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The capital city of New Zealand is a wonderful city to spend a few days exploring. Windy Wellington, nicknamed for its crazy winds, often gets overlooked by the natural beauty of New Zealand. The city is located at the southern tip of the North Island. Comfortably set near Welling Harbor, the city bring a sense of calm. This unhurried atmosphere is part of the reason the Lonely Planet named it the coolest little capital.
While you won’t find century-old buildings and architecture in Wellington (or throughout New Zealand for that matter), there are plenty of other things to see and do. Here are the top 15 things to do!
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Wellington Harbor
While I recommend walking through the harbor, the tranquility can also be experienced from some of the hills surrounding it. A leisurely stroll around the harbor will make you feel like a local. Joggers, walkers, and cyclists also frequent the harbor.
Te Papa Tongarewa Museum
More commonly referred to as Te Papa Museum, it is the National Museum of New Zealand. The museum’s exhibitions are truly captivating and encompass everything from dinosaurs to Maori culture, from mother nature to contemporary art. Bonus: Admission is FREE!
Wellington Cable Car
The icon of Wellington is the bright red cable car that runs from Lambton Quay to the top of the Botanic Gardens. The cable car is used by both tourists and locals alike. It only costs $5NZD for one way or $9NZD for a round trip. The view of Wellington from the top is absolutely mesmerizing. I recommend only taking a one-way trip up and walking your way down through the Wellington Botanical Garden.
Wellington Botanical Garden
I don’t have a green thumb and I don’t know much about flowers or exotic plants – but the botanical garden was still awesome! There are a number of walkways in the garden, typically marked by painted flowers on the ground. You could easily spend a few hours here enjoying nature and the views of the city. If you’re short on time, follow the Te Araroa Walkway to get you back to the city center directly.
The Weta Cave
New Zealand has some jaw-dropping scenery, making it a great place for movies to film. The Weta Cave is a museum dedicated to all things movies-based-in-NZ. They have props and items from the set so any movie nerd can get consumed for half a day or full day. The museum has tours and workshops to give you an inside scoop. The museum is in Wellington because Peter Jackson (director of Lord of the Rings) was born in the city.
Wrights Hill Fortress
The fortress was built during World War II to protect Wellington from invasions from the Pacific. The fortress is only open to the public a few days a year. If you wanted to arrange a private tour, you could explore the circular building and its underground tunnels. Even if you see it from the outside, it’s pretty cool.
Cuba Street
The evening is the best time to visit this laid-back, quirky street. Lined with small vintage shops, coffee shops, and restaurants, the street gives you an inside look at the life of kiwis (or local New Zealanders).
Mt. Victoria Lookout
There are plenty of hills surrounding Wellington to enjoy the views, but none quite like Mount Victoria. Hang out with locals to watch the sunset over the harbor. Be sure to dress for the wind since it’s even windier here.
Zealandia
Nature lovers would enjoy this wildlife sanctuary right in the city center. Admission is $55NZD for adults and you can take a guided tour or explore on your own. This is also a great spot for kids. Travel tip: Visit Zealandia at night when the birds are most active. You’ll have a better chance of seeing the iconic kiwi bird.
The Skyline Walkway
New Zealand is an adrenaline seeker’s dream – and Wellington is no exception. You can walk this 12 km walk – some of which is on an exposed ridgeline – for astonishing views. The views encompass not only the city and harbor but also Marlborough Sounds and Kaikoura ranges.
Wellington Chocolate Factory
Any lover of chocolate would enjoy the tastings at the Wellington Chocolate Factory. On Saturdays, there are tours where you can get a fascinating in-depth look behind the scenes into the chocolate-making process.
Katherine Mansfield House & Garden
For a glimpse into New Zealand past, step into Katherine Mansfield’s house. The write is one of New Zealand’s beloved daughters. The house is in pristine condition with gas lamps and polished wood and admission is only $8NZD. Any history or literary fan would enjoy spending an afternoon here.
Nairn Street Cottage
Believed to be Wellington’s oldest original house built in 1858, the cottage is a must-visit for history buffs. Small in size when compared to the Katherine Mansfield house, but it shows a different side of New Zealand’s past.
Wellington Night Market
Another free thing to do in Wellington is to walk the Night Market (though you may spend money through shopping). Enjoy street performers, food from around the world as you shop the local stores. You can find everything from old books to new electronics.
Watch the Wellington Phoenix
If you love football (or as us Americans say, “soccer”) and loud crowds, then check to see if the Wellington Phoenix have a home match while you’re visiting. Kiwis (or New Zealanders) love their rugby, but football is growing in popularity. Click here to purchase tickets.
Read More about New Zealand
Best Things to do in Wellington
Best Small Towns in New Zealand’s North Island
Best Small Towns in New Zealand’s South Island
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I’ve never been to New Zealand, but continue to read about all of the natural beauty and things to do. Our family would love a visit to the Te Papa Museum and riding the cable car. The Weta Cave sounds fun too. A great round up!
Thank you! New Zealand is a great mix of cities and nature with PLENTY for families to do!
I have always wanted to visit New Zealand and now I know why. I am not much for museums, but I do love movies and Weta Cave sounds like it would be a lot of fun. Spending time at the Wellington Night Market, shopping eating and just hanging out would be the perfect way to end the day.
Isn’t it where was filmed the Lord of the Rings? if so, I would definitely scout the place before-hand to explore the specific locations.
That cable car trip up and then a walk down through the botanical gardens sounds fabulous. What a great way to get a view and then explore the flora and fauna of New Zealand. Then in the evening a visit to the night market to eat my way around the world! Sounds like an ideal day.
Absolutely agree!
Botanical Garden and Mt. Victoria look amazing! I would love to visit New Zealand some day! Why is it so far!?
I have always wanted to travel to New Zealand and this is a fantastic guide that would help me or any traveler! Right now I would love to just walk down Cuba Street and check it out! I also love that you included some of the wildlife there. It looks amazing! Thanks so much for the inspiration!
I haven’t visited Wellington but I have friends who have and I’ll be at home at the Botanic Garden if I visit. The cable car looks different to what I have seen in other countries. I have heard that Wellington is one of the cleanest eco cities in the world, I can see why now.
Awesome post. I’ve never been to Wellington or New Zealand. Would it be good for including in your first trip to NZ?
Absolutely!! Though if you don’t have a lot of time in NZ, I would suggest focusing on one island instead of squeezing in two.
Wellington looks like a great destination! The cable car ride and botanical gardens would be great to experience! The night market sounds like a lot of fun to-things tend to be funner at night for some reason
Night does bring out more fun! 🙂