Wellingtonians are being urged to consider taking public transport when they do their Christmas shopping this year.

About 2000 car parks are still out of action following the Kaikoura earthquake.

James Smith and Reading Cinema car parks are the biggest losses.

Wilson's Marion Street car park is also still closed.

Wellington Chamber of Commerce chief executive John Milford said the train or bus could help keep tempers under control.

"Park at one of the stations and go in on the train. Look, it might not be as convenient if you've got to carry all your parcels back to the station, but it might be less frustrating."

First Retail managing director Chris Wilkinson says if that's not appealing, people should look to the city's fringe.

"If you head to those areas around Courtney Place or around Chaffers, you'll find plenty of carparks. So park your car, jump on a bus, or walk down the waterfront into the CBD."

John Milford says he doesn't think it'll stop people from shopping.