Travel Guide of Wellington in New Zealand by Influencers and Travelers
Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand. It is located at the south-western tip of the North Island, between Cook Strait and the Remutaka Range.
The Best Things to Do and Visit in Wellington
TRAVELERS TOP 10 :
1 - Beehive
The Beehive is the common name for the Executive Wing of New Zealand Parliament Buildings, located at the corner of Molesworth Street and Lambton Quay, Wellington.
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2 - Wellington Harbour
Wellington Harbour is the large natural harbour on the southern tip of New Zealand's North Island. New Zealand's capital city, Wellington, is located on its western side.
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3 - Shore Excursions in Wellington
Must See and Fun Tour of Wellington Where your Wellington adventure begins … Features include: • Downtown entertainment area of Wellington • Mt Victoria • Rugged Coastline • Weta Cave • Southern Hemisphere’s largest roundabout • War Memorial park • Cable Car • Lady Norwood Rose Gardens • Southern Hemisphere’s largest wooden building • Parliament Grounds • Old St Paul’s Cathedral
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4 - Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa is New Zealand's national museum, located in Wellington. Known as Te Papa, or 'Our Place', it opened in 1998 after the merging of the National Museum and the National Art Gallery.
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5 - Wellington Cable Car
The Wellington Cable Car is a funicular railway in Wellington, New Zealand, between Lambton Quay, the main shopping street, and Kelburn, a suburb in the hills overlooking the central city, rising 120 m over a length of 612 m.
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6 - Culinary Tour in Wellington
Discover the ultimate Walking Food Tour in New Zealand's Coolest capital city, Wellington,experience the unique food and drink explosion that has made Wellington the trendiest little capital in the world. This is one of the most interesting and memorable food tours you will have the opportunity to join that will take you on an amazing adventure around Wellington where you will explore the hidden gems and eat and drink the magic of local taste sensations.
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7 - Cuba Street
Cuba Street is one of the most prominent streets in Wellington, New Zealand. The section between Dixon Street and Ghuznee Street is a pedestrian mall.
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8 - Wellington Museum
Wellington Museum is a museum on Queens Wharf in Wellington, New Zealand. It occupies the 1892 Bond Store, a historic building on Jervois Quay on the waterfront of Wellington Harbour.
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9 - Bike Rentals in Wellington
Ride at your own pace by hiring an eBike on this full-day self-guided adventure of Wellington. (Optionally, extend your rental for two days and have it for your entire stay.) From the centrally located Waterfront to the quiet bays and panoramic lookouts, you’ll be enthralled from start to finish. These quality electric bikes are easy to use and suitable for any level of fitness. If you can ride a bike, you can ride an eBike. You will be provided with riding instructions, a helmet, a lock and a cycle map of the city, including top picks of places to stop on your ride. You can ride the bays to take in the best view points or use your eBike as your transport between the Wellington must see attractions such as Weta Workshop, Zealandia Sanctuary, Te Papa Museum or the Wellington Cable Car located only 5-minutes away. Whether you're traveling solo, as a couple, or in a group, these top-quality electric bikes make your mode of transport an experience in itself.
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10 - Island Bay
6 km away
Island Bay is a coastal suburb of Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, situated 5 km south of the city centre. Island Bay lies on the bay which shares its name, one of numerous small bays off Cook Strait and west of Lyall Bay. 500m offshore in Island Bay lies Tapu Te Ranga Island, which forms a natural breakwater and provides a sheltered anchorage for local fishing boats.
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11 - Makara
6 km away
Makaraka is an outer suburb of Gisborne, in New Zealand's North Island, located in the west of the city. The suburb features Gisborne's horse-racing circuit, Makaraka Racecourse. Makaraka was settled by dairy farmers in the 19th century. A dairy factory was built in the settlement in 1989.
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12 - Helicopter Tours in Wellington
Combine a gourmet lunch with a thrilling helicopter flight on this 3-hour tour from Wellington. Admire spectacular aerial views of the Cook Strait, Rimutaka Mountain Range, Orongorongo Valley, and Palliser Bay as you soar overhead on a helicopter, then touchdown to enjoy a delicious 4-course lunch with wine at the Wharekauhau Country Estate. This small-group tour is limited to six people and includes round-trip helicopter transfers from Wellington.
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13 - Lyall Bay
Lyall Bay is a bay and a suburb on the south side of the Rongotai isthmus in Wellington, New Zealand. The bay is a popular surf beach, featuring a breakwater at the eastern end.
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14 - Wellington Zoo
Wellington Zoo is a 13-hectare zoo in the green belt of Wellington, New Zealand.
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15 - Mountain Bike Tours in Wellington
From the centrally located Waterfront to the quiet bays and panoramic lookouts, you’ll be enthralled from start to finish. These quality electric bikes are easy to use and suitable for any level of fitness. If you can ride a bike, you can ride an eBike! Your guide will keep you safe with helmets provided and full riding instruction. The tour is lighthearted, fun and engaging with the focus on riding and finding the best view points. You’ll get a local’s perspective on the culture and history of our vibrant city and surrounding bays.
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16 - Paekakariki Hill Road
29 km away
Battle Hill Farm Forest Park is a Wellington Regional park near Paekakariki, New Zealand. It is the site of a clash between Ngati Toa and British troops in 1846, known as the Battle of Battle Hill.
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17 - Upper Hutt
30 km away
Upper Hutt is a city in the Wellington Region of New Zealand and one of the four cities that constitute the Wellington metropolitan area.
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18 - Cook Strait
39 km away
Cook Strait is a strait that separates the North and South Islands of New Zealand. It connects the Tasman Sea on the northwest with the South Pacific Ocean on the southeast, and runs next to the capital city, Wellington.
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19 - Tararua Forest Park
47 km away
Tararua Forest Park, often called the Tararuas is a protected area in the Wellington region of New Zealand. Its area is 1,150 square kilometres, and its highest point, a peak called Mitre, is at 1571 m above sea level.
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20 - Kapiti Island
50 km away
Kapiti Island is an island about 5 km off the west coast of the lower North Island of New Zealand. It is 10 kilometres long, running southwest/northeast, and roughly 2 kilometres wide, being more or less rectangular in shape, and has an area of 19.65 km².
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Disover the best Instagram Spots around Wellington here
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Pictures and Stories of Wellington from Influencers
20 pictures of Wellington from Pat Ho, zoe lin, James Coleman and other travelers
- Cable car in the evening ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Guillaume Lebelt | ©Unsplash
- Coming in for approach to Wellington International Airport on an Air New Zealand aircraft ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Walter Walraven | ©Unsplash
- Little Fisher bird found at Wellington City ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Ryan Clark | ©Unsplash
- Kākā of Zealandia Ecosanctuary ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Jason Zhao | ©Unsplash
- Tui of Zealandia Ecosanctuary ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Jason Zhao | ©Unsplash
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Why should you visit Wellington ?
Travel to Wellington if you like:
🗼 Landmark 🌆 Skyline 🏖️ Ocean ⛰️ Mountain range 🏘️ Town ⛰️ Hill stationHow to visit Wellington ?
Why Traveling to Wellington?
Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand, is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a unique blend of urban culture, natural beauty, and outdoor adventures. With its stunning harbor, vibrant arts scene, and easy access to the great outdoors, Wellington offers a diverse range of experiences for all types of travelers.
How to Get There?
Wellington is well connected by air, road, and sea. The Wellington International Airport is serviced by numerous domestic and international airlines, with direct flights from major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. For travelers coming from other parts of New Zealand, there are regular bus and train services connecting Wellington to other cities. Additionally, the Interislander and Bluebridge ferries operate daily crossings between Wellington and Picton, providing a scenic route through the Marlborough Sounds.
What to Book in Advance?
To make the most of your trip, it's recommended to book some activities and accommodations in advance. Popular attractions such as the Weta Workshop, Zealandia, and Te Papa Tongarewa (Museum of New Zealand) may require advance booking during peak tourist seasons. Additionally, if you plan to visit during major events such as the World of WearableArt Awards or the New Zealand Festival, it's essential to book your accommodations early to secure the best spots.
What Are the Costs?
Wellington offers a range of budget and luxury experiences for travelers. Accommodation prices vary, with budget hostels starting around NZD 30 per night and luxury hotels costing upwards of NZD 200 per night. Dining options are also diverse, with affordable cafes and food trucks costing around NZD 10-15 per meal, while fine dining establishments can set you back NZD 50-100 per person. Attractions and activities in Wellington are generally affordable, with many free or low-cost options such as Te Papa, the Botanic Gardens, and the Cable Car.
Best Things to Do
1. Explore Te Papa Tongarewa, New Zealand's national museum, showcasing the country's art, history, and natural environment.
2. Take the iconic Wellington Cable Car to the Botanic Gardens, offering panoramic views of the city and harbor.
3. Wander around the lively Cuba Street precinct, known for its quirky shops, cafes, and street art.
4. Visit Zealandia, an urban eco-sanctuary dedicated to conserving New Zealand's native flora and fauna.
5. Discover Wellington's thriving arts scene through various galleries, theaters, and street art installations.
Where to Eat?
1. Fidel's Café: A local favorite on Cuba Street, offering delicious meals and a laid-back atmosphere.
2. The Crab Shack: A waterfront eatery specializing in seafood dishes and stunning harbor views.
3. Egmont St. Eatery: A modern, stylish restaurant offering innovative local cuisine using seasonal produce.
Where to Stay?
1. YHA Wellington: A budget-friendly, centrally located hostel offering both private and dorm rooms.
2. QT Wellington: A boutique hotel boasting artistic interiors, luxurious amenities, and a prime location near Te Papa.
3. The Bolton Hotel: An elegant, upscale hotel offering spacious rooms and a central location near Parliament and the Botanic Gardens.
Off the Beaten Path
For an unusual travel experience in Wellington, visit the Putangirua Pinnacles – a geological wonder located in the Aorangi Forest Park, about a 2-hour drive from the city. These unique rock formations were created over millions of years through erosion, and they were featured in the film "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King." A hike through the Pinnacles offers a truly otherworldly experience and a chance to explore a lesser-known side of Wellington's natural beauty.
Learn More about Wellington
Young, dynamic, innovative and full of life, Wellington is the southernmost capital on earth. A city where life is good all year round, an international and cosmopolitan capital par excellence, as if everyone managed to find their place easily. But it is not only the political seat of New Zealand, it is also the cultural and artistic hub.
The Museum of New Zealand (or Te Papa) is home to some of New Zealand's most important treasures, and the name Te Papa literally translates to "Treasure Container". From Maori culture to New Zealand's history, the museum is constantly updating its exhibits with the highest quality. Wellington's steep hills make walking around tiring for the locals who live on it. So the government decided to build a cable car to help the locals get where they are going. Today, however, the cable car has become more of a tourist attraction.
Wellington is one of the best places in New Zealand to try craft beer and explore a few breweries! There are over 20 craft breweries in Wellington and this has earned the city the reputation of being the craft beer capital of New Zealand. Visiting some breweries is a tourist activity in Wellington that you should try.
Cuba Street is Wellington's popular pedestrian street that every visitor to the city needs to stop by. Along the streets of Cuba, you can find mouth-watering food and drink and pick up some bargains at some of the clothing retailers. Wellington is indeed a really fascinating capital city compared to others!
For some people, big cities are not their favorite place because of the lack of nature and scenery. In Wellington, however, it's a short walk to the beautiful beach of Oriental Parade, a beautiful area west of the city center. Walking distance from the city and the small beach area is great for sunbathing and enjoying the water.
Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Wellington
If you like seafood, you should try Ortega Fish Shack, Shed bar & restaurant. Or you just want a place to spend time with your family, friends, go to Logan Brown, The Larder or The Thistle Inn.
Where to Stay in Wellington
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More Travel spots to explore around Wellington
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Discover more travel spots to explore around Wellington
🗼 Landmark spots 🏖️ Beach spots 🏘️ Town spots 🌆 Skyline spots 🐾 Wildlife spots 🌊 Ocean spots 🏖️ Headland spots ⛰️ Mountain range spots 🌲 Nature reserve spots ⛰️ Cliff spots Panorama spots 🌲 Forest spots 🚢 Dock spots ⛰️ Hill station spotsTravel map of Wellington
Explore popular touristic places around Wellington