COVID-19 important information
Greater Wellington Regional Council would like to assure customers that we are closely monitoring the situation and will be following the advice of Ministry of Health on COVID-19.
GW offices
All GW premises are fully open to the public, and mask-wearing and physical distancing are no longer mandatory.
Parks
At 11.59pm Monday 12 September the traffic light system ended, and wearing a mask is no longer required anywhere in our parks.
Remember to stay home if you are unwell and follow other public health recommendations.
Metlink
Masks are no longer a requirement on Metlink bus, train, Total Mobility or ferry services.
Please be mindful that some passengers and drivers may choose to continue wearing them.
You may see outdated Covid-19 signage reflecting previous policies as we work to remove it from vehicles and transport hubs. Please refer to this page for current policy.
COVID-19: GW offices at Orange
All GW premises are fully open to the public. Mask-wearing and 1 metre distancing remains mandatory in our reception and public areas.
COVID-19: Parks update at Orange
GW would like to assure customers that we are continuing to monitor the current situation and are following advice from the Ministry of Health on Covid-19.
NZ has moved to the Orange Light in the Covid Protection Framework from Thursday 14 April and there are no vaccine pass requirements. We look forward to welcoming everyone to our parks.
Remember stay home if you are unwell, follow other public health recommendations and wear a mask when inside.
For more information about the traffic light framework visit the official Covid-19 website.
COVID-19: Metlink update at Orange
From 11.59pm, Wednesday 13 April, the Wellington Region is at Orange.
Please continue to follow the guidance from the Government while travelling on public transport.
With Omicron in our community, we’re seeing an impact on public transport. We are doing everything that we can to keep our public transport functioning, and maintain a full service where possible – we continue to actively manage our available staff to run bus, train, and ferry services.
If any of our operators experience staffing issues that cause significant cancellations, then we may need to move to a reduced timetable at short notice. If we need to change the timetable at short notice, the RTI screens could be incorrect. Know before you go - updates and changes to services will be noted in service alerts and on the website.
We’ll continue to adapt as the situation changes, and we appreciate your understanding and kindness as we respond.
At Orange:
- Face masks must be worn while on board.
- All masks must be attached to the head by loops around the ears or head. That means no more scarves, bandannas, or jerseys pulled up over the face.
- All students age 12 or above will also need to wear a face mask on public transport and dedicated school services.
- Wear a face mask
- All accessibility features are in service, meaning front door boarding on buses and availability of ramps on trains.
- All payment methods are available, including cash, however contactless payment is preferred where available.
If you’re unwell, please avoid public transport and stay home.
A reminder, our drivers and frontline staff are working hard to deliver your service and are not expected to enforce these measures. Please be kind, and we appreciate your patience.
COVID-19: Metlink update at Red
From 11.59pm, Sunday 23 January 2022, the Wellington Region along with the rest of New Zealand will move to Red. There will be no changes to how we are operating currently.
During this time, please continue to follow the guidance from the Government outlined below.
At Red:
- Face coverings must be worn while on board
- Regular bus, train and harbour ferry timetables will be operating
- All accessibility features are in service, meaning front door boarding on buses and availability of ramps on trains
- All payment methods are available, including cash, however contactless payment is preferred where available.
If you’re unwell, please avoid public transport and stay home.
COVID-19: Parks update at Red
Kia ora. The Wellington Region moved to the RED setting of the COVID-19 Protection Framework at 11:59pm, Sunday 23 January 2022. Some of our regional parks facilities will require a vaccine pass.
We look forward to welcoming you and wanted to let you know about some changes to our process in light of the move in the COVID-19 Protection Framework.
These changes apply to campgrounds and public facilities.
Vaccine pass required:
- Ranger’s offices
- Kotare room at Queen Elizabeth Park
- Ken Gray Woolshed at Battle Hill Farm Forest Park
- Workshop buildings and nurseries at Queen Elizabeth Park
- Hunters House at Wainuiomata Regional Park
- Stratton Street classroom at Belmont Regional Park
Vaccine pass not required:
- Camp grounds
- Kaitoke facility buildings
- Museum at Wainuiomata Regional Park
- Museum at Baring Head/Ōrua-pouanui Regional Park
- Public toilets
Whilst you are staying with us and when exploring our parks and open spaces, please follow the government COVID-19 guidelines:
- Stay home if you are sick.
- Keep a record of where you have been – scan QR codes each time you use a facility (located in toilet blocks) and turn on Bluetooth tracing. There will be the ability to sign in without using the smart phone app.
- Wear a face covering, maintain good hygiene.
- Stay in your bubble, maintain physical distancing and limit mingling with other guests.
Do I need a vaccine pass to visit the parks?
No, our regional parks will not require passes, but we encourage the wearing of masks, physical distancing and other measures to remain safe. In our facility buildings we will be encouraging people not to congregate in groups under the roofed-in areas.
When staying with us
If you’re camping, select a location that will maintain a good distance between other campers. Remember to bring your own hygiene provisions to wipe down shared facilities and sanitiser for general use (toilets will have soap or sanitiser).
Some things to note
- Some shared facilities and congregation points may be closed.
- Interactions with rangers and camp hosts will limited, but don’t worry we will still be on site and checking in if you need us.
- Park toilets are open and will be cleaned once per day.
- Water taps remain open.
Any further enquiries, please email us at info@gw.govt.nz or call 0800 496 734.
Thank you for your assistance and understanding.
Please take care, be kind and stay well.
COVID-19: GW offices at Orange
All Greater Wellington premises are open fully to staff and public.
We require mask wearing and 1 metre distancing in reception areas and public spaces.
COVID-19: Parks update at Orange
Kia ora. The Wellington Region moved to the ORANGE setting of the COVID-19 Protection Framework at 11:59pm, Thursday 2 December 2021. Most of our regional parks facilities and campgrounds will not require a vaccine pass.
We look forward to welcoming everyone and wanted to let you know about some changes to our process in light of the move to the COVID-19 Protection Framework.
These changes apply to campgrounds and public facilities.
Whilst you are staying with us and when exploring our parks and open spaces, please follow the government COVID-19 guidelines:
- Stay home if you are sick.
- Keep a record of where you have been – scan QR codes each time you use a facility (located in toilet blocks) and turn on Bluetooth tracing. There will be the ability to sign in without using the smart phone app.
- Wear a face covering, maintain good hygiene.
- Stay in your bubble, maintain physical distancing and limit mingling with other guests.
Do I need a vaccine pass?
No, our regional park campgrounds will not require passes, but we encourage the wearing of masks, physical distancing and other measures to remain safe. In our facility buildings we will be encouraging people not to congregate in groups under the roofed-in areas.
When staying with us
If you’re camping, select a location that will maintain a good distance between other campers. Remember to bring your own hygiene provisions to wipe down shared facilities and sanitiser for general use (toilets will have soap or sanitiser).
Some things to note
- Some shared facilities and congregation points may be closed.
- Interactions with rangers and camp hosts will limited, but don’t worry we will still be on site and checking in if you need us.
- Park toilets are open and will be cleaned once per day.
- Water taps remain open.
Any further enquiries, please email us at info@gw.govt.nz or call 0800 496 734.
Thank you for your assistance and understanding.
Please take care, be kind and stay well.
COVID-19: Metlink update at Orange
From 11.59pm, Thursday 2 December, all of New Zealand will move to the COVID-19 Protection Framework, also known as the traffic light setting. The Wellington Region will move to Orange which means:
- Face coverings must be worn while on board
- You are required to keep a record of your journey - simply scan the QR codes on board with the NZ COVID Tracer or Rippl app, or note it down manually.
- Regular bus, train and harbour ferry timetables will be operating
- All accessibility features are in service, meaning front door boarding on buses and availability of ramps on trains
- All payment methods are available, including cash
If you’re unwell, please avoid public transport and stay home.
COVID-19: GWRC offices at alert level 2
It will be mandatory to check in using the NZ COVID Tracer App and/or signing in at Reception.
Face coverings will be mandatory while in our buildings.
We will be observing 2 metre social distancing rules.
COVID-19: Parks update at alert level 2
At Alert Level 2, we need to minimise the risk of COVID-19 spreading to our staff and visitors. Our Park facilities remain open, including toilets and BBQs, with appropriate cleaning and physical distancing measures in place.
There are no restrictions on camping, motorised recreation, hunting, or other recreational activities such as horse riding. New permits for hunting, horse riding and motorised recreation are open at level 2.
For recreational groups, it is important for you to keep contact tracing records of any activity in Alert Level 2.
To minimise the spread of COVID-19
- Maintain 2m distance from people you don’t know - carefully step aside or slow down to allow separation
- Dogs must be on leads
- Rangers' offices remain closed at level 2
- When using public facilities please wear a mask
- Avoid our worksites – use another open area
- Avoid narrow tracks
- If you have symptoms of COVID-19, or if you are awaiting test results, stay home.
- Wash your hands regularly
- Do not pat other people’s pets
Play it safe – we can maintain many of our everyday activities, but we must do so carefully in order to keep the rest of New Zealand safe.
If you have any questions for us, please call 0800 496 734.
More information on COVID-19
- NZ Government COVID-19 website
- Ministry of Health information and advice
- Ministry of Health: 0800 358 5453
COVID-19: Parks update at alert level 3
As of 11.59pm on Tuesday 31 August, our region is at Alert Level 3. At alert level 3, we limit exposure of COVID-19 to our staff and visitors.
Wellington regional parks remain available for safe and local access to exercise and recreation for you and your bubble. Most of the park gates and toilets are open.
However, there is no camping, no motorised recreation or gatherings allowed. Park ranger offices are closed. Please call 0800 496 734 if you have any questions.
COVID-19: Metlink at alert level 3
Following the Government’s latest alert level change, Metlink has announced that it will continue to run a modified Saturday timetable for buses and trains under alert level 3.
Under alert level 4, public transport has only been available as an essential service for essential workers and to enable members of the public to access essential services. Public transport will now be available for more passengers under alert level 3 as some businesses, early learning centres and schools start to reopen.
COVID-19: Parks update at alert level 4
At alert level 4, to limit exposure of COVID-19 to our staff and visitors at our parks we have closed:
- Gates to vehicles
- Park ranger offices
- Park facilities, such as toilets.
We recognise that people will want to get some fresh air, but if you want to walk or bike in the regional parks you should only do so close to your home and with people in your bubble. However, there is no camping, no motorised recreation or gatherings allowed. Please remember that dogs must be kept on a lead at all times.
COVID-19: Metlink at alert level 4
Following the Government’s alert level 4 announcement, Metlink has confirmed it will start to move to a Saturday timetable for bus and train services as the country enters into Alert Level 4 from 11:59pm Tuesday 17 August 2021.
Metlink General Manager Scott Gallacher says public transport will continue to be available for essential service workers, and to enable communities to access supermarkets, pharmacies and health facilities in accordance with Government directions.
Get in touch
- Phone:
- 0800496734
- Email:
- info@gw.govt.nz