You can buy a Snapper card in Wellington either online (until March 2025) or from many in-person retailers and vending machines around the region.

Where to buy a Snapper card (Quick Scoop)

Main ways to get a Snapper card

  • Snapper retailers (most common)
    • You can buy a standard Snapper card from authorised retailers like dairies, convenience stores, and some service stations around Wellington.
* The recommended price for a card is around 10 NZD, though individual shops may charge slightly differently.

* Snapper publishes an official list of retail locations on their website so you can search by area before you head out.
  • Online via Snapper website (limited-time option)
    • You can order a card online from the official Snapper site and have it delivered.
* However, Snapper has announced that **from 1 March 2025 cards will no longer be sold via the website** , so online purchase is only an option up until that date.
  • Wellington Airport
    • There is a Snapper vending machine at Wellington Airport where you can buy a card for about 10 NZD.
* The machine is located near arrivals and there is also a separate Snapper kiosk nearby for topping up existing cards.
  • You cannot buy on-board
    • Snapper cards are not sold on buses or trains and you also cannot buy one from normal train vending machines.
* You must already have a card before boarding if you want to pay using Snapper.

Handy extras (topping up and managing your card)

  • You can top up your Snapper card:
    • At Snapper retailers and kiosks around Wellington.
* With the official Snapper mobile app if your phone supports NFC, letting you scan and top up using a saved debit or credit card.
  • There are Snapper machines at key spots like Wellington Station, Victoria University, and other busy public locations, which many locals use for quick top-ups.

Simple example: visiting Wellington

If you’re flying into Wellington and want Snapper for buses straight away:

  1. After landing, go to the Snapper card vending machine near arrivals at Wellington Airport and buy a card (around 10 NZD).
  1. Top it up at the nearby Snapper kiosk or later at any Snapper retailer or machine in town.
  1. Once you’re set up, you can keep topping up using retailers, kiosks, or the Snapper app if your phone supports NFC.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.