Wellington Parking

Our guide to the parking options in Wellington

Wellington Council and a few private operators manage the parking around Wellington.  We've put together a quick guide of Wellington parking options available, concentrating around the downtown area. 

Pay By Space Parking

There are around 3,300 on-street 'Pay by Space' parking spaces in the central area of the city.  Hourly fees and time limits apply 7 days a week.  

Parking meters accept both cash and credit cards.  All parking meters display a 'Parking area' label which is found on both sides of the meter and on the screen display.  Parking areas are numbered W01–W37.  Your payment is registered against your vehicle plate number. Your active parking session can be used in any parking space until it expires, so long as the vehicle plate number and parking area are the same. If you park in another parking area which has a different 'W' number, you will need to make a new payment. Check the meter and signs as time limits apply.

More information about parking fees and locations.

You can also pay using SmartPark Live or the PayMyPark smartphone app. 

PayMyPark App

You can download this free app and pay for on-street and coupon parking with your smartphone.  Casual users pay a fee on each transaction (50c).  For account holders, payment is only made when they transfer money to their PayMyPark account.   Account holders can also use a start-stop function which means they only pay for the time they have parked.  More information on PayMyPark App.

SmartPark Live

A ‘plug & play’ GPS unit is located in your vehicle which tracks when and where your vehicle is parking, and charges you automatically for the exact time parked.  Users pay a monthly subscription fee for the GPS unit and to use the payment platform, then purchase pre-paid credit on the SmartPark Portal website.  More info and to order your unit.

Paid Car Park

Wellington Council manages Clifton Car Park on The Terrace along with several short-term car parks on the waterfront.  Prices, time limits and payment methods vary, so check the signs when you park.  Refer to the Wellington Council parking website for more details.

Wilson's is New Zealand's largest private car park operator and manages over 30 car parks in the CDB area.  View their car park location map to identify your best option.

Disabled Parking

Mobility parking permits allow you to park in a council owned car park (excluding parking buildings) for longer than the time restriction.  The same parking fee applies.  A full list of mobility car parks can be found on Wellington City Council's mobility parking page.

Motorbike Parking

There is free motorbike parking in the city centre - just look out for the motorcycle parking icon.

Airport Parking

An hour's parking in the terminal is $12 (uncovered parking) or $15 (covered parking).  Long-term parking cost is $34 for 24 hours (uncovered parking) and $42 (covered parking).  Check the Wellington Airport Parking website for full pricing information and to book online.