"Te pū, te aka, te tāmore"
"From the source, to the tendrils, to the taproot"
Visit
Mō Mātou
Plan your visit
Everything you need to know to make your visit to Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui easy and enjoyable.
Ngā Kaupapa
Opening Hours
Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui is open every day of the week (except for public holidays). Whether it’s a weekend or weekday, you’re always welcome to drop in.
Join the library
Joining the library is easy
Joining the library is free and easy – and it gives you access to everything from books and eBooks to music, archives and more.
Join online here
Join in person - bring photo ID to the staff desks at Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui.
Already a member? Your Wellington City Libraries card will work here too. If you have lost your card please bring photo ID to get a new one.
Live in the Greater Wellington region but work or study in the city? Bring proof (payslip or student ID) and get a Wellington City Libraries card too.
For more membership options
See Membership optionsStay in touch
Want updates, events and news from Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui? Join our mailing list and be part of the community.
GETTING HERE
Located in Te Ngākau 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 Bus
Buses stop within a few minutes’ walk, with frequent services running across the city. Use Metlink’s journey planner to find the quickest route.
By Train
Wellington Railway Station is a short walk or bus ride away. Check out available trains and schedules using Metlink.
By Bike
There are safe cycling routes into the city and bike stands available nearby. Public bike parking is also available in the basement.
By Car
There is no dedicated parking at Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui, except for accessible parking, but there are several parking buildings and on-street spaces nearby.
Ngā korero mo te papa
Level information
Want to plan ahead? Download our full level guide to see what’s where before you arrive.
Pae Manaaki | Manaaki Desks
There are Pae Manaaki | Manaaki Desks on multiple levels, including near the main entrance on Te Papa Whenua | Ground, where our friendly team can help you:
- Find books and information
- Join the library
- Book meeting rooms and spaces
- Pay Council rates and fees during business hours
- Purchase rubbish and recycling bins
A–Z o ngā ratonga
A-Z of services
Looking for something specific?
See our full list of services
Learn moreGet in touch
Nau mai, kia kōrero maiQuestions or queries?
We’re here to help
Ngā Pātai Auau
Frequently asked questions
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65 Victoria Street, Wellington, 6011, New Zealand.
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, 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.
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.
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.
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. Central Ground Café is located on the ground level and is open 7am to 4pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 4pm Saturday to Sunday.
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
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.
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.