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20 Best Things to Do in Wellington, New Zealand
Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city, lies at the bottom of the north island. Although Auckland is bigger, Wellington is the governmental and business centre of the country.
I like to think of it as the Ottawa to Auckland’s Toronto.
Wellington isn’t very big. I walked across the length of downtown in under an hour. But in that little space, there’s a lot to do!
Not many people know about the incredible things to do in Wellington, New Zealand. Even people that live in New Zealand dismiss it as a “business-only city”. But it’s so much more than that.
Although it’s not as naturally beautiful as Kaikoura or the Bay of Islands, I really believe people need to visit.
Wellington is a foodie hub. It has the country’s national museum (which is free!). And it has an amazing waterfront.
If you’re driving around New Zealand, you’ll have to stop in Wellington to take the ferry to the South Island. Why not extend your stay to enjoy the attractions Wellington has to offer?
Don’t skip over this incredible city. You’ll learn more about New Zealand’s history, discover some of the best New Zealand cuisines, and get to visit one of the hubs of Lord of the Rings in New Zealand.
👉 I recommend this day tour of Wellington
20 Incredible Things to Do in Wellington, NZ
1. Te Papa Museum in Wellington, New Zealand
Te Papa is the Museum of New Zealand. It’s the most significant tourist attraction in Wellington. And entry is free for everyone!
Visit the museum from the Wellington Wharf.
The museum has multiple levels of exhibits.
Go see the Maori exhibits on level 4 for a wealth of information about their culture and experiences in New Zealand. You can even see replicas of traditional houses, clothing, and a bushwalk. Level 3 showcases the transformation of New Zealand’s landscape with the settlers. At the moment, level 2 houses the Gallipoli exhibit. It’s been extended to stay at the museum for a few more years.
As much as I love Maori information, Gallipoli: The Scale of Our War was by far the best exhibit in the museum.
Te Papa hired Weta Cave to build larger-than-life models of scenes from the war. These giant figures have incredible detail. Each person has their own story that is run on an audio loop around the room.
Even if you don’t care about war exhibits, go to see the Weta designs. They’re unbelievable!
Visit for a quick pop-in or stay for the day. Whatever your schedule, visiting the Te Papa is a must-do in Wellington, New Zealand.
2. Beaches
Like all of New Zealand, Wellington has some truly fantastic beaches.
Sure, none have naturally occurring hot water, like hot water beach, but they’re still pretty amazing.
If you’re looking to spend a day outdoors, enjoying the water, visit some of the best beaches in Wellington:
- Oriental Bay (best urban beach)
- Scorching Bay (best summer beach, located in Miramar)
- Lyall Bay (best surfing beach)
- Red Rocks (best for hiking)
- Paraparaumu Beach (best thing to do in Kapiti)
- Castlepoint (best views and lighthouse)
Don’t forget to pack your beach essentials!
3. Shopping
Shopping in Wellington, New Zealand is a classic Kiwi pastime.
Since New Zealand struggles to get many stores or up-to-date fashions, like their neighbour Australia does, Kiwis often go abroad to shop.
However, if they do shop in New Zealand, they wait until they visit Wellington. The capital city is home to the best retail chains and indie boutiques that you’ll find in New Zealand.
Whether you’re looking for a unique New Zealand souvenir or a new outfit for fun, you’ll find it in Wellington.
4. Nightlife
Since Wellington is a stop on every bus tour in the country, it’s quickly developed an incredible nightlife scene.
Whether you’re looking for a rodeo bar, a Spanish techno club, or a classic British pub, you’ll find it in Wellington. And you won’t have to look hard.
Although the East side of Wellington, New Zealand is mostly reserved for business, the West is full of hostels and fun bars to wile away the hours before your ferry to the South Island the next day.
Explore the craft beer scene of Wellington at night. Party with some friends you met while solo travelling. Or go out for a solo cocktail from a local mixologist.
Whatever you decide to do, taking advantage of the nightlife is one of the best things to do in Wellington, NZ.
5. Zealandia Ecosanctuary
Zealandia is a nature reserve in Wellington, New Zealand that is one of the best places to see local wildlife.
Spot the rare kiwibird and a three-eyed prehistoric reptile that calls New Zealand home. Tour the sanctuary to see over 40 rare species that call Wellington home.
Visit after dark to see thousands of glowworms and support local conservation research.
They’re open every day. Zealandia offers tours that include transportation from Wellington.
Click here to check admission prices.
6. Oriental Parade
Oriental Bay is a suburb in Wellington New Zealand that’s home to the most popular beach in the city. It’s also the site of some of the most luxurious houses.
Visit on your descent from Mount Victoria or while hanging out on the beach to check out the stunning pastel-coloured houses that line the bay.
In a country that isn’t famed for their architecture, Oriental Parade makes you reconsider why. These houses that dot the bay and ascend up towards Mount Victoria look like something out of a magazine. Unlike other New Zealand homes, they aren’t just built for comfort. They’re also built for style, with unique adaptations to sit in the hilly city.
👉 I recommend this day tour of Wellington
7. Cuba Street
Cuba Street is known as one of the best places for food in Wellington, New Zealand. The cuisine ranges from Italian to Thai to classic New Zealand food. No matter where you go, you’re sure to find spectacular dishes and delightful cocktails.
Tip: Go before 6pm or make a reservation ahead of time to ensure you can get a table. Many restaurants book up in advance.
But the restaurants aren’t the only draw.
This street is full of culture.
You’ll find adorable boutique shops, antique stores, and indie outlets that make the street incredibly colourful throughout the day.
At night, you’ll find culture in the street buskers who perform along the pedestrian-only walkway. You may even find yourself drawn into an impromptu salsa dancing class or clapping along to a jaunty tune.
Visit Cuba street once during the day and once at night to see the best of this Wellington, New Zealand attraction.
8. Mount Victoria
Every city in New Zealand has a mountain to explore. That’s the benefit of being a volcanic island.
Wellington’s famous mountain, Mount Victoria, lies on the east side of the city. It’s full of walking and cycling tracks that wind their way through the mountain’s terrain.
Although it is a hike to get to the top, it’s a beginner-level hike that anyone could do if they wear the right hiking gear.
The journey may be the best part of some adventures, but with Mount Victoria, the destination is the real gem. From the top of the mount, you get stunning 360 degree views of Wellington.
Be sure to bring your camera to capture the splendor of the bay, the rich green hills, and to try to catch a peak of the South Island across the harbour.
Hiking the mountain doesn’t take very long. I opted to start my day with the hike, just after sunrise. But I wish I’d gone earlier, as the scenic mountain offers some of the best views of a sunrise in New Zealand.
9. Wellington Cable Car
This historic cable car has been running in Wellington for over a hundred years.
Although you can now get to the botanic gardens by taking an elevator or climbing steps, the cable car remains a favourite of locals and tourists alike for climbing the hill to Kelburn.
You can find the cable car stop in Lambton’s Quay nestled between two buildings.
Every 10 minutes, the bright red cable car climbs 120m along 612m of track to offer stunning views of the city. Not only can you appreciate the panoramic views of Wellington’s harbour, but you’ll also get a fun light show when the cable car enters a tunnel.
Take the cable car to get to the amazing activities in Kelburn.
👉 I recommend this day tour of Wellington
10. Botanic Gardens
The Botanic Gardens are an amazing visit for anyone in Wellington, NZ. This attraction houses greenhouses, masterfully maintained gardens, and winding dirt paths through native exhibits of fauna.
You’ll love this trail down from Kelburn back to downtown Wellington, where you can trace native Australian and New Zealand plants through the ages.
You won’t see any kauri trees, but you can spot some silver ferns!
The gardens are free to visit. Stop by at any time of day to enjoy the blooms.
11. Parliament (aka. the Beehive)
The Wellington, New Zealand parliament is a must-see when you’re in the city. It’s the home of New Zealand’s incredible government, headed up Jacinda Arden.
She alone is one of the pros of living in New Zealand and a reason I loved moving to New Zealand with a Working Holiday Visa.
Even if you’re not a fan of politics, visiting the Beehive is a must-do.
The Beehive is one of the foremost buildings in Parliament. It’s the Executive Wind of the buildings locates at Molesworth Street and Lambton Quay.
The shape of the building resembles a beehive, with sloping tiers that give it a distinctive appearance among the older British-inpsired buildings.
You can even enjoy lunch in the park at Parliament if you’re looking for more free things to do in Wellington, NZ.
12. Weta Cave
I’ve already written about my experience at Weta Cave, but it has to be a part of this itinerary.
Weta Cave is the design house for Peter Jackson’s films.
You can take a tour of the design studio alone or add on a chance to see their miniature studio. I only did the design studio and regret it. The miniatures aren’t just action figures as I’d thought. They’re entire cities and buildings recreated for specific filming or set design.
Book your ticket in advance to get a time slot.
The studio is a ways outside of the city. Catch a cab or an Uber to get there for $20-30 NZD.
If you’re flying out of Wellington, Weta Cave is halfway to the airport. It’s an easy stop-over before a flight. I did it and made my flight with plenty of time to spare!
13. Walk the Waterfront & Visit Harbourside Market
The Wellington wharf and waterfront are excellent things to do on a sunny day.
You can walk the pier from one end of Wellington to the other, passing by Te Papa Museum, the wharf, and the Harbourside Market. You’ll even get to watch the ferries take off to transport visitors between the North and South Islands.
If you’re not a fan of strolling, check out the fun things to do at the wharf. You can find cool bars, patches of grass to lounge on, pop-up markets, and a pop-up sauna.
On Sundays from 7:30 am – 2:00 pm, you can stop by the harbor-side farmers market. This market sells both local produce and full meals, like taquitos and New Zealand whitebait fritters. Eat your lunch with the best view in the city: looking out over the ocean.
14. Putangirua Pinnacles
Lord of the Rings addicts like myself won’t want to miss this epic hike. It is my third favorite LOTR destination in New Zealand, after Hobbiton and the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
Located an hour and forty-five minutes from Waiheke, you’ll need to rent a car to get to these natural marvels.
The pinnacles are unique rock formations that are vaguely reminiscent of a giants causeway, with large rocks shooting up from the ground. The rocks are a form of badlands erosion that now leave these pillars towering over the natural reserve.
The area was the set for part of the Paths of the Dead sequence in Lord of the Rings: Return of the King.
Even if you’re not an LOTR fan, you should stop by these stunning geographical attractions while you’re in Wellington, NZ.
15. Best Tours to Help You Explore the Attractions of Wellington, NZ
- Weta Cave Workshop Tour
- A Full Day Sightseeing Tour that covers all the best things to do in Wellington, New Zealand
- Tour of the Nearby Martinborough Coast & Vineyards
- Small Tour of Zealandia
- Helicopter Tour Over Wellington
- Walking Food Tour of Wellington
- Private Sightseeing Tour of Wellington, NZ
- Half Day Craft Beer Tour of Wellington New Zealand
- Lord of the Rings Tour of Wellington
- Customizable Photo Tour of Wellington
Wellington, New Zealand Ferry
The Interislander Ferry in Wellington, NZ is the best way to get to the South Island from the North Island of New Zealand.
The ferry picks you up in Wellington and drops you off in Picton, New Zealand on the South Island.
Book your tickets early to ensure you get your preferred time slot.
Note: It is VERY cold on the ferry, Bring layers, even in the summer.
Plan to take motion sickness tablets if you get sick at sea. There are often rough waves in the harbour between the islands.
Best Restaurants in Wellington, New Zealand
Wellington is known for its food. Not only is it the foodie capital of New Zealand, but it’s also the coffee AND craft beer capital of New Zealand.
How can one city be so many capitals??
Be sure to try out the local scenes. Get some local tuatara. Order a flat white. Shop for some fejoias at the local markets.
Don’t forget to eat local New Zealand food!
Some of the best areas to find incredible food in Wellington are:
- Cuba Street (for dinner)
- Hannah’s Laneway (for coffee and pastries)
If you’re looking for local food, check out the restaurants:
- Flight Coffee’s The Hanger
- Pickle and Pie
- Logan Brown
- Ortega Fish Shack
- Lucky
- Lashings (get the brownies!)
Find the best craft beer at:
- Heyday Brewing Co.
- Garage Project
- Black Dog Brewery
- Tuatara Brewery
- Double Vision Brewing
- Parrotdog Brewery
- Fortune Favors Beer
- The Occasional Brewer
Accommodation in Wellington, New Zealand
I recommend staying at least 2 nights in Wellington, NZ to have time to see all the attractions.
Before you go, you’ll need to know where to stay in Wellington. There are tons of options for accommodations.
The best hotels in Wellington New Zealand:
The best hostels in Wellington New Zealand:
The best homestays in Wellington New Zealand:
The best campsites in Wellington, NZ:
- Evans Bay Marina Carpark
- Camp Wellington and Costa Lodge
Getting Around Wellington, NZ
The easiest and cheapest way to get around Wellington, New Zealand is on foot.
The city is highly walkable, with many opportunities to rest if you need breaks.
I managed to walk the length of the downtown core in an hour, after I’d already hiked Mount Victoria.
After a long day, you may not want to walk. If that’s the case, opt for the public transport and take the bus. It runs regularly with routes in and outside of the city.
Taxis are quite expensive in Wellington. You’re better off getting an Uber, but you will be paying a higher fare.
Unless you already have a car, there’s no need to rent one to get around Wellington. It’s much easier to walk and get transport when you need to go further from the city centre.
There are regular shuttle services to the airport from the city centre.
FAQ About Wellington, New Zealand
Where is Wellington, New Zealand?
Wellington is located at the Southeastern tip of the North Island of New Zealand. It’s in a sheltered bay off the Cook Strait, which runs between the North and South Islands.
How far is Wellington from Auckland? And how do I get there?
Wellington is 8 hours south of Auckland by car, following State Highway 1.
You can also reach Wellington via train, although this takes closer to 12 hours.
Or fly into the Wellington airport within 1 hour. Jetstar has cheap flights that run regularly between the two cities.
I flew to Wellington most of the times I visited. The one time I drove, it was part of a road trip itinerary throughout New Zealand.
Learn More About New Zealand Before You Visit
- The Complete Guide to New Zealand: Tips and Tricks
- New Zealand Slang: From Sweet As to Swear Words
- How to Move to New Zealand with a Working Holiday Visa
- What is the Best Time of Year to Visit New Zealand?
- The Complete Guide to New Zealand: North Island
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