A wind turbine includes a tower having an interior, an exterior, a lower end and an upper end; a nacelle coupled to the tower adjacent the upper end and movable to define at least two yaw positions of the nacelle; a rotor coupled to the nacelle; and an access apparatus disposed about the tower adjacent the upper end thereof, the access apparatus defining a passageway into the nacelle that is exterior of the tower, and the access apparatus providing access to the nacelle in the at least two yaw positions of the nacelle. A method for transporting equipment and personnel to the nacelle using the access apparatus is disclosed. A method for assembling a wind turbine having such an access apparatus is also disclosed.