Motu Move
Motu Move is coming to Wellington
In 2027, Motu Move will replace Snapper across the Metlink network.
You’ll still travel on the same Metlink buses, trains and ferries. What’s changing is the technology behind how you pay for your journey.
Motu Move is New Zealand’s new national public transport ticketing system. Over several months, red Snapper equipment will be replaced with blue Motu Move equipment across the Metlink network.
It's a national system, with local fares. Metlink will continue to set fares and concessions for the Wellington region.
You don’t need to do anything just yet.
We’ll keep this page updated as dates are confirmed, so check back regularly for the latest information.
What’s changing?
Paying with a contactless credit or debit card
If you currently pay with a contactless credit or debit card, paying with Motu Move will feel familiar. You’ll still be able to tag on and off with your contactless debit or credit card.
Paying with a Snapper card
If you currently use a Snapper card, you’ll need to move to a Motu Move card or choose another Motu Move payment method, such as a debit or credit card, smartphone or smart watch.
What you need to know
Register before you travel
Before using Motu Move, create an account and register your preferred payment method. This will allow you to access your travel history, manage your account and link any eligible concessions.
Use the same payment method to tag on and off
Whichever payment method you choose, always use the same one to tag on and off. This makes sure your journey is recognised correctly and you pay the correct fare.
For example, if you tag on with your physical debit card, tag off with that same physical card — not the digital version of the card on your phone or watch.
Wellington will transition gradually
Wellington’s transition will happen differently from other regions. Motu Move will replace Snapper across the network one vehicle at a time, starting with buses, followed by ferries and trains.
This means both Snapper and Motu Move will operate across the Wellington region for a period while the network transitions to the new system. If you use a Snapper card, there may be a period when you need to carry both your Snapper card and your new Motu Move card.
During the transition
- Check before you travel: Look for the Motu Move or Snapper symbol on the Metlink app, website and on the front of the buses before you travel to check which payment system to use.
- Use the correct payment method for the service you’re travelling on.
- Keep your Snapper card until the transition is complete and claim any remaining balance.
We’ll let you know what’s changing, when it’s changing and what you need to do as Motu Move rolls out across the Metlink network.
Discounts and concessions
You’ll still be able to access your concessions – but you will need to take action
Metlink concessions will continue with Motu Move, including SuperGold, Community Connect, Child (5 – 18 years), Tertiary Student, Total Mobility and the Accessible Concession.
If you are eligible for a concession, you will need to register with Motu Move and apply for your concession.
Select your concession below to find out what you need to do:
Free travel during SuperGold off-peak hours(external link) isn’t changing – just how you access it.
You don’t need to do anything yet.
Before travelling with Motu Move, you’ll need to link your SuperGold entitlement to your preferred payment method, such as Motu Move card or a contactless debit or credit card.
We’ll provide more information about how to do this before Motu Move launches in Wellington. Or, if you’d like to get ready early, you can create a Motu Move account now at motumove.govt.nz(external link).
There will be some changes for Total Mobility and Accessible Concession customers when Motu Move arrives.
You don’t need to do anything yet.
We’ll contact you by mail or e-mail well before the change, with clear information about what you need to do, including any changes to your card and how you access taxis, buses, trains and ferries.
Make sure we have your most up-to-date contact details by calling Metlink on 0800 801 700.
The Community Connect 50% discount isn’t changing – just how you access it.
You don’t need to do anything yet.
If you have a Community Services Card, you’re eligible for a free Motu Move card.
To continue receiving your Community Connect discount, you’ll need to register for Motu Move and link your Community Connect concession to your chosen payment method, such as a Motu Move card or contactless debit or credit card.
You don’t need to do anything yet. We’ll provide more information about how to do this, including how to get your free Motu Move card, before Motu Move launches in Wellington.
Or, if you’d like to get ready early, you can create a Motu Move account now at motumove.govt.nz(external link).
Tertiary student discounts aren’t changing – just how you access them.
You don’t need to do anything yet.
You’ll need to register for Motu Move and link your tertiary student concession to your chosen payment method, such as a Motu Move card or contactless debit or credit card.
This will ensure you continue to receive your discounted fare.
Children and young people aged 5–18
Child concessions aren’t changing – just how you access them.
You don’t need to do anything yet.
All children and young people aged 5 – 18 years will be eligible for a free Motu Move card.
We’re working with schools to make the transition as easy as possible for students and parents. We’ll provide more information about when and how to get a Motu Move card before Motu Move launches in Wellington.
Children under 5 will continue to travel free on Metlink services.
We’ll help you get ready
You won’t need to navigate the change alone.
Motu Move ambassadors will be across the Wellington region before and during the rollout on the network and at stations, transport hubs, community events, schools and shopping centres.
We’ll also provide clear information online about what's changing, when it's happening and what you need to do.
There's nothing you need to do yet. We'll let you know when it's time to get ready for Motu Move.
Last published: Thursday, 15 October 2026 at 2:04 pm