Whizzing Around Wellington in a Wheelchair!

Still to this day, almost ten years on, my time spent in New Zealand remains one of the finest experiences of my life. I headed to Wellington in January of 2016 in search of an internship that I needed to undertake for my Bachelor’s degree. I’d arranged a potential placement at the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) there, but things would only be confirmed once I’d arrived and visited their head offices.

In a style that can only be described as being true to myself, I (possibly deliberately) forgot to mention that I was a wheelchair user — which led to some undeniably worried looks from my soon-to-be boss when I turned up. Alas, we prevailed, and after some brief introductions around the office, I was granted the opportunity to join the team for a few months and fulfill the requirements I needed to fulfill to get that semester of my studies chalked off.

Wellington itself was a fantastic place to be. I loved the fact that, despite being a capital city, it was relatively small and easy to get from one end to the other by walking (or in my case, rolling). I’ve lived in a few places where it’s easy to get around without the need for public transport and I prefer it. I also like that small-town vibe where you slowly get to know more and more people, and before long you’re bumping into friends and acquaintances wherever you go.

It would be amiss of me to say that Wellington was not without its challenges though. The main Harbour and CBD area are pretty easy to get around. They’re relatively flat, and you can coast along the seafront, bypassing many of the busier city streets. However, the more residential areas of the city are mostly positioned in and around the hills that envelop Wellington. Upper Hutt and Lower Hutt are way off over the hills, though easily reached via a nicely accessible train. Other areas too are on higher ground, and every house I stayed in (of which there were three different houses within three months) were all up on higher ground and required some amount of daily exercise to get up and down the steep hills. The bus or the train only gets you so far, and at one particular property, I had about a 0.5km steep incline to negotiate daily. It was incredibly challenging at first, though I must admit that after several weeks of doing it, I was not only getting stronger, but I was also getting incredibly fit. Perhaps I need to put myself into such positions again in the future, where working out becomes a need, rather than relying on my never-forthcoming willpower to take charge.

But what about entertainment and sightseeing, you might ask? Of course, very few of you reading this will be heading to Wellington in search of that mundane day-to-day life as a local; you’ll be there with the purpose of traveling and seeing as much as possible. Well, Wellington doesn’t fail to impress. There are many amazing attractions and places worth visiting, all of which are wheelchair accessible (and accessible to other needs too).

For example, there’s Te Papa Museum – a fantastic location on the Harbourfront that offers a unique insight into the life and culture of Maori folk in New Zealand. The museum is free to enter and is one of New Zealand’s best-loved tourist attractions (not just in Wellington).

Secondly, there is the breathtaking Zealandia, a natural park turned into a must-visit tourist spot. Here you’ll be able to take a gorgeous accessible stroll, sampling not only some of New Zealand’s incredible native plants but also native birds. Some of these birds are so tame you can almost pet them. The park is big enough to allow for an entire afternoon to be spent there, but not so big that you’ll be left missing out on any areas to see.

Maybe you’re a fan of the likes of Lord of the Rings and know that New Zealand is a famous location for such films. Well, did you know about Weta Workshop? This truly fascinating workshop is in the Miramar suburb of the city and gives visitors the chance to see some world-famous prosthetics, special effects, and props from a multitude of movies you’ll be familiar with.

If you’re looking for a bite to eat, Wellington has no shortage of accessible restaurants. Logan Brown, located in a beautifully restored bank building, offers fine dining with a strong focus on locally sourced ingredients. The staff is accommodating, and the restaurant is fully accessible. For a more casual experience, try the vibrant Southern Cross Garden Bar and Restaurant, which features a spacious layout, making it easy to navigate in a wheelchair.

When it comes to accommodation, the QT Wellington is a top choice. This artsy hotel not only offers luxurious rooms but also provides excellent accessibility features, including step-free access throughout and accessible bathrooms. Another great option is the Copthorne Hotel Oriental Bay, which boasts stunning views of the harbor and has accessible rooms that ensure a comfortable stay.

For a serene escape within the city, don’t miss the Wellington Botanic Garden. The cable car, which is accessible, takes you up to the top of the garden, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and harbor. The Botanic Garden itself offers a variety of wheelchair-friendly paths that wind through lush landscapes and colorful flower beds. The Space Place at Carter Observatory, located within the gardens, is also worth a visit, offering an accessible way to explore the wonders of the night sky through interactive exhibits and stunning planetarium shows.

Wellington is a city that offers something for everyone, and with a bit of planning, it can be an incredibly rewarding destination for travelers with accessibility needs. The charm of the city, combined with its welcoming attitude and accessible infrastructure, makes it a must-visit for anyone exploring New Zealand. If you’re REALLY lucky, you might just see some Orcas in the harbour too when you’re there!