Wellington
Save31 hand-picked places in 10 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.
Only have a day? See 2 ready-made day plans ↓Show on the map
Tips
10 places on the map
Top 10
- 1
New Zealand national museum on the waterfront
3 tips
- Free entry for most exhibitions
- Allow 3 hours
- Check the colossal squid
📷 Photos
- 2
Red funicular up from Lambton Quay to Kelburn
3 tips
- Ride up and walk down through the botanic garden
- Short and scenic
- Buy tickets at the terminal
📷 Photos
- 3
Hillside gardens with rose garden, native bush and city views
3 tips
- Visit the Lady Norwood Rose Garden
- Walk down from Kelburn
- Free entry
📷 Photos
- 4
Summit lookout with panoramic views of harbour and city
3 tips
- Short walk from Oriental Bay
- Good for sunrise
- Windy, bring a jacket
📷 Photos
- 5
Eco sanctuary with native birds just minutes from the city
3 tips
- Book a night tour to spot kiwi
- Allow 3 hours
- Free shuttle from the city
📷 Photos
- 6
Iconic Beehive executive wing and parliamentary precinct
3 tips
- Free guided tours
- Go through security
- Bring photo ID
📷 Photos
- 7
Bohemian pedestrian street of cafes, shops and street art
- Tip: At night
3 tips
- Photograph the Bucket Fountain
- Evenings are lively
- Great coffee scene
📷 Photos
- 8
City beach with a promenade and cafes
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Swim in summer
- Walk the waterfront at sunset
- Many cafes along the bay
📷 Photos
- 9
Behind-the-scenes tours of film props and effects in Miramar
- Tip: Book ahead
2 tips
- Allow 1.5 hours
- Take the bus to Miramar
📷 Photos
- 10
Local history museum in a historic Bond Store on the waterfront
3 tips
- Free entry
- Great multimedia displays
- Short visit of 1 hour
📷 Photos
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Before you go: Wellington tips
Transportation
- Get a Snapper card: Use a Snapper card on Wellington buses for cheaper fares than cash, and top it up at convenience stores.
- Ride the Cable Car: The red Wellington Cable Car runs from Lambton Quay up to Kelburn and the Botanic Garden in a few minutes.
- Walk the waterfront: The central city is compact, and the waterfront path links Te Papa, Oriental Bay and the CBD on foot.
Security
- Brace for the wind: Gusts can be strong enough to knock you off balance on exposed streets and ridges, so take care on hilltop walks.
- Know earthquake basics: Wellington sits on active faults; learn drop, cover and hold, and move to high ground if a strong quake hits near the coast.
- Watch belongings at night: The city is generally safe, but keep an eye on bags around busy bars on Courtenay Place late at night.
Saving
- Enjoy free museums: Entry to Te Papa is free for general exhibitions, and so is Parliament with its guided tours.
- Shop the Sunday market: The Harbourside Market by Te Papa sells fresh produce and cheap street food every Sunday morning.
- Hike instead of paying: Climb Mount Victoria lookout or walk the Southern Walkway for big views without spending a cent.
Weather/Clothing
- Carry a windproof layer: Wellington weather changes fast all year, so pack a windproof, waterproof jacket even in summer.
- Layer up in winter: June to August is cool and wet with chilly southerly winds; bring a warm jumper, hat and sturdy shoes.
- Use sunscreen in summer: December to February is mild, but New Zealand UV is strong, so wear sunscreen and sunglasses even on cool days.
Cultural
- Learn a little te reo: Greetings like kia ora are used everywhere in Wellington and are appreciated from visitors.
- Dive into cafe culture: Wellington is famous for its coffee; order a flat white and explore the independent roasters around Cuba Street.
- Respect marae etiquette: If you visit a marae, follow your hosts on protocol, remove shoes before entering the meeting house and do not sit on tables.
Local Hacks
- Ride the ferry to Days Bay: The East by West ferry crosses the harbour to Days Bay, a relaxed beach escape with great city views.
- Visit Zealandia at dusk: Night tours at the Zealandia ecosanctuary give you a chance to spot kiwi and glowworms.
- Hit Cuba Street for cheap eats: The bohemian Cuba Street area has the best mix of budget restaurants, bars and quirky shops.
1-day itineraries in Wellington
Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.
Day 1 of 2
New Zealand Parliament Buildings (Beehive) and around
🕘 9:30–17:15📍 5 stops
- 1New Zealand Parliament Buildings (Beehive)
- 2Wellington Museum
- 3Wellington Cable Car
- 4Cuba Street
- 5Zealandia
Day 2 of 2
Te Papa Museum and around
🕘 9:30–13:15📍 3 stops
- 1Te Papa Museum
- 2Oriental Bay
- 3Mount Victoria Lookout