The 10 Best Things to Do in Wellington: Travel Guide 2024 

This guide to the best things to do in Wellington will help you plan a great trip to New Zealand’s capital. It also covers how to get to and around the city and where to stay. 

Lonely Planet has named Wellington ‘the coolest little capital in the world,’ and for good reason. The city boasts an artsy vibe, iconic cultural institutions, a vibrant dining scene, and easy access to the great outdoors. 

Having lived in Auckland for many years, I’ve been fortunate to visit Wellington numerous times for both work and leisure. Based on my experience, I believe it’s one of the most exciting cities in New Zealand for visitors. 

I hope this article inspires you to add Wellington to your New Zealand itinerary to discover the city for yourself.  

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Best Things to Do in Wellington

Ultimately, Wellington offers something for every interest and budget. This guide covers the activities and attractions that I have personally experienced and found to be unique in some way. 

Visit Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

No guide to the best things to do in Wellington would be complete without mentioning Te Papa. It is truly a cultural icon and an absolute must-see. 

The museum celebrates New Zealand’s unique environment and heritage. Its collections include Māori and Pacific peoples’ treasures, local contemporary art, and even the odd dinosaur bone. 

Entry is free for everyone, although charges may apply to some short-term exhibitions. Among the ones I attended were exhibitions by Andy Warhol and the American Impressionists. 

If you’d like to learn more about what you’re seeing, you can join this one-hour introductory Te Papa tour that will cover the highlights of the collection. 

Take a Ride on the Wellington Cable Car

The distinctive red cable car is one of Wellington’s most iconic sites. Dating back to the late 19^th century, it is the only funicular railway operating in New Zealand. 

The cable car connects Lambton Quay in the heart of Wellington CBD with the suburb of Kelburn. The ride takes about five minutes and at the top you can enjoy superb views of the city. 

At Kelburn, you can also visit the Cable Car Museum, explore the galleries of the Space Place at Carter Observatory and take a walk around the Wellington Botanic Garden. 

The cable car runs every ten minutes, seven days a week. Fares are NZ $6.50 (US $3.80) one way and NZ $12.00 (US $7.00) return per adult and NZ $3.50 (US $2.00) one way and NZ $6 (US $3.50) return per child. 

Explore the Wellington Botanic Garden

Speaking of the Wellington Botanic Garden, it’s definitely a great attraction to add to your itinerary. It’s an ideal spot to enjoy nature and marvel at beautiful views over the city and its picturesque harbour. 

Established in 1868, the Wellington Botanic Garden now comprises 64 acres of native and exotic forests, walkways, and formal gardens. Along the way, you can also discover floral displays, sculptures, and a duck pond. At nighttime, you may also be able to spot glowworms in the Main Garden. 

If you’re after a pit stop, the Picnic Cafe in the Lady Norwood Rose Garden is the place to go for a meal or a sweet pick-me-up. Younger visitors will undoubtedly enjoy the Botanic Garden playground. 

Entry to the Wellington Botanic Garden is free. 

Experience the Magic of Film-Making at Weta Workshop

The creative minds behind the Academy Award-winning Weta Workshop have brought to life many an imaginary world, with the Lord of the Rings probably being the most famous. 

The easiest way to visit is to join a guided tour where you will learn about the making of movie effects and get up close to a collection of armour, fantastical creatures and authentic props that have appeared in many iconic films.  

There are a number of tour packages you can choose from, so prices vary. The original tour of the workshop costs $55 NZ ($32 US).  

You can book them directly on the Weta Workshop’s website or, if you’d like a more flexible option with free cancellation, on Get Your Guide. 

Learn About New Zealand Wildlife at Zealandia Ecosanctuary

Located in Karori, a suburb of Wellington, Zealandia is the world’s first fully fenced urban eco-sanctuary and is home to many rare bird, reptile, and plant species. Some of these species are unique to New Zealand and are on the brink of extinction. 

The project’s vision is to restore the valley where the sanctuary is located, along with its freshwater ecosystems, as closely as possible to their pre-human state. I highly recommend joining a guided tour to learn more about New Zealand’s natural history, wildlife, and conservation techniques. 

General admission is $26 NZ ($15 US) per adult. Entry with guided tours starts from $64 NZ ($38 US) per person, which includes the general admission pass. Discounts are available for children. 

You can book your tour either on the Zealandia site or through Get Your Guide if you’re looking for a more flexible option. 

Take a Tour of New Zealand Parliament

Wellington is the heart of New Zealand’s political life. You can find out more about the country’s parliamentary processes and history by joining a guided tour of Parliament. 

You will explore parts of the unique Parliament buildings, including the iconic Beehive, and see the artworks and objects that make up the Parliamentary Collection. 

After the tour, you may also have the opportunity to watch MPs in action by taking a seat in the public gallery of the debating chamber. 

Guided tours are free, but booking at least 24 hours in advance is required. You can book your spot on the New Zealand Parliament’s website. 

Enjoy Spectacular Views from Mount Victoria

For 360-degree views of the city, head to the top of Mount Victoria. This is possibly one of the best spots for catching sunsets and sunrises in the city. 

Mount Victoria is easily accessible from Wellington CBD. You can get to the top by car, bus, or on foot. The latter is my favourite option, and there is a network of walking trails that connect the mount with different suburbs. 

The walk to the top can feel a little steep, but your effort will be rewarded with truly spectacular views. If you’d like an easier option, you can take bus number 20 to the top and then walk back down to the CBD. 

Take a Stroll Along the Waterfront

Wellington is a great city to explore on foot, with many walking routes available. My personal favourite walk in central Wellington is the one along its picturesque waterfront. 

Start off at Queens Wharf and follow the harbour all the way to Te Papa. Then continue on to Chaffers Marina and complete your walk at Oriental Bay beach. 

Along the way, enjoy stunning views of the Harbour, explore public artwork, or grab a coffee and snack at one of the many cafes that dot the area. The walk is flat and suitable for all fitness levels. 

Savour Local Flavours at Hannah’s Laneway

Located right in the heart of the city, between Leeds and Eva Streets, Hannahs Laneway is the ultimate destination for foodies. 

This funky, street-art-clad neighbourhood is home to many iconic gastronomic outlets including Fix and Fogg Peanut Butter, Leeds St Bakery, and the Wellington Chocolate Factory. Excellent pizza, burgers, and tipples are also on offer from various spots. 

One of my favourite memories of Hannahs Laneway is a visit to the Wellington Chocolate Factory. You can take a guided tour to learn about chocolate making or even create your own chocolate at one of their masterclasses. 

There are also plenty of treats on offer that you can take home as a souvenir from your trip. 

Visit City Gallery Wellington

Wellington boasts a lively cultural scene, and one of its significant fixtures is the City Gallery, which showcases New Zealand and international contemporary art. 

City Gallery has an ever-changing schedule of exhibitions that explore the many forms of contemporary art through various mediums and styles. It also holds events and educational programmes to bring communities together. 

The gallery’s building, just off the Wellington waterfront, is currently closed for renovations. However, it continues its activities in other locations such as The Dowse Art Museum and the National Library of New Zealand. 

City Gallery is set to return to its home in 2026. 

Best Time to Go to Wellington

Wellington is famous for its strong gusty winds and unpredictable weather all year round. Winter months (June to August) are considered low season, so it is the cheapest and quietest time to visit. However, wandering around the city might not be the most pleasant experience due to rain and wind. The daily winter temperatures sit at 6-11°C. 

If you don’t mind crowds and higher rates, the summer months (December through February) offer the best weather. You can expect daily temperatures of 13-20°C. 

Visiting between March and May offers the best of both worlds – warm weather with temperatures ranging between 13-20°C and smaller crowds. Do pack your umbrella though! 

How Many Days Do You Need in Wellington

Two days should be enough to see the highlights of the city. However, you won’t regret it if you decide to stay longer. 

On my last trip to Wellington, my husband and I stayed for four days, and we had something to do every day. This duration gave us the opportunity to do some wandering around the city and simply enjoy it without having to rush. 

How to Get to Wellington

If you are travelling from New Zealand or major Australian cities, you’ll be able to catch a direct flight to Wellington. If you are travelling from further afield, you will likely need to make a connection in Auckland first before moving on to the capital. 

From the airport, you can take the Airport Express bus that travels all the way to Wellington Station with several stops in the city centre. Taxis are also available but are more expensive. 

You can also get to Wellington by car or coach. Intercity has a large bus network that connects many areas of New Zealand. 

There is also a scenic rail route called the Northern Explorer that connects Auckland and Wellington. The journey takes over 11 hours and only operates three days a week. However, if you have the time, it’s definitely worth it for the scenery. 

How to Get Around Wellington

Central Wellington is quite compact and it’s super easy to get around it on foot or on a bike.   

Venturing out of the city centre is not a problem either. The local public transport system, Metlink, offers a network of buses, ferries, trains and even a cable car.  It’s more than sufficient for most visitors’ needs. 

Taxis are generally expensive so ride-sharing services such as Uber are a more economical option. 

Where to Stay in Wellington

New Zealand’s capital offers a range of places to stay, from stylish luxury hotels to cool hostels with a family feel. I recommend staying in the CBD since the city’s main attractions are located there.

Here are a few options to kick start your travel planning. 

Luxury: QT Wellington  

This design led hotel features harbourside views and an art collection that will make you feel like you’re spending a night in a luxurious art gallery.  

Mid-Range – U Boutique Hotel  

This funky boutique hotel inspired by the pensione style of accommodation in continental Europe. 

Budget – YHA Wellington  

Just a short walk away from the iconic Te Papa museum, this hostel has two kitchens and generous communal space to meet other travellers. 

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoyed this guide to the best things to do in Wellington. The New Zealand capital is a true gem and is worth a visit as part of a North Island trip. 

Looking for more New Zealand travel inspiration? Check out these guides to other great New Zealand cities including Auckland, Queenstown, and Nelson. 

FAQs: Things to Do in Wellington

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