Wellington, New Zealand’s capital is known for its offbeat and unconventional atmosphere because of its unique balance of urban city and nature. There are plenty of things to do in Wellington which you can easily explore the downtown area by foot. Find an abundance of unique architectural styles, artisan cafes and restaurants, and cultural museums that showcases the city’s Maori roots. Below are some of the city’s top attractions to see.
Te Papa Tongarewa, which literally translates to “Container of Treasures,” is New Zealand’s national museum. It is home to the nation's extensive art collection as well as historical stories of the country’s rich heritage. Discover about the Maori culture or the country’s natural history through the museum’s interactive art spaces, or get a glimpse of the lives of soldiers during World War I and what went about the historical Anzac Day. Located at Wellington’s waterfront, you can visit the museum from 10am-6pm daily for free.
If you’re curious at what else to do in Wellington, one experience is to trip on the Wellington Cable Car. Not only does it pass through the city’s main shopping strip and through exciting tunnels, it also takes you to get a panoramic bird’s-eye-view of Wellington and the harbor. Once on the top, you can visit the Space Place Observatory and the Botanical Gardens. Before heading back down, don’t forget to stop by the Cable Car Museum and learn about the history of the city’s transportation system.
Walk through the lush forest of ZEALANDIA and discover a variety of native wildlife living in this protected eco-sanctuary. Just a few minutes drive from the CBD, you’ll find yourself surrounded by nature and witnessing a world-renowned sanctuary that’s home to some terrestrial animals, a few even listed as rare and endangered. Considered as one of the best places to see in Wellington, take a stroll around the park’s 32km tracks to admire the views, with or without a guide. You can also find cafes and small shops to rest and buy souvenirs.
Take a trip to Wellington Botanic Garden and admire the 25 hectares of beautifully landscaped land adorned with colorful floral displays, unique plant collections, conifers, and other native plants and trees. Make sure you catch the rose garden and tulips that bloom in Spring, feed some ducks at the duck pond, and climb up the treehouse for spectacular views of the garden.
Similar to the shape of a beehive, this building is the Executive Wing of the New Zealand Parliament Buildings. Established in 1977 and ten floors high, the Beehive houses the office of Prime Minister, cabinet members and other ministers. You can take a free guided tour with friendly and informative guides, available daily, and learn about the country's legislative processes and history. Inside, you can also find an extensive array of artwork decorated within its halls.
The Wellington Zoo is the country’s first zoo and has been caring for animals since 1906. Being the city’s oldest conservation organization, the Wellington Zoo is committed to protecting the welfare of animals within and outside the zoo. During your visit with the kids, you can see more than a hundred species, including kiwis, giraffes, sun bears, red pandas, and more. You can even get a chance to have a close encounter with some of the animals!
Located within the compounds of the Botanical Gardens, you’ll find the Space Place at Carter Observatory, a public museum and planetarium that focuses on space exploration and New Zealand’s southern skies. The planetarium offers an array of fun learning activities that visitors of all ages can enjoy, including planetary shows, interactive exhibits, and looking through the historic 9 ⅗ inch Cooke refractor telescope.
Located on Queens Wharf stands the historic Wellington Museum. Set over four floors, the museum exhibits an assortment of stories from the city and the rich history of the region. This includes displays on the maritime history of New Zealand, Maori and European settlement, as well as interactive exhibits about quirky tales from the past featured in the Attic. Visit the museum with family and friends to discover how the city has developed over 150 years as the capital of New Zealand.
If you’re an avid fan of Lord of the Rings or any film with breathtaking effects, then enter the mystical world of Weta Cave, a special effects company and attraction that boasts a range of movie props from your favorite films. Take a tour with helpful and knowledgeable guides around the workshop to get an amazing in-depth experience on the process of producing props and special effects for films such as LOTR, Chronicles of Narnia, and Avatar to name a few.
Get the happy vibe when you visit one of Wellington’s most colorful streets, the Cuba Street. Complete with colorful and vibrant street art and exhibitions, quirky cafes, inviting restaurants, galleries, vintage clothing and record stores, Cuba Street is widely known to be the city’s center for unique culture. Visitors and locals alike frequent the place not only for leisure and people watching activities, but also because there’s always something new to see and discover.
Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, is best known for its offbeat atmosphere. A stroll downtown and you're immediately welcomed by friendly residents, stunning new architecture, and cafes and restaurants with delicious cuisine. Check off some of the things from your Wellington stay by visiting the Te Papa Museum, riding a cable car and strolling around the ZEALANDIA Ecosanctuary.
Famous for being the windy city of New Zealand, Wellington is ultimately a breezy place year-round. However, the busiest months run from December to April during the warmer days, and is typically less crowded during the rainy season from May to November.
The best place to stay in Wellington is either the Te Aro district or the Wellington CBD, where most popular tourist attractions can be found. It's the lively area of the city, where quaint cafes, shops and city museums are located. For a quieter and more beach-like setting, you can choose Mount Victoria for stunning city views or Oriental Bay for some sea-view accommodation.