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Published 15 January 2025

You’d think it’s all hills and stairs but Wellington New Zealand can be a super accessible city. Check out a few recommendations for an #accessibledayout in the Capital.

Takina Convention Centre

♿Pop to the new Convention Centre Tākina - As you step into the Convention Centre, you'll immediately notice its commitment to inclusivity and convenience. With accessible toilets readily available and wide walkways providing ample space for movement, every visitor can navigate the venue comfortably.

A member from our community let us know some other accessibility needs a bit of mahi, so here are a few tips and tricks to navigate the building. 

If you have a vision impairment there is currently no tactile marking on the floor to guide poeple. But a heads up, the desk is roughly 10 metres ahead on your left. 

The doors to the accessible wharepaku (toilet) are a bit heavy and tricky to open, but Tākina are getting them sorted out with new ones pretty soon. Also, events aren't required to advertise discounts for disabilities onsite. So, if you're visiting and need a carer, there is a concession charge.

At the entrance of Tākina Convention Centre, concrete stairs lead up to a set of glass doors in a half circle frame adorned with captivating Marvel-themed attractions. A toilet with wheelchair access has grey tiles and a black door. Whaikaha accessible appears on the door. Concrete ramp leading to glass doors with Marvel themes attractions on the window.

Te Papa

🖐Cross the road and visit our national museum Te Papa for an accessible experience including NZ Sign Language Guides. You'll be embraced by a world of interactive exhibits, vibrant storytelling, and innovative design tailored to engage everyone, regardless of their abilities.

Whether you're passionate about art, history, or the natural world. Te Papa offers a myriad of experiences designed to enlighten and inspire. 

On the right, the Te Papa help desk offers two levels for standing and wheelchair users. In the middle, a large circular window frames people standing around. At 36,000 square metres and six stories high, it contains a vast repository of collections. It's home to more than 800,000 artworks, objects, and specimens. It curates cutting-edge interactive exhibitions with a contemporary, and bicultural approach. Te Papa nature exhibit features a tall interactive projection birds attached to the ceiling and a man made large bird nest to the right.

Oriental Parade

🌞Soak up the sun and sea breeze at Oriental Parade! When the sand levels allow, there’s even wheelchair access down to the iconic golden sand, making it a spot everyone can enjoy.

Grab your towel, sunscreen, and beach gear, and spend a carefree day by the sparkling waterfront. Whether you’re swimming, sunbathing, or simply taking in the views, Oriental Parade is the perfect place to relax and unwind.

At Oriental Bay Beach, a fountain on the left side gracefully sprays water, adding to the picturesque scene. Oriental Bay concrete ramp that leads to the sandy waterfront.

Wellington Botanic Gardens

Explore 25 hectares of stunning gardens, rich with 150 years of history. Recognised as a Garden of National Significance by the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture and an important Heritage Area by Heritage New Zealand, this peaceful haven is perfect for everyone to enjoy.

The gardens are designed with accessibility in mind, offering well-maintained pathways, accessible facilities, and helpful signage to ensure a comfortable visit for all.

Wellington botanical gardens in a against a beautiful blue sky. Wellington botanical gardens from a birds eye view down on two paths.

New Zealand Parliament guided tours

Head along for a guided tour of Parliament, running every day of the week! Wander through the iconic Parliament buildings, dive into the stories behind political processes, and see how you can have your say in shaping the future.

Parliaments friendly and knowledgeable guides will lead the way, sharing tales of history and politics while showing off the stunning artworks and treasures from the Parliamentary Collection.

Young tourist admires the inside of New Zealand's parliament. A handful of people walk the halls of the New Zealand's beehive as part of their guided tour. a flower bush against the outside walls of parliament.

Wellington City Gallery 

Immerse yourself in contemporary art at City Gallery Wellington. A lively space offering exciting exhibitions and events. It’s the perfect place to explore New Zealand’s vibrant art scene in the heart of our capital city.

The gallery is fully accessible, with lifts, accessible toilets, and wheelchair access throughout. You can also take advantage of wheelchair hire, portable seating, and audio equipment to enhance your experience. Assistance and mobility dogs are welcome, and translations, along with NZ Sign Language support, are available to ensure everyone can enjoy the art.

What do you think team? Any other accessible suggestions for our whanau? Let us know by submitting your favourite Accessible Place in Welly's.