youthful culture, lively art and music scenes, and its status as New Zealand’s Hollywood.
The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
If you are a history buff, be sure to visit The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, or Te Papa as it’s often shortened to by locals. Opened in 1992 it is New Zealand’s national museum it is the 17th most visited art gallery in the world. Typically, it will see more than 1.5 million visitors annually.
The museum’s name in the Mri language translates to “container of treasured things and people that spring from mother Earth here in New Zealand”, also known as “container of treasures.”
Te Papa provides self-service luggage storage lockers on-site at the museum. Visitors can use them for up to 24 hours. You can also talk to an experienced host in the entrance foyer about hiring free padlocks for scooters and skateboards. Also, don’t forget to take your items with you.
Location: 55 Cable Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011
Official Site: https://www.tepapa.govt.nz/
Yes, they are located in the entrance foyer to the right. A small locker costs $2 for 3 hours, $3 for 4 hours, $4 for 5 hours and $6 for a full day. A large locker costs $4 for 3 hours, $5 for 4 hours, $6 for 5 hours and $8 for a full day.
Wellington Zoo
In 1906, the Wellington Zoo opened to accommodate a young lion gifted to the late Prime Minister Richard Seddon. From mildly odd beginnings, the Wellington Zoo has since expanded massively and upgraded its facilities. Today, it cares for more than 70 animal residents. Credited as Wellington’s oldest animal conservation organization, it is New Zealand’s first Zoo. The Wellington Zoo has earned the proud distinction of being the first Toitū carboNZero certified zoo in the world.
If you’re planning on visiting the Wellington Zoo for the day, be sure to check out the Mojo Zoo. It is located next to the entrance and has great hot coffee to keep you going throughout your visit. Or, if you’re feeling a bit spotty, stop in at The Grazing Post for a bite to eat. Wellington Zoo also has a fantastic gift shop. It is full of trinkets, souvenirs, and locally made wares to bring home for your friends and family.
While Wellington Zoo does have some visitor facilities like pushchair hire, public restrooms, and Parent rooms, there are currently no luggage storage services available for guests.
Location: 200 Daniell Street, Newtown, Wellington 6021
Official Site: https://wellingtonzoo.com/
Unfortunately, there currently isn’t any luggage storage available.
Zealandia
Located on the edge of Wellington, Zealandia comprises 225 hectares (560 acres) of lush fauna and native wildlife. The first-ever completely fenced urban eco-sanctuary, Zealandia, is an ecological island. It allows the native, natural ecosystem to thrive without negative impact from humans and other invasive species.
Zealandia uses a predator-proof pest-exclusion fence to prevent non-native land mammals from entering the Sanctuary’s 8.6 kilometres (approximately 5. 3 miles) perimeter. It currently offers day hours, night hours, and twilight tours. Allowing guests to visit with all of the fauna and animals, whether they’re diurnal or nocturnal.
If you’re planning on visiting, be sure to bring the kids! As children under five years are free. Unfortunately, there are no baggage storage facilities on-site in Zealandia. However, visitors taking the shuttle from the International Airport or Wellington Train Station can use the locker banks nearby before departing.
Location: 53 Waiapu Road, Karori, Wellington 6012
Official Site: https://www.visitzealandia.com/
While there is no luggage storage available at Zealandia, visitors taking the shuttle from Wellington International Airport or Wellington Train Station can use the locker banks nearby before departing.