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Wellington, New Zealand

Destination Guide

Wellington

New Zealand

Best things to do in Wellington

41 curated attractions in Wellington, New Zealand. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

December - February

Average temp

12°C/54°F

Budget

Expensive

Safety

Generally safe

About Wellington

Wellington, New Zealand's capital, is built on a rugged harbor surrounded by steep hills, making it genuinely windy, and it leans heavily into its cultural scene. The city thrives on creativity, with Weta Workshop producing world-class special effects right in the heart of town and a lively coffee culture fueled by the many cafes around Cuba Street. Many visitors stroll along the waterfront or take the Wellington Writers Walk, which traces the city's literary history. Residents are a mix of government workers and artists, with many choosing to live near the Oriental Bay Beach or the Makara Peak Mountain Bike Park for access to nature. The city's compact size means you can walk from one side of the central business district to the other in about fifteen minutes, making it easy to experience most of what it offers, including the Wellington Phoenix Football Club and the occasional event at the waterfront.

Who it's for

This city is perfect for those who enjoy creative vibes, outdoor activities, and strong coffee. However, if you prefer large, sprawling metropolises or lack the patience for windy weather, you may find yourself a bit frustrated with Wellington's compact layout and occasional gusts. Outdoor enthusiasts will likely appreciate the hills and parks, while those seeking a more conventional urban experience might be left wanting.

Getting around

Public transport: Good

  • The waterfront can be walked end to end in about thirty minutes, perfect for coffee breaks along the way
  • Public transport is reliable, with buses connecting most suburbs to the city center
  • The Wellington Railway Station runs services to nearby towns and takes about an hour to reach Upper Hutt
  • Mount Victoria Lookout is a steep twenty-minute hike from the central area, rewarding you with panoramic views
Wellington Botanic Garden

Wellington Botanic Garden

Botanical gardens
Petone Foreshore

Petone Foreshore

Beaches
Mount Kaukau

Mount Kaukau

Mountains & volcanoes
Pukeahu National War Memorial Park

Pukeahu National War Memorial Park

Monuments & memorials
Wellington Railway Station

Wellington Railway Station

Modern architecture & skyscrapers
Colonial Cottage Museum

Colonial Cottage Museum

Historic houses & mansions
Oriental Bay Beach

Oriental Bay Beach

Beaches
Wellington Cable Car Museum

Wellington Cable Car Museum

Specialty & quirky museums
Wellington Sunday Market

Wellington Sunday Market

Local & craft markets
Oriental Bay

Oriental Bay

Beaches
St. Gerard’s Monastery

St. Gerard’s Monastery

Monasteries
Island Bay

Island Bay

Beaches
Wellington International Airport Observation Deck

Wellington International Airport Observation Deck

Observation decks & city views
The Great War Exhibition

The Great War Exhibition

History museums
Wellington Museum

Wellington Museum

History museums
Frank Kitts Park

Frank Kitts Park

City parks
Hutt Valley

Hutt Valley

Rivers, canyons & gorges
Wellington Zoo

Wellington Zoo

Zoos
Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne

Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne

Wildlife sanctuaries
Makara Peak Mountain Bike Park

Makara Peak Mountain Bike Park

Adventure parks
Lady Norwood Rose Garden

Lady Norwood Rose Garden

Nature
Wellington Wind Turbine

Wellington Wind Turbine

Scenic viewpoints
Staglands Wildlife Reserve

Staglands Wildlife Reserve

Wildlife sanctuaries
Matiu/Somes Island

Matiu/Somes Island

Islands
City Gallery Wellington

City Gallery Wellington

Art museums & galleries
Space Place at Carter Observatory

Space Place at Carter Observatory

Science & natural history museums
Wellington Writers Walk

Wellington Writers Walk

Fountains, statues & public art
Miramar Peninsula

Miramar Peninsula

Islands
Cuba Street

Cuba Street

Streets & neighbourhoods
Mt Victoria Lookout

Mt Victoria Lookout

Natural Wonders
Island Bay Marine Education Centre

Island Bay Marine Education Centre

Aquariums
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

History museums
Red Rocks Reserve

Red Rocks Reserve

Coastal walks & sea cliffs
Wellington Waterfront

Wellington Waterfront

Canals, harbours & waterfronts
Mount Victoria Lookout

Mount Victoria Lookout

Scenic viewpoints
Red Rocks Coast Walk

Red Rocks Coast Walk

Nature
Wellington Harbour

Wellington Harbour

Canals, harbours & waterfronts
Wellington Cable Car

Wellington Cable Car

Observation decks & city views
Boulder Hill

Boulder Hill

Mountains & volcanoes
Colonial Knob

Colonial Knob

Nature
Beehive and Parliament Buildings

Beehive and Parliament Buildings

Modern architecture & skyscrapers

Things to do in Wellington

Tours, cruises and experiences, rather than places to visit.

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