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The CBD and waterfront are very walkable and compact. The Cuba Street neighborhood, Te Aro, and the waterfront from the railway station to Oriental Bay are all within comfortable walking range. The city's famous steepness means that the hillside suburbs above the center require some climbing or cable car assistance. The Wellington Cable Car from Lambton Quay to the Kelburn lookout is a 5-minute ride and worth it for the view.

If arriving by rail from the north, the Interislander ferry from Picton, or domestic flight, the city center is easy to reach. Wellington Airport is 6 kilometers from the CBD with regular bus services. The compact nature of the city means that once you are in the center, everything is walkable or a short bus ride. The Metlink bus network is frequent and covers the hill suburbs.

Wellington has the highest concentration of cafes and restaurants per capita in New Zealand and takes food seriously. Flat whites (the Australian-New Zealand take on espresso with steamed milk) were arguably invented here. The Harbourside Market on Saturdays sells produce, street food, and artisan goods. Cuba Street has excellent affordable eating from multiple cuisines and good local baking.

Wellington is one of the safer cities for solo walking in the Southern Hemisphere. The CBD, waterfront, Te Aro, and Cuba Street areas are safe day and evening. The city is small enough that you rarely feel isolated in the central areas. Standard caution applies at night in quieter streets, but Wellington generally feels unhurried and low-threat for pedestrians.