More space, a slower pace and room for the kids and dogs. It’s no surprise that plenty of Wellingtonians are moving out to the Kapiti Coast and the Wairarapa. A regional move takes a bit more planning than shifting across town, so here’s what to know.
Moving to the Kapiti Coast
The route
Transmission Gully, part of State Highway 1, opened in 2022 and gives a direct motorway route between Wellington and the Kapiti Coast. For moving day, that means a more predictable run from Wellington, the Hutt Valley or Porirua up to Paekākāriki, Paraparaumu, Waikanae and beyond.
Things to plan for
- Travel time: allow for the trip between addresses when you book, especially if you’re moving from the southern suburbs or the Hutt.
- Section types: Kapiti homes range from beach houses on sandy sections to new builds and retirement villas. Tell your movers about access and parking.
- Retirement villages: many have rules about moving times, lifts and where trucks can park. Check with the village first.
See our Kapiti Coast movers page for the areas we cover.
Moving to the Wairarapa
The Remutaka Hill Road
Most moves between Wellington and the Wairarapa go over the Remutaka Hill Road (SH2) between Upper Hutt and Featherston. It’s a winding road over the ranges, and NZTA runs overnight maintenance closures on it for much of the year. Plan your moving day to travel during open hours, and check NZTA’s Remutaka Hill night closure information before you go.
Things to plan for
- An earlier start: longer travel means it helps to start loading early.
- Bigger properties: Wairarapa homes often come with garages, sheds and outdoor gear. Include these when you ask for a quote.
- Weather on the hill: wind and rain are more noticeable on the Remutaka Hill Road, so pack and load well.
See our Wairarapa movers page for more.
Tips for any regional move
- Book early. Regional moves take up most of a day, so good dates go quickly.
- Declutter before you go. It’s a long way to take things you don’t want.
- Pack a day bag. Keep essentials, chargers, medication and snacks with you.
- Arrange keys. Check when you can get into your new home, especially with settlement days.
- Set up utilities early. Make sure power and internet are ready at the new place.
- Update your address. Use our NZ moving house checklist.
Get a quote for your regional move
We move households from Wellington, the Hutt Valley and Porirua to the Kapiti Coast and Wairarapa every week, and back again. Request a quote with both addresses and we’ll plan the day around the trip.
Moving in the Wellington region?
Tell us about your move and we'll get back to you with a quote. House, apartment and office moves across Wellington, the Hutt Valley, Porirua, Kapiti and the Wairarapa.
