"Angiangi te matangi"
"The winds that disperse seeds and pollen"
Visit us
Mō Mātou
Plan your visit
Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui is more than a building—it’s a place of learning, discovery and connection. Rooted in Te Whanganui-a-Tara’s cultural identity, this shared civic space brings together stories, knowledge, and communities.
Times
Ngā hāora tuwhera
Opening hours
Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui is open every day. Whether it’s a weekend or weekday, you’re always welcome to drop in.
How to join
Joining the library is free and easy - and it gives you access to everything from books and e-books to films, music, archives and more.
Join online
Reach out for inquiries or support.
Join in person
Bring photo ID and proof of address to the service desk.
Already a member?
Your Wellington City Libraries card will work here too.
GETTING HERE
Located in Te Nākau Civic Precinct, in the heart of Pōneke, Wellington, Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui is easy to get to - with great connections for bus, train, bike, and private transport.
By Car
There is no dedicated parking at Te Matapihi, but several parking buildings and on-street spaces are nearby.
Take the Aotea Quay exit when driving south into central Wellington along the SH1 motorway. Continue along Waterloo, Customhouse, and Jervois Quays, which lead directly into Cable Street and Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui.
By Bus
Wellington buses stop within a few minutes’ walk of Te Matapihi, with frequent services running across the city. Use Metlink’s journey planner to find the quickest route.
By Bike
There are safe cycling routes into the city and bike stands available near Te Matapihi.
Wellington Railway Station
ACCESSIBILITY
Step-free access and wide automatic doors at every entrance
Lifts between every floor
Accessible bathrooms on every floor
Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui has been designed for everyone. The building features:
The Service Desk, located near the main entrance on the ground floor, is where our friendly team can help you:
Find books and information
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Book spaces and facilities
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Ngā pātai auau
Frequently asked questions
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Only certified assistance dogs are permitted inside Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui.
All other pets are not allowed in the building.
If you have specific access needs, please speak with the team at a Pae Manaaki | Manaaki Desk or contact us at tematapihi@wcc.govt.nz. We’re here to help.
Yes. You’re welcome to bring your own food and drink. We ask that food is cold (no hot foods) and that you dispose of rubbish responsibly. Please take extra care around equipment, collections and shared spaces.
Yes. Charging stations are available throughout the building. If you need help finding one, just ask at a Pae Manaaki | Manaaki Desk.
Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui is an alcohol-free public facility. Alcohol is not permitted in public areas of the building, including library spaces, foyers, and other shared areas.
Alcohol may be permitted as part of a private, organised event in a booked event space, provided all relevant licensing requirements are met
Yes. Lockers are available on Ground, Level 1, and Level 2. If you need help accessing the lockers, please ask at a Pae Manaaki | Manaaki Desk.
Yes. Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui has been designed to be accessible for everyone.
Features include:
- Step-free entrances with wide automatic doors
- Lift access to all public levels
- Accessible toilets on every level
- Te Whaitua Mārū | Low Sensory Space
- A WiFi-based hearing assistance system
- Accessible car parks in the basement
If you have specific access needs, please speak with the team at a Pae Manaaki | Manaaki Desk.
Yes. Central Ground Te Wharekai | Café is located on the ground level and is open 7am to 4pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 4pm Saturday to Sunday.
Yes. Free WellyWiFi is available throughout Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui.
To connect:
- Select WellyWiFi from your device’s available networks
- Accept the terms and conditions
If you need help getting connected, ask at a Pae Manaaki | Manaaki Desk.
Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui is a civic space for reading, learning, making and connecting.
You can:
- Borrow books and access digital resources
- Study, work or meet with others
- Explore exhibitions
- Visit Tō Tātou Pōneke | Our Wellington
- Use Makerspaces and creative technology
- Bring tamariki to Taiwhanga Tamariki | Children’s Space
- Attend events, talks and workshops
65 Victoria Street, Wellington, 6011, New Zealand.
Yes, Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui includes a dedicated Te Rūma Kaitiaki | Caregivers' Room with baby changing and feeding facilities, on Te Papa Whenua | Ground, adjacent to the Taiwhanga Tamariki | Children's Event Corner.
Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui welcomes kura, early learning centres and school groups.
We offer:
- Curriculum-linked visits
- Creative learning experiences
- Access to heritage collections
- Nōku te Ao Capital E programmes
- Makerspace experiences
To plan a visit, contact the library team or the Nōku te Ao Capital E team directly. You can view more at School Holidays
Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui is Wellington’s reimagined central library. The name means 'a window to the wider world'. It is a strengthened and renewed civic space where cultures connect, stories are shared, ideas flourish, and everyone belongs. Here you can read, create, explore heritage, gather as a community... or simply pause in the heart of the city. You can view more at About Us.
Toilets are available on each level. You can find the exact locations at Floor Maps
There is no dedicated public parking attached to Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui.
Accessible car parks are available in the basement (via managed access).
Public parking buildings and on-street parking are available nearby.
Visit Plan Your Visit for more information.
Tūnga Waka Pēpi | Buggy parking is available on Te Papa Whenua | Ground. You can view the exact locations at Plan Your Visit.
Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui is located in Te Ngākau Civic Square in central Pōneke, Wellington.
It’s easily accessible by bus, train, bike and on foot.
Visit the Plan Your Visit for transport options and directions.
Yes. Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui offers a range of bookable spaces, including Ngā Hui | Meeting rooms and Taupuni Hopuoro | Sound Studio.
Some spaces can be booked online, while others are managed by enquiry. Visit Find or book a space for details, availability and booking information, or speak to the team at a Pae Manaaki | Manaaki Desk.
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Questions or queries?
Stay in touch
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