Take a look at our information to the most effective issues to do in Wellington, New Zealand!
There are positively plenty of nice issues to do in Wellington, New Zealand!
So including Wellington to your itinerary of New Zealand’s North Island is your probability to go to the “coolest little capital on the earth.”
With in the future 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 in case you are travelling with youngsters, there are many free and low cost issues to do in Wellington.
Moreover this stuff to do in Wellington, the town can also be the hub of nice espresso, craft beers, and fabulous menus.
You may keep in high-end lodges, boutique lodges, or go quirky staying in a lighthouse or an previous preserve.
So let’s get began on what to do in Wellington metropolis!
READ MORE: Benefit from your time in New Zealand with our complete journey information.
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
Once you e-book 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 principle constructing throughout an earthquake.
It might sound nerdy, however it’s fairly outstanding.
The tour additionally contains the superbly 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.
Once 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 every single day.
READ MORE: Take a look at our fashionable information to the finest issues to do in Queenstown!
3) Trip the Cable Automobile to Wellington Botanic Gardens
Probably the most 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 among the most iconic photographs representing Wellington because it takes college students as much as Victoria College, or employees all the way down to the town.
Search for the Wellington Cable Automobile signal on the busy procuring avenue within the metropolis centre often called Lambton Quay.
On the high, you may have a shocking vista of the harbour.
You may also go to the small cable automotive museum, take pleasure in a drink or take a hilly stroll across the lovely 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 night time excursions out there the place you possibly can see New Zealand native bush and native species of birds and reptiles.
The night time tour is very fashionable as a result of you possibly can hear the Kiwi. And in the course of the day, attempt to discover the traditional Tuatara or the scary-looking large Weta.
Afterwards, take the free shuttle bus again to Wellington I-Website at Civic Sq..
For a extremely distinctive expertise although, it’s price reserving a tour to go to the sanctuary at night time. You may organise this superior exercise proper right here.
One of the simplest ways to get round is to hire a automotive and discover by yourself! We suggest Rental Automobiles, which has the biggest vary of automobiles for the most effective worth in the marketplace.
5) Chill Out in Te Ngakau Civic Sq.
Wellington’s Civic Sq. Te Ngakau (the guts) is the place to seek out:
- Wellington I-Website customer info (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 the moment, the Wellington Public Library is closed for renovations.
So for nice espresso and a chew to eat, you’ll must 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 intend to do subsequent.
6) Be taught Extra at Wellington Museum
Wellington Museum is certainly one of many actions to take pleasure in alongside the waterfront.
On every ground of the previous Bond Retailer, you’ll study 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 charming 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’ve got the choice of hiring kayaks or reserving a kayak tour.
However Ferg’s additionally has a rock-climbing wall to check your higher energy 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
You might not have deliberate it, however Te Papa can have your curiosity for a number of hours.
You’ll change into absorbed with New Zealand historical past shows, Māori tradition, and the interactive pure atmosphere shows.
However the Te Papa Museum is not only a museum.
It additionally reveals the nationwide artwork gallery assortment.
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa is rated as one of many high locations to go to in Wellington, notably to:
- Admire the Te Hono ki Hawaiki marae with its lovely carvings
- Expertise the seismic shift of an earthquake
- Go to one of many many everlasting and visiting reveals (costs could apply)
And after you see the story exhibit of New Zealand troopers in WW1 at Gallipoli, you’ll wish to go to Weta Cave on the Te Papa Museum.
Be sure to organise the categorical twilight tour to essentially take advantage of your time right here. E-book it on-line at Get Your Information.
9) Go to the Film World of Weta
In case you’re a fan of films 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 motion pictures.
You’ve got two choices:
- E-book 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 change into the ‘Wellywood’ of the New Zealand movie trade.
You may select from 6 excursions, together with a hands-on workshop, to know how these visible results artists make a film come to life.
And in your method again to the town centre, think about a cease alongside Oriental Parade.
10) Chill out at Oriental Bay
When it’s time to chill out, New Zealand’s Oriental Parade has loads of benches on which to take a seat 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, chances are 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 the town.
At 196 meters excessive, you possibly can see:
- Down the Hutt Valley
- Throughout the internal 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 night time view of Wellington, the Mount Victoria Lookout views are spectacular.
12) Discover Wellington’s Boutique Craft Breweries
Sure, it’s a must to 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 among the unique craft breweries.
Our favorite is Fork and Brewer or the Whistling Sisters who supply a brewery tour each Saturday.
Nonetheless, if procuring is on the highest of your listing, you may have a number of choices.
13) Store for Designer Labels
Lambton Quay is also known as the Golden Mile due to its high label manufacturers.
You’ll find high shops like David Jones within the previous classical constructing of the earlier household retailer, Kirkcaldies.
However there’s one factor you gained’t discover within the centre of Wellington – a shopping center.
You may store for world-class designer labels like Karen Walker and Kate Sylvester.
However for artisan shops, you’ll want to attend till Saturday.
14) Strive 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.
Once you awake late within the morning, this market is ideal for nice espresso and meals.
Grabbing some contemporary meals right here is among the finest issues to do in Wellington!
15) Eat the Finest Fish and Chips on Quirky Cuba Avenue
A go to to Wellington has to incorporate Cuba Avenue and its well-known bucket fountain.
You’ll discover among the coolest outlets, hip bars, fashionable cafes, and classy eating places alongside this quirky avenue. The vibe is implausible, particularly from early night onwards.
And a go to to Wellington has to incorporate a plate of fish and chips.
Wellington Seamarket on Cuba Avenue has a collection of contemporary fish every single day. You get to decide on the fish to enhance your chips.
Or would you like a picnic on a Wellington in the future journey?
You may both:
- Take the Dominion Ferry from the Wellington waterfront or
- Rent a automotive for the day
16) Discover Matiu-Somes Island and Days Bay
Straightforward to identify in the course 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, baggage can be looked for pests, seed, and soil earlier than you possibly can take pleasure in mountain climbing on the island.
Deliver a picnic lunch and choose 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) E-book Lunch on the Vineyards of Martinborough
If you need to discover the close by countryside, a drive over the Rimutaka Hill is an expertise in itself.
Your reward is wine tasting at a collection 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 is advisable to have a procuring repair, it’s solely quarter-hour from Martinborough to a different small city, Greytown.
Right here you should buy locally-produced olive oil, honey, and preserves when you browse the artisan outlets for presents.
However for presents of Paua, go to the subsequent giant city, Carterton.
In case you prefer to take pleasure in a glass or two of scrumptious wine, be sure you e-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 previous defence pressure 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 price 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.
In case you’re impressed by what you see of the south island, hop a ferry and let your journey proceed in Christchurch!
Perhaps even e-book a unusual keep at The Preserve or The Lighthouse. Or go on to Pink Rocks, Owhiro Bay.
19) Stroll the Rugged Pink 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 Pink Rocks.
The coastal pathway is a mixture of sand and stones so that you’ll want sturdy strolling footwear.
This rugged shoreline has views of the south island on sunny days.
It additionally has a charming marine life ecosystem and a seal colony (you’ll scent them earlier than you see them!)
However in case you are 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 highway as much as the Brooklyn Wind Turbine.
The panoramic view exhibits you the hills and inexperienced areas of Wellington, and in addition the picturesque harbour.
You might 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.
In case you are a automotive fanatic or love previous issues, this museum has a set 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 e-book 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 should you plan a visit in:
- February, e-book tickets to the Arts Pageant
- August, e-book tickets to the most effective craft beer competition
- September, e-book tickets to WOW (World of Wearable Artwork)
- November for harbourside fireworks
No matter if you go to, there may be certain to be some competition or occasion to take pleasure in in Wellington!
However now it’s time to chill out 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 night time, other than consuming and consuming.
Some recommendations:
- See the lights of the town from Mount Victoria
- Hearken to wildlife on a Zealandia night time tour
- Hunt for glow worms on the Botanical Gardens
- See the celebrities 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 all the time a craft beer to be discovered earlier than you permit this lovely metropolis.
The place to Dine in Wellington
Individuals usually ask: “What’s Wellington well-known for, apart from 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 may have:
- Mojo espresso roastery
- One Pink 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 wonderful
- Pravda Cafe and Grill for beautiful menu and wine choice
And alongside Cuba Avenue take pleasure in:
- Floriditas for New Zealand delicacies
- Fidel’s Cafe for nice espresso and brunch
- Havana Bar for traditional Cuban delicacies
So, now you may have one other implausible 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 charming locations to go to.
To not point out visiting one of many many craft bars or wonderful eating places and cafes.
Once you add these actions to your itinerary it is going to make you wish to cease and keep longer to expertise extra of this lovely 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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