The capital of New Zealand, Wellington is famous for its beautiful harbor, diverse arts scene and rich cultural history. Surrounded by verdant hills and a beautiful coastline, Wellington combines natural and urban attraction.
If you love art, head to Wellington’s Cuba Street. This vibrant street is full of quirky shops, cafes and galleries and it’s a good introduction to the artsy vibe of the city. A scenic hike through the nearby Wellington Botanic Garden is another iconic destination with bird eye views of the city, a haven from the bustling streets. Address: 100 Glenmore Street, Wellington
Nature lovers can hike up to Mount Victoria Lookout for a spectacular lookout over the city, harbor and surrounding hills.
Pass by a few of these awesome cafés and take some time to have a coffee and enjoy the laid-back vibe as Wellington is known for its successful café culture. From experiencing its vibrant culture, walking through its terrific parks and enjoying the outdoors to strolling through the streets of the city, there is plenty to see and do in this capital city.
For more details on the city’s attractions, visit Wellington’s official website.
Te Papa Museum
The Te Papa Museum — New Zealand’s national museum — is one of the top attractions in Wellington. This iconic institution is particularly famed for its innovative exhibitions and profound cultural insights into New Zealand’s history, natural environment and indigenous Maori culture. The museum’s interactive displays span New Zealand’s wildlife to exhibits dedicated to Māori artisan traditions.
Some of the most popular exhibitions include the famed Colossal Squid, Gallipoli: The Scale of Our War, and the Earthquake House, where visitors can get a taste of what it feels like during a real earthquake simulation. (Te Papa hosts rotating exhibits, so there’s always something new to see.)
Te Papa hosts numerous cultural programs, workshops, and events, making it a vibrant hub of activity all year. It is ideal for families, tourists, and anyone eager to learn more about New Zealand’s rich heritage.
The museum sits on Wellington’s beautiful waterfront, and it’s a short stroll from the cafes and shops that fill the city, making it a perfect jumping-off point for a day of visiting. Because of its free entry, anyone is able to enjoy anything the museum has to offer, with no charge for a ticket, though donations are always welcome.
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Address:
55 Cable Street, Wellington, New Zealand
Wellington Cable Car
The Cable Car is a well-known feature on the city’s skyline. Since 1902 it has been more than just a convenient route between Lambton Quay and the base of Kelburn Hill: this historic cable car provides a picturesque commute. Local commuter or visiting tourist, the ride presents stunning panoramic views of Wellington’s harbor and city below.
Visitors can walk around the Wellington Botanic Garden and enjoy the calm of the hilltop at the exit. It also houses the Cable Car Museum, where you can find out about the cable car’s history and the evolution of transportation in the city. With a unique collection of rubbish and old cable car goodies, the museum offers some insight into Wellington’s history.
Although it only takes about five minutes to ride the cable car, the view along the way is amazing and makes the trip worthwhile. There is informative signage along the way, friendly staff to help, and the bright colors of the cable car itself make it a fun experience for all ages.
Address:
Lambton Quay to Kelburn Hill, Wellington, New Zealand
Website:
www.cablecar.co.nz
Zealandia
Just 10 minutes from Wellington’s center, Zealandia is a pioneering wildlife sanctuary. This conservation project, covering 225 hectares, aims to reinstate New Zealand’s unique wildlife back to where they belong. A visit to Zealandia takes you into a lush, protected setting where you can get up close to some of the country’s rarest species, like the famous Kiwi bird.
The sanctuary consists of various habitats, from forest to wetlands, and provides the chance to roam through nature trails, see native birds and reptiles and learn about New Zealand’s ecological restorative efforts. There are tours to help you improve your experience while viewing native wildlife in its natural habitat.
The sanctuary is also a pioneer in conservation science, with active research programs to protect endangered species of New Zealand. It’s a perfect place for those who love sustainability and animal conservation.
Address:
31 Waiapu Road, Karori, Wt, New Zealand
Website:
www.visitzealandia.com
Wellington Botanic Garden
Botanic Garden the expansive, beautifully maintained Wellington Botanic Garden stretches across the slopes of Kelburn Hill. Covering more than 25 hectares, it features a variety of native New Zealand flora and species from abroad. Each area of the garden, from the native bush, to the rose gardens, to the exotic plants, offers something special for visitors.
Another key attraction is the stunning Lady Norwood Rose Garden showcasing several varieties of roses that bloom between October and April. And there’s a Tropical Glasshouse, with lush tropical plants and colorful orchids. The Botanic Garden is a great place to go for a walk, family picnic or just sit back and soak in the nature.
The garden is also home to a handful of historic features, such as the Wellington Botanic Garden Pavilion, which dates to the 1920s, and the Kelburn Lookout, where visitors can find panoramic views of the city and harbor.
Address:
101 Glenmore Street, Wellington, New Zealand
Wellington Waterfront
One of the most beautiful and lively segments of Wellington is its waterfront, where nature meets (urban) development. It has a vibrant waterfront that runs from the Wellington Harbour through the city’s central business district and is lined with restaurants, cafes and cultural attractions. It’s also home to such landmarks as the Museum of Wellington City & Sea and Frank Kitts Park.
Visitors can stroll the waterfront to take in public art displays, piers and open space. The region is also a center for outdoor sports like kayaking, sailing and cycling. The well-kept paths are perfect for a leisurely walk or bike ride, offering lovely views of the harbor and distant hills.
The Wellington Waterfront features a number of old warehouses for those interested in history and offers a look into the city’s maritime past. It’s a great place to sit and people-watch while taking in the vibe of New Zealand’s capital city.
Address:
Wellington Waterfront, Wt., New Zealand
Website:
www.wellingtonwaterfront.co.nz
Cuba Street
Cuba Street is Wellington’s most colorful and eclectic enclave. Cuba Street is famous for its funky vibe, street art, independent boutiques, cafes and restaurants, and it’s a must-do to absorb the heart of the city’s arts scene. A eclectic lineup of vintage boutiques, art galleries and independent local shops are on this street, selling everything from fashion to homeware.
Peaceful Cuba Street Basin – The former Cuba Street Basin is a lush, large pedestrian area lined with outdoor seating famous for colorful murals and a laid-back feel. Visitors might stop for coffee at a local cafe or a bite to eat from one of the many food stalls and restaurants, from street food to fine dining.
Cuba Street is also famous for its vibrant scene, particularly at events such as the annual CubaDupa Festival, a celebration of art, music, and food. Cuba street is one of the places in Wellington that is always alive, whether it is hitting the shops, listening to live music, or just enjoying the creative spirit around you, Cuba street offers an active experience that embodies the chill, artistic vibe of the rest of the city.
Address:
Cuba Street, Wellington, New Zealand
Website:
www.cubastreet.co.nz
Mount Victoria Lookout
The Mount Victoria Lookout is another must on your Wellington car hire. This lookout at the top of Mount Victoria offers a 360-degree view over the city, Wellington Harbour and surrounding hills. It’s a beautiful place for photography, for seeing the sunrise or sunset, or just for a moment to sit and take it all in.
It’s a short walk through native bush to the lookout, and it is a scenic experience that’s worth having in its own right — a taste of New Zealand’s native flora and fauna. Once at the summit, the wide views illustrate why Mount Victoria is one of Wellington’s top tourist sites. The view of the harbor itself is quite scenic too, with the meandering coastline in the front and the distant hills providing a dramatic background.
The Mount Victoria Lookout also provides a fascinating sneak-peak into Wellington’s history, as the area used to be military grounds complete with WWII bunkers and installations. For the Wellington nostalgic, a few minutes’ walk in the area provides a glimpse into the city’s army history.
Address:
Mount Victoria, Wellington, New Zealand
Website:
www.wellingtonnz.com
Wellington Zoo
Wellington Zoo is the oldest zoo in New Zealand and provides an absolute treat for animal lovers of all ages. In the leafy suburb of Newtown, the zoo has over 500 animals — more than 100 different species, from around the world. This zoo has a great emphasis on conservation and domesticates with other organizations to save endangered species.
The zoo’s Wild Theatre is a highlight, featuring live animal encounters that educate visitors on wildlife conservation efforts. You’ll get up close to some of the zoo’s most iconic animals, including the tiger, orangutan, cheetah and native kiwi bird. They also have some New Zealand natives like the endangered little blue penguin and the tuatara, a unique reptile.
Wellington Zoo prides itself on natural, spacious environments for its animals, so it feels more like a wildlife sanctuary than a zoo. It’s another great family-friendly destination with hands-on exhibits and educational programs, and a chance to learn all about New Zealand’s unique biodiversity.”
Address:
200 Daniell Street, Newtown, Wellington, New Zealand
Website:
www.wellingtonzoo.com
Beehive and New Zealand Parliament Buildings
Wellington’s most notable landmarks include the Beehive and the New Zealand Parliament Buildings. A colorful, unusual and iconic building, the Beehive houses the executive offices of the New Zealand government. The Beehive is designed with a distinctive round shape set against the Wellington city skyline.
Next door is the Parliament House, a more traditional building that houses the country’s Parliament. Collectively, those buildings make up the heart of New Zealand’s political landscape. The Parliament complex also offers guided tours of its grounds, giving visitors an overview of New Zealand’s political system, the legislative process, and the history of the country’s government.
Along with the Beehive and Parliament House, the adjacent Old Parliament Building, the world’s largest wooden building, has a significant place in New Zealand history. Don’t forget to explore the beautiful gardens and sculptures on the Parliament grounds as well!
Address:
Parliament Grounds, Wellington, New Zealand
Website:
www.parliament.nz
Weta Workshop
If you were a fan of movies like The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, then visiting Weta Workshop is an experience of a lifetime. Weta Workshop, based in Wellington, is a leading special effects and design studio that brought many of the biggest blockbusters to life. Visitors can tour the studio to check out how some of the biggest Hollywood staples including props, costumes and models are created.
Weta Workshop runs a range of interactive tours and experiences, featuring the Weta Cave, a mini-museum filled with replicas of the iconic creatures, armor and weaponry from The Lord of the Rings. The studio also hosts hands-on workshops that allow visitors to create small-scale versions of the props and designs themselves.
The studio is where creativity and technology meet, and it’s a fantastic place for movie buffs, budding artists, and anyone who loves movie magic to visit. Behind-the-scenes tour at Weta Workshop Inspiring Behind the Scenes on some of the most memorable films in modern cinema, the Weta Workshop Tour showcases the incredible artistry at the heart of your favorite films.
Address:
1 Weka Street, Miramar, Wellington, New Zealand
Website:
www.wetaworksh
Old St. Paul’s Cathedral
Wellington’s Anglican roots are well illustrated in Old St. Paul’s Cathedral. This lovely wooden cathedral is a quintessential landmark of the city’s early colonial heritage, nestled in the middle of the capital. Constructed between 1865 and 1866, Old St. Paul’s hosted many events, including state funerals and notable ceremonies and was Wellington’s main cathedral until 1964, when the modern Wellington Cathedral of St. Paul was built.
The cathedral was built in the style of Gothic Revival architecture and boasts beautiful timber beams, intricate stained-glass windows and majestic arches which combine to form a peaceful and reverent atmosphere. Particularly striking is the timber interior of the cathedral which is made of native New Zealand timber such as kahikatea, rimu, and totara. The pews, altar and overall layout also cater to Old St. Paul’s position of importance in the religious and cultural history of the region.
Today, Old St. Paul’s Cathedral is a major tourist attraction, featuring displays and exhibits to learn about the church’s history. The temple serves regular services and concerts, offering a one-of-a-kind setting for events such as weddings, recitals and Christmas services. A trip to Old St. Paul’s is a very tranquil affair, and there’s ample opportunity to admire the architecture and contemplate the origin of Wellington.
In addition to its religious importance, the cathedral’s central position makes it an ideal stop-off when visiting other nearby highlights, including the Wellington Botanic Garden and the Parliament Buildings.
Address:
Cnr Hill & Molesworth Streets, Thorndon, Wt., New Zealand
Website:
www.oldstpauls.org.nz
Karori Wildlife Sanctuary
Karori Wildlife Sanctuary, now Zealandia, one of Wellington’s top conservation initiatives, is a unique experience for nature lovers and wildlife lovers alike. Only 10 minutes from the city center, this 225-hectare sanctuary is committed to preserving New Zealand’s native wildlife and restoring the singly unique ecosystem of the country.
Some of the country’s rarest species live in the sanctuary, such as the kākā (a native parrot), takahe (an endangered flightless bird), and tuatara, a living fossil from the time of the dinosaurs. The efforts on Zealandia are focused on ecological restoration, and the sanctuary is well managed so that endangered species can flourish in their native environment. As visitors walk through the sanctuary’s habitats, which include dense forest and wetlands, they look for these iconic native species.
A highlight of your visit to Zealandia is getting to take a guided tour with an expert ranger who knows the sanctuary inside out and shares information about the sanctuary’s history, conservation efforts and native wildlife. You can also wander these beautiful grounds at your own pace on various self-guided walking tracks, where you’ll not only be rewarded with some great views, but the chance to spot some wildlife as well!
The sanctuary is a great place to encounter New Zealand’s natural environment and see its endangered species in the wild, as well as support conservation efforts to help with the species that are unique to New Zealand.
Address:
31 Waiapu Road, Karori, Wellington, New Zealand
Website:
www.visitzealandia.com
The Museum of Wellington City & Sea
For anyone wanting to know more about Wellington’s maritime history, local culture, and development as a port city, the Museum of Wellington City & Sea is one of the most interesting attractions the city has to offer. Set on Wellington’s waterfront, the museum represents the narrative of the city using interactive displays, historical artifacts and compelling narratives above the significance of the sea to Wellington’s development and character.
The museum’s maritime exhibits are particularly noteworthy and include an impressive collection of shipwreck relics; the actual artifacts are from Wellington’s old wharves and a full-size replica of a 19th-century ship. Guests can read about the early European settlements in the region, the indigenous Māori peoples, how Wellington developed into the lively capital it is today.
Beyond its seafaring history, the museum also takes a look at Wellington’s cultural development, illuminating the city’s social and artistic scene. These interactive displays allow visitors to explore Wellington’s iconic sites, learn more about the role of the harbor in the city’s economy and even experience what it was like to live in early Wellington.
The Museum of Wellington City & Sea is a nice museum that provides insight into the city’s history, in particular the relationship between Wellington and the sea.
Address:
Queens Wharf, Wt., New Zealand
Website:
www.museumofwellingtoncityandsea.co.nz
Oriental Bay
One of Wellington’s most popular beaches is Oriental Bay — a unique mixture of city and beauty. Oriental Bay, only a stone’s throw from the city center, offers a laid-back, sandy beach retreat for locals and tourists alike. Its calm waters and sandy beach make it the perfect place to swim, sunbathe and just take a stroll along the promenade.
All around the bay, verdant hills rise in neat tiers to encompass the region, marking an escape from the urban crush. On a clear day, the views out to Wellington Harbour and the distant hills are absolutely stunning. From sunbathing to picnics by the water or kayak activities in the harbor, Oriental Bay is a gorgeous and peaceful place to unwind.
A favorite destination for residents and tourists, the bay has an adjacent walking and cycling path that traverses the waterfront to follow the surrounding hills and provides sweeping views of Wellington. Beside the bay, there are also a few cafes and restaurants if you’d like to grab a bite to eat along with the view! The bay is magical in the evenings, with reflections of the city in the still waters a perfect setting for an evening stroll.
Address:
Oriental Bay, Wellington, New Zealand
Website:
www.wellingtonnz.com
Cuba Street Night Market
One of the most exciting and vibrant events in Wellington, the Cuba Street Night Market. Taking place every Friday night, this iconic market turns Cuba Street into a riot of colour with food stalls, live music and street performers. It celebrates the city’s creative spirit and is a great way to get a taste of Wellington’s vibrant arts and food scene.
Food stalls will serve up a host of global street food options, serving up Asian, Middle Eastern and Latin American food. There’s something for all kinds of taste buds, whether what you’re craving are dumplings, churros, or gourmet burgers. Besides food, you’ll find a wide selection of arts and crafts booths, where you can get handmade jewelry, clothing, artwork and more from local artisans. It’s a lovely place to find unique souvenirs or gifts.
Cuba Street Night Market: A very colourful open market in Wellington is the Cuba Street Night Market which is quite lively and vibrant. It’s a family friendly event, but also popular with young people, making it a fine opportunity to mix with locals and other visitors. Whatever you’re in the mood for — yummy food, handmade things interactive fun — the Cuba Street Night Market has you covered.
Address:
Cuba Street, Wellington, New Zealand
Website: www.wellingtonnz.com