Take a look at our information to the most effective issues to do in Wellington, New Zealand!
There are positively a whole lot of nice issues to do in Wellington, New Zealand!
So including Wellington to your itinerary of New Zealand’s North Island is your likelihood to go to the “coolest little capital on the earth.”
With at some point in Wellington, you’ll have loads of time to go to the world-famous Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.
Staying three days in Wellington will open your eyes to a vibrant waterfront, a rugged shoreline, and concepts for day journeys, making your keep memorable.
And if you’re travelling with kids, there are many free and low cost issues to do in Wellington.
Apart from these items to do in Wellington, town can also be the hub of nice espresso, craft beers, and fabulous menus.
You possibly can keep in high-end resorts, boutique resorts, or go quirky staying in a lighthouse or an outdated preserve.
So let’s get began on what to do in Wellington metropolis!
READ MORE: Profit from your time in New Zealand with our comprehensive travel guide.
The Finest Issues to Do in Wellington
Wellington is a gem of New Zealand’s North Island. When you begin exploring Wellington’s sights, you’ll discover it’s simple to stroll to many of the landmarks.
1) Go Underground in Parliament
If you ebook the FREE 60-minute tour of Parliament, you’ll see greater than the inside of the constructing, debating chambers and beautiful wooden panels.
This tour takes you underground to view the bottom isolators, designed to stabilize the primary constructing throughout an earthquake.
It could sound nerdy, however it’s fairly outstanding.
The tour additionally consists of the fantastically designed gothic Parliamentary Library.
And close by Previous St Paul’s is one other beautiful gothic constructing to go to.
2) Go to Previous St. Paul’s Church
Previous St. Paul’s Church is an iconic landmark of Wellington constructed between 1865-1866.
This tiny church is a heritage constructing in New Zealand.
If you enter, you may be captivated by the gothic inside of the native woods.
It’s merely breathtaking.
The church is FREE to enter and is open from 10am – 4pm day-after-day.
READ MORE: Take a look at our widespread information to the best things to do in Queenstown!
3) Journey the Cable Automobile to Wellington Botanic Gardens
One of the crucial distinctive issues to do in Wellington is to experience the cable automotive.
The Wellington Cable Automobile has been within the metropolis since 1902.
It is likely one of the most iconic photos representing Wellington because it takes college students as much as Victoria College, or employees all the way down to town.
Search for the Wellington Cable Automobile signal on the busy purchasing road within the metropolis centre often called Lambton Quay.
On the prime, you might have a shocking vista of the harbour.
It’s also possible to go to the small cable automotive museum, take pleasure in a drink or take a hilly stroll across the stunning Wellington Botanical Gardens.
4) Hunt for Wildlife at Zealandia
A good way to take pleasure in Wellington is to spend time amongst the pure wildlife and fauna of the area.
Zealandia is an enclosed space of 225 hectares stuffed with wildlife. There are day, twilight, or evening excursions accessible the place you possibly can see New Zealand native bush and native species of birds and reptiles.
The evening tour is particularly widespread as a result of you possibly can hear the Kiwi. And through the day, attempt to discover the traditional Tuatara or the scary-looking big Weta.
Afterwards, take the free shuttle bus again to Wellington I-Website at Civic Sq..
For a extremely distinctive expertise although, it’s value reserving a tour to go to the sanctuary at evening. You possibly can organise this awesome activity right here.
One of the simplest ways to get round is to lease a automotive and discover by yourself! We suggest Rental Cars, which has the biggest vary of autos for the most effective worth in the marketplace.
5) Chill Out in Te Ngakau Civic Sq.
Wellington’s Civic Sq. Te Ngakau (the center) is the place to search out:
- Wellington I-Website customer data (for any questions on Wellington)
- Wellington Public Library
- Wellington Metropolis Gallery
The Wellington Metropolis Gallery is the place you’ll discover an exhibition of Maori and Pacific artwork.
Additionally, you will discover Wellington-based artists in The Michael Hirschfeld Gallery.
At present, the Wellington Public Library is closed for renovations.
So for excellent espresso and a chunk to eat, you’ll have to cross over the quirkily designed Metropolis to Sea Bridge.
Pull up a bean bag at Karaka Cafe finish take pleasure in Whairepo Lagoon.
Then you possibly can ponder which Wellington waterfront actions you propose to do subsequent.
6) Study Extra at Wellington Museum
Wellington Museum is certainly one of many actions to take pleasure in alongside the waterfront.
On every flooring of the outdated Bond Retailer, you’ll find out about New Zealand’s maritime historical past, the tragic 1968 Wahine catastrophe, and New Zealand turning into a nuclear-free port.
The children will love the shows, movies, and particularly the attic for its fascinating time journey machine.
READ MORE: Don’t miss out on what to do in Christchurch when visiting New Zealand!
7) Paddle the Wellington Harbour
One of many extra adventurous issues to do in Wellington is to discover the Wellington Harbour by yourself.
Ferg’s Kayaks is the place to check your abilities on the water with kayaking or paddleboards.
You will have the choice of hiring kayaks or reserving a kayak tour.
However Ferg’s additionally has a rock-climbing wall to check your higher power and inline skating rent to see extra of the waterfront.
But when the harbour is a little bit windy, spend a while at Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.
8) Get Misplaced in Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
Chances are you’ll not have deliberate it, however Te Papa may have your curiosity for a number of hours.
You’ll turn out to be absorbed with New Zealand historical past shows, Māori tradition, and the interactive pure surroundings shows.
However the Te Papa Museum isn’t just a museum.
It additionally displays the nationwide artwork gallery assortment.
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa is rated as one of many prime locations to go to in Wellington, significantly to:
- Admire the Te Hono ki Hawaiki marae with its stunning carvings
- Expertise the seismic shift of an earthquake
- Go to one of many many everlasting and visiting displays (expenses might apply)
And after you see the story exhibit of New Zealand troopers in WW1 at Gallipoli, you’ll need to go to Weta Cave on the Te Papa Museum.
Be sure you organise the categorical twilight tour to essentially profit from your time right here. Book it online at Get Your Guide.
9) Go to the Film World of Weta
When you’re a fan of flicks like Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, King Kong and Avatar then you’ll take pleasure in a day journey to Weta.
The Weta Cave Wellington and the Weta Workshop are the place you’ll discover the props utilized in these films.
You will have two choices:
- Ebook a Weta Workshop tour to stand up near the film props
- Go to the Weta Cave store for FREE to see the mini-museum with prop replicas, together with a brief documentary
Weta Workshop is an iconic place to go to in Wellington, which has turn out to be the ‘Wellywood’ of the New Zealand movie trade.
You possibly can select from 6 excursions, together with a hands-on workshop, to grasp how these visible results artists make a film come to life.
And in your manner again to town centre, contemplate a cease alongside Oriental Parade.
10) Loosen up at Oriental Bay
When it’s time to calm down, New Zealand’s Oriental Parade has loads of benches on which to sit down and folks watch.
Take pleasure in an ice cream or dip your toes into the chilly seawater.
With the brick monastery of St. Gerard’s trying down on you, it’s possible you’ll be tempted to stroll the numerous steps for the view.
In any other case, you possibly can take a taxi to Mount Victoria.
11) Take pleasure in a 360-Diploma View of Wellington on Mount Victoria Lookout
Visiting Mount Victoria Lookout is one other good thing to do in Wellington due to its panoramic view of town.
At 196 meters excessive, you possibly can see:
- Down the Hutt Valley
- Throughout the interior harbour to Days Bay
- Miramar Peninsula
- Surfers at Lyall Bay
- Wellington enterprise centre
The views from Mount Victoria are spectacular on a sunny day. However when the wind is blowing, be ready for a ‘unhealthy hair day.’
Out of curiosity, the pyramid-shaped monument is a memorial to Richard Byrd, an American polar explorer who used New Zealand as a base for his Antarctic expeditions.
And for the most effective evening view of Wellington, the Mount Victoria Lookout views are spectacular.
12) Discover Wellington’s Boutique Craft Breweries
Sure, you must go to no less than one craft brewery whereas in Wellington!
And selecting a beer is made simple with a map from Craft Beer Capital.
Mac’s Brew Bar on Wellington waterfront is likely one of the authentic craft breweries.
Our favorite is Fork and Brewer or the Whistling Sisters who provide a brewery tour each Saturday.
Nonetheless, if purchasing is on the highest of your checklist, you might have a couple of choices.
13) Store for Designer Labels
Lambton Quay is also known as the Golden Mile due to its prime label manufacturers.
You can find prime shops like David Jones within the outdated classical constructing of the earlier household retailer, Kirkcaldies.
However there’s one factor you received’t discover within the centre of Wellington – a shopping center.
You possibly can store for world-class designer labels like Karen Walker and Kate Sylvester.
However for artisan shops, you’ll want to attend till Saturday.
14) Attempt Sunday Brunch at Harbourside Market
Harbourside Market, held each Sunday from 7:30 AM, is the place to purchase your contemporary produce, baked bread, contemporary fish, artisan items, and brunch from all kinds of meals stalls.
If you awake late within the morning, this market is ideal for excellent espresso and meals.
Grabbing some contemporary meals right here is likely one of the finest issues to do in Wellington!
15) Eat the Finest Fish and Chips on Quirky Cuba Road
A go to to Wellington has to incorporate Cuba Road and its well-known bucket fountain.
You’ll discover a number of the coolest outlets, hip bars, fashionable cafes, and trendy eating places alongside this quirky road. The vibe is incredible, particularly from early night onwards.
And a go to to Wellington has to incorporate a plate of fish and chips.
Wellington Seamarket on Cuba Road has a choice of contemporary fish day-after-day. You get to decide on the fish to enhance your chips.
Or would you favor a picnic on a Wellington at some point journey?
You possibly can both:
- Take the Dominion Ferry from the Wellington waterfront or
- Rent a automotive for the day
16) Discover Matiu-Somes Island and Days Bay
Simple to identify in the midst of the harbour, Matiu-Somes island was as soon as used as a quarantine station. However now it’s a scientific reserve.
Because the native bush on the island is predator-free, luggage might be looked for pests, seed, and soil earlier than you possibly can take pleasure in climbing on the island.
Convey a picnic lunch and decide a spot with views again to Wellington metropolis.
Or you possibly can proceed your ferry experience on to Days Bay for a restaurant lunch, a swim (climate relying), or a nature stroll.
For these eager walkers, you possibly can stroll to the subsequent small village of Eastbourne or hike to Butterfly Creek.
17) Ebook Lunch on the Vineyards of Martinborough
If you want to discover the close by countryside, a drive over the Rimutaka Hill is an expertise in itself.
Your reward is wine tasting at a choice of New Zealand’s vineyards.
Or you possibly can take pleasure in a lunch platter with a refreshing glass of wine at a winery in Martinborough.
We love Palliser Property for wine purchases and Tirohana Property for lunch.
And when it’s good to have a purchasing repair, it’s solely quarter-hour from Martinborough to a different small city, Greytown.
Right here you should purchase locally-produced olive oil, honey, and preserves whilst you browse the artisan outlets for presents.
However for presents of Paua, go to the subsequent massive city, Carterton.
When you prefer to take pleasure in a glass or two of scrumptious wine, make sure you book a tour so that you don’t have to fret about driving.
18) Drive the Southern Coast
You don’t should go too far to take pleasure in New Zealand’s southern coast of Wellington.
Beginning at Shelly Bay, you possibly can browse native artwork within the outdated defence power buildings.
Dip your toes at Scorching Bay with its white sandy seashore and Scorch o Rama for espresso or ice cream.
Drive alongside Karaka Bay and perhaps see the passing interisland ferry close to the settlement of Seatoun.
Breaker Bay can also be value a cease for views throughout to Pencarrow lighthouse earlier than lunch at Lyall Bay Spruce Goose the place you possibly can watch the surfers looking for a wave.
Proceed your drive alongside Houghton Bay and Island Bay for spectacular views of the south island Kaikoura mountain vary.
When you’re impressed by what you see of the south island, hop a ferry and let your journey proceed in Christchurch!
Possibly even ebook a unusual keep at The Keep or The Lighthouse. Or go on to Purple Rocks, Owhiro Bay.
19) Stroll the Rugged Purple Rocks
Park the automotive and go to the Te Kopahou Customer Centre for some historical past of this rugged space earlier than you set off in your stroll to Purple Rocks.
The coastal pathway is a mixture of sand and stones so that you’ll want sturdy strolling sneakers.
This rugged shoreline has views of the south island on sunny days.
It additionally has a fascinating marine life ecosystem and a seal colony (you’ll scent them earlier than you see them!)
However if you’re after extra views of Wellington, then take the drive to Brooklyn.
20) Really feel the Breeze at Brooklyn Turbine
For one final aerial view of Wellington, take the slender winding street as much as the Brooklyn Wind Turbine.
The panoramic view exhibits you the hills and inexperienced areas of Wellington, and likewise the picturesque harbour.
Chances are you’ll even expertise ‘Windy Wellington’ at its worst!
And for a extra rugged shoreline, take a drive to Kapiti.
21) Automobile Fanatics Flock to Kapiti
Southward Automobile Museum is an hour’s drive from Wellington.
If you’re a automotive fanatic or love outdated issues, this museum has a group of over 400 vehicles in a 6,000 sqm exhibition space.
The drive alongside the rugged shoreline with views of Kapiti Island is spectacular.
The choice route is to drive over Paekakariki Hill with much more panoramic views.
And to expertise extra of Wellington’s wildlife, you possibly can ebook a ferry or a tour of Kapiti Island.
22) Plan to Take pleasure in Seasonal Festivals
Wellington is a metropolis of arts, movie, craft beer and low.
So if you happen to plan a visit in:
- February, ebook tickets to the Arts Pageant
- August, ebook tickets to the most effective craft beer competition
- September, ebook tickets to WOW (World of Wearable Artwork)
- November for harbourside fireworks
No matter whenever you go to, there’s certain to be some competition or occasion to take pleasure in in Wellington!
However now it’s time to calm down for the night in Wellington.
What to Do in Wellington at Night time
There may be all kinds of issues to do in Wellington metropolis at evening, aside from consuming and consuming.
Some recommendations:
- See the lights of town from Mount Victoria
- Take heed to wildlife on a Zealandia evening tour
- Hunt for glow worms on the Botanical Gardens
- See the celebs at Area Place at Carter Observatory
- Watch a film at Roxy’s (artwork deco constructing)
- Sip cocktails at The Library on Courtenay Place
- Wander the buzzy Wellington waterfront
And there’s at all times a craft beer to be discovered earlier than you allow this stunning metropolis.
The place to Dine in Wellington
Individuals usually ask: “What’s Wellington well-known for, in addition to Te Papa and the Flat White?’
Positive it’s often called “Windy Wellington.”
However the factor you’ll love about Wellington is its espresso, bars, and award-winning eating places.
Alongside the Wellington waterfront, you might have:
- Mojo espresso roastery
- One Purple Canine for informal eating and nice pizzas
- Mac’s Brewbar for craft beer
At Wellington Lambton Quay take pleasure in:
- Smith the Grocer for cafe lunch
- Charley Noble for cocktails and culinary glorious
- Pravda Cafe and Grill for beautiful menu and wine choice
And alongside Cuba Road take pleasure in:
- Floriditas for New Zealand delicacies
- Fidel’s Cafe for excellent espresso and brunch
- Havana Bar for traditional Cuban delicacies
So, now you might have one other incredible metropolis so as to add to the highest of your itinerary of New Zealand.
As a result of Wellington is a compact metropolis, it’s simple to stroll between metropolis landmarks, rent a automotive for day journeys or stroll a rugged shoreline.
Having the choice to remain close to the waterfront opens up so many fascinating locations to go to.
To not point out visiting one of many many craft bars or glorious eating places and cafes.
If you add these actions to your itinerary it should make you need to cease and keep longer to expertise extra of this stunning capital metropolis.
And perhaps you’ll even discover extra distinctive locations to go to and issues to do in Wellington throughout your keep!
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