Wellington is the national capital city of New Zealand. It is situated on the southwestern tip of the North Islands. Some of the best things to do in Wellington include exploring of film world, nature, wildlife, entertainment, leisure, history, culture and adventure. The city has something to cater everyone’s interest. Wellington is also the cultural capital of New Zealand renowned for its art, music and culinary scene. Some of the best places to visit in Wellington to explore the modern culture are Cuba Street and Newtown. These areas are well known for creative innovations, cafes, restaurants, nightlife, art studios, galleries, historic character, shopping and food. The city is also the coffee capital of New Zealand, especially well known for its variant of the Flat White coffee. The city is littered with cafes of all kinds, some of which are Wellington attractions in their own right.
The legend says that the region was first discovered and explored by Polynesean explorer Kupe around 10th century AD. It was then occupied by the indigenous Maori people. The city was then colonized and occupied by the British until New Zealand’s independence in 1835. Hence, historical Wellington sightseeing explores Maori culture, Colonial period and Post-Colonial period. The city has several museums and cultural centers exploring each of these. The historical buildings in the city only hail from later two periods of the city’s history. Though there are several Wellington tourist attractions which give you first hand experience of the Maori culture with art, folklores, artifacts, handicraft items and activities.
The city gained considerable fame when it was utilized for the iconic Lord of Rings films. The film studios and cinematic locations used in the trilogy are some of the best places to see in Wellington. The Weta Cave will take you behind the scenes to explore the world and characters of the film while Mount Victoria was featured as a location in the film. These places also conduct a variety of workshops, events and other fun activities themed around film-making. These are some of the most popular indoor activities to do in Wellington.
Coming to nature, owing to its geography, the city has a coastline, mountains, plains and forests in close proximity. You get to enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities to do in Wellington and around it. This includes adventure sports, hiking, boat cruises, island hopping, water sports and more. The city also surrounded by natural wonders on land and along the coast. Some of these Wellington sights have been featured in famous films including Lord of the Rings.
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The Top 21 Tourist Places to Visit in Wellington, New Zealand
1. Weta Cave
This production studio is associated with the famous films like Lord of the Rings, the Hobbit, Matrix and King Kong to name a few. It is one of the most fun things to do in Wellington New Zealand. You can expect to see a lot of film props, sets, characters and more. It will take you at least 2 hours to satisfactorily tour this place.
I suggest you should try a Guided Tour of Weta Workshop Experience in Wellington.
2. Mount Victoria
This mountain is also associated with Lord of the Rings films and several other films. The panoramic view of the city from atop this mountain is considered one of top Wellington sights. You would need 2 to 3 hours to explore this mountain.
3. Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
This museum focuses on the history of New Zealand in several aspects including nature, culture, politics, geography, zoology and so on. This museum is home to some of the most interesting things to see in Wellington such as the Colossal Squid skeleton, Maori Houses replicas, historic art pieces, artworks and more. The museum also has several interesting indoor activities to do in Wellington for children. You will need 2 to 3 hours to tour this museum.
I suggest you should book your Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Ticket of Te Papa Museum in advance.
4. Putangirua Pinnacles
This rock formation is one of top natural wonders to explore outside the city. These rocks were also features in Lord of the Rings. They are among the best places to visit in Wellington. You will need to go on a 2 hour drive to reach the viewpoint for this rock formation and you can also explore them up close by hiking the scenic reserve of Cape Palliser. You would need 3 to 4 hours to experience this place.
5. Zealandia Ecosanctuary (Karori Wildlife Sanctuary)
Spread over 225 hectares, this sanctuary is known for various species of birds and reptiles that are housed here. You will come across stitchbirds, saddleback, takahe-can, Kiwis and several other species of birds. One of the best things to do in Wellington at night is to tour this facility to hear the calls of the Kiwi bird. Zealandia is also known for the Tuatara lizard. You would need about 2 hours to explore this place.
I suggest you should book a Guided Tour of Zealandia Ecosanctuary in advance.
6. Cable Car Ride
This historic cable car takes you atop the hill to the Cable Car Museum, Kelburn Lookout and the Botanical Gardens. These three places are popular Wellington tourist attractions in their own right. This ride is known as much for the views of the city you get to enjoy during the ride as it is known for the destinations it leads to. You would need about 3 hours for the cable car ride and to tour the Wellington attractions atop the hill.
I suggest you should get your Return Ticket of Cable Car in advance.
7. Adventure Activities
You will get to enjoy and engage with a lot of adventurous and outdoor activities to do in Wellington. Some of the most popular ones include hiking, trekking, mountain climbing, mountain bike trails, adventure parks, helicopter rides and so on. There are also a variety of water based adventure sports to explore such as swimming, surfing, kayaking, boat cruises, paddleboarding and more. You can also enjoy a cultural experience by paddling a traditional Maori waka. There is a lot of stuff to do in Wellington and around the city for those seeking thrill, adrenaline rush or interesting experiences. You can dedicate an entire day and more to enjoy these sports and activities.
Here below I am suggesting some of adventure activities to do in Wellington:
- Guided Sightseeing Tour on Electric Bike in Wellington
- Cycle Tour in Remutaka Rail Trail
- Helicopter Ride in Wellington
8. Matiu / Somes Island
This island sits off the Wellington harbour and is quite popular for nature exploration, wildlife tours, picnics and hiking. You will need to take ferry ride to reach the island. It is also one of the best places to go in Wellington for a day trip. The island is a scientific reserve and is home to several species of birds and animals. Though Tuatara and Penguins are the most popular residents of this island. You will need half a day’s time from Wellington sightseeing to experience this island.
9. Old St. Paul Church
This church was built in 1866 and is included among heritage buildings of New Zealand. It is known for its Gothic revival architecture and ornate wooden interior. You would need 30 to 45 minutes from Wellington travel to visit this beautiful church.
10. City Gallery
This gallery is the most well known contemporary art space in the city. The gallery showcases works of art by well known and new artists. You will see works by regional, national and international artists. It is housed in the old city library building and is one of the most interesting places to see in Wellington from outside as well as from within. You will need about 2 hours to tour this gallery.
11. Museum of Wellington City & Sea / Wellington Museum
This museum tells the story of Wellington. It talks about its history, culture, nature, art, geography, politics and more. The museum is known its multimedia exhibits and indoor activities to do in Wellington. The museum is also one of the best places to learn about the Maori culture. There is an entire gallery dedicated to Maori stories, folklores, myths and legends. You will need 2 hours or so to tour this museum when you visit Wellington.
12. Beaches
Being a coastal city, the beaches are a major part of the city’s glamour and tourist appeal. Some of the best Wellington beaches are Oriental Bay, Days Bay, Scorching Bay, Lyall Bay, Princess Bay, Paraparaumu, Owhiro Bay, Makara, Castle Point, Riversdale, Plimmerton, Petone, Hataitai, and Worser Bay. There are many more bays and beaches to explore in and around the city and each more beautiful than the other. The beaches close to the city also offer a variety of beachsports, leisure facilities, entertainment, nightlife, dining and water sports. You can easily spend a few hours enjoying beaches in Wellington.
13. The Beehive
This building houses the parliament of New Zealand. The building was built in 1979 and was designed by Sir Basil Spence. It is one of the most iconic Wellington sights of modern architecture. You can take free tour of the building from the visitor’s center on the ground floor. This tour delves into history and features of the building as well as the political history of the country. You will need an hour to tour this building.
14. Colonial Cottage Museum / Nairn Street Cottage
This museum is housed in the Nairn Street Cottage, the oldest surviving original home from 1850s. This house museum is very well preserved and has much of its interiors intact. This museum is one of the top places to visit in Wellington to get insight about the colonial period. You will need an hour or so to tour this museum.
15. Wellington Zoo
This is the oldest zoo in New Zealand is home to several birds and animals including bears, monkeys, chimpanzees, gibbons, lions, tigers, leopards, kiwis, red pandas and more. It is especially popular for fun outdoor activities in Wellington such as animal encounters, feeding sessions, zoo sleepovers and so on. You would need 2 to 3 hours to explore this zoo.
16. Futuna Chapel
This chapel was designed by architect John Scott and is dedicated to Peter Chanel, a missionary of Society of Mary. The chapel is named after the pacific island of Funuta where Peter Chanel was martyred. It is one of the most peculiar things to see in Wellington and is known for its unique geometric architecture. You will need 30 to 45 minutes for this church.
17. Frank Kitts Park
This waterside park is very popular among locals and tourists alike for several activities and leisure. The park has several facilities for children games, sports and fun activities. It also has several sculptures and artworks. You can easily spend an hour or so enjoying here.
18. National Library of New Zealand
This grand library is known for holding some of the most important works of literature and historical documents concerning the country. It is also among important historical Wellington attractions. You will need about an hour to tour this place.
19. Space Place at Carter Observatory
This state of the art planetarium and home to the historic Thomas Cooke telescope. Besides exhibition of the space technology, the observatory also runs a show with live presentation of the sky. It is one of the most interesting places to see in Wellington and will require about hour’s time to explore.
20. Government Buildings Historical Reserve (Old Government Buildings)
Commonly known as Old Government Buildings, these colonial buildings resemble stone palaces designed in classic Italian and Renaissance revival styles of architecture. It is one of the most significant historical Wellington sights. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to tour these buildings.
21. Wellington Botanic Garden
This garden is spread over 25 hectares of land, this garden is home to historical trees, exotic flora, flowers plants, herbs and more. The garden also has several sculptures and art installations. It is one of the top places to visit in Wellington to click pictures. You will need about an hour and a half to tour this place.
If you are looking for more places to go in Wellington, check out the sections below. We have compiled an exhaustive list of places and activities you can enjoy in and around the city.
Things to do in Wellington
Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Wellington
- Te Papa Tongarewa Museum
- Wellington Museum
- Katherine Mansfield House Museum
- Wellington City Gallery
- Colonial Cottage Museum
- Cable Car Museum
- Byrd Memorial
- Old St. Paul Church
- Pencarrow Lighthouse
- Museum of Wellington Sea and City
- Futuna Chapel
- Massey Memorial
- Wrights Hill Fortress
- Karori Cemetery
- Elmscourt
- Plimmer’s Ark
- National Library of New Zealand
- Carter Observatory
- Dowse Art Museum
- Adam Art Gallery Te Pataka Toi
- Pataka Art Museum
- Aotearoa Museum
- Saint Gerard Church
- Petone Settlers Museum
- Pukeahu National War Memorial Park
- Antrim House
- St. Mary of Angels Church
- New Zealand Police Museum
- Ataturk Memorial Park
- National Tattoo Museum of New Zealand
- Wellington Cathedral of St. Paul
- The One Room Fan Museum
- Wellington Cenotaph
- Metropolitan Cathedral of the Sacred Heart
- Avid Gallery
- Kura Gallery
- Maori Arts Gallery
- Castlepoint Lighthouse
- Cape Palliser Lighthouse
Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Wellington
- Remutaka Forest Park
- Staglands Wildlife Reserve
- Matiu Somes Island
- Zealandia Eco Sanctuary
- Mount Victoria
- Butterfly Creek
- Te Paekakariki
- Putangirua Pinnacles
- Mount Kaukau
- Lake Kohangapiripiri
- Karori Wildlife Sanctuary
- Lake Kohangaera
- Red Rocks Seal Colony
- Deliverance Cove
- Kaitoke Regional Park
- Otari Wilton’s Bush
- Belmont Regional Park
- Te Ahumairangi Hill
- Mount Rangituhi
- Percy Scenic Reserve
- Taputeranga Marine Reserve
- Te Kopahou Reserve
- Whitireia Park
- Mana Island
- Aotea Lagoon
- Trelissick Park
- Belmont Trig
- Waimapihi Polhill Reserve
- Khandallah Park
- Te Whiti Riser
- River Hutt
- Boulder Hill
- Taputeranga Island
- Tunnel Gully Recreational Area
- Harcourt Park
Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Wellington
- Weta Cave
- Wellington Cable Car Ride
- Wellington Zoo
- Frank Kitts Park
- Wellington Botanical Gardens
- Palliser Estate Vineyard
- Tirohana Estate Vineyard
- Lady Norwood Rose Garden
- Avalon Park
- Waitangi Park
- Silver Stream Railway
- Adrenalin Forest
- East Harbour Regional Park
- Nga Taonga Sound and Vision
- Escape Mate
- Wellington Fear Factory
- Ngati Toa Domain
- Queen Elizabeth Park
Shopping in Wellington
- Harbourside Market
- Cuba Street
Beaches & Island in Wellington
- Oriental Bay
- Matiu Somes Island
- Days Bay
- Scorching Bay
- Lyall Bay
- Princess Bay
- Paraparaumu Beach
- Owhiro Bay
- Makara Beach
- Castle Point Beach
- Riversdale Beach
- Plimmerton Beach
- Petone Beach
- Hataitai Beach
- Worser Bay
- Te Raekaihau Point Beach
- Houghton Bay
- Sinclair Head Beach
- Red Rocks Bay
- Mata Island
- Petone Foreshore
- Taputeranga Island
- Plimmerton Beach
- Kau Bay
- Petone Beach
Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure Activities to Do in Wellington
- Helicopter Ride
- Lord of the Rings Tour
- Filmmaking Tours
- Hiking
- Adventure Park
- Kayaking
- Craft Beer Tour
- Colonial Train Tour
- Paddleboarding
- Sailing
- Scuba Diving
- Boat Cruise
- Snorkelling
- Mountain Biking
- Adrenalin Forest Park
- Wildlife Safari
- Bicycle Tours
- Axe Throwing
- Crocodile Bike Tour
- Cable Car Ride
- Surfing
- Walking Tours
- Te Wharewaka o Pōneke Waka Tours
- Film Workshops
Sightseeing in Wellington
- Kelburn Lookout
- The Beehive
- Mount Victoria Lookout
- Wellington Waterfront
- Queen’s Wharf
- Cuba Street
- Wellington Seamarket
- Mount Kaukau Lookout
- Brooklyn Wind Turbine
- Wrights Hill Lookout
- Turnbull House
- Wellington Central Library
- Circa Theatre
- Penthouse Cinema
- Bats Theatre
- The Embassy Theatre
- Dowse Square
- The Roxy Cinema
- Wellington Harbour
- Empire Cinema
- Te Ahumairangi Hill Lookout
- Time Cinema
- Korokoro Dam
- Lighhouse Theatre
- Wellington Wind Turbine
- Te Ngakau Civic Square
- Miramar Peninsula
- Bucket Fountain
- Embassy Theatre
Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Wellington
- Karaka Cafe
- Hiakai
- Fork and Brewer
- Hapuku Kitchen
- Jasmine
- Kuikui Lane
- Aro Cafe
- Majestic Cuisine
- Scopa
- Whistling Sisters
- Leeds Street Bakery
- Regal
- Beach Babylon
- Boulcott Street Bistro
- Scorch o Rama
- Charley Noble
- Butlers Chocolate Cafe
- Logan Brown
- Spruce Goose
- Pravda
- Cafe Neo
- The Rogue and Vagabond
- Prefab
- Southern Cross Garden
- Caffe L’affare
- Meow
- Heyday Brewing Co
- The Library
- Clarks Cafe
- San Fran
- Garage Project
- Floriditas
- Customs Brew Bar
- Midnight Expresso
- The Occasional Brewer
- Deluxe Cafe
- Fortune Favours
- Expressoholic
- Parrotdog Brewery
- Fidel’s Cafe
Where to Stay in Wellington?
Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Wellington. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Wellington.
Luxurious Hotels
- Naumi Studio Wellington
- Sofitel Wellington Hotel
- InterContinental Wellington, an IHG Hotel
- QT Wellington
- Travelodge Hotel Wellington
- Copthorne Hotel Wellington Oriental Bay
- Novotel Wellington Hotel
- U Residence Hotel
- Movenpick Hotel Wellington
- Bolton Hotel
- Oaks Wellington Hotel
- ibis Wellington
Mid-Range Hotels
- James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
- DoubleTree by Hilton Wellington
- Sojourn Apartment Hotel
- U Boutique Hotel Wellington
- Ramada by Wyndham Wellington Taranaki Street
- Atura Wellington
- CityLife Wellington
- Wellesley Boutique Hotel
- Gilmer Apartment Hotel
- Trinity Hotel
- Mercure Wellington Central City Hotel and Apartments
- Boulcott Suites
Budget Hotels
- The Cambridge Hotel
- Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers
- Shepherds Arms Hotel
- The Marion Hostel
- Nomads Capital Hostel Wellington
- Richmond Guest House
- BnB @ Bidwill
- MIcrotel Wellington
Custom Tours Package in Wellington
How to Reach Wellington?
By Air
Wellington International Airport is situated about 5 kms away from the city. You can get direct to visit Wellington from several cities in New Zealand and Australia including Auckland, Nelson, Hamilton, Christchurch, Blenheim, Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Queenstown and many more.
You can get buses, cabs and shuttle vans to get to Wellington tourist attractions from the airport.
By Road
Wellington is connected by train to several New Zealand cities including Auckland, Palmerston North, Masterton, Hutt Valley, Johnsonville and Waikanae. The bus network is a little more widespread and you can reach Wellington from several cities and towns in New Zealand.
If you are planning to travel by road, you should head for State Highway 1 or State Highway 2.
By Water
You can get ferry services for Wellington travel from Picton. Several large and small cruise ships also dock at Aotea Quay or Queens Wharf in the city. These cruises usually have a day or two for Wellington sightseeing.
Image Reference
- Weta Cave – Kristina D.C. Hoeppner / Flickr
- Mount Victoria – Jan Helebrant / Flickr
- Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa – Jan Helebrant / Flickr
- Putangirua Pinnacles – Simeon W / Flickr
- Zealandia Ecosanctuary (Karori Wildlife Sanctuary) – digitaltrails / Flickr
- Cable Car Ride – Henry Burrows / Flickr
- Adventure Activities – Kristina D.C. Hoeppner / Flickr
- Matiu / Somes Island – russellstreet / Flickr
- Old St. Paul Church – Makalu / PixaBay
- City Gallery – russellstreet / Flickr
- Museum of Wellington City & Sea / Wellington Museum – Musuems Wellington / Wikimedia Commons
- Beaches – russellstreet / Flickr
- The Beehive – Squirrel_photos / PixaBay
- Colonial Cottage Museum / Nairn Street Cottage – Musuems Wellington / Wikimedia Commons
- Wellington Zoo – Jem Yoshioka / Flickr
- Futuna Chapel – Tony Wills / Wikimedia Commons
- Frank Kitts Park – dani / Flickr
- National Library of New Zealand – Pear285 / Wikimedia Commons
- Space Place at Carter Observatory – SPCarterObservatory / Wikimedia Commons
- Government Buildings Historical Reserve (Old Government Buildings) – Ulrich Lange, Bochum, Germany / Wikimedia Commons
- Wellington Botanic Garden – Keith Murray / Flickr
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