Kia ora!

We are delighted to welcome OzCHI back to Aotearoa-New Zealand after such a long time and there is no better place to do that than New Zealand’s compact, connected and creative capital, Pōneke-Wellington. Set on a stunning harbour and surrounded by nature, we boast a range of incredible venues
that can host everything from international conferences to unique experiences. Ideally located in the middle of New Zealand, Wellington is easily accessible and that means less time travelling and more time to pack activities into your itinerary. There’s no shortage of things to see and do, countless walking and biking tracks, and a jam-packed events calendar.

We will be hosting OzCHI2023 in the School of Design Innovation, at the Te Aro campus of Te Herenga-Waka, Victoria University of Wellington. It is located in the heart of the city, just a short stroll away from the national museum Te Papa Tongarewa, and around the corner from Cuba street, award-winning eateries, a dynamic coffee culture, regional wine and craft beer and a treasure trove of shops.


If you are travelling to NZ from abroad please check this travel advisory that Immigration NZ has provided for OzCHI2023. If you need to apply for a visa and require an invitation letter, please get in touch with the OzCHI General Chairs generalchair@ozchi.org.


Getting here and around

Flying into Wellington is a breeze. There are direct flights operated by Air New Zealand and Jetstar servicing cities and towns all around New Zealand. Direct international flights also service major eastern Australian cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane) with an easy three to four-hour hop across the ditch, as well as Fiji. Frequent direct flights with Auckland provides easy connectivity with the rest of Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo and the west coast of the United States.

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The best way to explore Wellington is on foot. The CBD is only two kilometres wide, so you can walk from one side to the other in under 30 minutes. All major attractions are within walking distance or have shuttle transport. If you are planning to use public transport during your stay, it is worth investing on a Snapper card that gives you discounted prices on public transport tickets. You can purchase a snapper card in many locations in the city centre and suburbs; check here to find more information.

Wellington International Airport is a 15-minute drive from the heart of the city. The Airport Express (AX) bus departs for the city every 10 to 20 minutes.


Accommodation

Whether you are looking for a five-star room with a harbour view, a laidback budget friendly option, or somewhere in between, you won’t be disappointed with Wellington's choices of accommodation.

Special hotel rates for OzCHI2023 conference attendees

Naumi Hotel

The codes are applicable for both Studio and Hotel side with a 15% off our best available rates

Naumi Studio Wellington – Use code OzCHI23

Embrace old-world glamour with Naumi Studio Wellington, an iconic heritage landmark which came to life in 1907 as the People's Palace Hotel. After an extensive renovation this 116-room property has transformed into a feast for the senses, enthralling guests with spaces inspired from seafaring, the literary world and an enduring love of it's Edwardian heritage.

Naumi Hotel Wellington – Use code OzCHI23

The younger sister, Naumi Hotel Wellington, has her own distinct personality of Gatsby proportions. Statement stripes and bold elements greet you as you travel to your room. Situated on elevated levels, every room has a view either of Cuba Street, the city or across to the Wellington hills. The hotel boasts 62 generously proportioned rooms, more like a studio apartment than a hotel room, ensuring the most comfortable stay.

Ramada hotel – Use code OzCHI2023

Click link to book Ramada Wellington - Ramada Wellington x OzCHI2023

Microtel – Use code OzCHI2023

Click link to book Microtel Wellington - Microtel by Wyndham Wellington x OzCHI2023


Things to do

New Zealand’s capital city is full of hidden laneways, and world-class coffee and craft beer. Experience Te Papa’s interactive museum magic, go behind the scenes at Wētā Workshop to see props from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, and still have time for shopping and dinner at one of Wellington’s award-winning eateries.

Arts and culture

Wellington is New Zealand’s arts and culture capital. It is home to national performing arts companies like the Royal New Zealand Ballet and New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and around 50 galleries. Wander through hidden laneways to discover street art and follow the sculpture walks along Wellington’s waterfront.

The capital city is home to Aotearoa’s national museum, Te Papa. You can visit He Tohu to see New Zealand’s founding documents and take a free tour of New Zealand’s Parliament buildings. Learn about Wellington’s history at the Wellington Museum and Cable Car Museum.

Food and drink

Wellington is a place where all tastes are catered for. Casual dining is our specialty, with a wide range of restaurants serving some of Aotearoa’s top cuisine in a laidback yet professional setting. Wellington’s café culture and coffee scene is something you must experience, as is our booming craft beer industry. 


Wellington’s nightlife is centred around Courtenay Place and Cuba Street. Find stylish cocktail bars hidden upstairs and down laneways. The entertainment district of Courtenay Place is lined with dance clubs, pubs and bars, and live music is best found on Cuba Street.

Nature walks

Surrounded by hills and with a beautiful sparkling harbour, Wellington has a range of nature experiences, all within easy access. Visit Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne the ecosanctuary named by Time magazine in their top 100 places in the world. Just a ten-minute drive from the city, Zealandia offers a chance to see and hear native birds in a native bush setting that feels like going back in time.

Visit Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre in Wairarapa to learn more about tangata whenua and conservation efforts to protect native wildlife. Take a boat across to Kapiti Island to spot rare wildlife and experience Māori hospitality and storytelling from the kaitiaki (guardians) of this precious place.

For those who love to ride, Remutaka Cycle Trail is a must. For a more relaxed ride, take an e-bike ride around Wellington with Switched on Bikes.

One day in Wellington

*If you just have one day for sightseeing, see below Tourism NZ’s suggestion for a perfect day in Wellington*

 

9:30am

Get your bearings and see the best of Wellington on a half-day sightseeing or eBike tour.

Alternatively, discover movie-making magic on the Wētā Workshop Experience and Guided Transfer.

1:00pm

Grab lunch at one of Wellington’s great cafés.

2:00pm

Visit the national museum Te Papa to immerse yourself in New Zealand’s rich culture and history.

4:00pm

Browse the shops on your way to ride the Wellington Cable Car for a picturesque view over Wellington.

Take the Cable Car back to the city or walk back through Wellington Botanic Garden.

5:30pm

Dine at one of our top local restaurants.

7:00pm

Join a Zealandia by Night guided tour to learn more about this award-winning ecosanctuary and New Zealand’s unique natural environment.