The coolest little capital in the world

Set around an attractive waterfront, you'll be hard pressed to find a city in the world that's easier to get around. Wellington enjoys more cafes, bars and restaurants than New York City, and its coffee and craft beer producers are internationally recognised. A creative, cosmopolitan city, Wellington combines the sophistication of a capital with the warmth and personality of a village.

Arm yourself with a map and take a stroll around! Or if you are a tech enthusiast, download the Welly Walks App to discover all the best tourist spots and hidden gems in Wellington!

As you walk around the city look out for some of the street art that covers the building walls. While the work is scattered around the city, the areas around Cuba Street and Aro Street have some excellent examples.

Wellington also has free wi-fi in the CBD: just choose the 'cbdfree' network in available areas! cbdfree can be accessed for 30 minutes at a time.

Called the world’s ‘coolest little capital’ Wellington is known for its vibrant arts scene, world class café and restaurant culture, and active outdoor lifestyle.

Things to do in while in Wellington

te-papa

Te Papa National Museum
55 Cable Street
Wellington
Tel: +64 4 381 7000

Website: https://www.tepapa.govt.nz
The national museum of New Zealand, Te Papa, is fascinating and fun for curious minds of any age. The exhibits are innovative and interactive, telling stories of New Zealand’s unique geological, biological, cultural and social history in new and exciting ways. Free Entrance.

Zealandia Eco-Sanctuary
Waiapu Road
Karori 6012, Wellington
Tel: +64 4 920 9213
Website: http://www.visitzealandia.com/

Just a 10-minute drive from downtown Wellington you'll find Zealandia. Hidden in a suburban valley, this project aims to return a 225 hectare section of bush to its pre-human state. Take a walk and hear the songs of the flourishing native bird population. Volunteer guides help you make the most, and you can even book a night tour for kiwi spotting. Adult fee: $18.5

zealandia
city-gallery

Discover Art in the city
Wellington is well known for the arts scene and mayor galleries such as City Gallery,  Kura Gallery, Page Blackie Gallery or New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts.

360- degree views from the top of Mount Victoria
Mount Victoria Lookout
Lookout Rd
Hataitai, Wellington
Map

Rising 196m above the city, the Mount Victoria Lookout is a Wellington must-do. Head to the lookout and be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of Wellington city and harbour, and beyond.
Located right next to the central business district, you can drive all the way up, or take a walkway through the bush-covered Town Belt.

mount-vic-map
waterfront

Take a wander around the waterfront to Oriental Bay

View Map here

Wellington's waterfront is a beautifully walkable public space, dotted with cafes, parks, sculpture, bars and ice cream vendors. Join hundreds of Wellingtonians walking, jogging, skating, cycling, or crocodile biking. Stop by one of three markets on the weekend, then aim for Oriental Bay beach to have a swim or just soak up the sun.

 

Cruise down Cuba Street
View Map here

Home to hipsters, artists and lovers of vintage, Cuba Street is a bohemian haven with some of the city’s most colourful shops, bars and cafes. Street entertainers might play percussive guitar, put on a marionette show, or play with fire. Don't forget to get your photo of the one and only Bucket Fountain.

cuba
wellington-zoo

Wellington Zoo
200 Daniell Street
Newtown 6021, Wellington
Tel: +64 4 381 6755
Website: https://wellingtonzoo.com/

Ever wanted to hand-feed a giraffe, play with a mob of meerkats or stroke a cheetah’s fur? All this and more is possible at Wellington Zoo, the ‘best little zoo in the world’.  Book a Close Encounter for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, or just enjoy the more than 100 species of animals in the collection. Say hi to the chimps for us! Adult fee: $23

Tour of the Parliament
The Beehive & Parliament Buildings
Corner Lambton Quay & Molesworth Streets
Thorndon, Wellington
Tel: +64 4 817 9503
Website: https://www.parliament.nz/en/

Learn about one of the world's most progressive democracies on a tour of Parliament Buildings and the iconic Beehive building. Then pop over to Old St Paul's, a fine example of 19th century Gothic Revival architecture made from native timbers.

beehive
weta-cave

The Weta Caves
1 Weka Street
Miramar, Wellington
Tel: +64 4 909 4035
Website: http://wetaworkshop.com/

Get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the imagination and artistry behind some of the world's most spectacular movies at the Weta Cave mini-museum, right there where the special effects wizardry happens.  Or put yourself in the picture with a The Lord of the Rings location tour. Adult fee: $25