places to visit in wellington at night

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The Best Things to Do in Wellington at Night

Day or night, there’s always something cool happening in Wellington . New Zealand’s capital is the place to try new things, get immersed in the alternative and unleash your curiosity. If you want to get the most out of the city’s nightly attractions, here are 10 activities you should definitely add to your must-dos.

Browse the eclectic night markets.

Wellington locals and visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to weekly markets . Every Friday and Saturday, from 5 p.m. until 11 p.m., Cuba Street is transformed into a multicultural street food and performance haven thanks to its iconic Wellington Night Market. If you’re in the city before the night looms, go take a quick peek at the Underground Markets – these are open every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and bring and assortment of locally-produced arts, crafts and artisan goodies to the forefront.

Have a late-night board gaming session

This one’s great if you’re wanting a fun, casual place to chill out with friends or are looking for a unique date night idea. With more than 600 games on its shelves, Wellington ‘s Counter Culture Board Game Cafe and Bar is sure set to keep all visiting board game geeks entertained. There are discounts on gaming sessions if you order food or drinks and the venue is open until 10 p.m. most nights — or 11 p.m. if you come by on Thursday, Friday or Saturday.

Head on night tour of Zealandia

Zealandia is a one-of-a-kind wildlife sanctuary that sets out to protect New Zealand’s endangered species as well as helping preserve Wellington ‘s rivers and forests. The fully enclosed reserve hosts regular nighttime tours , starting before or after dusk, that are limited to 12 people at a time. These will introduce visitors to a variety of resident nocturnal critters like the kiwi bird, glowworms, longfin eels and native tuatara .

Alternatively, try a zoo sleepover

Whether you’ve got kids in tow or you’re travelling with a group of like-minded animal lovers, spending the night at Wellington Zoo is going to be an absolute treat. Have some dinner before you arrive, and don’t forget to bring a sleeping bag and your camera — you’ll want to take some snaps of those critters before they ease into a peaceful slumber. Zoo Sleepover tours start at 7 p.m., and include breakfast in the morning as well as free admission to the zoo for those wanting to explore during daylight hours.

Stargaze at Space Place

Head to Space Place’s Planetarium on a Tuesday, Friday or Saturday night to get the most out of its late-night starlit experiences. An ever-changing lineup of interactive shows, which typically run for approximately 45 minutes, means that no visit to the planetarium is quite like the next — though a live presentation of New Zealand’s night skies is always a given.

Go glowworm-spotting

The great thing about the Botanic Gardens is that they’re open 24/7; what’s even better is that if you time your visit right, you might be able to spot the glowworms that hide among the verdant plants and flowering blooms. Otari-Wilton’s Bush is another popular place in Wellington to spot these luminescent creatures — keep an eye on local events listings to find out when the next guided tours are taking place.Laugh the night silly

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If you love all things comedy, Wellington ‘s got a bit of everything: open-mic stand-up gigs, pun battles, improv, among many other humorous acts. Head to The Fringe Bar on a Wednesday night to watch the established and emerging comedians that hit the stages during its weekly The Medicine stand-up showcase. Local production company Scruffy Bunny Improv Theatre also has regular shows throughout the year, while the NZ International Comedy Festival brings an array of local and international acts to both Auckland and Wellington annually.

Catch some local theatre

Wellington is traditionally the heart of all things cultural in New Zealand — it’s not uncommon to hear it being called the country’s culture capital. Theatre aficionados have quite a few choices at their fingertips: BATS Theatre is the go-to for contemporary New Zealand productions with an alternative flair; Circa hosts a wide range of local shows from musicals and dance to stand-up comedy and pantomime performances; St James Theatre is the ultimate venue for major international productions; and The Opera House hosts musicals, opera and the cabaret shows as well as being the home base for the NZ International Comedy Festival.

Listen to some smooth sounds

Theatre is not the only area in which the culture capital thrives. Local musical acts, emerging or establishing, grace the stages of many of the city’s bars, clubs and dedicated music venues. Hit up The Rogue and Vagabond for some live jazz, blues and rock and roll, or head to Valhalla to catch some up-and-coming New Zealand artists before they become world-famous.

Watch a sports match at the iconic ‘Cake Tin’

Affectionately known by locals as The Cake Tin because of its unique bowl shape, the Westpac Stadium is where the avid sports fans head to support regional and national rugby, cricket and football teams. The iconic circular stadium also hosts an array of international concerts throughout the year, as well as local exhibitions and community events like the annual Beervana craft beer festival.

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12 fun things to do in wellington at night.

Date Modefied: November 9, 2022

Summary: The Top 12 Things To Do In Wellington at Night

• Craft Beer Trail
• Maori cuisine at Hiakai Restaurant
• Sleepover at Wellington Zoo
• Space Place at Carter Observatory
• Mount Victoria Sunset
• Wellington Night Market
• Time Cinema Nostalgic Film
• Counter Culture Board Game Cafe
• Comedy Clubs
• Live Music Gig
• Zealandia by Night
• Glow Worm Tunnel at Botanic Gardens

12 Fun Things to do in Wellington at Night (Full Breakdown)

When it comes to travelling to New Zealand and visiting Wellington, the days are pretty easy to fill with outdoor adventure, road trips , street art, trendy cafes and cultural experiences. But, Wellington is known as the Craft beer Capital of New Zealand so you know the nightlife is going to be good. You can find some unique things to do in Wellington after dark, from exciting events for the whole family to venues just for the adults to enjoy; New Zealand’s Capital has something for everyone.

Let’s get GOing with the best things to do in Wellington at night!

1. Hop around the Craft Beer Capital

Craft beers have grown in popularity, so much so that you can do a beer trail through the city centre. You can get yourself a map, collect a stamp from every craft beer brewery and score free stuff like a certificate and t-shirt at the end to show all your mates you completed it. With 32 tap houses on the list, you are sure to fill your night tour with delicious fun and even take some craft beers home from the cellar doors. Be sure to check out these breweries even if you don’t do the full trail:

Whistling Sisters in Te Aro

Set up in memory of the owners’ sister who passed away from breast cancer, Whistling Sisters encompasses the family tradition of sharing food and drink. Taste one of their amazing beers and know that some of the profits will go directly to a breast cancer charity.

Heyday Beer Co in Te Aro

Brewing over 50 different beers each year, from spiced orange ale to tiramisu stout, you are sure to find something you like at Heyday. Pair all this with a cheese and charcuterie board and you will have yourself an awesome day!

Parrotdog Brewery in Lyall Bay

Finish your beach day with a cold one at Parrotdog Brewery, also conveniently located close to Wellington airport for a pre-flight beer. Founded and run by three friends called Matt, Parrotdog hones their expertise to create delicious award-winning craft beers.

Fork and Brewer in Te Aro

One of the first breweries on the craft beer scene, Fork & Brewer aim to brew the most diverse range of beers to suit any taste preference. Grab yourself a tasting paddle and sample some of their mouth-watering creations

2. Experience a night of Maori food

Hiakai Restaurant (which means hungry in Maori) is showcasing Māori and Pasifika ingredients in innovative dishes. The 30-seat fine dining restaurant serves only a degustation ( the careful, appreciative tasting of various food) menu that is revealed once you sit down to eat, all developed around a Maori story or myth and each dish builds on the narrative. What better way to learn about the indigenous culture than through a memorable dining experience in the Capital city?

3. Have an exciting sleepover at the Zoo

As a child, sleepovers are pretty exciting and it doesn’t get much cooler than staying in Wellington Zoo! You can bring your sleeping bag and snooze in many areas in the zoo near monkeys or critters, feed them after dark and even join in with the morning routine before Wellington Zoo opens to the public. Available for 5-year-olds and up, this is a wild night the whole family can enjoy.

4. Stare into Space at Carter Observatory

New Zealand has a rich culture in astronomy, Polynesian ancestors of Māori used the stars to navigate their voyage to New Zealand and the Matariki star cluster marks the Māori new year. Today, New Zealand astronomers contribute to space science and you can learn all about it in Space Place at Carter Observatory. With planetarium showings until 9 pm, Space Place is a magical way to spend an evening learning the constellations and looking through the heritage Thomas Cook telescope for a close-up view of the Galaxy.

5. Hike Mount Victoria for a Sunset view

For the best view of Wellington landmarks, the harbour and out along the Southern coast towards the South Island, you must explore Mount Victoria. The sunset here is simply stunning, offering you panoramic views as the night sky turns pink and orange. So pack a picnic, grab your friends, partner or family and either hike or drive up to the Mount Victoria summit for a relaxing evening.

Sunsets are the best free things you can do and we may be biased, but New Zealand sunsets are spectacular. So make sure you grab yourself a Wellington hire car to catch the best sunset viewpoints at Mt Victoria, Wellington waterfront, Scorching Bay, Red Rocks and further.

6. Explore the Wellington Night Markets

The night market, located on lower Cuba Street, is an awesome way to spend a Friday or Saturday night. Showcasing International food stalls, local entertainers and artists, the Wellington night market is one of the best things to do in the Capital city. Tasting delicious authentic food and watching performers for a few hours? Sounds great, get yourself there!

7. Have a Nostalgic Film Night at Time Cinema

Wellington is home to a cute private cinema and mini museum which is still family-run after 40 years. You can privately book this 39-seat cinema, catering and snuggle down to watch a nostalgic classic feature film or an array of New Zealand comedies, short films or pictorials. Take a look at the historic film equipment and memorabilia in the mini museum, mostly donated by film lovers, making this cinema a much-loved community hub. There are not many places in the world you can hire a private historic cinema, so visit Wellington for unique experiences like this.

8. Get Competitive at a Board Gaming Night

Conveniently located close to the city centre, Counter Culture cafe has over 900 board games so you can play well into the night. From cards, multi-player, retro to fantasy, and different sections for families and adults only, this late-night cafe has board games everyone can get stuck into. All of this with a delicious food menu and coffee on offer, you won’t be bored after dark in Wellington.

9. Belly laugh at Comedy Clubs

Kiwi humour is loved internationally from critically acclaimed comedy films and series to stand-up comedy shows. There’s no better way to experience the humour than at one of the many stand-up comedy clubs in Wellington, and on Friday and Saturday nights, you can watch a schedule dedicated to local Kiwi comedians at The Fringe Bar in Te Aro. Not only that, many international comedians visit Wellington city on their tours so you can laugh the house down any day of the week.

10. Dance the night away at a live music gig

Wellington boasts many vibrant live music venues and funky bars so you can dance, not only Saturday night but any night of the week to:

• Folk music at San Fran on Cuba Street
• Jazz in The Library at Courtenay Place
• Metal at the Viking-themed Valhalla Tavern in Te Aro
• Cuban DJ’s at Havana Bar in Te Aro
• Local rock bands at Moon in Newtown
• Funk and Jazz at Rogue and Vegabond in Te Aro
• Rock gigs at Meow in Te Aro
• Rock’n’roll at the Cavern Club Bar in Te Aro

11. Explore Zealandia by Night

Zealandia wildlife sanctuary, just outside Central Wellington, is home to unique New Zealand species like the Kiwi bird, Weta and Tuatara. Explore Zealandia by torchlight and be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the Kiwi bird and learn about the natural history and Māori Cultural link to the wildlife.

This Ecosanctuary also features in our Full Wellington Guide , check it out for the best accommodation, restaurants, free things to do and fun attractions to fill your days.

12. Go hunting for glow worms in the Botanic Gardens

Seeing the Botanic Gardens lit up by glow worms after dark is one of the most magical walking Wellington tours you can do. Their light glows as a trap to catch their dinner and they live in colonies, which is awesome for us humans to see. Catch the Wellington cable car from Lambton Quay up to the Botanical Gardens in time for nightfall to appreciate the views across Wellington harbour and the city, then enjoy one of the best free things you can do in Wellington.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the drinking age in new zealand.

The legal drinking age is 18 years old or older to be served in any licensed venue and you must provide IDs such as a driver’s licence, passport or a Hospitality New Zealand card.

Is there public transport at night?

Certain train lines in Wellington can run until 11 pm. On Friday and Saturday nights, some Metlink bus lines will run from 12 am to 4:30 am.

Driving around Wellington at night

Taking advantage of all Wellington, and further, has to offer is best explored by car. Pick up a hire car at Wellington Airport and the team will be able to give you all the best tips and advice so you can get GOing on your Wellington adventure. 

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On 30 Things To Do in Wellington

by Jub | Apr 4, 2019

Having grown up less than one hour away from Wellington in Waikanae and studying in the city for four years it’s about time I put together a post of things to do in Wellington, New Zealand.

If you’re undecided about visiting Wellington, do it . It’s a great city to visit while you’re travelling NZ. If I didn’t have such itchy feet (and wasn’t so cheap), I’d be way more inclined to live here at this point in my life.

There’s no order to this list, I’ll simply keep adding things after each time I return home. If you have any questions about the best things to do in Wellington for your particular tastes, send me an email to jub (at)tikitouringkiwi (dot)com

1. Visit The Seal Colony At Sinclair Head Via Red Rocks

You can find seal colonies throughout New Zealand, and Wellington is lucky enough to have one where they hang out in varying numbers year round. To see the seals, you’ll need to take the Red Rocks Walkway (you can drive or walk) to Sinclair Head on the southern coast. You’ll pass the Red Rocks on your way, so you get to hit up two attractions at once, win.

FULL POST: ON THE RED ROCKS WALKWAY

2. Get 360° Views From The Mt. Victoria Summit

Oh hey there Wellington!

If you look east from the CBD, you’ll see Mt. Victoria. While it might look like a bit of a mission to get up to the top of, it really isn’t. As part of the town belt, there are plenty of walking tracks to take you to the summit (or you can take the bus). When you get there, you’ll have one of the best views in Wellington over the harbour, CBD, airport , burbs, and more. It is also where a couple of the scenes were shot for Lord of the Rings.

FULL POST: ON THE MOUNT VICTORIA LOOKOUT

3. Visit The Peanut Butter Factory

It’s tucked away at 5 Eva Street, but once you know about it, you can’t not pay a quick visit

Yup, you read that correctly, this is one of the new places to visit in Wellington. Some of you might be wishing this was a Marmite factory though? Or not. Anyway, this peanut butter factory is the home of Fix & Fogg , a great Kiwi entrepreneurial story in the making. There’s no tour of the factory per se, as it’s more of a window, but you can talk to some staff, try some PB on toast and good luck trying to walk away without buying a jar or two.

4. Browse The Underground Market

Who woulda thunk a market with 40+ stalls would be under there!

Every Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm you can find a predominantly artisan market with stalls from some of Wellington’s most creative people. You can find the market under Frank Kitts Park and when you enter the space is sneaky big and doesn’t feel claustrophobic. With the foals of helping small businesses thrive in the countries ‘Creative Capital’ they’ve done really well to attract an ongoing crowd with a location that sees visitors to the city who walk by the entrance and can’t help but take a look at what’s inside. if you’re looking for a unique gift to take home, this is your place! You can find out more about the market here .

5. Take The Ferry To Days Bay

Days Bay Beach, right by where the wharf the ferry lands at

If you’re not sure what to do in Wellington on a nice day but do want to get out of the city, visiting Days Bay is a good idea. This could be made into a day trip, but you can do it in less than that without rushing. Catch the ferry from Queens Wharf to Days Bay (25-40 minutes ride), spend a couple hours at Days Bay visiting a cafe, chilling/playing on the beach, or hiking up to a nearby viewpoint and return on the next sailing. To plan your trip, you can see the prices and the ferry timetable on the East by West website .

6. Watch The Bucket Fountains

You’ll be bound to pass Cuba Street Bucket Fountain, one of the most famous Wellington attractions. The buckets were installed in 1969. The iconic site has splashed many an unwary passerby with not all the water at the top making it through to the next bucket. On a windy day, the water can travel a few metres which is a laugh for those with their head looking down at their phone as they walk past. Watch it at least once! As you’d expect, there has been plenty of dishwashing liquid added to the fountain over the years to create an epic bubble bath.

7. Walk The Length Of Cuba Street

A new pedestrian crossing on Cuba Street

Cuba Street is Wellington’s most popular walking streets with the terracotta bricks stretching the length of four blocks. Along the way, you’ll see the bucket fountain (mentioned above), but lots of shops that cover up Wellington in a nutshell. There’s high-quality coffee, restaurants, second-hand book, and record stores, funky bars, nightclubs, and thrift stores. One of the newest features to the street is the crossing above, again capturing the culture of Wellington perfectly.

8. Visit Te Papa – The National Museum of New Zealand

A Sculpture From Te Papa’s Gallipoli: The Scale of our War exhibit

A visit to the National Museum of New New Zealand has to be your Wellington things to do list. Open every day (except Christmas), it’s free to enter and you could comfortably spend all day visiting all of the exhibitions. The best (free one) exhibition has to be the Gallipoli: The Scale Of Our War with lots of information, pictures, and incredible sculptures created by Weta Workshop. At this stage, the exhibit is scheduled to closes in April 2019. For all the latest information, head to the Te Papa Website .

9. Visit Some Of The Breweries

Golding’s Free Dive.

Since leaving University in 2010, this is the biggest change to the Wellington scene. The city has stolen Craft Beer Capital of New Zealand too. There are breweries all over the city now, and some of them make a great drop. Some of the ones I’ve visited and liked are Black Dog Brewery , Rogue And Vagabond and Golding’s Free Dive . In fairness, it’s hard not to like any of them.

10. Jump Off The Diving Board

This isn’t something that I’ll do, but for the cliff diving enthusiasts, this is a golden activity (in the summer). It surprises me OSH haven’t banned this, but that’s a good thing. The jump isn’t too high, but give the waterfront location it can draw a crowd. You can find the diving board here .

11. There Are Lots Of Cool Wellington Walks

Looking over Wellington Harbour from Mt. Kaukau

I’ve already highlighted two popular walks in this post, and I could go on listing them all, but that’s a little bit pointless. Instead, I’ll list a few and you can consider:

• City to Sea Walkway
• Southern Walkway
• Mount Kaukau Walkway

FULL POST: LIST OF WELLINGTON WALKS (in progress)

12. Ride The Cable Car

I never left the country until I was halfway through my first University, so having ridden the Wellington Cable Car on the way to University most days for six months it was always weird seeing tourists clamoring to the front seats to get their photos. Nevertheless, it’s an iconic attraction in Wellington and the 5-minute ride takes you 120 metres up to Kelburn (612 metres long) where there’s the Cable Car Museum, and Botanical Gardens.

13. Relax At The Basin (even if there’s no cricket on)

It’s a great place to chill out, read a book, or have a picnic.

The Basin Reserve is one of New Zealand’s many beautiful cricket grounds. And unlike many professional sports grounds around the world, you’ll find people walking around the grounds every day as while walking from Newtown/Mount Cook towards the CBD & Te Aro. If you need some quiet time at the Basin, it’s a great place to be on a sunny day. Alternatively, if there’s cricket on, join the locals at a game, a Kiwi summer tradition.

14. Beach Time At Oriental Parade (on a good day)

A popular saying locally is “You can’t beat Wellington on a good day”, and it’s so true. Wellington is known as the windy city, but on a nice sunny day without the wind about, Wellington is a phenomanal spot and the locals will embrace all the good days they can get. That includes heading on down to Oriental Parade, a short walk from the city, where you’ll see people relaxing on the beach, swimming & jumping off the platoon, riding crocodile bikes, and enjoying one of the restaurants and cafes bordering the beach. If you get a perfect day in Wellington, this is a must visit given it’s a short walk from the city centre.

15. Join The Free Walking Tour Of Parliament

The Beehive in all its glory

Wellingtons Beehive is well known around the world and you are able to visit the Beehive, and connected Parliament Buildings, and library on a free walking tour. There are different kinds of tours, and while you don’t need to book too far in advance, I’d recommend checking the tour calendar and ringing them an hour or two before you attend to reserve a spot.

16. Find All Of The Street Art

You’ll find this piece at >a href=”https://goo.gl/maps/qbgj3YLcDxw” target=”_blank”>220 Willis Street

Wellington makes sure to hold it’s own on the street art scene. There are lots of pieces to be found, particularly in the smaller streets around Cuba Street. Looking for street art has become one of the more fun Wellington activities and lots of other cities in the world, a trend I find fascinating.

17. Visit The Cable Car Museum

Found inside the Cable Car Museum

Assuming you took the Wellington Cable Car from Lambton Quay up to the top of the hill, you’ll be exiting right by the Museum which is a free museum in Wellington and is worth a stop before going to exploring the Botanical Gardens. The museum is spread across two small levels, with a replica car to get more token tourist photo. Read all of the info boards to, you’ll learn about the origins of the cable car and Wellington as a whole.

18. See Native Birds (& Tuatara’s) At Zealandia

On the suspension bridge at Zealandia

Zealandia is not far from the main road connecting Karori to the CBD, but when you enter you feel a million miles away, surrounded by greenery and various birds singing away. I highly suggest joining one of the daily tours (no additional fees), otherwise you might walk along some of the trails for an hour an not see anything out of the ordinary. There’s 33km of trails so you could feasibly. On my recent two hour visit, I saw tuatara, weta, kaka, kakariki, hihi, robins, bluebells, and more thanks to the guide Andrew. If you’re not sure what to do in Wellington at night this is a good idea. Especially if you really want to do it but have lots of other activities planned. Do note it is more expensive than going during the day.

19. Visit Two Historic Cemeteries – One Of The Unusual Things To Do In Wellington?

The Cemetery, it’s not as creepy as it looks. Promise!

The two cemeteries are Mount Street Cemetery and Bolton Street Cemetery . The Mount Street Cemetery was Wellington’s first Roman Catholic cemetery opened in 1841. Closed to new burial sites in 1891, there are ~200 headstones existing today and you can nab a view of the city too.

The Bolton Street Cemetery was the cities first cemetery opening in 1840. It’s actually three separate cemeteries attached to each other, with the storyboards throughout the cemetery giving you a good understanding. This is also the starting point of the City to Sea Walkway .

20. See The Glowworms In The Botanical Gardens

The Waitomo Caves are likely to be the most popular place in the country to see the glowworms, but a Caves tour costs a pretty penny. One of the best free things to do in Wellington at night is to go see the glow worms. I wouldn’t do this solo however, as it gets very dark in the botanic gardens and you’ll definitely want a light of some description. If you take the left-hand path from this entrance , you don’t need to walk more than 100 metres until you start to see them. Given it’s kind of a long way from the heart of downtown, I’d consider this one of the best things to do in Wellington in winter but maybe not summer. In winter you could go at 6pm and it’ll be dark enough. You can also combine it with a visit to the Space Conservatory .

It goes without saying, the Botanic Gardens are beautiful in the day time too!

21. Watch Rugby Or Cricket At The Cake Tin

Wellington’s biggest stadium plays host to both the Wellington Phoenix and Wellington Hurricanes. The Cake Tin is conveniently located close to the Wellington Train Station and while NZ doesn’t attract the biggest crowds (unless it’s the All Blacks), The Wellington Phoenix play from October to April and the Hurricanes from February to June/July. There are also international matches (among other events) played at the stadium from time to time. There are plenty of food, drinks, and booze options, though it isn’t the cheapest so you may won’t to pre-load.

22. Visit Somes Island In The Middle Of The Harbour

Looking back to Wellington CBD from the loop track on Somes Island

Somes Island is known to be as the former leper colony. Fortunately, times have changed and now the island is a nature reserve you can visit for a few hours (or even stay overnight). There isn’t a whole lot to do on the island, though you can swim along the shore near the pier, walk the loop track around the island, and see some old gun emplacements on top of the island. It’s definitely something unique to do in Wellington and a nice way to spend a few hours out of the city.

READ NEXT: MY GUIDE TO VISITING SOMES ISLAND

23. Look At Portraits At The Portrait Gallery

Inside one of the rooms at the gallery

I never knew The New Zealand Portrait Gallery was hanging out in Shed 11 along the Wellington Waterfront. Since 2010 the gallery has slowly expanded its collection of portraits and when you enter, you’ll definitely be bemused, confused, perplexed, and intrigued by the various pieces. It’s free to enter the gallery and definitely worth popping your head into for even a few minutes if you’re on the way someplace else.

24. Explore The Rugged Belmont Park

Views for days at Belmont Regional Park!

Looking for something in Wellington off the beaten path? I’d rank this well up there. Given its proximity to the city, and considering there are waterfalls and epic views all around the park it’s really underrated! It is rugged with some of the hiking trails tricky to follow. The other activities that people love doing here are horse riding, mountain biking, and running. If you’re wanting an adventure, check this place out for sure!

25. Try Out Some Of The Vegan Restaurants

A yummy burger from Plant Blazed!

In 2014 vegan food was hard (like really hard) to find in New Zealand. Fast forward to my most recent visit and the country has started to provide options for most dietary requirements out there. It has to be said though, Wellington is the capital of vegan food in Wellington. There are some chains out there that are offering vegan options such as Lord of the Fries and Burger Fuel, but try out one of the 100% vegan small businesses like Plant Blazed and Laundry . They’re genuinely cool places to eat…vegan or not.

And if you happen to be in Wellington on the first Saturday night of the month, then your eating plans are sorted. The Vegan Vault is a night market where all the vegan businesses area come together for an evening. Such a good concept!

26. Find The Writer Tributes

One of the tributes found along the waterfront

If you’re a fan of deep quotes, then you may well want to spend your time on Wellington’s Waterfront trying to find all 23 of the plaques. These all make up the Wellington Writers Walk and while it’s easy enough to look them all up online, there’s something to be said about taking in a quote from a real life structure given the amount we see on a daily basis on the likes of Instagram. Even if you don’t look for them, by reading this point in this post, at least you’ll know why these random quotes keep appearing in front of you!

27. Play Mini Golf At A Scrap Yard

Affordable mini golf!

Carlucci Land is Wellington in a nutshell! Located near the tip, when you’re driving past Carlucci Land, unless you know there’s a mini putt golf course there you’d be mistaken for thinking it’s a funky creator with too much junk on his hands. But, once you enter the grounds, you’ll start to admire the details of the place. The golf course is equally as creative with some nice skills needed to master the course. The feeling of the place is very relaxed and while the course shows some wear and tear, you can’t help but walk away with a smile.

28. Learn About The Underwater World

Note: if you’re planning to come, the visiting hours are narrow, so be sure to check before you arrive that it’ll be open.

If you find yourself on the southern coast of the city Coast, pop your head into Bait House Aquarium where you can learn about the sea life that’s on the Wellington’s coastline. There are some open water tanks, with some animals coming in from outside the area, but most are retrieved straight from the reserve on the doorstep. I gotta say though, I don’t like how they let you touch the sea life!

29. Plane Spotting At Wellington Airport

The wind and Wellington has been mentioned plenty of times by me already in this article. If it’s a windy day, consider hopping on down towards the airport ( easy to reach from the city ) and watch the planes come into land from the various viewing points. Wholly shit, it gets hectic sometimes with gnarly winds squeezing in and around Cook Strait throwing planes in all directions. Add in the fact they land just beyond the waters, it’s nerve-wracking enough watching from afar…let along being on the plane. In saying that, maybe don’t do this if you’re due to fly out from Wellington City in the next 48 hours.

30. Take A Day Trip Elsewhere

The sunset over Kapiti Island as seen from Waikanae Beaxh

There are lots of things to do near Wellington you can consider. We mentioned the ferry earlier to Days Bay, that could easily be made into a day trip if you spent time at the beach, 2-3 hours hiking along the Main Ridge & or Butterfly Creek, and a trip down to Pencarrow Lighthouse. Add in time for lunch and you’ve got a highly active day out with Days Bay as your base.

A few other day trips to consider:

Kapiti Coast: You could start by walking the Paekakariki Escarpment Track, and then heading down to Waikanae and explore (or Paraparaumu) and finishing up with New Zealand’s favourite, fish n chips, while watching the sunset on the beach. Alternatively, you could use a day trip to Kapiti Island to take up the majority of your day.

Picton (South Island): This is ambitious, but it does appear possible that you can fit in a day trip to Picton by catching the ferry early in the morning and returning on the late ferry. There are two services, the Blue Bridge & The Interislander.

Martinborough: The wineries are the main drawcard to Martinborough, and if that’s going to be your focus then you’ll be glad to know that the public transport can get you out there comfortably. But, there’s more to see outside of the wineries with Cape Palliser, famous for the lighthouse and as a popular place for seals to hang out. Add in a visit to Lake Ferry, and an obligatory visit to the wineries, and you’ve got an awesome day trip in the books.

READ MORE: 6 DIY DAY TRIPS FROM WELLINGTON

Enjoy your trip to Wellington. If you’ve got any questions, I’m always happy to take questions. Of course, I haven’t included Weta Cave here as I want to add it when I finally see some of the behind the scenes work of Lord of the Rings.

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So much to do and see Jub. Peanut butter factory would be high on my list. I love a good entrepreneur story. And peanut butter. Awesome walking city too. Busing through Wellington you can walk from end to end in a day, easy. Kinda like each of the boroughs in NYC. Excellent post buddy.

Hey Mate, nice list! You did not include the Weta Cave and Weta Digital tour… 🙂

Hey Himadri,

Will go and visit those in the next week to add 😉

Cheers, Jub

Going to Visit Wellington next week as I don’t know much about it so I was looking for a blog to know the best things to there thanks for this information. As Know I know What to do there.

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Heyya, Jub here.

I hope Tiki Touring Kiwi isn't making your day too miserable.

If you ever spot a man with a cat shirt and a beard, it's probably me :)

Things to do in Wellington

Fun things to do in Wellington New Zealand

Thing to do in Wellington at night

Wellington is the capital of New Zealand. It is a destination for travelers who want to visit far places and see different things than usual.

As a rather big capital, it has many activities to do: zoos, interesting museums, fun events, great nightlife, tasty food .

Below you will find the best 10 things to do in Wellington in order to learn and enjoy the city and the culture of New Zealand.

1. Go to space

No, unfortunately not literally. But at the top of the Wellington Cable Car route, you can visit the Space Palace, where you can learn all about space, planets, galaxies, stars.

You will find out about the Southern Hemisphere constellations as well, such as the Capricornus and Scorpius. Moreover, besides the classic planetarium shows, there are also interactive exhibitions.

The Space Palace stays open until late at night, so you can also watch the night sky with the Thomas Cooke historic telescope and observe the stars by yourself! It is truly a unique experience.

2. Go on a glowworm quest

Wellington is famous for its beautiful and colorful parks.

Wellington’s Central Park, the Botanic Garden, Truby King Park, Mount Victoria are only a few that are just a pure pleasure to the eyes with their wonderful plants, trees, bushes, flowers.

However, at night, something magical happens.

Glowworms come out! Make sure to keep an eye for guided tours at these parks, because you will be able to track easier these little creatures!

3. Have a sleepover at the zoo

A sleepover at the zoo is not something you are able to often do, so definitely take advantage of it.

Wellington Zoo offers this great experience. The sleepover starts at 7.00 p.m.

Just bring your sleeping bag and a camera, and you are good to go! You’ll observe the crazy nightlife of the animals!

In the morning, the zoo offers breakfast and free admission tickets to those that want to check the zoo during day hours as well.

4. Visit the night market

Wellington’s Night Market is located at Cuba Street, and it has many different cuisines from around the world. There are also live jams in different bars and restaurants.

It is the go-place for everyone who wants to see the nightlife of the city. It is not a destination for tourists, as the locals spend their weekends there as well!

If you want to have a chilled evening, visit the left side of Cuba Street on a Friday night, and you will enjoy the most relaxed evening with good music and great food.

If you are looking for parties, make sure to go to the lower part of the street on a Saturday night. You will not be disappointed.

5. Catch a stand-up comedy or a theatre show

Wellington is widely considered the cultural capital of New Zealand and with good reason. There is always an event happening. Regarding theatre, there are so many theatrical productions and interesting shows in general.

From contemporary and alternative theatre shows to stand-up comedies, dance, and music shows, Wellington has it all.

Make sure to find more information on the stages the shows take place, such as the BATS Theatre, Circa, The Opera House, and others, and book your ticket.

6. Play board games

There is a café in New Zealand, Counter Culture Board Game Cafe and Bar, that has more than 600 board games available on the shelves.

So, if you want to spend some quality time with friends or family, or even go on a geeky date, this place is definitely the best!

It offers great discounts if you order food or drinks and usually stays open until late, especially on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

7. Do the Zealandia tour

The Zealandia night tour is different from the zoo sleepover.

First of all, Zealandia is a sanctuary that protects New Zealand’s endangered species, as well as the forests and the rivers.

It organizes regular night tours, where you can learn a lot about many nocturnal animals and see them in their natural habitat.

The tour groups consist only of 12 persons at a time, so make sure to book your place in advance!

8. Watch a sports match at the ‘Cake Tin’

The Cake Tin is Wellington’s sports stadium, the Westpac stadium. The locals call it Cake Tin because it has the shape of a bawl. There, you can watch a good rugby game, cricket, or football.

But the Westpac stadium does not host only sports games. It hosts international concerts of widely popular artists, art fairs, and even community events, such as the Beervana craft beer festival that happens every year.

9. Enjoy a cocktail at Hawthorn Lounge

Hawthorn Lounge is not a regular cocktail bar. It makes cocktails that suit the tastes of the customers. That is you go to the bar and the staff will figure out your taste and make you the perfect cocktail for your taste!

The atmosphere is very cozy and lounge-like (hence the name!). You will feel relaxed and you’ll enjoy probably the best cocktail you’ve ever had!

10. Stroll at Wellington Waterfront

The Wellington Waterfront is simply magical at nighttime. You can stroll around and watch the calm sea and the city from the opposite side.

There are art installations that narrate the history of the city and a playground for children, and several shops. It is a different way to enjoy the city but without its busyness.

11. (Bonus) Online casinos

Playing casino is a great pleasure in New Zealand, however, a casino is not always open.

At night, for example, it is more popular to play at online casinos .

At online casinos, you can play around the clock and also get help around the clock at most casinos.

It’s just a matter of keeping track of who is safe and good for Kiwis.

As a matter of fact, New Zealand casinos are a really good job of keeping track of these safe gaming sites for us.

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The 10 Best Things to Do in Wellington at Night

Discover some of the great nightly activities that new zealand's capital city wellington has in store..

Day or night, there’s always something cool happening in Wellington. New Zealand’s capital is the place to try new things, get immersed in the alternative and unleash your curiosity. If you want to get the most out of the city’s nightly attractions, here are 10 activities you should definitely add to your must-dos.

Wellington locals and visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to weekly markets . Every Friday and Saturday, from 5 p.m. until 11 p.m., Cuba Street is transformed into a multicultural street food and performance haven thanks to its iconic Wellington Night Market . If you’re in the city before the night looms, go take a quick peek at the Underground Markets – these are open every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and bring and assortment of locally-produced arts, crafts and artisan goodies to the forefront.

This one’s great if you’re wanting a fun, casual place to chill out with friends or are looking for a unique date night idea. With more than 600 games on its shelves, Wellington’s Counter Culture Board Game Cafe and Bar is sure set to keep all visiting board game geeks entertained. There are discounts on gaming sessions if you order food or drinks and the venue is open until 10 p.m. most nights — or 11 p.m. if you come by on Thursday, Friday or Saturday.

Zealandia is a one-of-a-kind wildlife sanctuary that sets out to protect New Zealand’s endangered species as well as helping preserve Wellington’s rivers and forests. The fully enclosed reserve hosts regular nighttime tours , starting before or after dusk, that are limited to 12 people at a time. These will introduce visitors to a variety of resident nocturnal critters like the kiwi bird, glowworms, longfin eels and native tuatara .

Whether you’ve got kids in tow or you’re travelling with a group of like-minded animal lovers, spending the night at Wellington Zoo is going to be an absolute treat. Have some dinner before you arrive, and don’t forget to bring a sleeping bag and your camera — you’ll want to take some snaps of those critters before they ease into a peaceful slumber. Zoo Sleepover tours start at 7 p.m., and include breakfast in the morning as well as free admission to the zoo for those wanting to explore during daylight hours.

Head to Space Place’s Planetarium on a Tuesday, Friday or Saturday night to get the most out of its late-night starlit experiences. An ever-changing lineup of interactive shows, which typically run for approximately 45 minutes, means that no visit to the planetarium is quite like the next — though a live presentation of New Zealand’s night skies is always a given.

The great thing about the Botanic Gardens is that they’re open 24/7; what’s even better is that if you time your visit right, you might be able to spot the glowworms that hide among the verdant plants and flowering blooms. Otari-Wilton’s Bush is another popular place in Wellington to spot these luminescent creatures — keep an eye on local events listings to find out when the next guided tours are taking place.

If you love all things comedy, Wellington’s got a bit of everything: open-mic stand-up gigs, pun battles, improv, among many other humorous acts. Head to The Fringe Bar on a Wednesday night to watch the established and emerging comedians that hit the stages during its weekly The Medicine stand-up showcase. Local production company Scruffy Bunny Improv Theatre also has regular shows throughout the year, while the NZ International Comedy Festival brings an array of local and international acts to both Auckland and Wellington annually.

Wellington is traditionally the heart of all things cultural in New Zealand — it’s not uncommon to hear it being called the country’s culture capital. Theatre aficionados have quite a few choices at their fingertips: BATS Theatre is the go-to for contemporary New Zealand productions with an alternative flair; Circa hosts a wide range of local shows from musicals and dance to stand-up comedy and pantomime performances; St James Theatre is the ultimate venue for major international productions; and The Opera House hosts musicals, opera and the cabaret shows as well as being the home base for the NZ International Comedy Festival.

Theatre is not the only area in which the culture capital thrives. Local musical acts, emerging or establishing, grace the stages of many of the city’s bars, clubs and dedicated music venues. Hit up The Rogue and Vagabond for some live jazz, blues and rock and roll, or head to Valhalla to catch some up-and-coming New Zealand artists before they become world-famous.

Affectionately known by locals as The Cake Tin because of its unique bowl shape, the Westpac Stadium is where the avid sports fans head to support regional and national rugby, cricket and football teams. The iconic circular stadium also hosts an array of international concerts throughout the year, as well as local exhibitions and community events like the annual Beervana craft beer festival.

22 Fun Things to Do in Wellington, New Zealand

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Wellington may be New Zealand’s capital, but it’s a compact, relaxed, and walkable city.

It has a stunning location between the hills and sea with easily accessible nature—you can bike through native forest, hike the rugged coastline, or swim from sandy beaches.

There’s delicious food, coffee, and craft beer, and plenty of creativity.

It’s a city that grows on you, as we found after spending many months in the region.

Here are our picks for the best things to do in Wellington including fun outdoor activities, where to hide on a rainy day, what to do at night, and all our favourite places to eat and drink.

At the end of the post you’ll find a map of these Wellington attractions.

Where to Stay in Wellington

Best things to do in wellington new zealand, 1) walk along the wellington waterfront, 2) browse the harbourside market, 3) visit te papa museum, 4) ride the cable car, 5) stroll through the botanic gardens, 6) shop and eat on cuba street, 7) drink coffee, 8) spot native birds at zealandia, 9) brunch by the beach in lyall bay, 10) relax at scorching bay beach, 11) snorkel at island bay, 12) hike the city’s trails, 13) play junkyard mini golf at carlucci land, 14) watch the sunset at mount victoria lookout, 15) enjoy delicious vegan food, 16) buy local art at welly collective on courtenay, 17) play games at counter culture board game cafe, 18) go cocktail bar hopping, 19) work your way through the wine list at noble rot, 20) sample local craft beer, 21) kapiti coast for hikes and beaches, 22) martinborough for wineries, wellington activities map, more new zealand posts.

Many of these places in Wellington are free, but I’ve included costs when applicable. All prices are in New Zealand dollars. The current exchange rate is NZD $1 = USD $0.70, GBP £0.53, and EUR €0.62.

If you only have a few days in Wellington, I recommend staying in the CBD (Central Business District), where you’ll be able to walk to many of these Wellington activities.

Parking can be expensive, though—hotels usually charge $30-40 a night. Taranaki Street Parking is a cheaper alternative.

I prefer Te Aro, in the southern part of the centre, where you’ll find many of the best places to visit in Wellington including Te Papa, Cuba Street, and excellent restaurants and bars.

The northern section of the CBD is more business orientated, although it’s convenient for the train station, parliament, and shopping at the bigger stores on Lambton Quay.

It’s a 25-minute walk from Wellington Station to Cuba Street in Te Aro.

Here are my Wellington hotel picks, all of which we’ve stayed at.

• Budget: Mercure Wellington Central City – Simple, affordable rooms and apartments close to the action in Te Aro.
• Midrange: Rydges Wellington – Not my favourite area for sightseeing, but it’s close to the train station, Bluebridge ferry, and waterfront. Rooms are comfortable and the hotel has a pool, gym, and restaurant.
• Luxury: – QT Wellington – My favourite hotel in the perfect location overlooking the waterfront opposite Te Papa. Rooms are stylish, comfortable, and some feature unique artwork by local artists. Splurge on a Harbourview Gallery King room if you can. There’s a pool, gym, restaurant, and fun artwork in common areas.

If you are staying longer and have a car, consider a holiday rental in one of the surrounding coastal suburbs.

Places like Lyall Bay, Island Bay, and Seatoun are only a 15-minute drive from the CBD, but they have a village feel and lovely beaches. Options include:

• Stunning hillside retreat with harbour views – A comfortable two-bedroom house on a hillside above Seatoun with a hot tub on the terrace.
• Relaxing seaside haven – Two-bedroom apartment next to Seatoun beach.
• The Penthouse on Evans Bay – Stylish three-bedroom apartment with sea views and a large deck with BBQ.

Kelburn or Thorndon near the Botanic Gardens are also worth looking into as they are walkable into the centre (about 30 minutes but uphill on the way back). Check out rooms in this Thorndon Heritage Listed Villa .

Back to Contents

I’ve divided our top things to do in Wellington into three areas: the city centre, the outskirts, and further afield locations which are great for day trips. I’ve also included suggestions of what to do in Wellington at night.

Central Wellington

All these Wellington activities are walkable if you are staying in the CBD. Traffic and parking can be a pain, so it’s best to leave your car in the car park and explore on foot.

The best introduction to Wellington, especially on a sunny day, is walking along the waterfront. There’s a beautiful pedestrian walkway from Queens Wharf to Clyde Quay Wharf.

On the way you’ll have views of yachts and Wellington’s hills and will pass Wellington Museum and Te Papa Museum, sculptures like Len Lye’s Water Whirler and the iconic Solace in the Wind, and the colourful boat sheds of Clyde Quay.

You can even rent a kayak or paddleboard at Ferg’s Kayaks.

Karaka Cafe is the perfect place to take a break—relax on the bean bag chairs on the grass overlooking the water.

You can continue to Freyburg Beach in Oriental Bay, the closest sandy beach to the centre, and if you are feeling energetic, head up to the Mount Victoria Lookout for wonderful views.

One of the most fun things to do in Wellington is Clue Zealand’s The Search for the Lost Human . For $39 per group, you’ll receive clues on your phone on a quest to find a dog’s missing owner.

It’s a great way to explore the waterfront as it makes you pay attention to historical plaques and sculptures as part of your mission. It took us an hour but can take up to two hours.

I think Wellington looks most beautiful from above. If you aren’t taking a flight to the South Island, you can enjoy the view on this scenic harbour helicopter flight .

A top Wellington attraction is the outdoor Harbourside Market. It takes place overlooking the harbour next to Te Papa and can be incorporated into the waterfront walk on Sundays.

You can buy fruit and vegetables at reasonable prices as well as locally made bread, cheese, honey, and crafts.

The highlight for us is the many cooked food stalls—Indian dosa followed by Dutch pancakes is a winning combo, but you’ll also find Italian, Indonesian, Thai, Cambodian, Syrian, Greek, Mexican, Moroccan, Chilean and more.

When the sun is shining and live music is playing, there’s no better spot in Wellington.

Harbourside Market is at the corner of Cable Street and Barnett Street in Te Aro. It operates on Sunday mornings from 7.30am to 2pm (1pm in winter). Go early to avoid the crowds.

Te Papa is a Wellington must do and the ideal activity on a rainy day. New Zealand’s national museum is located on the waterfront and has free entry (except for some special exhibitions).

The permanent exhibits explore Māori culture and New Zealand’s history and natural world.

There are also contemporary art installations and temporary shows like the powerful Gallipoli (until April 2022), where you learn about the war through the eyes and words of eight New Zealanders. The oversized, incredibly life-like figures were created by Weta Workshop, who made the props for Lord of the Rings .

Te Papa is at 55 Cable Street in Te Aro. It’s open every day from 10am to 6pm. Entrance is free.

One of the most popular Wellington tourist attractions, as well as a mode of transport for locals, is the Wellington Cable Car, which has been running since 1902.

A five-minute ride on the distinctive bright red car takes you from Lambton Quay, the main shopping street in the CBD, up to the Botanic Gardens for beautiful views of the city. There are fun light shows as you go through the tunnel.

At the top there’s the Cable Car Museum and a free shuttle bus to Zealandia.

Wellington Cable Car operates from 7.30am (8.30am on weekends) until 8 or 9pm. It costs $5 each way for adults and $2.50 for kids.

Once you’ve ridden the cable car, wander through the Wellington Botanic Gardens, one of the best free things to do in Wellington, especially on a sunny day.

The extensive gardens date back to 1868. Trails through native bush wind up the hillside and make you feel far away from the city.

There’s also a rose garden, impressive spring tulip display, duck pond, treehouse, herb garden, cafe, and various sculptures.

At night you can see glowworms along the banks.

Wellington Botanic Gardens are free and open every day from dawn to dusk. You can walk there from the CBD or take the cable car.

Recommended Reading: 25 Most Beautiful Places in New Zealand

Cuba Street is the heart of Wellington’s CBD. This lively pedestrian street is colourful and creative with independent shops (think vintage and artsy), cafes, buskers, and the splashy Bucket Fountain.

These are our favourite places to eat on Cuba Street, all of which have good vegan options (except Ombra).

• 1154 Pastaria – Delicious fresh pasta in a casual setting.
• Scopa – After pasta, pop into this Italian restaurant across the road for the most decadent, thick hot chocolate. Order a large!
• Nolita – Vegan Italian with delicious sourdough pizza (I love the patatine) and hearty pasta.
• Fidel’s – A Wellington institution that’s great for brunch or an afternoon sweet treat.
• Olive – Creative brunch and dinner. It’s always busy so booking is a good idea.
• Laundry – Tasty burgers and a grungy bar vibe with live music later on.
• Zelati – The best ice cream we’ve had in Wellington with some interesting flavours.
• Aunty Mena’s – Cheap and cheerful vegan Asian food like BBQ steam buns, curry noodles, and laksa.
• Ombra – Aperitivo drinks from 3-6pm are a good deal at this Italian restaurant as they come with a complimentary snack.

After exploring Cuba Street, take a short detour to the hidden Hannahs Laneway for the Fix and Fogg peanut butter booth and Leeds Street Bakery, which makes the most delicious salted caramel cookies.

For pies and bagels, head to NYC-style deli Pickle and Pie just a few minutes away on Lombard Street.

Wellingtonians take their coffee seriously and you are spoilt for choice with quality roasters and cafes in the city.

Peoples Coffee is Simon’s favourite (he buys their Don Wilfredo beans to use at home)—it’s organic and fair trade. The Lukes Lane branch is central and, conveniently, they sell salted caramel cookies from Leeds Street Bakery.

The Hangar is another excellent coffee spot where they roast Flight Coffee. You can even do a tasting flight to compare different beans—as it’s three full cups, it’s best to share. Their food is tasty too.

You can also expect a quality brew at Customs, which is just off Cuba Street.

Wellington Outskirts

Some of the best things to see in Wellington are a 10-20 minute drive from the centre—you’ll soon feel far away from the city’s bustle.

Zealandia is a fantastic place to visit in Wellington, especially at the beginning of your New Zealand trip so you can learn more about the country’s native birds.

This fenced ecosanctuary protects the birds, many of which are endangered, from imported predators. There are 32km of forest trails with options for all fitness levels, and you are sure to see plenty of wildlife. Allow at least a few hours to explore.

We saw kaka (a large parrot), tui, saddlebacks, robins, fantails, and a nest of baby shags in the water.

If you visit on a guided tour at night , you have the chance to see the rare kiwi as well as glowworms.

Zealandia is a 10-minute drive from the CBD. If you don’t have a car, there’s a free shuttle bus from the i-Site and top of the Cable Car. It’s open from 9am to 5pm every day. Entrance is $23 for adults and $10 for children (under 5s are free).

I adore Wellington’s beautiful coastline and you only have to drive 15 minutes from the centre for lovely bays, beaches, and coastal hikes.

I recommend driving around the Miramar Peninsula and along the southern coast through Lyall Bay, Island Bay and out to Red Rocks.

You’ll find more activities below, but start your day with a delicious brunch at Lyall Bay, a surfer beach next to the airport, which has three of our favourite cafes in Wellington.

The Botanist – This vegetarian (mostly vegan) cafe is our favourite place to eat in Wellington. It’s a lovely space with hanging plants across the road from the beach.

The Veganise Me vegan breakfast will set you up for the day—it features avo toast, hash browns, black beans, veggie sausage and facon, and battered jalapeños. Yum! It’s also open for dinner.

Maranui Cafe – For the best sea views, head to the iconic Maranui right on the beach inside the Surf Life Saving Club. It’s very popular so try to go on a weekday and arrive early.

It’s worth the wait for the view as well as the food and coffee (with some vegan choices). I adore their (huge) green smoothies.

Queen Sally’s Diamond Deli – Maranui’s sister cafe is just around the corner. It’s a tiny place with mostly vegetarian and vegan cabinet food—sandwiches, salads, samosas, cakes, and scones.

The food is always exceptionally good. My personal favourites are the vegan cheese scone and the three cheese and pumpkin sourdough toastie (one of my favourite sandwiches anywhere).

This is the best place to pick up a packed lunch for a hike or beach trip.

My perfect day in this area is eating breakfast in Lyall Bay, walking the Eastern Walkway , relaxing on Scorching Bay Beach (with lunch or a drink at Scorch-O-Rama), and then continuing on a loop around the Miramar Peninsula’s rugged coastline.

Simon would add—ending with a beer at Parrotdog Brewery back in Lyall Bay.

Scorching Bay on the Miramar Peninsula is my favourite beach in Wellington. It’s a lovely curve of golden sand between a grassy lawn and calm green sea—perfect for swimming if you can stand the chilly temperature.

There are good facilities including toilets, showers, and some oversized benches for lounging. It can be very busy in summer, but we’ve only visited on sunny spring days when it wasn’t crowded at all.

The quirky Scorch-O-Rama cafe overlooks the beach and its terrace is one of the best places to go in Wellington for a waterfront meal.

The food is tasty, portions are generous, and there are vegan options. It’s a Wellington highlight for sure.

One of the coolest things to do in Wellington on a calm summer day is go snorkelling—it just feels so unexpected in a capital city!

Taputeranga Marine Reserve is just around the headland from Lyall Bay. There are multiple entry points—near the public toilets at Princess Bay is a popular entry point or I’ve gone in just past Island Bay beach.

You can rent snorkelling gear and wetsuits (which you’ll need) at Island Bay Divers and check the latest conditions on their Facebook page.

I was amazed by how much we saw so close to the shore—an octopus, a huge eagle ray, crayfish, blue moki, sea cucumbers, starfish, triplefins, and more. Magical!

I love how much nature is so close to the centre of Wellington with some fantastic hikes (or bike rides).

My favourites are the Red Rocks Walkway to see seals, the Eastern Walkway for sea views, the Skyline Track for sweeping views across the whole region, and Makara Beach for remote coastal scenery.

See my guide to the best Wellington walks for more details.

If you are looking for fun things to do in Wellington with kids or adults, head to Carlucci Land, one of the most unique mini golf courses we’ve played.

There’s a junkyard vibe with 18 holes on the hillside amongst quirky sculptures. Some of the holes are pretty challenging as the ball goes through hidden passageways and down ramps and spirals.

We usually head here after brunch in Lyall Bay and you could also combine it with a visit to nearby Red Rocks.

Carlucci Land is located at 281 Happy Valley Road. It’s open from 9.30am until late every day. It costs $12 per person (payable by honesty box midweek). The only facilities are toilets so take your own drinks and snacks.

Top Things to Do in Wellington at Night

In addition to these Wellington activities at night, Zealandia has night tours , and you can see glowworms for free in the Botanic Gardens after dark.

The Mount Victoria Lookout is one of the top Wellington attractions for its 360º views of the city, harbour, and surrounding bays.

You can walk up the steep hill from Oriental Bay or drive up. There’s a grassy area for picnics.

Mt Vic is great to visit at any time of day, but sunset is my favourite time. Stick around long enough to see the city lights switch on.

Wellington has some fantastic food with plenty of choice for vegans. These are our top picks, all of which are open in the evening. There are many more options on Cuba Street and in Lyall Bay—see above.

Hillside Kitchen – This friendly, fine-dining vegetarian restaurant is perfect for special occasions.

The five or seven course tasting menus feature creative dishes using local ingredients, some of which are foraged or from their garden. You can request a vegan menu.

Allow plenty of time—we usually spend four hours when dining with friends.

They are usually based in Thorndon but are currently on Victoria Street in the CBD. Check the Hillside website for updates and to make a booking (essential).

Mockingbird – Mockingbird is the place to come for plant-based junk food and international street food. Their burgers feature “beef” or “chicken” patties and their new pies are tasty. My favourites are the enchilada loaded fries and sangria.

Other vegan-friendly restaurants we like include Mr Go’s (Asian tapas), Seize (healthy lunch bowls), Southern Cross (bar snacks), and The Ramen Shop in Newtown.

The Welly Collective is a cool space featuring artwork, jewellery, clothes, and gifts made by local artists. Check out the Cara Rose Art table run by our friend who paints beautiful Wellington scenes.

Welly Collective is at 100 Courtenay Place in Te Aro. It’s open from 10.30am to 6.30pm every day and until 10.30pm on Fridays and Saturdays—perfect for post-dinner shopping.

If you are looking for rainy day activities in Wellington, the Counter Culture Board Game Cafe is ideal. We have whiled away many hours here.

They have a vast collection of board games—ask the helpful staff for advice. Some of our favourites are Marrying Mr Darcy, Cockroach Poker, Dixit, Pictures, and Coup.

Their food is also good—I love the brownie with salted caramel ice cream. There’s plenty for vegans and they have tasty craft beers.

Counter Culture is at 211 Victoria Street in Te Aro. It’s open from midday until late (from 4pm on Mondays and Wednesdays). They are closed Tuesdays. Bookings are highly recommended, especially on weekends. A three-hour slot costs $5 per person with a food or drink purchase.

Wellington has an extraordinary number of craft cocktail bars, and as they are all in Te Aro, it’s easy to put together a classy bar crawl. Here are our picks (roughly in order of preference):

• Night Flower – There’s no menu at this speakeasy style bar with a hidden entrance. Instead, tell the staff what flavours you like and they’ll craft the perfect drink for you, with a focus on old-fashioned cocktails in keeping with their classic decor.
• Poquito – An unpretentious, friendly bar where they can create a custom cocktail for you. The espresso martinis are superb.
• CGR Merchant & Co – A beautiful bar decorated with hanging plants and big jars of their homemade gins and rums in interesting infusions. The gingerbread gin is glorious.
• Hawthorn Lounge – This intimate cocktail bar feels exclusive and is one of the few places open until 3am on weeknights.
• R Bar – The cocktails may not be as good as at the other bars, but the pirate-themed decor and drinks are fun. It feels like Disney!
• Library Bar – Tasty drinks with walls lined with books.

If you prefer wine to cocktails, Noble Rot is the absolute best place to drink in Wellington.

They have a huge list of wines by the glass from New Zealand and all over the world (I enjoyed an excellent Syrah from Syria!). The knowledgeable staff helped us make great choices.

You can pop in for a drink, but I recommend booking a table for dinner and making a night of it (we were there for hours).

There’s only one vegan choice per course, but the menu changes seasonally and it’s always delicious.

Noble Rot is at 6 Swan Lane in Te Aro. It’s open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 4pm until late. Closed Sundays and Mondays.

Craft breweries and brewpubs are everywhere in Wellington. These are Simon’s favourites:

• Garage Project in Aro Valley – The best beer in Wellington with flavours for all tastes including lots of creative brews.
• Parrotdog Brewery in Lyall Ba y – Excellent beer and a great setting to drink it by the beach with good food and a pool table.
• Panhead Tory Street – Central brewpub with a cosy fireplace, exclusive brews, and a great gin and tonic menu for the non-beer drinkers.
• Little Beer Quarter in Te Aro – A relaxed bar with lots of craft beer and tasty snacks.

If you’d rather explore Wellington’s breweries with a local expert, check out this Wellington Craft Beer Brewery Tour .

Wellington Day Trips

If you are in Wellington for a longer stay, it’s well worth exploring the wider Wellington region.

The Kapiti Coast is a stretch of black sand beaches starting about 40 minutes north of Wellington. We’ve spent many months based there and it also makes a good day trip from Wellington.

Paekākāriki is the best stop, especially if you are coming by train. This tiny creative village has a few excellent cafes and a quiet stretch of sand.

It’s also the starting point for the stunning Escarpment Track hike to Pukerua Bay (10km/3 hours), which is one of the best walks in Wellington .

In Paekākāriki I recommend coffee at The Perching Parrot, delicious pizza (on Friday nights and weekends) at Beach Road Deli, and a real fruit Paekākāriki Pop from the Village Grocery Store.

Sunday Cantina in Raumati South is another favourite cafe and can be combined with a walk in Queen Elizabeth Park.

15 minutes further up the coast is Paraparaumu, which doesn’t have Paekākāriki’s charm, but it is the launching point for boat trips to the Kapiti Island nature reserve .

Kapiti Island is well worth visiting, especially if you like hiking and birds. Visitor numbers are limited so you must visit as part of a boat trip, but you are free to explore the island once you get there.

As the island is predator-free, native birds thrive so you can see rare ones like the hihi and kokako and hear a chorus of birdsong. There’s a beautiful hike through the forest to the highest point on the island.

Book a Kapiti Island boat trip here .

For food in Paraparaumu, we like Tom Thumb Cafe (takeaway cabinet food) and Passo for Italian.

Even further north (one hour from Wellington) is Waikanae Beach with lovely beach and river walks and tasty pies at Olde Beach Bakery.

See my Wellington hikes post for details on the beautiful walks on the Kapiti Coast.

Martinborough is a pretty town, about 1 hr 20 mins from Wellington, surrounded by wineries and known for its superb pinot noir.

It’s a flat, compact area so it’s easy to explore by bike (Green Jersey rents them for $40 a day). In one afternoon we cycled about 6.5km to four wineries.

Poppies is our favourite winery—the lunch platters and rosé are delicious (book ahead).

We’ve also enjoyed tastings at Palliser (for excellent pinot noir and chardonnay), Escarpment (where you can pair wine with canapés), Schubert (for the unusual Tribianco and sweet Dolce), and tiny Muirlea Rise (try the dessert wines). For unusual natural wines, head to Cambridge Road.

If you want to stay overnight, we love historic Martinborough Hotel (originally built in 1882), which has beautiful rooms on the picturesque village square.

To visit Martinborough as a day trip from Wellington, it’s best to take a tour so that someone else can do the driving. Check out this highly-rated Martinborough Winery Tour , which includes tastings at three wineries.

Just bear in mind that the drive back to Wellington involves crossing over the steep, winding Remutaka Hill!

On the way to or from Martinborough it’s worth stopping at Kaitoke Regional Park to hike the 2km Swingbridge Track through beautiful forest, swim in the river, and see where Rivendell in Lord of the Rings was filmed.

It might be a cliche that “you can’t beat Wellington on a good day”, but it’s also true! When the sun is shining and the wind has died down, it’s glorious to explore the city’s parks, waterfront, gardens, nature trails, and beaches.

You can hike, bike, sail, snorkel, kayak and still be within 10 minutes of delicious food, coffee, and adult beverages.

Even when the winds are roaring, there are enough indoor activities in Wellington to keep you busy. Or just keep eating and drinking.

I hope this post has given you some ideas on what to do in Wellington (rain or shine). For more New Zealand tips, you’ll find links to lots more posts below.

A big thank you to Ru, Ian, Dunstan, Lydia, and Cara, our wonderful friends and local guides who have made our many trips to Wellington so special.

Read more of our tips for exploring beautiful New Zealand .

North Island

• The Ultimate North Island Road Trip Itinerary
• 15 Best Things to Do in New Plymouth and Taranaki
• Visiting the Magical Hobbiton Movie Set
• 15 Unforgettable Things to Do in Bay of Islands

South Island

• 25 Unmissable Things to Do in South Island New Zealand
• 24 Best Things to Do in Nelson
• 17 Relaxing Things to Do in Queenstown
• 20 Best Things to Do in Wanaka

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25 Best Things to Do in Wellington

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How can you possibly get bored in Wellington ? With so many sights, ways to see the city, natural attractions to escape to, awesome places to eat and more, Wellington is a city packed with amazing things to do. Whatever your budget, whatever type of activities you are into, whatever your age, you’re bound to find some fun things to do in Wellington.

The capital city of New Zealand is not just a political hub, it’s also the capital of coffee, movies, culture, craft beer and much more. Sample some of the local delicacies in between exploring the surrounding hills and gardens. Grab a few mates and head down to the local cinema/bowling alley or fuel your hobbies and passions with amazing mountain biking trails, bookstores, art galleries and more! Scroll down for more Wellington must-dos.

Plus, don’t forget to find a place to stay in The 50 Best Accommodations in Wellington .

1. See Native Wildlife at Zealandia

New Zealand is home to a fascinating array of birds and reptiles. Zealandia , easily accessible from Wellington city centre, is the perfect place to learn more about the unique ecosystem of New Zealand with a museum and walkways around this protected wildlife sanctuary. You’re bound to see a heap of amazing birds such as the takahe, kaka, tui, North Island robin and much more! Check out Zealandia on Viator and Tripadvisor . Plus, for more wildlife activities, see 6 Spots to Experience Wellington Wildlife .

Location: 53 Waiapu Road, Karori . Free shuttle services operate from the Wellington i-SITE.

2. Visit the Wellington Botanic Garden

One of the best FREE things to do in Wellington is checking out the bush walks, gardens, treehouse, duck pond and free summer gigs at the Wellington Botanic Garden . When you’re wandering through the native bush or gardens of this park, you’ll never believe you are still in the middle of Wellington! For more free activities, see 22 Free or Cheap Things to Do in Wellington .

Location: Entrances off Salamanca Road, Glen Road, Upland Road (Cable Car), Mariri Road and Glenmore Street.

3. Climb Mt Victoria

Wellington is home to many awesome walks accessible from the city centre. One of the most popular is the walk up Mt Victoria thanks to its sensational panoramic views! A walk up to the top from Oriental Bay or from Majoribanks Street will only take you about 20 minutes. However, to make a day of it, link up with the Southern Walkway for more views of the city! Get more information in our 10 Best Walks in Wellington .

Location: At the eastern end of Courtenay Place, cross Cambridge Terrace and Kent Terrace, walk along Majoribanks Street until you see the sign to the Southern Walkway. Follow the Summit Walkway to the lookout!

4. Visit the Film Locations Around Wellington

Wellington is the hub of the movie industry in New Zealand, (and yes, New Zealand has a movie industry). From the filming locations on Mt Victoria used in The Lord of the Rings to the suburb of Miramar packed with movie studios, you can spend all day finding all the noteworthy film attractions. Check out 15 Best Film Locations in Wellington for Movie Buffs to organise your own self-guided tour.

Location: See the link above for specific locations.

5. Grab a Coffee

They don’t call Wellington the “Coffee Capital” for nothing! New Zealand’s coffee culture is alive in Wellington with so many amazing cafes to try! It’s unlikely that you’ll find a “bad” coffee in Wellington, but if you need inspiration, try the 5 Cool Cafes With the Best Coffee in Wellington .

6. Ride the Cable Car

The historic Wellington Cable Car is a cheap and cheerful thing to do in Wellington! Ride the bright red Cable Car from Lambton Quay all the way up to the Botanic Gardens . At the top of the Cable Car is the free Cable Car Museum within the old wheelhouse.

Location: 280 Lambton Quay.

7. Get Active at Adrenalin Forest

This high wire obstacle course provides hours of fun just outside of Wellington city! There are seven courses that get higher and more challenging, starting from 1m (3ft) off the ground to 31m (102ft)! By taking a good few hours to complete, it’s great value for money at around NZ$45 per person. Take the bus, train or drive to Adrenalin Forest just outside of Porirua . Learn more about Adrenalin Forest on Viator and Tripadvisor . Additionally, see more experiences like this in the 10 Things to Do in Wellington with Kids .

Location: Okowai Road, Aotea, Porirua .

8. Kayak Around the Harbour

Hire a kayak or stand-up paddleboard (SUP) from Fergs Kayaks on the waterfront and see Wellington from a whole new perspective. Either freedom hire or take a guided tour to see the highlights of the Wellington Waterfront and practice your paddling skills! Kayak hire is also available at Days Bay, Lower Hutt at Wildfinder – bookable through Viator and Tripadvisor .

Location: Queens Wharf, Jervois Quay and Days Bay, Lower Hutt .

9. Grab Some Great Food!

It comes as no surprise that Wellington has some of the finest food in the country. For street food, try the fish & chips from the Wellington Trawling Market on Cuba Street or the Capital Market off Willis Street. For cheap eats, head to Chummeez Cafe on Lambton Quay. For treat-yourself New Zealand traditional food, try the Bluff oysters at the Dockside restaurant. Get more suggestions in The Foodie Guide to Wellington article.

Location: Wellington Trawling Market – 220 Cuba Street. Capital Market – 151 Willis Street. Chummeez Cafe – 134-138 Lambton Quay. Dockside – 3 Queens Wharf.

10. Take the Ferry to Matiu Somes Island

Somes Island or “ Matiu ” has a fascinating history from being an early Maori settlement to a prisoner-of-war camp to a quarantine station. Today, the island is rodent-free so the birdlife here is as colourful as the island’s history. Spend at least 2-3 hours exploring the island before getting the ferry back to Queens Wharf in the city centre of Wellington. Guided walks on the island are available on Viator and Tripadvisor .

Location: Queens Wharf.

11. Hire a Mountain Bike and Hit the Trails

It’s amazing how many mountain bike trails and scenic bike trails you can access from Wellington city centre alone! However, there are plenty of awesome bike trails further afield, where you can take your bike on the train. Take a look at our guide to Mountain Biking in Wellington for information on most of the bike trails in the region.

12. Watch a Movie at a Boutique Cinema

If the weather is not playing ball or you just want to soak in the Wellington movie scene, head to one of the many awesome neighbourhood cinemas, like The Empire in Island Bay, Penthouse Cinema & Cafe in Brooklyn, Light House Cinema in Petone or Roxy Cinema in Miramar. See more indoor activities in the  11 Things to Do in Wellington on a Rainy Day .

Location: The Empire – 214 The Parade, Island Bay. Penthouse Cinema & Cafe – 205 Ohiro Road, Brooklyn. Light House Cinema – 52 Beach Street, Petone. Roxy Cinema – 5 Park Road, Miramar.

13. Go Bookshop-Hopping

Whether you’re a bookworm or just want to pick up some good reads for the road, don’t miss Wellington’s amazing selection of bookshops. Wander the labyrinth-like rooms of Pegasus at the Cuba Mall or buy some cheap reads at Arty Bees Bookshop on Manners Street. Get a full list of bookshops and their locations over at 10 Wonderful Wellington Bookshops for Bookworms .

14. Take a Walk Through the Otari-Wilton’s Bush

This is New Zealand’s only public garden solely dedicated to New Zealand plants and trees. Otari-Wilton’s Bush is a great place to learn about the fascinating vegetation of New Zealand, as well as getting a little closer to nature. See more endearing places like this in the  10 Romantic Activities in Wellington for Couples .

Location: Wilton Road, Wilton. Take the Number 14 Wilton Bus from Lambton Quay.

15. Try Some Local Craft Beer

New Zealand, and Wellington, in particular, is crazy about making home brews! Try some of the country’s leading craft beer in the Wellington craft beer bars and breweries around the city! See 14 Breweries & Craft Beer Bars in Wellington for recommendations and locations. Plus, check out the  9 Things to Do in Wellington for Foodies for similar activities.

16. Visit Space Place (The Carter Observatory)

Get a little closer to the stars through Space Place ‘s historic Thomas Cooke telescope, planetarium and more! Learn about the stars, galaxies and planets seen from the Southern Hemisphere through interactive exhibitions and displays, as well as the planetarium shows. On clear nights, you can look through the giant telescope. Space Place is open Tuesdays, Fridays and weekends, and all week during school holidays.

Location: 40 Salamanca Road, Kelburn (Wellington Botanic Garden).

17. Visit the Te Papa Museum

New Zealand’s national museum provides hours of entertainment through interactive exhibitions and displays. Learn about many different aspects of life in New Zealand, as well as the social and natural history of this country. For more reasons to visit, see 10 Reasons Why The Te Papa Museum is Simply Unmissable .

Location: 55 Cable Street.

18. Explore the Greater Wellington Region!

Wellington is more than just the city centre, so take the bus, hop on the train, or hit the road to one of the amazing surrounding regions. Head to the Hutt Valley for great bike trails and walks along the Hutt River. Go to the Kapiti Coast for over 40km of beaches! Or head on over to the Wairarapa region known for vineyards and wineries.

Location: See the links above for recommendations on locations to visit.

19. Go to the Beach

Wellington has a good amount of beaches to feel the sand between your toes, go for a swim or even surf! Oriental Bay is a beach just a short walk from the city. Lyall Bay is a great surf spot and place for “long walks on the beach”. Scorching Bay is a good spot for a picnic! Find out more about the beaches you can visit in 10 Beaches in Wellington You Can’t Miss .

Location: See specific locations in the link above.

20. Challenge Your Mates to Bowling

Although you might find bowling in any old city, it is a great thing to do on an evening when the weather is not that great or you just want to have a good old time with your mates. The Lanes bowling and bar is right in the city centre and makes for an affordable night. Check out more activities like this in The Guide to Wellington Nightlife .

Location: 234/238 Wakefield Street.

21. Ride the Remutaka Cycle Trail

Hire a bike for 2-3 days and follow the Remutaka Cycle Trail starting in Wellington Harbour and finishing in the Turakirae Head, home to a colony of 500 fur seals! It’s worth noting that the trail is one way, so be prepared to bike it back or sort out return transportation. Find out more in our 10 Great Bike Trails on the North Island .

Location: The trail can be started from Petone Foreshore or Maymorn in Upper Hutt.

22. Experience Movie Magic at the Weta Cave and Workshop

Any Lord of the Rings tour in Wellington will include a visit to the Weta Workshop Studio amongst many other Middle-earth locations around the area. For the money-savers out there, the Weta Cave is free to visit and the Workshop Tour is under NZ$30. Find out more about the tour on Viator and Tripadvisor . Additionally, check out the Guide to The Lord of the Rings in Wellington .

Location: 1 Weka Street, Miramar.

23. Watch a Rugby Game

The Sky Stadium hosts regular rugby games the place to see the local rugby union team , the Wellington Hurricanes. Welly is also a regular host of the Sevens, a huge rugby tournament where supporters wear costumes and parties well past the end of the game.

Location: 105 Waterloo Quay.

24. Tour the Parliament Building

The beehive-shaped building houses the most ferocious animal of the country, the politician! This is where New Zealanders discuss and pass bills; this is where our country is run. Tours are free and run seven days a week, so no excuses!

Location: Molesworth Street.

25. Have a Welly Night Out!

Wellington comes alive at night! The vibrant nightlife features great live performances in many bars, along with fun-loving individuals that love meeting new people. Check out the bar scene in our “ Awesome Bars in Wellington ” article.

More Must-Dos and Things to Do in Wellington

The travel guide to wellington on a budget.

• The Travel Guide to Wellington for Families
• The Luxury Travel Guide to Wellington
• The Honeymoon Guide to Wellington

That’s it for the best things to do in Wellington. Find more activities on your travels in the 51 Best Things to Do on the North Island .

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

• Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
• Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
• AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])
• Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
• NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
• Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2024])
• DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2024])
• Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
• Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2024])
• Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
• TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
• Visit Wellington (Regional tourism website)
• Destination Wairarapa (Regional tourism website)
• Wellington City Council (Local council website)
• Porirua City Council (Local council website)
• Greater Wellington Regional Council (Local council website)
• Upper Hutt City Council (Local council website)
• Hutt City Council (Local council website)
• Kāpiti Coast District Council (Local council website)
• Masterton District Council (Local council website)
• Carterton District Council (Local council website)
• South Wairarapa District Council (Local council website)

Our editorial standards : At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

This article has been reviewed and published by Laura, the editor-in-chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Laura is a first-class honours journalism graduate and a travel journalist with expertise in New Zealand and South Pacific tourism for over 10 years. She also runs travel guides for five of the top destinations in the South Pacific and is the co-host of over 250 episodes of the NZ Travel Show on YouTube.

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Top 10 Wellington must-dos

There’s so much to see and do in the capital. To get you started, here are the top 10 things to do when you visit.

Immerse yourself at Te Papa

55 cable street, te aro, wellington.

The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa dominates the beautiful Wellington Waterfront. Its 36,000 square metres of space spread across six floors contain over 800,000 artworks, cultural artefacts, historical archives, and scientific specimens. The sheer scale and scope of its collections mean you could spend hours there exploring.

Ride the historic Wellington Cable Car

280 lambton quay, wellington.

The red cable cars have trundled up the hill between Wellington’s bustling city centre and Kelburn Village for 120 years. They are synonymous with Wellington and a ride in one is a rite of passage for any local or tourist. Hop on, head to the top and enjoy the panoramic views of Wellington.

See native wildlife at Zealandia

53 waiapu road, karori, wellington.

This world-first, fully fenced, predator-free urban sanctuary lies on the outskirts of the city centre. A 10-minute drive from Lambton Quay and you’re in the wilderness seeing native birds and wildlife thrive in a safe environment. This conservation project has enabled native bird populations to flourish.

Brace yourself for the best coffee experiences

Wellington considers itself the coffee capital — the number of local roasteries and the public’s expectation for quality have created a rich café environment. Around every corner in the central city, you’ll find experienced baristas, excellent food, ambience, and great service. You’ll be full of beans in no time.

Have a close encounter

200 daniell street, newtown, wellington.

Experience an unforgettable Close Encounter with some of Wellington Zoo’s endangered animals. Pat a lemur or feed a meerkat, see the sun bears up close, hang out with a capybara or tiger. There are multiple encounters that allow you to learn from experienced zoo keepers. The staff always have the animal’s best interests at heart.

Drink in the view

The best way to get your bearings in Wellington is by heading to the top of Mount Victoria. Mt Vic, as the locals call it, rises 196m above the city. The lookout has panoramic views of Wellington City, its harbour, and the hills beyond. It’s part of the Southern Walkway track so it’s possible to get there walking. It’s also part of the network of trails in the Town Belt so there are multiple walks to explore once you get there. Take a picnic with you, settle in on the hillside, and relax while watching ferries and cruise ships sail into the harbour and planes fly in and out of the airport.

Take a walk along Cuba Street

With its heritage buildings and bohemian inhabitants, Cuba Street has many treasures to discover. Eclectic shops and a wide selection of hospitality offerings mean you could easily spend a day exploring. Start with a classic café, pop by a delicious takeaway, and indulge at a fine dining establishment. Make sure you pay a visit to Cuba Street’s iconic Bucket Fountain. An unofficial symbol of the capital, the quirky, interactive sculpture has splashed many visitors snapping a picture in front of it.

Watch movie magic happen

21 camperdown road, miramar, wellington.

The design and manufacturing facility combines cutting-edge technology with hand-crafted artistry to serve up Oscar-winning props, costumes, and creature effects. Tours take you on a magical trip through some of the biggest Hollywood blockbusters.

Wander the Wellington Botanic Gardens

101 glenmore street, kelburn, wellington.

Wellington Botanic Garden ki Paekākā encompasses 25 hectares of specialised plant collections, colourful botanical displays, a protected native forest, and views over Wellington City. It is a vast tract of land that has offered relaxation, playtime, shade, and education about flora and fauna for more than 150 years.

Find your wild on Wellington’s trails

Ringed with a lush town belt and regenerating forest beyond, Wellington is fortunate to have a huge backyard. The extensive network of trails can cater to walkers, runners, off-road bikers, or horse riders. There’s a trail to suit every adventurer.

Looking for more?

Getting around Wellington — your guide to seeing the city

When you’re in Wellington the world around you always has something to look at. In and around the city there are many modes of transport where you can slow down and take in a view. Get around with the options below.

Hutt Valley day trips

Just a short drive, train or ferry from Wellington City, the Hutt Valley is a great day-trip destination. Whether you’re an outdoors junkie, a craft beer lover, or just want to relax and soak up some seaside views, there’s a day trip to suit your style.

Wellington’s boutique cinemas

The capital is a film lover’s dream destination. It has a thriving movie industry, is a UNESCO City of Film, and is home to many independent cinemas. Sit back in a plush chair and view a movie in style.

Unmissable experiences in the Hutt Valley

The Hutt Valley is jam-packed with memorable experiences. From outdoor adventures to contemporary art galleries and the region’s only craft beer haven. There’s so much to explore.

What to do on a rainy day in Wellington

When it’s wet outside, the capital provides plenty of indoor activities to keep you occupied. Head to these Wellington attractions to stay warm, dry, and entertained.

Top things to see and do in Kāpiti

The Kāpiti Coast is a hive of activity, whatever your style you’ll find something to entertain you.

The best thing since sliced bread — your Wellington sandwich list

Sometimes all it takes to change your day is a really good sandwich. Luckily, Wellington has you covered with a range of dedicated shops and specialist bakeries providing the goods. Focaccia, sourdough, baguettes and buns, whatever way you like it, here’s where to get two slices and fillings galore.

Places to eat on Petone’s Jackson Street

Home to more than 60 bars, cafes and restaurants in just 800 metres, Petone’s iconic Jackson Street is overflowing with options for every meal. Here’s a helping of tasty places to try in and around the street itself.

Basin bites: Where to eat around the Basin Reserve in Wellington

If you’re heading to Wellington’s iconic Basin Reserve for a morning, afternoon, evening (or all three), here’s where you can fuel up. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks sorted.

What to do in Wairarapa

The Wairarapa region has plenty of reasons to visit. Make it a day trip — there are some great champions of food, art, and experiences on offer around the region.

Contemporary art galleries

The art scene is thriving in Wellington with a close-knit group of dealer galleries providing contemporary art for sale.

Breaking bread: Hutt Valley bakeries

The Hutt Valley has a generous helping of artisan bakeries. From sourdough to pastries, here’s where you can find delicious goods wherever you go.

Keep the kids entertained these school holidays

Whatever the weather, the Wellington region has plenty to keep the kids entertained during the school holidays. Explore an island, take a trip to space, or learn about history at the capital’s many things to see and do for kids of all ages.

Things to do when you want to have fun

If you want to have a fun day or night out in Wellington there are plenty of options in the city. Why not think outside the box and try something different.

For the love of vegetables

Eat your greens! That’s what your parents said right? Well, now you have no excuse not to enjoy the city’s tastiest greens (and every other colour of the rainbow). Vegetarians, vegans, and anyone interested in flavour-filled meals should give one of these places a go. There’s more than meets the eye in this meatless list of vegetarian-friendly places to eat.

22 Cool Things to Do in Wellington, New Zealand (2024 Edition)

• Last Updated: April 11, 2024

Check out our guide to the best things to do in Wellington, New Zealand!

There are definitely a lot of great things to do in Wellington, New Zealand!

So adding Wellington to your itinerary of New Zealand’s North Island is your chance to visit the “coolest little capital in the world.” 

With one day in Wellington, you will have plenty of time to visit the world-famous Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.

Staying three days in Wellington will open your eyes to a vibrant waterfront, a rugged coastline, and ideas for day trips, making your stay memorable.

And if you are travelling with children, there are lots of free and cheap things to do in Wellington.

Besides these things to do in Wellington, the city is also the hub of great coffee, craft beers, and fabulous menus. 

You can stay in high-end hotels, boutique hotels, or go quirky staying in a lighthouse or an old keep.

So let’s get started on what to do in Wellington city!

READ MORE: Make the most of your time in New Zealand with our comprehensive travel guide .

Table of Contents

1) Go Underground in Parliament

2) visit old st. paul’s church, 3) ride the cable car to wellington botanic gardens, 4) hunt for wildlife at zealandia, 5) chill out in te ngakau civic square, 6) learn more at wellington museum, 7) paddle the wellington harbour, 8) get lost in museum of new zealand te papa tongarewa, 9) visit the movie world of weta , 10) relax at oriental bay, 11) enjoy a 360-degree view of wellington on mount victoria lookout, 12) explore wellington’s boutique craft breweries, 13) shop for designer labels, 14) try sunday brunch at harbourside market, 15) eat the best fish and chips on quirky cuba street, 16) explore matiu-somes island and days bay, 17) book lunch at the vineyards of martinborough, 18) drive the southern coast, 19) walk the rugged red rocks, 20) feel the breeze at brooklyn turbine, 21) car enthusiasts flock to kapiti , 22) plan to enjoy seasonal festivals, where to dine in wellington, the best things to do in wellington.

Wellington is a gem of New Zealand’s North Island. Once you start exploring Wellington’s attractions, you’ll find it’s easy to walk to most of the landmarks.

When you book the FREE 60-minute tour of Parliament , you’ll see more than the interior of the building, debating chambers and lovely wood panels. 

This tour takes you underground to view the base isolators, designed to stabilize the main building during an earthquake.

It may sound nerdy, but it is quite remarkable.

The tour also includes the beautifully designed gothic Parliamentary Library .

And nearby Old St Paul’s is another stunning gothic building to visit.

Old St. Paul’s Church is an iconic landmark of Wellington built between 1865-1866. 

This tiny church is a heritage building in New Zealand.

When you enter, you will be captivated by the gothic interior of the native woods.

It’s simply breathtaking. 

The church is FREE to enter and is open from 10am – 4pm every day.

READ MORE: Check out our popular guide to the best things to do in Queenstown !

One of the most unique things to do in Wellington is to ride the cable car.

The Wellington Cable Car has been in the city since 1902.

It is one of the most iconic images representing Wellington as it takes students up to Victoria University, or workers down to the city. 

Look for the Wellington Cable Car sign on the busy shopping street in the city centre known as Lambton Quay .

At the top, you have a stunning vista of the harbour.

You can also visit the small cable car museum, enjoy a drink or take a hilly walk around the beautiful Wellington Botanical Gardens.

A great way to enjoy Wellington is to spend time amongst the natural wildlife and fauna of the region.

Zealandia is an enclosed area of 225 hectares full of wildlife. There are day, twilight, or night tours available where you can see New Zealand native bush and native species of birds and reptiles. 

The night tour is especially popular because you can hear the Kiwi. And during the day, try to find the ancient Tuatara or the scary-looking giant Weta.

Afterwards, take the free shuttle bus back to Wellington I-Site at Civic Square.

For a really unique experience though, it’s worth booking a tour to visit the sanctuary at night. You can organise this awesome activity right here .

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars , which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

Wellington’s Civic Square Te Ngakau (the heart) is the place to find:

• Wellington I-Site visitor information (for any questions about Wellington)
• Wellington Public Library
• Wellington City Gallery

The Wellington City Gallery is where you’ll find an exhibition of Maori and Pacific art.

You will also find Wellington-based artists in The Michael Hirschfeld Gallery .

Currently, the Wellington Public Library is closed for renovations.

So for great coffee and a bite to eat, you’ll need to cross over the quirkily designed City to Sea Bridge. 

Pull up a bean bag at Karaka Cafe end enjoy Whairepo Lagoon .

Then you can contemplate which Wellington waterfront activities you plan to do next.

Wellington Museum is one of many activities to enjoy along the waterfront.

On each floor of the old Bond Store , you’ll learn about New Zealand’s maritime history, the tragic 1968 Wahine disaster, and New Zealand becoming a nuclear-free port.

The kids will love the displays, films, and especially the attic for its captivating time travel machine. 

READ MORE: Don’t miss out on what to do in Christchurch when visiting New Zealand!

One of the more adventurous things to do in Wellington is to explore the Wellington Harbour on your own.

Ferg’s Kayaks is the place to test your skills on the water with kayaking or paddleboards. 

You have the option of hiring kayaks or booking a kayak tour.

But Ferg’s also has a rock-climbing wall to test your upper strength and inline skating hire to see more of the waterfront.

But if the harbour is a little windy, spend some time at Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.

You may not have planned it, but Te Papa will have your interest for several hours. 

You’ll become absorbed with New Zealand history displays, Māori culture, and the interactive natural environment displays. 

But the Te Papa Museum is not just a museum.

It also exhibits the national art gallery collection. 

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa is rated as one of the top places to visit in Wellington, particularly to:

• Admire the Te Hono ki Hawaiki marae with its beautiful carvings
• Experience the seismic shift of an earthquake
• Visit one of the many permanent and visiting exhibits (charges may apply)

And after you see the story exhibit of New Zealand soldiers in WW1 at Gallipoli, you’ll want to visit Weta Cave at the Te Papa Museum.

Make sure you organise the express twilight tour to really make the most of your time here. Book it online at Get Your Guide .

If you’re a fan of movies like Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, King Kong and Avatar then you will enjoy a day trip to Weta.

The Weta Cave Wellington and the Weta Workshop are where you’ll find the props used in these movies. 

You have two options:

• Book a Weta Workshop tour to get up close to the movie props
• Visit the Weta Cave shop for FREE to see the mini-museum with prop replicas, along with a short documentary 

Weta Workshop is an iconic place to visit in Wellington, which has become the ‘Wellywood’ of the New Zealand film industry. 

You can choose from 6 tours, including a hands-on workshop, to understand how these visual effects artists make a movie come to life.

And on your way back to the city centre, consider a stop along Oriental Parade.

When it’s time to relax, New Zealand’s Oriental Parade has plenty of benches on which to sit and people watch.

Enjoy an ice cream or dip your toes into the cold seawater.

With the brick monastery of St. Gerard’s looking down on you, you may be tempted to walk the many steps for the view. 

Otherwise, you can take a taxi to Mount Victoria.

Visiting Mount Victoria Lookout is another great thing to do in Wellington because of its panoramic view of the city. 

At 196 meters high, you can see:

• Down the Hutt Valley
• Across the inner harbour to Days Bay
• Miramar Peninsula
• Surfers at Lyall Bay
• Wellington business centre

The views from Mount Victoria are spectacular on a sunny day. But when the wind is blowing, be prepared for a ‘bad hair day.’

Out of interest, the pyramid-shaped monument is a memorial to Richard Byrd, an American polar explorer who used New Zealand as a base for his Antarctic expeditions.

And for the best night view of Wellington, the Mount Victoria Lookout views are spectacular.

Yes, you have to visit at least one craft brewery while in Wellington! 

And choosing a beer is made easy with a map from Craft Beer Capital .

Mac’s Brew Bar on Wellington waterfront is one of the original craft breweries.

Our favourite is Fork and Brewer or the Whistling Sisters who offer a brewery tour every Saturday.

However, if shopping is on the top of your list, you have a few options.

Lambton Quay is often referred to as the Golden Mile because of its top label brands.

You will find top stores like David Jones in the old classical building of the previous family store, Kirkcaldies.

But there’s one thing you won’t find in the centre of Wellington – a shopping mall. 

You can shop for world-class designer labels like Karen Walker and Kate Sylvester.

But for artisan stores, you’ll need to wait until Saturday.

Harbourside Market , held every Sunday from 7:30 AM, is the place to buy your fresh produce, baked bread, fresh fish, artisan goods, and brunch from a wide variety of food stalls. 

When you awake late in the morning, this market is perfect for great coffee and food.

Grabbing some fresh food here is one of the best things to do in Wellington!

A visit to Wellington has to include Cuba Street and its famous bucket fountain.

You’ll find some of the coolest shops, hip bars, trendy cafes, and stylish restaurants along this quirky street. The vibe is fantastic, especially from early evening onwards.

And a visit to Wellington has to include a plate of fish and chips.

Wellington Seamarket on Cuba Street has a selection of fresh fish every day. You get to choose the fish to complement your chips.

Or would you prefer a picnic on a Wellington one day trip?

You can either:

• Take the Dominion Ferry from the Wellington waterfront or
• Hire a car for the day

Easy to spot in the middle of the harbour, Matiu-Somes island was once used as a quarantine station. But now it is a scientific reserve.

As the native bush on the island is predator-free, bags will be searched for pests, seed, and soil before you can enjoy hiking on the island.

Bring a picnic lunch and pick a spot with views back to Wellington city.

Or you can continue your ferry ride directly to Days Bay for a restaurant lunch, a swim (weather depending), or a nature walk. 

For those keen walkers, you can walk to the next small village of Eastbourne or hike to Butterfly Creek .

If you would like to explore the nearby countryside, a drive over the Rimutaka Hill is an experience in itself. 

Your reward is wine tasting at a selection of New Zealand’s vineyards.

Or you can enjoy a lunch platter with a refreshing glass of wine at a vineyard in Martinborough.

We love Palliser Estate for wine purchases and Tirohana Estate for lunch. 

And when you need to have a shopping fix, it’s only 15 minutes from Martinborough to another small town, Greytown .

Here you can buy locally-produced olive oil, honey, and preserves while you browse the artisan shops for gifts.

But for gifts of Paua, visit the next large town, Carterton.

If you like to enjoy a glass or two of delicious wine, make sure you book a tour so you don’t have to worry about driving.

You don’t have to go too far to enjoy New Zealand’s southern coast of Wellington. 

Starting at Shelly Bay, you can browse local art in the old defence force buildings.

Dip your toes at Scorching Bay with its white sandy beach and Scorch o Rama for coffee or ice cream.

Drive along Karaka Bay and maybe see the passing interisland ferry near the settlement of Seatoun.

Breaker Bay is also worth a stop for views across to Pencarrow lighthouse before lunch at Lyall Bay Spruce Goose where you can watch the surfers trying to find a wave.

Continue your drive along Houghton Bay and Island Bay for spectacular views of the south island Kaikoura mountain range.

If you’re inspired by what you see of the south island, hop a ferry and let your adventure continue in Christchurch!

Maybe even book a quirky stay at The Keep or The Lighthouse. Or go directly to Red Rocks, Owhiro Bay.

Park the car and visit the Te Kopahou Visitor Centre for some history of this rugged area before you set off on your walk to Red Rocks.

The coastal pathway is a mix of sand and stones so you’ll need sturdy walking shoes. 

This rugged coastline has views of the south island on sunny days.

It also has a captivating marine life ecosystem and a seal colony (you’ll smell them before you see them!) 

But if you are after more views of Wellington, then take the drive to Brooklyn.

For one last aerial view of Wellington, take the narrow winding road up to the Brooklyn Wind Turbine.

The panoramic view shows you the hills and green spaces of Wellington, and also the picturesque harbour.

You may even experience ‘Windy Wellington’ at its worst!

And for a more rugged coastline, take a drive to Kapiti.

Southward Car Museum is an hour’s drive from Wellington. 

If you are a car enthusiast or love old things, this museum has a collection of over 400 cars in a 6,000 sqm exhibition area.

The drive along the rugged coastline with views of Kapiti Island is spectacular.

The alternative route is to drive over Paekakariki Hill with even more panoramic views.

And to experience more of Wellington’s wildlife, you can book a ferry or a tour of Kapiti Island .

Wellington is a city of arts, film, craft beer and coffee.

So if you plan a trip in:

• February, book tickets to the Arts Festival
• August, book tickets to the best craft beer festival
• September, book tickets to WOW (World of Wearable Art)
• November for harbourside fireworks

Regardless of when you visit, there is sure to be some festival or event to enjoy in Wellington!

But now it’s time to relax for the evening in Wellington.

What to Do in Wellington at Night

There is a wide variety of things to do in Wellington city at night, apart from eating and drinking.

Some suggestions:

• See the lights of the city from Mount Victoria
• Listen to wildlife on a Zealandia night tour
• Hunt for glow worms at the Botanical Gardens
• See the stars at Space Place at Carter Observatory
• Watch a movie at Roxy’s (art deco building)
• Sip cocktails at The Library on Courtenay Place
• Wander the buzzy Wellington waterfront

And there’s always a craft beer to be found before you leave this beautiful city.

People often ask: “What is Wellington famous for, besides Te Papa and the Flat White?’

Sure it’s known as “Windy Wellington.”

But the thing you will love about Wellington is its coffee, bars, and award-winning restaurants.

Along the Wellington waterfront, you have:

• Mojo coffee roastery 
• One Red Dog for casual dining and great pizzas
• Mac’s Brewbar for craft beer

At Wellington Lambton Quay enjoy:

• Smith the Grocer for cafe lunch
• Charley Noble for cocktails and culinary excellent
• Pravda Cafe and Grill for exquisite menu and wine selection

And along Cuba Street enjoy:

• Floriditas for New Zealand cuisine
• Fidel’s Cafe for great coffee and brunch
• Havana Bar for classic Cuban cuisine

So, now you have another fantastic city to add to the top of your itinerary of New Zealand. 

Because Wellington is a compact city, it’s easy to walk between city landmarks, hire a car for day trips or walk a rugged coastline.

Having the option to stay near the waterfront opens up so many captivating places to visit.

Not to mention visiting one of the many craft bars or excellent restaurants and cafes.

When you add these activities to your itinerary it will make you want to stop and stay longer to experience more of this beautiful capital city.

And maybe you’ll even find more unique places to visit and things to do in Wellington during your stay!

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Maura McKenna

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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16 wonderful things to do in Wellington

Located on the southern end of the North Island, Wellington is New Zealand’s capital city. Famous for its culture, food, and attractions this city is a must-visit if you’re travelling through the country.

There are tonnes of adventures waiting for you in the capital ranging from scenic flights to botanical gardens, incredible modern museums to wildlife sanctuaries.

With so much to choose from – how can you possibly decide where to start?

Don’t worry – we’re here to show you the best things to do in Wellington!

Table of contents

The Best Things to Do in Wellington

Whether you’re looking to eat tasty food, head to a museum, or go on a sightseeing tour – there’s something for everyone in Welly.

So, let’s dive into the city’s most popular attractions and activities.

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1. Ride The Wellington Cable Car

No trip to the city is complete without heading up to Kelburn Lookout on the Wellington Cable Car. This is without a doubt one of the best things to do in Wellington.

It’s been open since 1902 so has quite the history and is currently the only remaining funicular railway in New Zealand. The journey takes just five minutes, during which time you’ll be rewarded with the most spectacular views of the city.

Cars depart every 10 minutes from Lambton Quay, so it’s easy to fit a ride in amongst your other plans.

280 Lambton Quay, Wellington Central, Wellington 6011

Pro Tip: If you can head up the cable car for sunset, it’s even better!

2. Visit the Museum of New Zealand – Te Papa Tongarewa

Wellington is home to the National Museum of New Zealand, Te Papa Tongarewa.

Te Papa Tongarewa translates to ‘Container of Treasures’ and with six floors full of fantastic exhibits, the name is entirely suitable. This is undoubtedly one of the best museums in the country.

More commonly known as Te Papa, it has a number of popular long-term exhibitions including Te Taiao Nature (the nature exhibition zone), Whāngai Whenua Ahi Kā/Blood Earth Fire (a glimpse at life in New Zealand before people arrived), and Toi Art.

However, you’ll also find plenty of temporary exhibits happening throughout the year so keep an eye on the website for updates.

Entry is free, and affordable guided tours are available as an optional add-on. Don’t miss it when you’re next in the capital!

55 Cable Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011

3. Soak Up the Wildlife and Nature at Zealandia

Located in Central Wellington, Zealandia is an eco-sanctuary that’s home to over 40 native species .

You can explore Zealandia’s lush forest at your own pace, whilst looking out for rare species including the little spotted kiwi (nocturnal birds), takahē, tuatara, and the Wellington green gecko.

If you’d prefer a guided tour – there are two options available to you. You can either join a 45-minute tour of Zealandia during the day or book a night tour (2.5 hours long) which will give you a good chance of spotting kiwi and glow worms .

There’s even a free shuttle that runs to Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary from the top of the cable car so it’s easily accessible.

53 Waiapu Road, Karori, Wellington 6012

4. Marvel at the Views from the Mount Victoria Lookout

If you’re looking for more awesome views of Wellington then there’s no question – head to the Mount Victoria Lookout.

Public buses run to the lookout but you can also walk to the top from Oriental Parade and Majoribanks Street. No matter which trail you choose you’re looking at a 25-minute walk to the top.

Once you reach Mount Victoria Lookout you’ll be rewarded with 360° views of the city, harbour and the ocean.

A wonderful free activity, this is one of the best things to do in Wellington – especially if you take a picnic with you to enjoy during sunset.

5. Walk Along Wellington’s Waterfront

Wandering along the waterfront is a great way to see the city, and you’ll find plenty of things to do here.

There are a couple of waterfront trails to choose from including the Maritime Heritage Trail and the Old Shoreline Heritage Trail. You can also wander along the waterfront from Post Office Square to Te Papa.

It doesn’t matter which route you take as each one offers scenic views, a variety of cafes and restaurants, and plenty of unique stores. Also, keep your eyes peeled for the ‘solace in the wind’ sculpture and the famous harbour fountain.

If you’re brave, we suggest taking your togs (swimming costume) and flinging yourself off the Taranaki Wharf jump platform . Or, if you prefer, watch as others do exactly that.

Pro Tip: Be prepared for the wind Wellington is so well known for, as even on a hot summer’s day it can be pretty breezy.

6 . Hop on a Scenic Flight Over the City

Whilst in this stunning town, we recommend hopping on board a scenic helicopter flight… made all the more special thanks to its low price point.

On this flight, you’ll get insane views of the city including the harbour, Te Papa Museum, the Beehive, and the Cake Tin. Plus, the ocean also looks pretty incredible from up in the air too!

If you’re lucky enough to fly on a clear day then you might even get to see the Marlborough Sounds and the Upper South Island.

You’ll be given the choice between four different flight routes on the day to ensure you see exactly what interests you.

7. Grab a Bite to Eat at Hannahs Laneway

If you’re looking for unique food in Wellington then head to Hannahs Laneway. This is one of the city’s hidden gems and is the number one place to visit if you’re huge foodies like us.

This street is home to a tonne of cuisines, ranging from pizzas to tacos, so there’s plenty to choose from.

Some of the most popular dining spots include Pizza Pomodoro , Shepherd , and Donnie Taco. Then you can head to Wellington Chocolate Factory for dessert or Leeds Street Bakery which is famous for its cookies!

You’ll also find a couple of brew bars here too.

8. Check Out the Icon that is Cuba Street

One of the best-known and most popular streets in the city, Cuba Street is a local icon. With something for everyone, there’s always something going on there!

Check out the famous Bucket Fountain, walk the rainbow crossing, enjoy street art or grab a tasty meal. In fact, you’ll find food ranging from $10 dumplings right through to acclaimed degustation menus, which goes to show how diverse this part of the city really is.

No visit to Wellington is complete without stopping by Cuba Street.

Te Aro, Wellington 6011

9. Visit Wellington’s Botanic Gardens

We love wandering around the Botanic Gardens in Wellington.

Located at the top of the cable car, the Wellington Botanic Gardens cover an impressive area of 25 hectares (64 acres). There, you’ll find some of the oldest trees in New Zealand, colourful flower beds, and large sculptures.

From the gardens, you’ll also enjoy stunning views of the city and its harbour – especially during golden hour, just before the sun goes down.

The top attractions here include Begonia House, Lady Norwood Rose Garden, Discovery Garden, and the Sculpture Trail, so ensure you leave enough time to see them all.

101 Glenmore Street, Kelburn, Wellington 6012

10. Explore the City Gallery

If you’re a fan of culture then you’ll want to visit Wellington’s City Gallery whilst you’re in the city.

You’ll find a tonne of fantastic contemporary art exhibits here, both permanent and frequently updated, so there’s always something new to see. Plus, they showcase exquisite works from both local and international artists.

If you’re looking for something to take home, be sure to head along to the Gallery Shop during your visit where you’ll find homemade jewellery, art and design books, and toys for children .

Te Ngākau Civic Square, Wellington 6011

Did you know? City Gallery regularly runs free events too, so take a look at its website before your trip.

11. Head to One of the City’s Breweries

Wellington is famous for its breweries, and there are plenty to choose from!

We’d recommend heading along the iconic Craft Capital Beer Trail which includes 12 breweries/stores and a tonne of craft beers . Once you’ve visited each of them, they’ll even give you a free souvenir t-shirt!

Or you can choose the Brew Pub Pilgrimage Trail (PDF) which will take you to some of the most popular breweries including Heyday Beer Co and Garage Project .

If that doesn’t take your fancy then take a look at the Suburban Sanctuary Trail (PDF).

Every trail can be found on the Craft Beer Capital website so if you’ve got a couple of days in Wellington and can’t decide, why not do all three?

12. Tour the Beehive – New Zealand’s Parliament Building

The New Zealand Parliament building, known as the Beehive (due to its distinctive shape) is the home of democracy in New Zealand. It is also one of the most iconic sets of buildings in Wellington, and it’s free to tour.

There are a number of different ways that you can visit our Parliament.

We highly recommend you join one of their free guided tours , or if you prefer, you’re able to take a free map to self-guide around the grounds – this is a lovely activity on a sunny afternoon. Alternatively, head into the public galleries to see Parliament in full swing.

1 Museum Street, Pipitea, Wellington 6160

Pro Tip: These tours are popular so we suggest using the links above to reserve your spots for free.

13. Join a Sightseeing Tour of Wellington

If you’d prefer to go on a guided sightseeing tour of Wellington, there are a number of worthwhile options.

• Sight-seeing city tour – If you’d like an introduction to the city, hop on a half-day tour that will take you to the city’s most popular sites including Old Saint Paul’s Cathedral, the Parliament Buildings, and Weta Cave. You’ll also head up to Mount Victoria Lookout and go on the city’s iconic cable car. This is a great way to see some of Wellington’s most popular attractions if you’ve only got a short amount of time in the city.
• Seal coast safari – Head out of the city, for Regional Wellington’s wild beaches. There, you’ll enjoy up-close and personal encounters with New Zealand’s fur seals and deer on a private farm.
• Lord of The Rings tour – Offering half-day and full-day tours, these are the ultimate for any fans of Lord of the Rings ! Included in your tour is a visit to Wētā Workshops, a LOTR-themed lunch and stops at key filming locations.

14. Take a Ferry out to Matiu/Somes Island

Somes Island (or Matiu as it’s known in te reo Māori) is located in the middle of Wellington Harbour. This makes it easily accessible.

There’s a scheduled ferry service that runs to Matiu every day of the week, taking only 25 minutes from Queens Wharf (in Central Wellington).

This place has a rich history as it’s been used as a defence fortress, a quarantine station and a detention centre over the years.

Today it’s a haven for native birds and wildlife . We recommend walking the loop track around the island to make the most of the native plants, birds and views. Though the track takes about 40-minutes to walk, we recommend you take your time and really soak in your surroundings.

15. Head to Wētā Workshop

Wētā Workshop is just a 15-minute drive from the city centre and is a must-visit for any movie buff!

There, you’ll get to learn about how movie effects are made, costumes, make-up and so much more.

During your tour of Wētā Workshop, you’ll get to see props and vehicles created for a tonne of popular films including King Kong, The Lord of the Rings, and The Chronicles of Narnia.

If hands-on is more your style, they have an option for you to really get involved too.

16. Take a trip to the Paekākāriki Escarpment Track

We think the Paekākāriki Escarpment Track is one of the best walks in the Wellington region.

The 9.1 km track runs between Paekākāriki to Pukerua Bay, and you can start it from either side. Both locations are an hour’s journey from Wellington by car or train so it doesn’t matter which one you choose.

Running right along the coastline, it naturally offers stunning views of the Kāpiti Coastline and the iconic Kāpiti Island.

However, it’s not for the faint-hearted as you’ll be traversing steep steps, two swing bridges, and narrow pathways which are found along ridgeways. If you ask us, we think that’s all part of the fun though.

We highly recommend this walk, but be sure to allow 3-4 hours to really enjoy it, plus transport time.

State Highway 1, Paekākāriki 5034

As you can see there is a tonne of fantastic things to do in Wellington!

Have you ever been to this awesome city?

If you have, we’d love to know, what are your favourite things to do and why?

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23 BEST Things to Do in Wellington – Ultimate 2024 Guide

By Author Delilah

Posted on Last updated: January 11, 2024

New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington, is a vibrantly cultured, compact city packed with loads of epic ‘must-dos’.

Nicknamed the ‘coolest little capital in the world’ by Lonely Planet, Wellington certainly lives up to the hype.  Expect to find a city teeming with trendy bars, world-class restaurants and quirky attractions.  There’s quite literally no shortage of cool things to do in Wellington.

We’ve summarised our favourites to help you decide what to do, so read on to find out our top picks!

Table of Contents

Things to Do in Wellington

Wellington is filled to the brim with great activities, despite having such a small city centre.  The beauty of this is that Wellington is such a walkable city.  If you’re flying in, then there’s really no need for a car – just walk from place to place and book tours for the places further afield.

1. Peruse the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa For Free

Certainly one of the best free things to do in Wellington, Te Papa is arguably the best museum in New Zealand – and one of our favourite in the world, but being Kiwis we’re biased.

Te Papa Museum is New Zealand’s national museum and contains numerous, extremely informative exhibitions.  The long term ones tend to have a strong focus on New Zealand history, Maori culture and New Zealand’s natural world.  

When we last visited, the Gallipoli exhibition was on and it was one of the most poignant displays we’ve ever seen.  We walked around Wellington museum immersed for around 2-hours with barely a word spoken between us.  2,779 Kiwis lost their lives on Gallipoli with many more scarred forever.

Te Papa is free to visit, however if you prefer a guided experience you can book the official 1-hour guided tour offered by Te Papa itself.

2. Go on an Adventure at Zealandia Eco Sanctuary

Zealandia wildlife sanctuary is the world’s first fully-fenced urban sanctuary.  In other words, this is a massive 225 hectare wildlife park located right in the middle of Wellington city.  

Zealandia offers a Day Tour and a Night Tour which cost $55 and $85 respectively.  Both tours are guided for 2-hours and take you through the native bush to see New Zealand’s wildlife.  

The night tour, in particular, is one of the most unique things to do in Wellington.  You’ll most likely get the opportunity to see New Zealand’s native birds and the highly endangered Kiwi – a once in a lifetime experience.

You can easily get to Zealandia via the free shuttle bus that departs regularly from town.

3. Ride the Wellington Cable Car

Another unique attraction in Wellington is to take the bright red Wellington Cable Car up to the gorgeous botanic gardens.

This is a pretty fun and unusual activity, but overall it’s a little underwhelming.  We 100% recommend doing this, especially at just $9 for a return ticket.  Just set your expectations before you go!

Tickets for the cable car can be bought in cash at the terminal in Lambton Quay, though, we’d recommend sorting it out online beforehand here.   The price is the same.

4. Stay in NZ’s Fanciest Hostel

Hostels aren’t usually considered ‘fancy, however, The Marion Hostel in Wellington is the exception to this rule.  

Priced at around $100 per night for a double room, or $70-90 for a dorm bed, The Marion is certainly on the pricey side for a hostel.  Regardless, it’s still a lot cheaper than a hotel and the experience is better than places double the price.  The only catch is you’ll have to share a bathroom.

We reckon this is a one-off opportunity that’s not worth missing.  Also, the double rooms appear to be limited and sell out quickly so if you’re after some privacy you may want to book this quickly.

You can check out The Marion Hostel and book online here.

5. Visit Weta Cave at Weta Workshop

Weta Workshop is a world renowned special effects and prop design company based in Wellington.  They are most known for creating the props for The Lord of the Rings trilogy.  Thanks to the fame of Lord of the Rings, Weta Cave has become one of the most popular things to do in Wellington.

Their workshop in Wellington can be visited for tours or to see the shop.  Weta Cave itself, which is the shop, is well worth a visit as a top indoor activity.  This must-see spot not only offers products for purchase, but also displays a wide range of prop replicas.

If you have more time, however, we’d highly recommend booking in one of the Weta Workshop guided tours.  These cost $49 and you’ll get to learn all about the props, costumes, creatures and more.

6. Hike to the Mount Victoria Lookout

The Mount Victoria Lookout is a stunning viewpoint that offers panoramic views over Wellington city and the harbour.  

The best part about this walk is its proximity to Wellington’s city centre, meaning it’s easily walkable from your accommodation.  It takes about 40-minutes through native bush to walk to the lookout from Cuba Street, which should be doable for most people.

7. Day Trip to Kapiti Island

Trips to Wellington typically revolve around the city itself, so it’s nice to have the option to escape the busy city to embrace New Zealand’s natural beauty.

Kapiti Island is a predator-free, nature reserve located just up the coast from Wellington.  

For anyone who loves nature and wildlife, Kapiti Island is a must-do.  You’ll get the opportunity to see and hear some of New Zealand’s rarest and most endangered bird species – which are thankfully thriving on the island.

We recommend booking transport (by boat) and a tour with Kapiti Island Eco Experience .  

8. Tour New Zealand Parliament House

New Zealand’s official parliamentary buildings, Parliament House and the iconic beehive, are an important part of New Zealand and well worth a visit.

Parliament offers a range of guided parliament tours which are the perfect opportunity to learn more about New Zealand politics, governance and political buildings.  These tours are entirely free and so, so worth doing.

If you are short on time, then we’d at the least recommend walking past to check out the building as it’s an intriguing piece of architecture.

9. Walk Along Oriental Parade on the Wellington Waterfront

Oriental Parade is Wellington’s gorgeous inner city beach which sprawls along the Wellington waterfront.  The road is lined with hotels on one side and a stunning beach on the other, making it feel a bit like you went on vacation to a beachfront location.

Oriental Bay is naturally a great place to stay, with awesome options here including the Copthorne (where we stayed) and Ohtel (where we wish we stayed).

But even if you aren’t staying here, we’d still recommend wandering down for a stroll.  

10. Eat Fried Chicken

The first thing we do when we visit a new place is look for the best food options (more on that below) and the most exciting thing we found were a couple of super popular fried chicken spots:  Lucky Fried Chicken and Soul Shack.

Lucky being famous for their burgers, which pair perfectly with their equally famous gravy and chips.

However, Soul Shack was, coincidentally, where I got to experience my soul momentarily leaving my body as I enjoyed some Nashville fried chicken on white bread.  Holy cluck. This was the best fried chicken I’ve ever had.  Also the hottest, so maybe avoid it if you can’t handle spice.

11. Visit Hannah’s Laneway

Hannah’s Laneway is one of those super cute alleyways that you just end up finding yourself in when you get lost.  A happy little accident I suppose.  

This former shoe factory is Wellington’s tastiest, hipsteriest little gem.  With the famous Fix and Fogg hole in the wall serving peanut butter tasting (omg) and toast.

There’s also multiple bars, a pizza spot, a bakery and the Wellington Chocolate Factory.

12. Eat Like a Foodie at the Wellington Restaurants

We reckon Wellington’s soul is found within its food and drink scene, and many Kiwis consider Wellington to be New Zealand’s culinary capital for a reason.

Cheap eats are plentiful, with top Asian picks including Pho Mo, Little Penang (amazing Malaysian food), Fisherman’s Plate, Chow Tory (good fusion) and Saigon Van Grill Bar. 

It’s also nice to be able to dine out at a nicer spot and you really can’t go wrong with any of the places on Cuba Street.  Two standouts for us are Loretta and Ombra. The former is great for a Sunday brunch, whilst Ombra is a favourite dinner spot.

13. Go on a Martinborough Vineyard Tour

The nearby Martinborough wine region is world renowned for some of the best wineries in New Zealand, with particular acclaim for its pinot noir.  It’s a bonus that the region is so close to Wellington.

We’d recommend checking out a few of the best wineries here including Te Kairanga, Ata Rangi and Palliser Wines.  

We’re also aware of just how difficult it can be to explore wineries given how rare it is to find a sober driver willing to drive you around.  

Of course, this is the best option, but if you don’t have a sober driver (or a car for that matter), then make sure to book this Martinborough Winery Tour .  It’s a full day outing lasting 5-hours and included pick up, drop off, a driver guide and all tasting fees.

14. Go Coffee Tasting

If you loooooove coffee, then Wellington will be like heaven.  The city is home to so many coffee roasters and cafes, including Raglan Roast, L’affare, Supreme, Havana and Acme.

But our favourite of all the places is Flight Coffee.  Already one of our favourite coffee roasters in New Zealand, we made sure to head here for a brew.  

Specifically, Flight Coffee’s cafe in Wellington offer a coffee tasting flight.  You can choose either espresso or filter coffee and you’ll get to taste a range of different coffees.  But expect to leave on a high.

15. Explore Cuba Street

In the heart of Wellington city, Cuba Street is where it’s all happening.  Home to some of the trendiest and best bars, restaurants and retail shops in the city, it’s the place to be both day and night.

Because a lot of the best things to do in Wellington are concentrated around here, we recommend most people opt to stay as close to Cuba Street as possible when visiting Wellington.

The best things to do around here involve trying out the restaurants (Loretta and Ombra are great) and some of the awesome bars (laundry has some bangin’ cocktails).  

Retail here is quirky and unusual.  You can expect to find vintage and one of a kind clothing shops, Iko Iko (a treasure trove for ‘things’), bookshops with floor to ceiling stacks of books and a place that sells espresso at midnight (called, unsurprisingly, Midnight Espresso).

16. Visit Harbourside Market

Wellington’s oldest and most popular market, Harbourside Market, is a pretty large market that sets up right by the water near Te Papa museum and the Wellington waterfront every Sunday morning.

The market is packed with stalls, ranging from small crafts like ceramics, art and gifts, to food and coffee.  If you need fresh fruit and veges it’s a great spot to grab some.

You’ll find all your classic market food stalls including bakery food, icecream, sausages (cooked and uncooked) and more.  Our favourites included a stall offering great coffee and another selling waffles – the perfect way to start a Sunday.

17. Enjoy Some Craft Beers

Wellington is pretty well known around New Zealand for it’s craft beers – in fact nicknamed by some as the craft beer capital of New Zealand.  

There’s a number of great breweries to try in the region including Fortune Favours, HeyDay, Whistling Sisters, Parrotdog and the popular Garage Project.  

On top of visiting breweries, most bars in Wellington Central will have at least a few craft beers on tap.

If you can make it at the right time of the year, you can try and make one of numerous beer festivals, with Beervana in August the biggest most popular.

18. Walk the Pinnacles Track

One of our favourite outdoor activities in Wellington is to walk the Pinnacles Track – and no, not the stunning Kauaeranga Kauri Trail, which coincidentally is one of our favourite things to do in the Coromandel .

The Pinnacles Track in Wellington is a 2-4 hour walk to the Putangirua Pinnacles Lookout.  The area was a set in the well-known Lord of the Rings films thanks to the ancient rock formations – it’s where Gimli, Aragorn and Legolas rode to visit the army of the dead.

This walk is relatively easy but quite long and can get extremely hot in summer, so bring water.  Otherwise, it’s an absolute must-do!

19. Walk Around the Wellington Botanical Gardens

The Wellington Botanical Gardens is a series of beautiful garden collections located on 25-hectares of land right on a mountain in the heart of Wellington.

It’s a gorgeous walk and easy for most people, especially if you opt to take the red cable car up to the top.  There’s also a really nice playground, a cable car museum and a cafe here making it a great option for families with young kids.

We enjoyed a stroll through the gardens before walking down the side of the mountain and visiting the previously mentioned parliamentary buildings before heading back into town on foot.  It’s great how conveniently located everything in Wellington is!

20. Go on a Roadie to Castlepoint Lighthouse

Castlepoint Lighthouse is one of the most instagrammable spots near Wellington, however, it’s a bit of a mission to get to.  

So we recommend turning it into a bit of a roadtrip adventure that takes you though some of New Zealand’s most beautiful towns.  Greytown quite literally won an award naming it New Zealand’s most beautiful town, though we may argue there are more beautiful towns in the South Island.  Also making sure to stop in Carterton to visit Clareville bakery for lunch.

Once you arrive in Castlepoint, you can take a 15-minute walk to the lighthouse for some epic photos.  If you’re up for it, you can even climb the 148m up Castle Rock for stunning views of the lighthouse.

21. Wander Indoors at City Gallery Art Gallery

There’s a lot of great indoor activities in Wellington making it a good winter destination for domestic travellers.  One such location is the City Gallery Art Gallery which can be found right next to Te Papa.

City Gallery is one of New Zealand’s leading art galleries with a handful of stunning exhibitions running at any given time of the year.  There’s usually a good mix of international and local art on exhibit.

Entry to the gallery is free, however, some special exhibitions may charge an entry fee but these are fully optional.  Sometimes we find them to be worth it, other times it’s a bit expensive so we give them a miss.

22. Drink Cocktails at the Trendy Wellington Bars at Night

One of our favourite things to do in Wellington at night is to go bar hopping at our favourite bars.  All along Cuba Street you’ll be spoiled for choice with bars and restaurants tucked down every side street or in plain view on the main road.  Here are a few of our favourites.

The Library

The Library is our favourite bar in Wellington, oddly set in what looks like a cross between a prohibition-esque style bar and a literal library.  The vibe here is on point.  When we visited there was a live band playing.  The highlight is the cocktails.

Dirty Little Secret

Dirty Little Secret is a fun and cheerful rooftop bar offering nice views out over Wellington.  It’s not the highest rooftop in the city and, of course being on a rooftop, it is somewhat exposed to the elements so bring a warm jacket.  

Laundry is a super hipster-y and unique bar on Cuba Street.  The decor is all of the place, which we love, and the cocktails are awesome.

23. Check Out the Wellington Zoo (Great For Kids)

The best little zoo in the world, New Zealand’s first every zoo and a 100% charitable association.  Wellington Zoo is one of the best places in New Zealand to see animals that can’t be found in the wild domestically.

With over 500 animals, a cafe and numerous playgrounds, Wellington Zoo is arguably our top thing to do in Wellington with kids.  Families won’t struggle to keep everyone entertained here.

Wellington Accommodation

Being the capital city of New Zealand, Wellington is packed with great accommodation options. Two areas stand out in particular – near Oriental Parade and near Cuba Street. Both of these spots are super conveniently located and within walking distance to everything in the CBD.

The Marion Hostel

The Marion Hostel is what we consider to be the ultimate hostel. It’s not exactly the cheapest hostel, but you get what you pay for – a lovely place to stay at an affordable price. On top of this, it’s one of the most conveniently located accommodations in Wellington for travellers who love to stay right in the heart of the city.

Check out and book the The Marion Hostel here.

Bolton Hotel

Bolton Hotel is a little further away but still within an easy walk of Cuba Street and the Wellington waterfront. Thanks to its unique decor, modern rooms, swimming pool and luxurious, 5-star amenities we reckon this is the best hotel in Wellington. It’s also surprisingly affordable so for most travellers we’d recommend booking your stay here.

Check out and book Bolton Hotel here.

Sofitel Wellington

Sofitel Hotel is another stunning, 5-star hotel located in an amazing part of Wellington’s city centre. It has unique and modern interior design – something we can’t quite say about all the hotels in Wellington (we’re looking at you Copthorne…). It’s very near the Bolton Hotel above but you forego the pool which for some may be a dealbreaker.

Check out and book Sofitel Hotel here.

How to Get to Wellington

Most people will get to Wellington by either plane, ferry or car.  The interislander ferry operates between Picton and Wellington and can be booked here for around $70.

If you’re flying in, we don’t think you’ll need a car.  You can book a shared airport transfer here , book an Uber when you arrive, or even consider walking to the bus stop if you’re on a strict budget.  

Is Wellington Worth Visiting

Yup, we think Wellington is absolutely worth visiting.  It’s great for a weekend getaway with countless eateries, bars and things to do in the city centre.  For travellers on a longer road trip, it acts as a gateway between the North and South Islands.

Best Time to Visit Wellington

Wellington is great to visit all year round.  Summer is probably the nicest time as the weather is a bit better, however, we find we usually visit during Winter as we choose beach destinations during Summer. Regardless, all the things to do in Wellington are great regardless of when you choose to visit.

Day Trips from Wellington City

There are so many epic day trips from Wellington, some of which we covered off in this list – such as the Pinnacles hike!  One of our favourite day trips is to head on a short roadie out to the Castlepoint Lighthouse.  

This takes you through a few little towns before hiking 15-minutes (each way) to the stunning lighthouse viewpoint – one of the most instagrammable spots in the region.

Technically you could also do a day trip to the South Island which is just a short boat ride across the Cook Strait, although we’d typically recommend a bit longer (mainly because we love the South Island and reckon it needs all the time you can give it!).

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15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Wellington

Written by Jess Lee Updated Dec 22, 2023

Good things certainly do come in small packages. Take Wellington, New Zealand, for example.

Wellington may be little, but this diminutive capital city is big on funky café culture and beautiful views.

Snuggled between steep, forest-clad hills and a wide sweep of bay looking out to Cook Strait , Wellington spreads out across the slopes, and a sturdy pair of walking shoes benefits visitors who want to explore outside of the central business district.

Luckily, the main tourism highlight — the magnificent Museum of New Zealand (Te Papa) — is located near the waterfront, and the quaint Wellington Cable Car provides a scenic and extremely fun alternative to puffing up the hill to the Kelburn Lookout.

Due to the city's position, capturing the blustery conditions right on Cook Strait, it has gained the nickname of "windy Wellington." But don't let that put you off. On a blue-sky summer's day, there really is no prettier city in New Zealand.

To learn more about this exciting travel destination and all of its interesting places to visit, be sure to read our list of the best tourist attractions in Wellington.

See also: Where to Stay in Wellington

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

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New Zealand's national museum is an immersive journey into the natural forces that formed the country, the culture of the Maori people who first settled here, and the social history of both Maori and Europeans who have shaped the nation since then.

The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa (more commonly called "Te Papa" by locals) has a wealth of exhibits to explore, including the Earthquake House that simulates the experience of being in an earthquake.

You will also find the Te Taiao Nature exhibition hall, which focuses on New Zealand's landscapes, flora, and fauna, with plenty of interactive displays. The much more sedate Arts Te Papa collection has 11 galleries of artworks focused on New Zealand and Pacific Island artists.

The highlight of the museum, though, is the Mana Whenua exhibition, which traces the history of New Zealand's Maori with a fine collection of Maori art and treasures and a state-of-the-art multimedia displays.

The museum runs a variety of well-priced tours , ranging from a one-hour "Introducing Te Papa" tour, which gives museum visitors a good grounding in the cultures and landscapes of New Zealand, to more specialized tours that focus on Maori culture and heritage.

Cafés and a shop are also located on the premises and are especially handy if you're planning a long visit or are attending an educational seminar or lecture.

Address: 55 Cable Street, Te Aro, Wellington

Official site: www.tepapa.govt.nz/pages/home.aspx

Wellington's historic cable car has been climbing up the hill to the Kelburn Lookout , next door to the Botanic Gardens, since 1912.

This fun five-minute journey is a scenic (and much more relaxed) alternative to puffing your way up Wellington's steep hill from Lambton Quay in the waterfront central district.

There are excellent views across the city along the way, and keen photographers will definitely want to get snap-happy with the cityscape panoramas laid out before them once at Kelburn Lookout.

The Kelburn cable car terminal is also home to the interesting Cable Car Museum , which displays the original cable car used on the tracks.

A cable car ride is also one of the top things to do at night in Wellington. Not only do you get the chance to admire the nighttime views over the city below you, but parts of the journey, including the tunnels, are lit up with colorful displays of illuminations.

There's also a good café located at the top of the cable attraction.

Address: 280 Lambton Quay, Wellington

Official site: www.wellingtoncablecar.co.nz/English/Home.html

Immediately east of the city center is Mount Victoria. Topping out at 196 meters high, this peak offers fantastic views over the cityscape, although it can be extremely windy on top.

A narrow winding road, signposted "Lookout," runs up from Oriental Bay to the Byrd Memorial below the viewing platform.

From the terrace on the summit there is a magnificent panorama of the broad city, the harbor, and Cook Strait in one direction and Kelburn Park with the university buildings in the other.

The Byrd Memorial commemorates the American aviator, Richard Byrd, who in 1929 made the first flight over the South Pole from his base in New Zealand

The itinerary includes a visit to Mount Victoria's summit for panoramic views, a trip on the historic cable car up to Kelburn Lookout, and photo stops at the Beehive and St Paul's Church. Pick-up and drop-off from Wellington hotels is also included.

Location: Access off Kent Terrace, Wellington

Dedicated to exhibiting New Zealand's conservation efforts and its unique nature and wildlife, ZEALANDIA Ecosanctuary is a 225-hectare urban eco-sanctuary only two kilometers from the city center.

Here, many of the country's native birds — including endangered species such as the stitchbird, saddleback, and takahe — can be heard and seen, as well as more than 100 kiwi (which can be spotted on guided night tours) and New Zealand's famed reptile, the tuatara.

There are 32 kilometers of walking trails throughout the reserve for visitors to explore, plus a museum that documents the natural history of the country.

Day time and twilight tours are also available, along with a fun electric boat ride.

Address: 53 Waiapu Road, Wellington

Official site: www.visitzealandia.com

Wellington's most iconic building is The Beehive, site of New Zealand's parliament.

Designed by British architect Sir Basil Spence and built between 1964 and 1979, the building with its distinctive shape is the city's most love-it-or-hate-it piece of architecture.

Next door is the more classical looking building of Parliament House, built in 1907 in Neoclassical Edwardian style and home to The Chamber where parliamentary debates are held.

Free one-hour tours of the parliament buildings are held daily between 10am and 4pm and trace New Zealand's parliamentary history, as well as touring through the important government rooms. They leave from the visitor center on the ground floor of The Beehive.

The parliament gardens around the buildings are open to the public and contain rose gardens and a statue of Richard John Seddon who was prime minister of New Zealand between 1893 and 1906.

Address: Molesworth Street, Wellington

Official site: www.parliament.nz

Wellington Zoo is the oldest zoo in New Zealand . Established in 1906, it's well known for its conservation efforts.

If you have little ones in tow, this is an excellent place to see some of New Zealand's wildlife up close, especially shy animals such as the kiwi bird (the country's national emblem) and the tuatara reptile.

There are also plenty of well-maintained enclosures for animals from across the world, including the Malayan sun bear, along with giraffes, monkeys, chimpanzees, gibbons, meerkats, and big cats.

The zoo's animal hospital, known as The Nest, can be visited to see the work of the zoo's veterinarian staff.

Other fun things to do here include daily animal talks, feeding experiences, creature encounters , exploring the adventure playgrounds, and even zoo sleepovers.

Address: 200 Daniell Street, Newton, Wellington

Official site: https://wellingtonzoo.com/

Fans of the classic Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies won't want to miss out on Wellington's connection to Peter Jackson's successful trilogies.

Wellington is home to the director's famous Weta Workshop, where many of the props and special effects for these blockbuster movies were made.

The workshop runs a range of tours that take visitors behind-the-scenes to show how special effects are made from props; creatures and costumes were created for Lord of the Rings , Avatar , and District 9 ; and the huge miniature model used for Thunderbirds Are Go .

You'll also see up-close some of the models used to portray various characters and film sets, and there is a chance to watch the workshop's artists and creators at work on current projects.

There is a tour option including round-trip transportation from downtown Wellington. A great souvenir shop is located on-site.

Official site: https://tours.wetaworkshop.com/

Rated one of the top free things to do in Wellington , state-of-the-art multimedia displays help bring the city's history to life in the small but impressive Wellington Museum.

Housed in a preserved historic building that was once one of the city's early department stores, the museum features informative exhibits and film presentations that trace Wellington's maritime history and the city's evolution.

In particular, the exhibits on the 1968 Wahine disaster-the sinking of the Wahine ferry near Wellington harbor during a storm claimed 51 lives and is New Zealand's worst maritime disaster-are a sobering and thoughtful reminder of the power of nature and Wellington's connection to the sea.

There is also a very well presented gallery focused on Maori myths and legends.

Also worth a visit is the nearby Pukeahu National War Memorial Park , home to the country's national monument to those who have fallen during conflict. Of special interest is the War Memorial Carillon, a series of 74 bells that are regularly played in concerts and are well worth witnessing if you're visiting the city at the time.

Location: 3 Jervois Quay, Wellington

Official site: www.museumswellington.org.nz/wellington-museum/

Created in 1868, Wellington Botanic Garden is a lush 25-hectare oasis that sprawls for 25 hectares on the city hillside, full of blooming flower displays and native fauna.

A series of walking tracks meander through the gardens, from conifer forest areas to ferneries and seasonal flower beds.

The Lady Norwood Rose Gardens here are one of the botanic gardens' finest attractions, with 110 rose beds boasting a flurry of different varieties.

The Space Place at Carter Observatory, with its planetarium show, is sited in the eastern section of the gardens (near the Wellington Cable Car Kelburn Terminal), and the gardens are also home to Begonia House with tropical flower species displays.

If possible, try to time your visit to coincide with one of the frequent summer concerts hosted here.

For a fun day out, take the Wellington Cable Car, then walk back down to the city center after exploring the gardens.

And if there's time left in your day for a little more botanic garden-going, pay a visit to the interesting Otari Native Botanic Garden and Wilton's Bush Reserve , located in nearby Wilton, popular for its indigenous plant life.

Address: 101 Glenmore Street, Wellington

Official site: https://wellingtongardens.nz/our-gardens/wellington-botanic-garden/

Housed in the historic building of the old city library, City Gallery Wellington opened in 1980 and is one of the leading contemporary art spaces in New Zealand.

This bright, spacious gallery features a changing program of temporary exhibitions throughout the year, displaying artworks by both renowned and up-and-coming local, Pacific Island, and international artists.

Devoted to modern visual arts, exhibitions range from painting to photography to sculpture, multimedia work, and art installations.

The gallery is also one of Wellington's main cultural hubs with a series of talks, meet-the-artist events, tours, workshops , and live performances taking place throughout the year. A café is located on-site.

Also of interest to art-goers, the New Zealand Portrait Gallery , a 750-meter walk north from City Gallery, displays important paintings by New Zealanders, including artworks featuring its citizens; of particular interest is a specially commissioned portrait of the Queen.

Location: Te Ngakau Civic Square, Wellington

Official site: http://citygallery.org.nz/

This small wooden house in the Wellington suburb of Thorndon was the childhood home of New Zealand's most famous author.

Katherine Mansfield (1888-1923) was a short story writer whose modernist prose has been highly influential both in her home country and overseas.

Most of the writing she became famous for was completed in London, where she moved as an adult and was friends with D.H. Lawrence and Virginia Woolf.

The house where she was born and grew up has been restored to its original condition and is now a museum housing many of Mansfield's personal belongings, as well as typical furniture and fixtures of the late 19th century.

Guided tours are available, and a gift shop is located on-site.

Address: 25 Tinakori Road, Wellington

Official site: www.katherinemansfield.com

Wellington's waterfront area is an attractive district right in the hub of the central city.

Both Queen's Wharf and Frank Kitts Park are surrounded by fine buildings, including the Civic Centre and the Museum of New Zealand.

From Frank Kitts Park, there is a good view of Wellington Harbour, and the park hosts a market every Saturday.

There are plenty of cafés and restaurants in this area, so it's a great place for a pit stop while strolling the central city.

Address: Jervois Quay, Wellington

Nine kilometers south of central Wellington, in the Houghton Bay district, is the sandy cove of Princess Bay.

This sheltered sweep of sand with plenty of rock pools is a favorite swimming and picnicking spot for locals during weekends in the summer months.

On a clear day, the beach affords excellent views that can stretch across to the South Island.

A short coastal track above the beach runs to a lookout point with even better views and is popular strolling territory in the late afternoon.

Address: The Esplanade, Houghton Bay, Wellington

For nature lovers looking for a secluded getaway close to the city, Matiu Island (also known as Somes Island) in Wellington Harbour offers up a heady dose of wild New Zealand landscapes.

During the pre-European era, Matiu Island — the largest of three northern islands in Wellington Harbour — was occupied by Maori.

During the modern era, it was used as a quarantine station, internment camp, and military installation until being turned over to New Zealand's Department of Conservation as a nature reserve.

For both day-trippers and overnighters, the island has a series of short hiking trails up to its highest point, with World War II gun emplacements, and around the its perimeter, all with excellent views across to the mainland.

Regular daily ferries depart from Queens Wharf to the island, and a campsite accommodates overnighters.

Wellington's oldest surviving original home , the Nairn Street Cottage, was built by William Wallis in the 1850s as a home for his family.

It has been painstakingly preserved with many of the family's original 19th-century furniture and fixtures in place to recreate the ambience of life in New Zealand's pioneering era, while outside is an organic heritage garden.

Entry to the house is via a guided tour (four times daily) that allows visitors a taste of colonial Wellington and details the history of the Wallis family who lived here for three generations.

The garden area is open to tourists throughout the day.

Address: 68 Nairn Street, Wellington

Official site: www.museumswellington.org.nz/nairn-street-cottage/

We recommend you consider these centrally located hotels in Wellington, located near the harbor and popular museums and attractions:

Luxury Hotels :

• The luxurious InterContinental Wellington, an IHG Hotel offers 5-star accommodations in an excellent location overlooking the harbor. It boasts pillow menus, wonderful concierge staff, and valet parking.
• A good dose of luxury can also be enjoyed at the Bolton Hotel , which offers a number of larger suites with separate bedrooms, living areas, and kitchenettes, as well as an indoor pool and valet parking.
• Also check out availability at QT Wellington , a fun boutique-style location offering classy rooms and suites, a posh restaurant, plus a gym.

Mid-Range Hotels :

• The U Residence Hotel offers boutique-style contemporary apartment accommodations with kitchenettes, friendly hosts, a genuine home-away-from-home feel, plus comfortable beds.
• The Copthorne Hotel Wellington Oriental Bay is another good choice and comes with water views, an indoor pool, and 24-hour room service.
• Also worth considering is Novotel Wellington , located in the heart of the business district and featuring bright modern rooms, harbor views, and a fitness center.

Budget Hotels :

• The Cambridge Hotel is a good quality budget hotel set in an 1883 building with dorm rooms, shared bathrooms, and a communal kitchen.
• The brilliantly named The Dwellington is a great choice for those on a budget, and features hostel-style rooms spread over two historic old homes, plus a great free continental breakfast.
• The budget accommodations at The Marion Hostel are also worth looking into. It features dorm-style rooms with reading lights, privacy screens, and linens.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

NZ is for Nature Lovers : Be sure to include the magnificent Westland Region in your New Zealand travel itinerary. Home to the famous Franz Josef Glacier, this popular national park is a haven for hikers. The coastal scenery of Bay of Islands should also be included and is especially popular for the whale watching tours in its many marine parks. For more rugged beauty, head to Fiordland National Park , which features coastal scenery said to rival that of Norway.

NZ is Home to Countless Attractions : Considered New Zealand's adventure capital, Queenstown is a must-visit for skiers and those interested in outdoor pursuits. Attractions in Auckland feature everything needed by culture vultures, from museums and art galleries to the iconic Sky Tower. The town of Napier is also worth including in your NZ itinerary and is famous as the Art Deco capital of the world for its plethora of well-preserved 1930s architecture.

NZ Vacation Ideas : Your New Zealand travel itinerary should include the sights of Taupo , especially for those interested in learning more about the country's rich Maori culture. The Maoris also settled in Rotorua , an area that features volcanic topography, including thermal pools and geysers. Sightseeing in the small town of Dunedin is also worthwhile, including a chance to see a Scottish-inspired mansion, Larnach Castle.

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Wellington Activities: 37 Fun Things to Do in Wellington NZ

Vibrant, exciting, and filled with history, Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, is both a liveable city and a great place to visit. Easy to get around, it’s the range of Wellington activities that makes it a perfect choice when we want a romantic escape, for sightseeing with friends, or, more recently, for visiting our daughter who now lives there.

Wellington is home to culture, history, sport, art, and fun. Located in Middle Earth, activities in Wellington often include an element of Tolkien fantasy from the Lord of the Rings.

One of my favourite things about New Zealand’s capital is that, unlike many of the tourist cities in New Zealand, plenty of the fun things to do in Wellington have no charge.

With so many great activities in Wellington, let’s get started. If you don’t have time to read it all, jump to your favourites.

National Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

Cable car museum, space place at carter observatory, new zealand parliament, national library of new zealand, archives new zealand, national war memorial, st. paul’s cathedrals, weta studios (on the miramar peninsula), take a half-day lord of the rings tour, wellington botanic garden, the wellington zoo, people watching from a local cafe, walk, jog or cycle along the waterfront, ride the cable car, walk up mount victoria, jump from the taranaki street jump platform, more active options, friday or saturday night markets, courtenay place, bars or street performers on cuba street, three-day wellington itinerary: pulling it all together, save for later, wellington activities: museums.

History and art buffs will love Wellington as it is home to over a dozen museums, most of them offering free entry. Our three favourites are listed below, or check out more on our list of indoor things to do in the capital .

55 Cable Street, Te Aro No visit to Wellington is complete without a visit to the National Museum. Commonly referred to simply as “Te Papa”, this free-to-enter museum has extensive collections in the areas of art, history, Pacific, Māori, wildlife, and the natural environment.

It’s a favourite NZ museum of ours , as well as many others.

With several hands-on Discovery Centres for children, Te Papa is an excellent day out for everyone a. We have always visited on our own. However, if you are looking for an introductory tour, check Bookme for discounts depending on the day and time you choose.

1A Upland Road, Kelburn Complete with old cable cars and equipment, the free-to-enter Cable Car Museum is worth a visit if you are not pressed for time. It is located at the Kelburn Terminal, the upper end of the line for the cable car.

40 Salamanca Road, Kelburn A two-minute walk from the top of the cable car brought us to Space Place at Carter Observatory. This family-friendly destination features a child’s area and offers age-appropriate daytime planetarium shows on weekends and during school holidays.

We visited at night and opted for a planetarium show featuring the sky over the Southern Hemisphere.  After the show, we headed New Zealand’s largest refracting telescope, surveying the skies since 1867. Weather permitting, the roof opens (on Tuesday and Saturday), allowing visitors to see it in action.

• The best seats in the auditorium are towards the back.
• The observatory is open until 11 pm on Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday nights. However, the last cable car down the hill leaves Kelburn station at 10 pm, so plan your time carefully.
• Check for discount tickets for individuals or discount family entry .

Wellington landmarks not to miss

Wellington is home to plenty of landmark buildings to see, both government and private.

1 Museum Street As the capital city, New Zealand’s Parliament prominently sits in Wellington. The central government building is aptly nicknamed “ the Beehive .”

If you have time, we recommend you take advantage of both a tour and a chance to observe a live session.

Take a tour of Parliament : Get a behind-the-scenes look inside the central government buildings and discover some of New Zealand’s colourful political history. Parliament tours begin on the hour from 10 am to 4 pm and require booking 24 hours in advance. There is a dress code, and adults are not allowed to wear short pants to Parliament. No photos are allowed during the tour. Check their  official website for tour options and booking details.

Observe New Zealand Parliament in session : If Parliament is in session, the chamber viewing galleries allow visitors to observe the Members of Parliament in action quietly. This is independent of the tour, and there is no charge. No cameras are allowed in the viewing galleries.

70 Molesworth Street, Thorndon The refurbished National Library is now home to the original Treaty of Waitangi document. It is in a secure climate and lighting-controlled space and on display alongside several other historical documents, and a must-see for anyone interested in New Zealand history.

10 Mulgrave Street, Pipitea If you enjoy old documents and national treasures, visit Archives New Zealand. We have yet to do this, as the treaty is in the library.

Taranaki Street, Mount Cook The National War Memorial is another significant monument in the city. Visitors can enter the tower’s base.

Old St Paul’s Cathedral 34 Mulgrave Street, Pipitea

New St. Paul’s Cathedral 2 Hill Street, Thorndon

The city is home to both the old and new St Paul’s cathedrals. Very different in architectural style, both are free to enter (donations requested), and both are worth a visit.

Built entirely of native timber in 1866, Old St. Paul’s Cathedral is a 19th-century gothic-revival masterpiece. The wooden vaulted ceilings and stained glass windows offer a surprisingly European flare, almost out of place in such a young country.

Only a block away sits the new St Paul’s , a modern cathedral built in the 1960s and serving as the Anglican Diocese of Wellington. Its massive organ is built from the remnants of the original water organ of the old cathedral.

Activities in Wellington around Lord of the Rings (LOTR)

Weta Workshop and Weta Cave 1 Weka Street, Miramar The Weta Workshop, the 5-times Oscar-winning special effects and props company, is known worldwide. Most famous is their work with movies and TV shows, including Lord of the Rings, Chronicles of Narnia, Avatar, and The Hobbit. I was surprised to learn in the tour that they have done over 170 productions.

The company designs and produces impressive sets, costumes (including armour and weapons), creatures, and miniatures.

On our recent visit we finally took a Weta Workshop guided tour that far exceeded my expectations, giving us insight into their creative process. While we went on a weekend, had we gone during the week, we would have seen artists at work. Either way, there were plenty of props, costumes, and stories for us to enjoy. Reserve a Weta Workshop experience and guided tour here .

Weta Cave is Weta’s free-to-enter shop filled with film paraphernalia, souvenirs, gifts, and a miniature museum. It’s a fun place to visit, even if you are not taking the tour.

It’s certainly no surprise to fans that Lord of the Rings locations tours are amongst the most popular of the Wellington tours. If you really want to explore Middle Earth and see famous LOTR movie sites, then this small-group tour is the one for you. It’s a half-day that also includes a behind-the-scenes tour of the Weta Workshop. Reserve your half-day Lord of the Rings tour here

Read next: New Zealand Lord of the Rings Filming Locations You Can Visit

Wellington activities: nature and animals

It’s New Zealand, so you know there are plenty of natural attractions, even in our capital city.

101 Glenmore Street, Kelburn The 26-hectare Wellington Botanic Garden was established in 1868 and features native bush, exotic forests, colourful flowers, and a variety of speciality gardens. These gardens made our list of the 9 best New Zealand gardens.

Located at the top of the cable car line, it’s easy to combine these two activities. We typically ride the Cable Car up and then enjoy the winding downhill walk to the city. The trail, identified with painted purple/pink flowers, is a direct route to the city and takes about 40 minutes to walk.

As you pass through the Bolton Street Cemetery, be sure to notice the obelisk that marks the resting grounds for many of the city’s pioneers.

Located at the end of Waiapu Road, Karori A nature lover’s paradise, Zealandia is an unspoiled eco-reserve that is only 10 minutes from central Wellington. Birds and small reptiles dominate native wildlife.

A free shuttle from either downtown or the Cable Car Museum makes Zealandia easily accessible for daytime visits . Zealandia is much different by night than it is by day. The optional night tour   offers the possibility of seeing many of New Zealand’s endemic, nocturnal creatures, including the kiwi bird.

200 Daniell Street, Newtown The self-proclaimed “best little zoo in the world” is home to 500 animals, including some unusual creatures like the kiwi bird, Malayan sun bear, and the caracal. The zoo offers scheduled keeper talks throughout the day, many including up close and personal opportunities like hand-feeding a giraffe or an eel.

More fun things to do in Wellington:  living like a local

Start your day at one of the Cuba Street cafes and soak up the bohemian culture that amplifies the heart of this city. Whether it is an art gallery, boutique shop, second-hand store, off-beat café or top restaurant, Cuba Street has it all. 

In a city known for great food and perfect coffee, there are plenty of options on Cuba Street. My other favourite eating area is anywhere along the waterfront. For specific suggestions, check out  our favourite Wellington restaurants .

For the more athletic, you can people-watch while on the move, while walking, jogging, or cycling along the waterfront.

280 Lambton Quay, Wellington Central Students take it to Victoria University, and locals ride to get up the hill, but the cable car is also one of the popular Wellington tourist attractions.

New Zealand’s only funicular railway runs from the centre of town uphill for 612m. You will find the entrance and ticket booth on Cable Car Lane, a small alleyway coming off of Lambton Quay. Once the city’s waterfront, today Lambton Quay is the heart of the shopping district.

Energetic things to do in Wellington NZ

Lookout Road, Hataitai The walk to the top of Mount Victoria is popular with locals. It’s an easy hike to the top, although all uphill. The other options to the top are a public bus, the Wellington Hop-on Hop-off bus , or drive your own vehicle to the lookout. Either way, you will be rewarded with spectacular views.

97 Jervois Quay, Wellington Centra l Just outside Te Papa (the national museum) is the Taranaki Street Jump Platform. It was purpose-built by the city for daredevils who want to plunge into the sea, as the  city was concerned about the safety of the number of people diving off the docks at random locations. 

In typical New Zealand fashion, the solution accommodated everyone. This is best on warm days when you have both a towel and a change of clothing available.

• Climbing wall : New Zealand’s largest indoor rock wall is in Wellington with climbs for beginners through experts. Check for discounts here .
• Live like a local and hire a mountain bike for one or two days. Depending on when you go, discounts may be available. Or give yourself a break and hire an electric bike .
• If you prefer the water, give Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) a try with a one-hour rental at a discounted price .

Things to do in Wellington at night

Several of the activities above are available both day and night. The two most notable are Zealandia and Space Place. Here are a few other fun things to do at night in Wellington:

Currently closed

Wellington’s Friday Night Market presents an international banquet of flavours. The aromatic spices, along with the crowds, will guide you to Left Bank, an alleyway just off of Cuba Street that is host to the market. The seemingly endless food choices intermix with entertainers and craft booths.

The market’s energy is contagious. The one downside is the lack of tables, yet people don’t seem to mind as they sit on benches, kerbside, or eat standing. The market is also open on Saturday nights, although it moves to Lower Cuba Street.

After dinner, enjoy the nightlife on Courtenay Place, Wellington’s entertainment and theatre district. The street ends at Kent Terrace. At this corner, you will find the Embassy Theatre, home to the world premiere of The Lord of the Rings .

Several of the Cuba Street clubs offer live music, but I like it for people-watching. On weekends and during summer, street performers keep the evening interesting.

Personally, I could spend weeks in Wellington, but if time is limited, we recommend the following flexible 3-day Wellington itinerary, one that we have completed with visitors a few times.

• First day : Cable Car to the top (purchase a one-way ticket) ⇒ Enjoy the view ⇒ Cable Car Museum OR  Carter Observatory and Planetarium ⇒ Walk downhill through the Botanic Garden (if you’re hungry, get lunch at the garden’s cafe) ⇒ Parliament tour ⇒ National Library ⇒ Old St Paul’s cathedral ⇒ Thistle Inn ⇒ Friday Night Market ⇒ Cuba Street nightlife
• Second day : Breakfast at a waterfront cafe ⇒ self-guided waterfront walk ( download a free Wellington Walks map ) ⇒ Zealandia  OR Wellington Zoo   OR Weta Workshop tour ⇒ dinner ⇒Courtenay Place nightlife
• Third day : Breakfast at a Cuba Street cafe ⇒ Te Papa ⇒ Taranaki Street Jump Platform ⇒ Mount Victoria

Wellington can be part of our larger North Island self-drive tour and has several North Island must-sees .

Practical information for visiting the capital of New Zealand

Wellington sits at the southern end of New Zealand’s North Island, making it the world’s southernmost capital city.

A charming waterfront city surrounded by lush green hills; Wellington has the distinctive reputation of being the world’s windiest major city . With an average wind speed of more than 25 kilometres per hour (16 mph), we always arrive prepared.

• Wellington is a city made for walking. Nevertheless, the capital of New Zealand has one of the most used public transportation systems in the country. Single-ride or day-pass bus tickets can be purchased from the driver.
• Don’t miss our list of free things to do in Wellington .
• Tipping is neither customary nor expected in New Zealand.
• Te Whanganui-a-Tara is the Māori name for Wellington Harbour.
• If you are arriving via cruise ship, you will want to start here: Wellington Cruise Port: 10 Must-Dos for Amazing DIY or Tours
• Check out this official Wellington events calendar .

Save on your NZ trip with these resources

These are our go-to companies when we travel. We believe this list to be the best in each category. You can’t go wrong using them on your trip too.

• Flights: we use Expedia for the best and cheapest flight options.
• Accommodations: we use Booking.com (hotels), Bookabach (self-contained in NZ), or Hostelworld (budget). See all our personal favourite NZ hotels here .
• Cars (gas or electric): we use RentalCars to search for deals and dealer ratings.
• Motorcycles : we have heard good things about BikesBooking .
• Campervans or Motorhomes : we use Campstar where Albom Adventures readers get a 3% discount.
• Activity discounts : we check Bookme.com for discounts of up to 70% on activities.
• Private guides : we do have a go-to when we hire a private guide .
• Travel Insurance: while not required, we always opt for travel insurance and start at InsureMyTrip to compare coverage plans.

Check out our travel resources page for more companies that we use when you travel. And don’t forget to download our free New Zealand packing list when you sign up for our newsletter.

If you enjoyed this article, please share it on social media and save it for later on Pinterest.

Do you still want more? If so, read next:  Wellington Photos: 20 Reasons It’s My Favourite New Zealand Getaway

Which of these Wellington activities has the greatest appeal?

For more on New Zealand, start here: New Zealand Road Trips: Itineraries for North or South Island Adventures , or you might like …

Stardome Observatory Review: What Makes “Our Night Sky” so Unique

Punting on the Avon River – Fun in Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Skiing and Snowboarding in New Zealand: Find Your Best Ski Field

Mount Eden Volcano: Auckland’s best hike for city and crater views

Disclaimer: We worked with WellingtonNZ, the local tourism board. Also, we were provided with many complimentary entrances, tours, sample items, or media rates to assist in the writing of this review. However, the opinions expressed here are strictly our own.

For more tips … join Explore New Zealand, the country’s largest NZ travel and photography group on Facebook (free).

About Rhonda Albom

Capturing the essence of travel through photography, Rhonda Albom is the primary author and photographer at Albom Adventures. She is an American expat based in New Zealand. She travels the world with her husband.

Reader Interactions

March 22, 2021 at 4:19 am

Wow! I didn’t make it to Wellington when I visited New Zealand years ago. I had no idea there’s so much to do! I particularly like the idea of Zealandia and would definitely want to hike Mount Victoria. I bet the view is incredible at sunrise or sunset.

Adriana Sanchez

March 21, 2021 at 4:02 pm

I would love to go to New Zealand and take a full-day LOTR tour! I have watched every movie multiple times. It sounds super fun! I’ve added it to my New Zealand Bucket List!

April 9, 2020 at 8:47 am

I’ll be down at the waterfront. Anywhere on the water is a happy place for me to explore. When we can get out of lock-down that is.

Hope you and yours are well, Rhonda. We’re fine here. ♥

April 6, 2020 at 5:30 am

oh wow!!! This is a super cool list! I’ve found so many interesting things to do! Thanks for sharing and really, good job!

Natalie LaTurno

April 5, 2020 at 7:44 am

I have heard that Wellington is such a beautiful place, and it appears so from your pictures. I can’t wait to visit someday!

April 4, 2020 at 4:28 am

Wish I could travel there – can’t wait for normalcy to return! Hoping you are healthy and at peace.

Esha M Dutta

April 1, 2020 at 6:54 pm

Thank you for sharing this detailed post, Rhonda! Wellington has been on our bucket list for a very long time. Would love to think that some day when all the pandemic fears are gone and people are free to travel again, we will be able to realise our dream! Take care and stay safe. Best wishes, Esha

jagjit singh

March 2, 2020 at 11:00 pm

Going to Visit Wellington next week as I don’t know much about it so I was looking for a blog to know the best things to there thanks for this information. As Know I know What to do there.

Stephanie (1AdventureTraveler)

August 2, 2018 at 6:17 am

Great itinerary for Wellington New Zealand. New Zealand is on my bucket list I will definitely use this guide. I would love to visit Cuba Street, Planetarium, cable car museum and more. Pinned this for later. Thanks for sharing!

Keri | Ladies What Travel

August 2, 2018 at 1:17 am

I really loved Wellington when I visited – just wish it wasn’t so far away! I went to the WETA Cave but they weren’t doing studio tours when I visited – damn it! 🙁

August 1, 2018 at 3:54 pm

Wellington has always been on my list, but keeps getting pushed aside. Your recommendations were wonderful, and it’s making a major move towards towards my top places o need to visit! Though being greeted by Gollum is a little creepy

Travel Tuesday

August 1, 2018 at 1:12 am

Fantastic shots, Rhonda. I must say that I always like visiting Wellington much more than Auckland…

July 30, 2018 at 8:09 pm

I’d love to visit Wellington some day, and this post is super informative for anyone who wishes to do so!

Joanne @ Travel Visa UK

July 30, 2018 at 6:34 pm

Wonderful post! There are so many exciting options when visiting Wellington.

July 30, 2018 at 11:01 am

So interesting to come across your post about Wellington, Rhonda. Laszlo and I were discussing just the other day about a trip to New Zealand. We were thinking of landing in Wellington and driving to Aukland. Wellington looks so beautiful, but this distance between us is a killer. I wish we were closer.

July 30, 2018 at 10:16 am

Wellington looks beautiful. I’d love to spend some time exploring the harbor along the coastline and visiting St. Paul’s!! I think the war memorials would be also interesting to visit, particularly with a tour!

July 29, 2018 at 11:27 pm

So much to do in what looks like a lovely city. The cable car, Mt. Victoria and the waterfront would probably be my choice though I like the idea of a tour. And I’m sure I would enjoy the museum, also. Guess I’d just have to try to do as much of it as I could.

July 29, 2018 at 11:08 pm

The local cafés and night life look amazing, right up my alley!

July 29, 2018 at 2:53 pm

There are so many wonderful tours there! I would want to take quite a few. The views from the funicular looked amazing.

beatravelling

July 29, 2018 at 4:46 am

Had to check to see if there was something important that I missed when visiting because I wasn’t all that overwhelmed… Would have liked to hike Mt Victoria!

Sharon Odegaard

July 27, 2018 at 5:58 am

I would love to ride the cable car — and see that view! The waterfront is so peaceful and beautiful. And I would for sure head for the war memorials. What a lovely city to visit!

July 27, 2018 at 3:33 am

Wellington looks like such a cool, vibrant city, Rhonda. I’d really enjoy doing the Lord of the Rings tour and seeing the studios there – and I know my kids would love the Observatory and Planetarium.

California Globetrotter

July 27, 2018 at 12:24 am

Haha I love how the airport greets you with a Middle Earth installation! I bet that stuff is everywhere! Would be interesting though to learn more about the Great War and how it affected NZ! I’m a big WWI/II nerd!

July 27, 2018 at 12:02 am

Guilty as charged of going straight to the south Island and bypassing Wellington. But it looks like there’s a great collection of things to do in Wellington. I hear it’s very wind???

July 26, 2018 at 4:51 pm

Cool place. I wish to see St. Paul’s Cathedrals someday. Thanks for sharing!

July 26, 2018 at 3:14 pm

I think a lot of us have this image of naturally awesome New Zealand on our minds. I think that is great but we kind of forget about the culture, history and architecture in the country. Wellington looks like a place where you find all of that and more. I like to combine urban and natural on my trips. I will be more than happy to spend a couple of days in Wellington.

Handmade Jewelry Haven

July 25, 2018 at 11:23 am

Wow…looks like a cool place. My favorite sight was the bear. Never have seen a bear with a circle on his chest!

Thanks for sharing!!

– Lisa

Ryan Biddulph

July 25, 2018 at 7:29 am

What a super list Rhonda. We were in Wellington about 2 months ago to the day, before arriving in Paekakariki for a house sit. Cozy little city with plenty of things to do. We got off the bus by the Parliament I think. What a cool looking building. I also saw how we missed NBA star Steven Adams by a day as he was in NZ and Wellington for his summer break then. Being a huge basketball fan I was bummed, right until i saw him in Auckland when Kelli and I were flying back to the USA. On line behind him in security; no way to miss a 7-2 guy. 2 days prior I saw Jacinta at Wellington Airport, on the way to Auckland. She has quite the presence and is really pretty. And she was also surrounded by 4 guards so big they could block out the sun.

July 25, 2018 at 1:39 am

A lot of fun things to do and see.

Paul Pietrangelo

July 25, 2018 at 1:29 am

Oh my goodness. The more that you show me about New Zealand the more I want to go there. That tour about the Lord of the Rings, would be perfect for me. I have all the movies along with all the parts that you have shown us in this blog. Now I just have to get my wife onboard. See ya Rhonda.

Cruisin Paul

italiafinlandia

July 24, 2018 at 9:08 pm

Interesting tour of Wellington! The Sun bear is the prettiest highlight.

stevebethere

July 24, 2018 at 8:52 pm

Great tour there is tons to do there the sight of Gollum as I started scrolling down and Outside the Weta Cave cracked me up,

That view is fab, Cuba street reminds me of Soho 🙂

Have a tourtastic week Rhonda 🙂

October 2, 2017 at 6:44 pm

There seems to be a lot more to do in Wellington than I first thought. Perfect timing for the trip I am planning!

September 29, 2017 at 3:49 pm

I think Bilbo or Frodo or Samwise would make for a more welcoming airport greeter, but othwerwise Wellington looks like an easy city to get around and enjoy. Hope i get there soon!

September 29, 2017 at 3:21 pm

We would love to visit Wellington – and the rest of New Zealand! We’re working on it, so pinning this goldmine for later. By the way, no…not going to jump from that platform, even if the water was bathtub warm. (Generally not a fan of heights. 😉

Rhonda Albom

September 29, 2017 at 10:32 pm

The water is not going to be bathtub warm, more likely refrigerator cold. That’s not what would stop me, it would be the height.

Michele {Malaysian Meanders}

September 28, 2017 at 6:15 pm

I’m glad that there are night options as I expect I’d be rather jet lagged when I get to New Zealand from the USA. Te Papa and Weta Workshop would be at the top of my list of places to visit. Thanks for this handy and well planned guide. I like how you’ve broken the places down into categories at the end of the post, too.

Vaisakhi Mishra

September 27, 2017 at 7:46 pm

I am so sure I am gonna need over a month to explore New Zealand! It is soooo pretty and vibrant! Thank you for such a well crafted list for Wellington – this would save time for so many travelers like me. Great Stuff Rhonda!

Divyakshi Gupta

September 27, 2017 at 4:27 am

You have complied a wonderful list there Rhonda! With so much variety, it seems Wellington has something for everyone:) Loved that you included people watching the itinerary too. It’s something so enriching and under rated 🙂 I’d love to visit the botanical gardens someday:) they look so serene!

September 26, 2017 at 11:44 am

I’m not sure about the sea plunging platform but otherwise I love how the city offers a combination of nature, history, and vibrant culture. Sounds like my kind of place!

September 26, 2017 at 3:45 am

What a fantastic guide! Sounds like there’s no shortage of fun activities to do in Wellington. The National Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarew sounds so interesting, and I can’t believe it’s free! I would love to visit the Friday Night Market, followed by Cuban Street too 😀

September 26, 2017 at 12:51 am

Looks like a great city to visit with no shortage of things to do with something for everyone. Our kids would love the zoo and watching the jump platform. For us adults Cuba street looks very interesting

Megan Jerrard

September 25, 2017 at 10:57 pm

I would love to visit Wellington, and it’s cool to know that quite a lot of attractions don’t charge an entrance fee. I don’t really have any attachment to Lord of the Rings, but love the outdoors and taking in stellar views, so the funicular railway sounds like it would be fun! Would be so relaxing to walk around the beautiful harbor too.

Old St. Paul’s Cathedral is stunning, I love visiting churches overseas as they’re always the most spectacular buildings. And cool to know that there’s a vibrant street nightlife. Thanks for the guide and info!

September 25, 2017 at 10:45 pm

My first and only (so far) visit to NZ was almost 20 years ago – I think it would be somewhat different today, as there is a lot of LOTR-generated tourism. Not that I’m complaining – I’m a fan of the books and the movies myself! It still looks like the lovely, laid-back country I remember, and Wellington sounds like a great place to pass a few days!

Niels Thomas

September 25, 2017 at 9:58 pm

Very good blogpost with a lot of great tips. Did you also do the LOTR work-shop tour? It would have been an amazing one I am sure. Great that you also did some wildlife watching. 🙂

September 25, 2017 at 8:04 pm

Wellington looks like an amazing place. I’ve heard so much about NZ but haven’t had the chance to visit there yet. It seems like a perfect start to get a feel of NZ with its culture and nature. I will visit the cute little zoo for sure!

Anna Johnston

September 25, 2017 at 3:54 pm

Love me a city that is designed for walking around, it’s the absolute best way to really experience a place. I think all my days in Wellington would be spent like your day 2, coffee stops followed by foodie stops with a healthy amount of street art, sculpture, fountains, eclectic architecture thrown into the mix. I havent been, but I am told much of NZ is very similar to Australia, do you think so?

September 25, 2017 at 9:05 am

Great photos and so much free stuff to do!

September 25, 2017 at 7:16 am

What a blissful place to visit and live – thanks for the informative post!

September 24, 2017 at 9:08 pm

Oh yes, I would absolutely love to visit New Zealand someday. It would take a lot of planning though, as it’s so far away. I have heard some good stories about Wellington, definitely a place I’d want to visit.

September 24, 2017 at 8:29 pm

Awww, this made me super home-sick. I grew up in Wellington and you don’t really appreciate all the amazing sights until you’re not there any more! I’ve only been back twice in 14 years, but we enjoyed much of these activities on my last visit – I especially loved what they have done around the wharf / rowing shed area – so many great bars and restaurants!

September 24, 2017 at 10:08 am

My husband and I hope to make it to NZ one day – so thanks for making a visit to Wellington so appealing – and it you laid it out so we wouldn’t have to do much thinking! Thank you.

September 24, 2017 at 10:33 pm

Having a pre-made itinerary makes it such an easy place to visit.

Marion Halliday

September 23, 2017 at 10:18 pm

The last time I visited NZ I was 7 years old (and I’m not about to tell you how long ago that was, haha) so I don’t remember a lot about the cities. We’ve been threatening to return for a visit for years, but hadn’t put Wellington on the ‘must do’ list – until now! I especially like the Cable Car ride (anything with a view works for me), the Botanic Gardens, Zealandia and the zoo – but I’m SO NOT jumping off the jump platform 😀

Jim ~ ReflectionsEnroute

September 23, 2017 at 8:23 pm

This is a great list Rhonda. My favorites would be the botanical garden and the free Parliament tour.

Long Nguyen

September 23, 2017 at 8:19 pm

Hi Rhonda, thank you very much for a so detailed itinerary for the must do experiences in Wellington. The first day is amazing with list full of excited things to do. We plan to stay at Weliington at our trip next year and we have defined our program thanks to your well structured guide of Welllington.

Danijela WorldGlimpses

September 23, 2017 at 7:52 pm

The view from the cable car makes it so alluring to go and explore, and take a bunch of lovely photos! And how about that Cuba Street! 🙂 It caught my eye immediately, it must be so vibrant and amusing to spend few hours there.

Rishabh & Nirali

September 23, 2017 at 7:10 pm

Wonderful guide! We had some friends who were in wellington for some time who wouldn’t stop singing its praises. Sounds kinda lame but would definitely want to visit the zoo, the sun bear seems fascinating somehow!

September 23, 2017 at 5:23 pm

This is a great guide, can’t believe people would jump off that platform- eeek! I haven’t been to Wellington, but I keep hearing good things about it 🙂

September 23, 2017 at 5:22 pm

It looks lovely. I’ve only been to Christchurch (a couple of times now – most recently last December as my bestie lives there – and previously in the late 1990s when a friend and I travelled south from Christchurch). But not Wellington and not Auckland. And if I’m really honest I’d kinda forgotten Wellington was the capital! (Like Australia and Canberra and South Africa and Pretoria!)

September 23, 2017 at 10:55 am

So beautiful. The pictures make me want to take a trip down the NZ even more. Thank you for sharing.

Lyn aka The Travelling Lindfields

September 23, 2017 at 9:32 am

Many, many years ago David and I were at the end of a 9 month overseas trip with our two (then small) boys. The North Island of New Zealand was our last stop before coming home. We got to about 50 kms north of Wellington. David was driving, we turned around and looked at each other and decided we had had enough. We did a u-turn, called in at a public phone box (in the days before mobile phones were common), changed our flight home and headed back to Auckland. We finally made it to Wellington more than two decades later – and loved it. I don’t know if we would have loved it as much the first time but on our second attempt it turned out to be a great destination. Even the unceasing wind was fun.

Jessica @ Independent Travel Cats

September 23, 2017 at 7:58 am

Looks like there is plenty to do for a few days in Wellington, love the look of Old St. Paul’s Church! ~ Jessica

September 23, 2017 at 1:50 am

I have heard a lot of things about New Zealand and it sounds really like a wonderful place.

Cathy Kennedy

September 22, 2017 at 11:23 pm

The view from Mount Victoria is beautiful! I love all of your captures. The area you snapped of the street vendor reminds me a bit of our downtown in Market Square. We don’t go there often but I hope to this before the weather turns too cool. Have a fototastic weekend and thanks for stopping by for a visit!

September 22, 2017 at 8:09 pm

Sounds like a perfect place to visit with so many affordable activities.

September 22, 2017 at 4:03 pm

Hi Rhonda, New Zealand is one country I would like to visit. Wellington looks a lovely city although Gollum hanging in the airport looks a little unsettling. St. Pauls cathedral looks interesting too and I really am not a church person. But for me, the highlight would be enjoying the street entertainment.

September 22, 2017 at 2:23 pm

I think I need to explore Wellington next time we’re there, last time we were only there to catch the ferry so it was very brief.

Julia Rollins

September 22, 2017 at 1:38 pm

I can’t believe we skipped Wellington when we were there. We had only three weeks, and spent over two on the South Island, the other in the Auckland and by the geysers.

September 22, 2017 at 1:30 pm

this is a great itinerary – i love to go to markets & experience the nightlife & restaurants wherever i visit!

Bradley Thompson

September 22, 2017 at 11:58 am

Great post! I am going to bookmark this article for when I visit New Zealand!!

melody pittman

September 22, 2017 at 11:52 am

I had not realized that Wellington had so many things to do, or that it was so cosmopolitan. Definitely looks like a city I would love to visit. The museum looks interesting and the views from Mount Victoria are incredible!!

September 22, 2017 at 10:51 am

New Zealand does sound awesome and I’m definitely loving the free activities list! Only thing I think you should have included a bit more is the food! I love my food and I would love to know their speciality!

Alissa Apel

September 22, 2017 at 9:23 am

I bet you could spend a week there. I love the creepy, yet cool guy hanging from the ceiling with the fish.

September 22, 2017 at 6:13 am

New Zealand and Australia are two places I’d love to visit. I think I would have to stay there for a couple of lifetimes to get my fill of them. Can I stay at your place?

Tam Warner Minton

September 22, 2017 at 3:12 am

I love Gollum! “My only wish is to catch a fish so juicy sweet!” Wellington looks charming.

L. Diane Wolfe

September 22, 2017 at 2:00 am

Wow, not just so much to do, but so much to photograph. I’d fill a card in no time taking photos.

Rob and Sue

September 22, 2017 at 1:40 am

Perfect timing. We are in New Zealand now. We were just talking about Wellington and couldn’t decide. Now I know we will go. Cable car, gardens and parliament – here we come!

Tanja (the Red phone box travels)

September 21, 2017 at 7:27 pm

awesome things! I had a friend blogger write a guest post for me about NZ:) can’t wait to visit it some day..

Hilary Melton-Butcher

September 21, 2017 at 6:40 pm

Hi Rhonda – I imagine Wellington has some stunning places to visit and delightful walks to get around – here you’ve shown us a wonderful selection … one day I shall get down under … cheers Hilary

Patrick Weseman

September 21, 2017 at 4:01 pm

What a cool and lovely place. Would love to go there sometime. Thanks for sharing.

Lara Dunning

September 21, 2017 at 12:48 pm

This is the first post I’ve read about Wellington, so I think you hit the nail on the head when you said it got overlooked. Looks like a wonderful city with lots of things I would want to see and do. I also like that many of them are free, and there is plenty of nature-related activities nearby.

Kelleyn Rothaermel

September 21, 2017 at 12:35 pm

Looks LIke a beautiful city!

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Kate Abroad

The Essential One Day in Wellington Itinerary (by a local)

Short on time to visit New Zealand’s capital city? Don’t worry, this guide has you covered for a one-day Wellington itinerary that fits in all the highlights including the best eats and attractions.

If you have a bit more time to spend in the capital, check out my Weekend in Wellington City itinerary. You’ll find some of the same big-ticket attractions in those guides as well as more off-the-beaten-track activities.

Looking for day trips from Wellington instead? Head over to this guide on the best weekend and day trips in the Wellington Region .

Wellington 1 Day Itinerary

Climb mt victoria.

It’s worth getting up early to make the most of your day in Wellington. If you can handle the early wake-up and make it to the summit of Mt Victoria for sunrise, you’ll be rewarded with some of the best views of the city.

The Mt Victoria hike is only short, around 30 minutes from the bottom of Marjoribanks street to the lookout, but what it lacks in length it makes up for in steepness.

The summit trail is the most popular walk in Wellington but by starting early you’ll avoid the crowds.

Brunch at Coenes 

You’ll want to refuel after the walk and Wellington is not short of delicious brunch options. Close to the base of Mt Victoria and right on the Oriental Bay waterfront is Coene’s.

Coene’s is one of the older cafes in the city and is an absolute Wellington institution. Go for one of the outdoor tables if you can or a window seat to enjoy the water views with your eggs benny or pancakes. 

Visit Te Papa 

It’s not a trip to Wellington without a visit to the national museum. Even if you’ve been before, there are always new exhibits worth checking out. 

The main entrance is only a short stroll around the waterfront from Coenes and entry is free (charges apply for some exhibits/events and you can pre-book these tickets on Klook ). The museum is huge with several storeys and exhibits covering everything from World War I to a colossal squid so plan to spend a few hours here.

Guided tours are run three times a day for around $20 per person, you’ll want to book in advance for weekends.

Grab a coffee on Cuba Street 

To understand why Wellington has its hipster reputation, you need to pay a visit to Cuba Street and why not grab an afternoon coffee and cake while you’re there? You can try Stories Espresso, a converted shipping container at the waterfront end of Cuba Street, or Floriditas, a long-standing cafe about halfway up Cuba Street with incredible baking.

Related: Ultimate Guide to the Best Coffee in Wellington

If you’re not sure what to order, the classic Wellington combination is a flat white and a cheese scone. It’s worth spending some time over your coffee and doing some people-watching.

See the Wellington Bucket Fountain 

The infamous bucket fountain is a Wellington icon that you’ll want to catch a picture of before you leave the city. Just make sure to give it a wide berth because anyone standing too close will get wet! It’s a bit of a trap for unwary tourists.

You can find the fountain two blocks up Cuba Street. While you’re there, take some time to browse the eclectic mix of thrift stores, books and record stores, and more. Some of our favourites are Iko Iko, Wellington Apothecary and Pegasus Books.

Dinner in the city

The only way to wrap up a big day of exploring Wellington is with an incredible meal and there are so many options in the city.

If you’re willing to spend and book ahead then go for the degustations at Rita, in Aro Valley or Hiakai in Mount Cook. These top restaurants focus heavily on local seasonal ingredients.

More mid-range options are Loretta on Cuba or Dragonfly on Courtenay Place, otherwise, on a sunny day, it’s hard to go past a  lazy evening by the water at Macs BrewBar. To cap off your night, there are bespoke cocktails at Nightflower or gelato at Kaffe Eis.

Related: The 10 Best Cocktail Bars in Wellington

Where to eat on a Wellington day trip

It’s so hard to narrow down all of the awesome local Wellington food into top picks for one day but if we had to do it, these would be our recommendations:

Breakfast/brunch: Coenes or Prefab

Lunch: Pickle and Pie

Dinner: Rita or Shepherd

Drinks: Nightflower for cocktails, Puffin for wine or Fortune Favours for beer

Best Wellington day tours

If you’re really short on time and want the most efficient way to spend your day in Wellington City then a day tour can be a great option. Here are some of the best on offer:

Best Wellington Day Tour for movie fans: Weta Workshop Tour or Lord of the Rings Tour

Best all-round Wellington day tour: Wellington Sightseeing Tour by Xplor

Best Wellington foodie day tour: Walking Food Tour Of Wellington

Best Wellington nature and wildlife day tour: Small Group Daytime 2-Hour Eco Wildlife Tour at Zealandia (allow time to get to/from Karori)

Frequently asked questions about a Wellington day trip

Can you see wellington in a day.

Yes, although you won’t do the city just. A day trip is a great way to get a taste of Wellington, explore the main attractions and try some of the great food.

Do you need a car when visiting Wellington?

No, Wellington is a super walkable city. You can easily get around the city without a car, especially if you are focusing on the popular waterfront area, like on this one day Wellington itinerary.

Public transport isn’t very good and there Wellington region has lots to offer so if you are staying longer you could look at hiring a car.

Happy travelling!

Kate is the founder of Kate Abroad. She has travelled to nearly 40 countries from Austria to Vanuatu, and lived in 3. She's on a mission to empower other Gen Zs and Millenials travel affordably by sharing helpful travel guides, stories and tips to over 200,000 readers.

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SantoriniDave.com

Where to stay in wellington.

SD › Best Places to Stay in Wellington Updated: September 6, 2024 By Santorini Dave

Our Favorite Christchurch Hotels

5-Star Hotel: DoubleTree 4-Star Hotel: Atura 3-Star Hotel: Victoria Court Apartment: Quest 256 Lambton Boutique: Wellesley New: The Cobbler Cheap: Boulcott For Family: Raumati Sands Couples: Tudor Manor Views: InterContinental Beach: Raumati Sands Pool: Rydges City Center: The Intrepid Hostel: The Marion

For a fun photo, stand on the second “L” to create the “I” in Wellington at the harbor in East Te Ora.

The Best Areas to Stay in Wellington The capital of New Zealand is the hip city of Wellington. Although only about 220,000 call it home, Wellington certainly packs a punch, so allow enough time to visit everything from the national museum and galleries to the hilltop Wellington Botanic Garden and world-first eco-sanctuary . The harbor and marinas rival Auckland for splendor, and the attractive beaches up the coast offer a stretch of golden sand just outside the city center. Expect chic boutiques, waterside dining, and craft breweries. Wellington Neighborhoods Colonial settlers initially built their churches, homes, and Parliament house at Lambton Quay, once alongside the harbor but now a pulsating street 400m inland after land reclamation. This area is officially called Wellington Central , although it isn’t so central anymore. Hemmed in by hills and the sea, the CBD spreads south to what is officially (and somewhat confusingly) called Te Ora. Taranaki Street divides this sprawling inner-city region. West Te Ora (Inner City) buzzes with fashionable restaurants and glamorous boutiques, while East Te Ora (Inner City) is more conservative but home to the extraordinary Museum of New Zealand . Just north of Wellington Central are the suburbs of Thorndon and Kelburn, home to the iconic cable car , Wellington Botanic Garden , and Zealandia eco-sanctuary. Petone is a growing commuter suburb outside the city center with motels along the beach. Lower Hutt is another rather uninspiring suburb offering terrific accommodations that are ideal for those with a car. Further up the extended Hutt Valley is the more appealing country town of Upper Hutt , and along the Kāpiti Coast are several adorable beachside towns easily accessible by train. The Best Places to Stay in Wellington

The InterContinental offers the finest hotel views of the sea and city anywhere in Wellington.

Best Luxury Hotels in Wellington DoubleTree • InterContinental • Mövenpick • QT • James Cook • Atura Best Luxury Apartments in Wellington Quest 256 Lambton • Sojourn • The Sebel Thorndon • Oaks • Quest Lambton Best Boutique Hotels in Wellington Wellesley • The Cobbler • The Intrepid • Museum Apartment • Tudor Manor • TRYP • Wallaceville • Microtel Best New Hotels in Wellington The Cobbler • Naumi Studio • The Intrepid • The Sebel Lower Hutt • TRYP • Quest 256 Lambton Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels in Wellington Boulcott Lodge • Kapiti • Travelodge • ibis • Victoria Court Best Hotels for Families in Wellington Raumati Sands • The Sebel Thorndon • Quest 256 Lambton • Novotel • Liberty • Rydges Best Hotels for Couples in Wellington Tudor Manor • Wellesley • Museum Apartment • Wallaceville • The Intrepid • QT Best Hostels in Wellington The Marion • Haka House • Trek Global Backpacker Best Areas in Wellington for… Best Area in Wellington for First-Time Visitors: Thorndon The CBD can be confusing and rather spread out for a mid-sized city. So, stay within walking distance of the amenities and attractions around the city center without staying there. Hotels in Thorndon are reasonably quiet and convenient to the train station and bus terminal, and views of the hills (accessible by cable car ) and harbor are especially photogenic. Best Area in Wellington for Sightseeing: Wellington Central The Wellington Museum has a small but enlightening collection of displays about local history and culture. Entrance is free. Wellington Central is convenient for all the wonderful things most visitors want to see and do. These include checking out colonial-era buildings like the Parliament house, Wellington Museum , and Old St Paul’s wooden church. Several of the city’s major attractions are also within a short walk: the extraordinary, six-level Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa , and cable car (really, a steep tram) which leads to the Wellington Botanic Garden and Zealandia eco-sanctuary. From the glorious old railway station, trains head to the beaches along Kāpiti Coast and towns across the Hutt Valley. Arrange all sorts of fun activities at the helpful isite Visitor Information Centre . Best Area in Wellington for Boat Trips: Wellington Central Although based along an extended harbor, Wellington doesn’t offer the sort of exciting boat trips easily found in Auckland, where water sports are much more of a passion. From Queens Wharf in Wellington Central, Megisti runs irregular trips across the water, while other companies like Sweet Georgia Cruising offer high-cost charters. Unfortunately, nothing much is organized on a consistent basis, so stroll around the wharf on a sunny afternoon, look for a signpost, pay your money, and hop on board. Otherwise, an affordable way to appreciate the harbor is on the Wellington Harbour Ferries or East by West Ferries to Days Bay (via lovely Mātiu Island). Best Areas in Wellington for History & Culture: Wellington Central and Thorndon One attraction in Thorndon is the Katherine Mansfield House & Garden , a museum in the former home of the prominent New Zealand author. As explained earlier, colonial explorers settled along the precious stretch of flat land known as Wellington Central. In a row opposite the railway station are several government buildings: the austere-looking Executive Wing known as the Beehive, which is attached to Parliament house (tours available), and the more appealing Parliamentary Library (closed to the public). Across the street are exquisite old government buildings called, umm, the Old Government Buildings (free entry). A bit further north and among the city’s oldest suburb, Thorndon, are convents, mansions, and, these days, embassies. Worth visiting are the Katherine Mansfield House & Garden (birthplace of the revered local writer), Sacred Heart Cathedral , and Old St Paul’s church built entirely of wood. Best Area in Wellington for Vibe: Thorndon Crammed with department stores, office buildings, and apartment blocks, the city center isn’t that dissimilar to others of the same size – except, perhaps, for the attractive harborside setting. To appreciate Wellington a little more, head to Thorndon, the original suburb where people still live. Adding to the popular city-edge vibe are the street-side restaurants, heritage buildings mentioned above, and setting squeezed between the glorious harbor and stunning hills, which are home to the Wellington Botanic Garden and Zealandia eco-sanctuary. Best Area in Wellington for Nightlife: East Te Ora (Inner City) Courtenay Place is home to rowdy bars and nightclubs. Users of local buses will regularly go through or stop at Courtenay Place, a bus terminal and tree-lined walkway with minimal traffic. It is home to many agreeable places to eat and several rowdy bars and nightclubs with names like The Mermaid and Mishmosh. Clubs and bars stretch over Taranaki Street (which divides East Te Ora from West Te Ora) and into Manners Street. For something more sophisticated along Courtenay Place, check out what’s on at St James Theatre for concerts and ballet, Empire Cinema for movies, and Hannah Playhouse for various performing arts. Best Areas in Wellington for Bars and Breweries: West Te Ora (Inner City) and Upper Hutt Just off Dixon Street is a cluster of converted factories called Hannah Laneway. Along there are a few micro-breweries and alehouses. Welcome to the craft beer capital of the country. Wellington is renowned across New Zealand for its micro-breweries and alehouses, so pick up the Craft Beer Capital Trail Map from the Visitor Information Centre or hotel foyers. A serious pub crawl within an hour’s walk around the inner city can include over 20 bars offering locally brewed beer with names like Parrotdog and Panhead . Otherwise, join a bar-hopping tour . Even better is Brewtown in Upper Hutt, a massive area of converted tire warehouses packed with micro-breweries, bars, restaurants, and fun stuff for families and non-drinkers like ten-pin bowling. Upper Hutt is easy to reach by train from Wellington, so there’s no need to drive. Cheers! Best Areas in Wellington for Restaurants: West Te Ora (Inner City) and Wellington Central There are so many options for food in the city. Budget-priced food from kebabs to pizzas and noodles to sushi are available throughout Courtenay Place in East Te Ora. For appealing meals and a leisurely evening, stroll to Cuba Street, which partially turns into a mall (pedestrian-only walkway). Bursting with personality are restaurants like Highwater Eatery (award-winning and inexpensive) and Olive (chic and Mediterranean), while tables at Hotel Bristol are strewn across the traffic-free street. Along Queens Wharf in Wellington Central are elegant restaurants in converted warehouses, many with water views and most specializing in seafood. Places like Foxglove Bar and Kitchen, Shed 5 , and Dockside Restaurant & Bar are also excellent for just lingering over a coffee or beer while soaking up the sun. Best Areas in Wellington for Views: Thorndon and Kelburn Our stunning views of the city and harbor from the Kelburn Lookout after we reached the top of our cable car trip. The steep hills immediately west of Thorndon provide exceptional views of the city, harbor, and distant suburbs across the water. However, hotels in that suburb are, perhaps not surprisingly, on flat land and within walking distance of the city center, so none can boast exceptional views, although the Atura Wellington comes close. At the top of the cable car trip (which starts in the city center), Kelburn Lookout offers a prime position for the most stunning photos of the city and harbor. Best Area in Wellington for Peace and Quiet: Upper Hutt Areas like Petone and Lower Hutt are close to the city, well connected by train, and become commuter suburbs. Further up the Hutt Valley but still only an hour by train from the city center is the charming town of Upper Hutt. With cute cafes and corner pubs (as well as Brewtown ), Upper Hutt retains a loveable country-village vibe. Ideal for families and those traveling by car, the unspoiled countryside is also popular with hardy hikers and serious cyclists. Best Area in Wellington for Walking and Hiking: Kāpiti Coast With so much space and lush countryside to explore, many New Zealanders are keen outdoor types who prefer to hike and mountain bike. Along Kāpiti Coast, the walks in the Kāpiti Coast brochure detail over 100kms of trails for walking, cycling, and horseback riding. The brochure is available at the Visitor Information Centre , in hotel foyers, or online . These trails range from gentle walks along the Waikanae Estuary & River Trail crammed with birdlife to the strenuous Paekākāriki Escarpment Track (10 km one-way). Otherwise, try even longer hikes on the Kāpiti Coast Cycle Trail (30kms one-way) detailed in the Kāpiti Coast Trails map . Best Area in Wellington for Cycling: Kāpiti Coast A free and secure Bike and Ride shelter at the Train station in the Hutt Valley. Bikes can be taken on board trains at no extra cost. New Zealand, in general, and Wellington are bike-friendly. Bikes can be taken on trains for no extra cost, left securely in “Park & Ride” shelters for free, and even attached to the front of local buses. Keen cyclists relish the paved paths along the Kāpiti Coast Cycle Trail, or Waikanae Estuary & River Trail mentioned above. More adventurous types might prefer bouncing around the coastal dunes at Queen Elizabeth Park. Further information about these and other trails is available in the Kāpiti Coast Cycle Map and the two walking maps described earlier. Also worth contacting is the Department of Conservation in Wellington. At Queens Wharf, rent bikes (mainly mountain bikes and e-bikes) from Switched on Bikes and Fergs , and then take them on board the train. Best Area in Wellington for Beaches: Kāpiti Coast A real surprise about 15 minutes on foot from the edge of the city center is Oriental Bay – a tropical beach in the middle of suburbia. Surprisingly, there is a world-class beach with white sand at Oriental Bay, barely a 10-minute bus ride from the city center. As soon as the wind stops and the sun peeks from behind the clouds, locals lay on the beach in droves. But we prefer the beaches along Kāpiti Coast, an hour or so one-way by train or bus from the city center. OK, the sand may be gray, rocky, and, in places, littered with driftwood, but the overall seaside vibe is infectious. Inviting cafes and lush parks with views line the esplanades at Paraparaumu, Raumati, and Waikanae beaches. What’s more, the playgrounds are excellent, especially at the Marine Gardens in Raumati. And who doesn’t enjoy fish and chips along the seashore followed by an ice cream? Best Area in Wellington for Parks and Gardens: Kelburn There is so much to explore and admire around the massive Zealandia eco-sanctuary in the inner-city suburb of Kelburn. The colonial settlers set aside vast hills for gardens. The impressive Wellington Botanic Garden is connected by cable car (really, a tram) to Lambton Quay in the city center. Otherwise, it’s a 30-minute walk along a path via the suburb of Thorndon. (Easier downhill) These gardens are home to shaded playgrounds, flourishing rose gardens, a tropical glasshouse, a duck pond, and a café. There is also a surprise: the Space Place planetarium. If that’s not enough, free shuttle buses from the top of the cable car head to Zealandia , one of the country’s major attractions: a world-first eco-sanctuary packed with native animals, birds, and plants. Best Area in Wellington for Watching Sports: Thorndon Many New Zealanders follow rugby union, especially the world-conquering All Blacks national team, while cricket, soccer, and the rugby league are distant runners-up in popularity. The local rugby union team, Hurricanes , play in the Super Rugby Pacific competition. The Wellington Phoenix soccer team plays in the Australian-based A-League. These two teams, and major international cricket games, play at the convenient Sky Stadium between the railway lines and harbor at Thorndon. Best Area in Wellington for Outdoor Activities: Wellington Central Fergs at Queens Wharf offers a few outdoor activities and water sports and has indoor rock climbing. Adventurous locals seem content just exploring the countryside on two feet or two wheels (see Walking, Hiking, and Cycling earlier). However, at Queens Wharf, you can rent mountain bikes and kayaks and book a helicopter ride. Mountain bikes and e-bikes are available for rent for outings within the city center. Stick to the extended harborside area from Sky Stadium to Oriental Bay because the traffic and hills can be daunting. Fergs rents kayaks from an old warehouse that doubles as an indoor rock-climbing center – perfect for a wet and windy day. Otherwise, try a ride on a helicopter which leaves from the wharf (rather than the airport) – and watching the chopper is also great fun. Always bear in mind the weather, especially strong winds, for which ‘Windy Welly’ is renowned. Wellington Helicopters at Queens Wharf offers helicopter rides. Best Area in Wellington to Organize Tours: West Te Ora (Inner City) We like to visit the isite Visitor Information Centre soon after arriving in Wellington to get independent advice, maps, and brochures. These days, some visitors rightly research and book tours online, but if you aren’t in a hurry and want helpful, independent advice, head to the isite Visitor Information Centre (open daily on the corner of Wakefield and Cuba streets). Staff provide helpful maps and brochures, make bookings with no fees/commissions for Wellington and beyond, and are a mine of information about events and outdoor activities. Popular tours include wineries , spotting seals at Palliser Bay, Wētā Workshop , part of the renowned “Wellyworld” movie-making experience, and nature tours to Kāpiti Island to see kiwis (the birds, not the people). Best Area in Wellington for Shopping: Wellington Central The Old Bank Shopping Arcade , at the start of Lambton Quay Street, is a delightful place to window shop or stop for a coffee. Most locals prefer spending money at major shopping centers in the sprawling suburbs like Lower Hutt and Petone. However, with so many residents enjoying an urban lifestyle in this prosperous city, the range of places to shop downtown is impressive. Most shopping is focused on Lambton Quay (a street, not a wharf), which extends into Willis Street. There is no shortage of stores selling the trendiest sneakers and cutest handbags and department stores like Farmers (a kiwi icon). And don’t miss the adorable boutiques and appealing cafes within the historic Old Bank Shopping Arcade . Best Area in Wellington for Transport: Wellington Central The Wellington Railway Station is housed inside a very impressive colonial-era building. Inconveniently, all trains start and finish at the historic Wellington Railway Station in the far northern part of the city center, which is up to 30 minutes on foot from some hotels. The good news is that every few minutes, buses across the city and suburbs stop, start, or pass through the major bus terminal alongside the train station. The efficient and well-priced Airport Express bus (see below) starts/finishes at this bus terminal. Trains from the glorious old railway building head to Petone, Hutt Valley, and Kāpiti Coast. See later about the useful Snapper transport card . Best Area in Wellington for the Airport: Wellington Central The Airport Express bus efficiently links the airport with the bus terminal alongside the Wellington Railway Station. The Airport Express bus runs every 10-15 minutes between the airport and the bus terminal opposite the train station in the northern part of the city center. This bus also stops at a few convenient places along the way, like Courtenay Place. Because the airport is only 8 km from downtown, there is virtually no accommodation in the surrounding suburbs, but for a late-night arrival or early-morning departure, perhaps consider staying at the Rydges hotel inside the airport grounds. Best Area in Wellington for Families: Kāpiti Coast The playground and splash pool at the Marine Gardens in Raumati Beach.  Kids will love the beaches along Kāpiti Coast, which is about an hour by train and then bus from the city center. Yes, the sand is rocky and gray, but there is so much to keep the young ones happy: gardens, walking/cycling paths, playgrounds (especially at Marine Gardens in Raumati), cafes selling ice cream, splash pool, and fish-and-chip shops. Parents will appreciate the affordable motels, all with kitchen facilities, special rooms for families, and free parking. Perfect are the two-bedroom apartments (on twin levels) at the Raumati Sands Best Area in Wellington for a Romantic Holiday: Upper Hutt There is so much to love about this quiet and charming country town (almost a village), about a one-hour train trip from Wellington. The main street offers more than enough cafes – entirely for locals, not tourists – while the micro-breweries and alehouses at Brewtown (see earlier) are worth visiting more than once. Get a map/brochure from the Visitor Information Centre in the city center (or from a hotel foyer in the Hutt Valley) about gentle walks and strenuous hikes around the countryside nearby. Best Place to Stay in Wellington on a Budget: Petone The extended path alongside the beach is popular with walkers, joggers, and cyclists. Only two stops by train from the city center, Petone is part of the sprawling suburbs, offering plenty of useful facilities for visitors. While the beach is nothing to get excited about, the cheap motels are appealing. They either face the beach and noisy esplanade or are located among the quieter backstreets (with cafes, pubs, and boutiques) like the Quest Petone and Ava Lodge . Generally, places in Petone offer better rates and more spacious rooms than in the city center, with free parking a huge bonus for some. Safest Area in Wellington: Upper Hutt This delightful town is part of the countryside and too far from Wellington to be a commuter suburb like Lower Hutt. Unsafe Area of Wellington: East Te Ora (Inner City) Along Courtenay Place are several strip clubs and rowdy bars that don’t open until the sun goes down. This epicenter of nightlife stretches over Taranaki Street and into Manners Street, which continues to receive bad publicity regarding homelessness and late-night crime. While Wellington is no more potentially dangerous than other cities of this size, take the usual precautions, especially along crowded inner-city streets and at festivals, markets, and transport terminals where opportunistic petty crimes like bag-snatching and pick-pocketing are possible.

The marina in East Te Ora is incredibly picturesque on a bright, sunny day.

The 8 Best Areas in Wellington for Tourists Ordered from the City Centre out. 1. Wellington Central Our stop at Midland Park in downtown became packed at lunchtime. On most maps, the area called Wellington Central was central at one time, but the CBD has spread further south. Wellington Central is set around Lambton Quay Street, which was once, remarkably, alongside the harbor but is now 400m inland. The premier shopping area in all of Wellington is undoubtedly Lambton Quay. This street (not a wharf) is packed with places to eat, drink, and shop. This is the prime district for shopping and transport from the magnificent old Wellington Railway Station and bus terminal (including services to/from the airport). Added attractions and benefits of this area are the outdoor activities and boat trips from Queens Wharf, various sights like the Wellington Museum and an excellent range of accommodations, including, perhaps surprisingly, some in the moderate range.

One part of botanical-inspired La Serre Lounge Bar at Sofitel .

Best Luxury Hotels in Wellington Central DoubleTree • Hotel phone: +64 4 499 3496 InterContinental • Hotel phone: +64 4 472 2722 Sofitel • Hotel phone: +64 4 472 2001 James Cook • Hotel phone: +64 4 499 9500 Rydges • Hotel phone: +64 4 499 8686 Best Luxury Apartments Quest 256 Lambton • Hotel phone: +64 4 909 1333 Gilmer • Hotel phone: +64 4 978 1400 Quest Lambton • Hotel phone: +64 4 931 2999 Quest Wellington • Hotel phone: +64 4 916 0700 Best Boutique Hotels Wellesley • Hotel phone: +64 4 474 1308 Bolton • Hotel phone: +64 4 472 9966 Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels Travelodge • Hotel phone: +64 4 499 9911 ibis • Hotel phone: +64 4 496 1880 Park • Hotel phone: +64 22 379 7674 Best Hotels for Families Novotel • Hotel phone: +64 4 918 1900 Rydges • Hotel phone: +64 4 499 8686 Travelodge • Hotel phone: +64 4 499 9911 2. West Te Ora We wandered Cuba Street, loaded with all sorts of unique shops. Surrounded by the sea and hills, the Inner City CBD has extended southwards to an area known locally as Te Ora. This vast and bustling district can be neatly (but unofficially) divided on either side of Taranaki Street. The western section is more developed and home to several low-key attractions like the City Gallery and a small section of the harbor. Quirky shops, must-try eateries, and inviting bars with outdoor tables line Cuba Street (which partially turns into a pedestrian walkway). Cuba Street is also the location of the Visitor Information Centre , which provides independent advice and no-commission bookings. There are only a few luxury hotels in West Te Ora, but several fabulous boutique options and self-contained apartments ideal for families and those staying a while. There are also some better-than-expected hostels and motels.

One of the more unique hotels in Wellington is The The Intrepid Hotel . It is wonderfully located near Cuba Street, restaurants, and bars. We like The Intrepid so much that we rate it the Best Hotel in the City Center.

Our city views from the cafe at Mövenpick .

Best Luxury Hotels in West Te Ora Mövenpick • Hotel phone: +64 4 385 9829 Naumi • Hotel phone: +64 4 913 1805 Best Luxury Apartments Sojourn Ghuznee • Hotel phone: +64 4 499 4500 Naumi • Hotel phone: +64 4 913 1800 Boulcott • Hotel phone: +64 800 508 025 Astelia • Hotel phone: +64 800 508 025 Best Boutique Hotels The Intrepid • Hotel phone: +64 4 830 0996 The Cobbler • Hotel phone: +64 4 910 8536 Naumi • Hotel phone: +64 4 913 1800 Best Hotels for Families Astelia • Hotel phone: +64 800 508 025 West Plaza • Hotel phone: +64 4 473 1440 Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels Capital View • Hotel phone: +64 4 385 0515 Victoria Court • Hotel phone: +64 4 385 7102 Best Hostels The Marion • Hotel phone: +64 27 284 3887 Trek Global Backpacker • Hotel phone: +64 4 471 3480 3. East Te Ora Paths around the harbor are popular with walkers, joggers, and cyclists. The area east of Taranaki Street is the least exciting part of the city center. However, the extended harborside is less crowded but just as scenic and enjoyable for walking/cycling, especially around the marina. The foreshore, which the incredible Museum of New Zealand dominates, extends eastward (15 minutes on foot) to a welcome surprise: the tropical-style Oriental Bay beach. You’ll soon get to know Courtenay Place for its cheap and cheerful eateries, bus terminal with services to the train station and airport, and bars and nightclubs that become more energized as the night progresses. This is the least safe part of Wellington after dark. Surprisingly, few places are in the luxury range, but some of Wellington’s finest boutique hotels are here. Also, there are plenty of apartments for families and a pleasing range of motel-style options for those counting their Kiwi dollars.

The QT Wellington Hotel décor in the foyer and within each room is striking. It is certainly worth a look, even if staying elsewhere.

Best Luxury Hotel in East Te Ora QT • Hotel phone: +64 4 802 8900 Best Luxury Apartments Oaks • Hotel phone: +64 800 004 285 Ramada • Hotel phone: +64 4 909 1900 Liberty • Hotel phone: +64 22 411 6190 Tory • Hotel phone: +64 4 831 0565 Best Boutique Hotels Museum Apartment • Hotel phone: +64 4 280 4949 TRYP • Hotel phone: +64 4 974 3000 Ohtel • Hotel phone: +64 4 803 0600 Microtel • Hotel phone: +64 4 909 7055 Best Hotels for Families Liberty Apartment • Hotel phone: +64 22 411 6190 Oaks • Hotel phone: +64 800 004 285 Apollo • Hotel phone: +64 4 385 1849 Marksman • Hotel phone: +64 4 385 2499 Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels Richmond Guest House • Hotel phone: +64 4 939 4567 Courtenay Village • Hotel phone: +64 800 508 025 Cambridge • Hotel phone: +64 4 801 1950 Best Hostel Haka House • Hotel phone: +64 21 223 5341 4. Thorndon The Atura Wellington , which we rate as the Best 4-star Hotel, offers views of the hills and distant suburbs. The only inner-city suburb that offers any accommodations is Thorndon, which starts north of Hill Street, i.e., past the train station and government buildings nearby. Thorndon exudes a likable outer-city vibe where many locals live, so it’s ideal for first-time visitors. There’s plenty of history among the streets, including the Katherine Mansfield House & Garden , Sacred Heart Cathedral , and Old St Paul’s church. Although the adjacent suburb of Kelburn doesn’t have any accommodations, it is home to three of Wellington’s major attractions: the iconic cable car (really, a steep tram), hilltop Wellington Botanic Garden , and amazing Zealandia eco-sanctuary. Only three hotels in Thorndon are worth mentioning, but each is fantastic and within a short stroll of the city’s sports arena, Sky Stadium .

The The Sebel Thorndon has comfortable apartments in a prime location – especially for attending sports events at the nearby Sky Stadium .

Best Luxury Hotel in Thorndon Atura • Hotel phone: +64 4 473 2208 Best Luxury Apartments The Sebel Thorndon • Hotel phone: +64 800 330 380 Quest Thorndon • Hotel phone: +64 4 333 0007 Best Hotels for Families The Sebel Thorndon • Hotel phone: +64 800 330 380 Quest Thorndon • Hotel phone: +64 4 333 0007 5. Petone With shallow water and frequent windy weather, the harbor at Petone is ideal for sailing. Along the northern edge of Wellington Harbour, Petone has its pluses and minuses. The sea is shallow and calm, ideal for youngsters, paddle-boarders, and dogs. The shops along Jackson Street are interesting enough, and it’s only two train stops from the city center. The downsides are the noisy harborside road, gray and rocky beach, commuter-suburb vibe, and lack of beachside amenities found along Kāpiti Coast (see later). Petone is conveniently only two stops from the Wellington Railway Station. On the other hand, views from the train are attractive, and the few motels offer affordable rates that are not possible in or around the city center. It’s a great area for those on a budget, especially families.

The only boutique hotel in Petone is the Ava Lodge , which provides a quiet location and spacious, vibrant rooms.

Best Luxury Apartment in Petone Quest • Hotel phone: +64 4 282 1680 Best Boutique Hotel Ava • Hotel phone: +64 4 891 0203 Best Hotels for Families ASURE 83 • Hotel phone: +64 4 569 8121 Ava • Hotel phone: +64 4 891 0203 Best Motels BKs • Hotel phone: +64 4 589 7501 ASURE 83 • Hotel phone: +64 4 569 8121 Foreshore • Hotel phone: +64 4 939 3609 6. Lower Hutt Our walk through one of Lower Hutt’s gardens. The start of Hutt Valley is only four train stops from the city center. While the name “Lower Hutt” sounds rustic and charming, it’s a crowded commuter suburb less appealing than its northern neighbor, Upper Hutt (mentioned below). Nonetheless, the town center has many useful facilities and some fine gardens. The two train stations – Waterloo and Melling – that service Lower Hutt are on different lines and inconvenient, possibly adding a bus trip to reach the town center and most accommodations. Motels along High Street (which continues through the rest of Hutt Valley) are better than those on Pharazyn Street (just off the highway into Wellington). All offer free parking, which is a definite bonus.

The décor and furnishings are vivid around the foyer of The Sebel Hotel . 

Best Luxury Hotel in Lower Hutt The Sebel Lower Hutt • Hotel phone: +64 4 568 7547 Best Luxury Apartments The Sebel Lower Hutt • Hotel phone: +64 4 568 7547 Best Hotels for Families Boulcott Lodge • Hotel phone: +64 4 586 1558 Green Gables • Hotel phone: +64 4 569 3596 Best Motels Boulcott Lodge • Hotel phone: +64 4 586 1558 Fernhill • Hotel phone: +64 4 939 9939 Green Gables • Hotel phone: +64 4 569 3596 7. Upper Hutt Brewtown is packed with old warehouses converted into micro-breweries, cafes, and other amenities, especially for families. Upper Hutt is surprisingly far (16km) from Lower Hutt and much nicer. A country village rather than a crowded suburb, Upper Hutt is ideal for those seeking peace and quiet, including anyone on a romantic holiday. The area known as Upper Hutt includes several towns, but only two have accommodations worth recommending: Wallaceville and Trentham (home to the Bristol and Totara motels). This region is loved for all the paths crisscrossing 80 parks of dense forests and steep hills. There is much more than just micro-breweries and alehouses at Brewtown, a short walk from the train station in Upper Hutt. Brewtown precinct has microbreweries, bars, restaurants, and family-focused activities. While Upper Hutt is well connected to Wellington by train, buses are better between Upper Hutt and Lower Hutt.

Wallaceville Motor Lodge has a delightful colonial vibe and vast billiard-table lawns.

Best Boutique Hotel in Upper Hutt Wallaceville • Hotel phone: +64 4 527 7785 Best Hotels for Families Totara Lodge • Hotel phone: +64 4 524 9066 Bristol • Hotel phone: +64 4 939 8777 Best Motels Totara Lodge • Hotel phone: +64 4 524 9066 Wallaceville • Hotel phone: +64 4 527 7785 8. Kāpiti Coast The beach at the nearby town of Raumati is gray and rocky and sprinkled with driftwood. This delightful seaside destination is a scenic one-hour trip by train north of Wellington. Almost all facilities, including accommodations, are at Raumati , Waikanae , and Paraparaumu . The parks and gardens at Paraparaumu Beach are large and clean. Each has a lovely beach – a bit rocky and gray – but the seaside vibe is irresistible. Cafes offering fish, chips, and ice cream, weekend markets, playgrounds, beachside gardens, and gentle to challenging walking/cycling paths. The Kāpiti Miniature Railway operates on Sunday afternoons (weather permitting) at the Marine Gardens in Raumati Beach. These three places are great for families, and the young ones would love the Marine Gardens (Raumati) with its sparkling paddle pool, fabulous adventure equipment, and miniature train rides. The playground and splash pool at the Marine Gardens in Raumati Beach is understandably popular with families.  From Wellington, trains stop at Paraparaumu (then take a bus to Paraparaumu and Raumati beaches) and at Waikanae (for the bus to Waikanae Beach). There are mostly motels but a few enticing boutique options.

The excellent Raumati Sands Resort only offers two-bedroom apartments on twin levels. We rate this as the Best Family Hotel in the Wellington region and the Best Hotel at the Beach.

Paraparaumu Best Luxury Hotel in Paraparaumu Greenmantle Estate • Hotel phone: +64 4 298 5555 Best Boutique Hotels Tudor Manor • Hotel phone: +64 4 298 3436 Greenmantle Estate • Hotel phone: +64 4 298 5555 Best Hotel for Families ASURE Kapiti Court • Hotel phone: +64 4 298 7982 Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels ASURE Kapiti Court • Hotel phone: +64 4 298 7982 Kapiti Lindale • Hotel phone: +64 4 298 7933 Elliott’s • Hotel phone: +64 4 902 6070 Waikanae Best Boutique Hotel in Waikanae Te Moana • Hotel phone: +64 21 155 3276 Best Cheap/Midrange Hotel Kapiti Gateway • Hotel phone: +64 4 902 5876 Raumati Best Luxury Apartment Raumati Sands • Hotel phone: +64 4 299 0155 Best Boutique Hotels Best Hotels for Families Raumati Sands • Hotel phone: +64 4 299 0155 Wellington Travel Tips Residents are almost proud that Wellington is one of the windiest cities on earth, so much so that weather forecasts focus on wind strength as much as sun and rain. Being in “Windy Welly” means holding on to your hat some days, maybe even staying inside until the gale blows over. Bear this in mind when organizing anything outdoors at any time of the year. The Wellington Railway Station may be in a glorious colonial-era building, but it’s inconvenient. It can be up to a 30-minute walk from some hotels in the city center. But buses head to the train station every few minutes from across the city and suburbs and are always worth using because the CBD is so spread out. The Snapper transport card for buses and trains costs a hefty NZ$10. However, fares are discounted so heavily for card users (especially during off-peak times) compared to paying by cash that it’s worth buying a card just for a one-way train trip to Kāpiti Coast.

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9 Fun Things To Do In Wellington With Kids This September

By Catherine Reisima

4th Sep 2024

Got little ones to entertain? We've got you. From stunning pink blossoms to wander, incredible lego creations, and Disney's Frozen in Te Reo Māori, there's a whole lot of kid-approved things to get amongst this month. 

Here are 9 fun things to do with kids in Wellington this September. 

Te Wā o te Kōanga - Spring Festival 2024

1 sept - 30 sept | wellington gardens.

If you’re looking for something to put a little spring in your step, you can’t beat the annual Spring Festival at Wellington Gardens. For the month of September you can embrace all things spring with a series of free events at Botanic Garden ki Paekākā and  Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush. Bring your little buds along to enjoy pop-up performances amongst the gardens, nature walks, artworks and activities. Be sure to swing by the newly refurbed Botanic Garden ki Paekāka playground while you’re out and about too!

Blossom Valley

7 sept-6 oct |  aston norwood gardens.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll know that spring in Wellington has become synonymous with the oh-so-Instagrammable Blossom Valley . This annual celebration at Aston Norwood Garden sees hundreds of cherry trees spring to life, creating a magical land of pink blooms. Bring the fam along for a wander through 14 acres of blooming gorgeous trees. Take the opportunity to update the family photo album and snap some pretty pics while you're at it. If you and the kiddos get a little peckish, you can purchase drinks and snacks and tuck into a picnic amongst the blossoms. Be sure to grab your tickets online to nab your preferred session time. 

Wellington Brick Show

14-15 sept | walter nash stadium.

Calling all LEGO® -lovers. Roll on up to see the latest and greatest LEGO® creations made by some of New Zealand’s best and most creative builders. With more than 150 exhibitors displaying at this two day expo, this year’s Wellington Brick Show is set to be bigger than ever. Admire the epic LEGO® displays, try out the interactive activities, and battle with your kids to build your own brick masterpieces. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for kids and can be bought online or at the door.

Japan Festival 

14 sept | michael fowler centre.

If a holiday to Japan is off the cards at the moment (hello #costoflivingcrisis) then the Japan Festival in Wellington could be the next best thing. Give the fam a little taste of Japanese culture, no passport required. With a chocka programme featuring impressive martial arts displays, taiko drummers, a tea ceremony, arts and crafts, and lots of delish Japanese food, this one-day festival will be a delight for the senses. 

Frozen Reo Māori Screening

17 sept | toi pōneke arts centre.

In celebration of Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, Toi Pōneke Arts Centre will be hosting two screenings of the beloved Disney film, Frozen, in te reo Māori . Featuring the voices of some of Aotearoa’s super talented Maori performers, the wintery tale of Elsa, Anna and Olaf the Snowman, and all the show-stopping tunes you know and love, will be given the reo Maori treatment. Screenings are free and space is limited, so be sure to book to secure a spot. 

Kids Throw Free at Sweet Axe Throwing Co.

28 sept - 13 oct | sweet axe throwing co..

Sick of the kids throwing tantrums? Give them an axe to throw instead! Within the safe confines of the Sweet Axe Throwing Co, of course. During the school holidays, kids (aged 12 plus), can give axe throwing a go for free when they head along with a full-paying adult. Let the young’uns unleash some energy by slinging axes with guidance from the axe-perts, so you know they're in safe hands. Better than having them destroy the house, amiright?

The David Walliams Book Show

30 sept |  st james theatre.

Funnyman and beloved kids’ author David Walliams is bringing the laughs to the St James Theatre in his hilarious one-man show for kids. Get ready to giggle at David’s tall tales from his childhood, learn about the inspiration for his most famous characters, and chuckle as he acts out extracts from some of his books. Whether you’re a young thing or simply young at heart, the witty author behind ‘The Boy in the Dress’, ‘The Blunders’, ‘Robodog’, ‘Spaceboy’, and ‘Ratburger’, is sure to have you in stitches.  

Badjelly the Witch Glow Show

30 sept | opera house .

Badjelly the Witch has had a glow up! The story of the wacky witch and goofy gang we all grew up reading will be brought to life on stage in this magical glow-in-the-dark puppet show . Kids will love this bonkers tale told through a mash-up of science, music and larger- than-life characters, while adults will enjoy a healthy dose of nostalgia at the same time.  

The Wiggles’ Wiggle Groove Tour

30 sept | michael fowler centre .

Are you even a parent if you haven’t been to a Wiggles show ? If you haven’t popped your Wiggles cherry yet, now’s your chance, when the world’s most popular children’s entertainment group shimmy into Wellington this September.  Bringing all your fave toe-tapping tunes like ‘Fruit Salad’, ‘Big Red Car’ and ‘Rock-A-Bye Your Bear’, The Wiggles and their pals will have you and the littlies grooving and moving in this high-energy musical adventure. Get in quick, these tickets will sell faster than you can say ‘Hot Potato’.

Kids need refuelling? Take them to one of Wellington's best eateries. 

Main image credit: Blossom Valley. 

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