Information about Wellington

Zealandia:  The Karori Sanctuary Experience

Zealandia is the world’s first fully-fenced urban ecosanctuary, with an extraordinary 500-year vision to restore a Wellington valley’s forest and freshwater ecosystems as closely as possible to their pre-human state. The 225 hectare ecosanctuary is a groundbreaking conservation project that has reintroduced over 20 species of native wildlife back into the area, some of which were previously absent from mainland New Zealand for over 100 years.

A sustainability partnership is in place between Zealandia and the James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor, aiming to strengthen environmental goals and enrich the visitor experience to Wellington.  The hotel provides a financial contribution to the sanctuary, with $2 of every room night booked via www.grandchancellorhotels.com donated directly to conservation efforts.

Zealandia is home to some of New Zealand’s most rare and extraordinary wildlife, all living wild with the protection of the sanctuary and we highly recommend this experience to our guests.

The sanctuary is open daily 9.00am — 5.00pm (last entry 4.00pm) and night tours are also available, which can be arranged through Concierge (Dial # 9). Entry fee applies.

Address: 53 Waiapu Rd, Karori, Wellington 
www.visitzealandia.com

Discover the wild side of Wellington and visit Zealandia during your stay at the James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor.

Airport
Wellington International Airport is located 10 kilometres from the hotel.  Please allow 30 — 45 minutes for travel by car.

For Airline reservations and confirmations please contact the Concierge (Dial # 9).

Address: Stewart Duff Dr, Rongotai, Wellington

Botanic Gardens Wellington
Experience 25 hectares of unique landscape, protected native forest, specialised plant collections, colourful floral displays and views over Wellington city.  Entry is free and access can be gained via the Cable Car on Lambton Quay. 

Address: 101 Glenmore St, Kelburn, Wellington

Cable Car 
The Cable Car runs from Lambton Quay to the Kelburn terminal via Clifton Terrace, Talavera Terrace and Salamanca Road. The Botanic Gardens and Observatory are at the final stop. The Cable Car runs every 10 minutes and charges apply.

Address: 280 Lambton Quay, Wellington

East by West Ferries
Wellington’s harbour ferry service operates daily to Days Bay, with a more extensive service operating in the weekends (includes Matiu Somes Island and Seatoun). Timetables are available at the Concierge Desk. 

Address: 1 Queens Wharf, Wellington

Parliament Buildings
Visit Parliament to discover the buildings, heritage and to learn about New Zealand’s democratic processes. There are a range of informative guided tours available.

Address: Pipitea, Wellington

Te Papa – The National Museum of New Zealand
New Zealand’s National Museum is centrally located on the Wellington waterfront, within walking distance of the Hotel.  Te Papa is open every day of the year from 10.00am — 6.00pm.

Entry to Te Papa and most of the exhibitions are free.

Address: 55 Cable St, Te Aro, Wellington

Space Place At Carter Observatory
Learn about the southern skies through multimedia exhibits, interactive galleries, the historic Thomas Cooke telescope and a digital, full-dome planetarium. Open from 10.00am during the weekends, weekday hours vary.

Address: 40 Salamanca Rd, Kelburn, Wellington

Wellington Events
For further information about ‘What’s On’ in Wellington please contact the Concierge who have the latest information on current events (Dial # 9).

Wellington Zoo
Wellington Zoo is setting the pace with their natural habitat environments.  
Developments such as Monkey Island and the Tropical River Trail make the Zoo a ‘must-see’ attraction in Wellington.  The Wellington Zoo is open every day of the year (except Christmas Day) from 9.30am — 5.00pm, last entry 4.15pm, entry fee applies.

Address: 200 Daniell St, Newtown, Wellington 6021

Weta Workshop
Explore the creative capital and the New Zealand Film Industry hub of Miramar, home to Weta Workshop. The 45 minute tour Weta Workshop Tour starts and finishes in the famous Weta Cave, providing a behind the scenes glimpse into the workings at Weta.

Address: Corner Camperdown Rd & Weka St, Miramar, Wellington

Taxis
Wellington Combined Taxis is the Hotel’s preferred company.  There is a taxi stand at the Hotel’s main entrance. Phone 04 384 4444, or contact the Concierge to make a booking for you (Dial # 9).

Driving in New Zealand
To ensure you arrive at your destination safely, we recommend you read the below regulations.

  • Drive on the left-hand side of the road.
  • Always carry a valid driver’s license and a translation if the license is not in English.
  • The driver and all passengers must wear seatbelts at all times.
  • Obey the speed limit (the average speed limit in built up areas is 50km).
  • It is illegal to drive whilst using a mobile phone.
  • Do not drink alcohol and drive.

Please dial #8 for more information

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