Getting there

By bus: It’s a Zone 2 ride to the Archive from Lambton Quay. The bus to catch is the “Mairangi”, which takes you to Woburn Road in Northland. If in doubt, the bus driver will help you find your stop.

Alternatively, you can catch a “Karori Park” bus to the Karori sanctuary “Zealandia”, and walk from there through the Northland bus tunnel and up and along to Woburn Road. About 10 minutes walk.

By foot: It’s a 30 minute walk up the hill from the Wellington Railway Station to Glenmore Street and then up the steep Garden Road to the Northland shops and along to Woburn Road.

By car: It’s a 10 minute drive from the city centre. There are a small number of free parks outside the Archive on Woburn Road.
View map

Ticket cost

Entry is by koha or donation (which also buys you a free historical poetry book of your choice from the display table).

How to use the Archive

People can visit the Archive by making an appointment with the administrator Niel Wright on 04 475 8042.

You are welcome to stop by and visit the Archive and have a look around or make a donation of books. However, if you are wishing to use the Archive for research purposes, please observe the following system.

Requesting items for research purposes

Before visiting the Archive, please take time to read through the PANZA online catalogue. The catalogue includes all the items that can be requested for reading and research purposes.

Because some of the more valuable books are stored offsite and may not be in the Archive, it is important to request the items before you arrive. Please allow for 2 days’ notice so we can ensure the books will be available on your arrival.

You can request the items by emailing the administrator Niel Wright: nielwright@xtra.co.nz

Niel will check availability of the items and confirm a time with you to visit.

If you are only in Wellington for a short time and need to visit the Archive urgently, a visit can be arranged at the discretion of the administrator.

Paper and pencils are provided. Material can be photocopied on request and posted to your address at your own cost. (NB: Archive does not have an EFTPOS facility. Please bring the appropriate coinage with you if requiring photocopies to be made. Photocopying costs 20 cents a page.)

Archive rules

The Poetry Archive functions like most research libraries:

A few rules to keep in mind during your visit:

  • No bags allowed. Please leave your bags and coats by the administration desk.
  • No food or drink allowed in the Archive study area.
  • No smoking or pets allowed.