21 Wonderful Places to Visit and Things to Do in Wellington, New Zealand

June 29, 2022 Mustafa Natalwala 2733 Views

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 the film world, nature, wildlife, entertainment, leisure, history, culture and adventure. The city has something to cater to 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 Polynesian explorer Kupe around the 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, the Colonial period and the Post-Colonial period. The city has several museums and cultural centers exploring each of these. The historical buildings in the city only hail from the 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 the 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 is 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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Table of Contents

The Top 21 Tourist Places to Visit in Wellington, New Zealand

1. Weta Cave

This production studio is associated with 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 the 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 the top natural wonders to explore outside the city. These rocks are also featured 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 is 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 a thrill, an adrenaline rush or interesting experiences. You can dedicate an entire day and more to enjoying these sports and activities.

Here below I am suggesting some of adventure activities to do 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 a 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 in the 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 the 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 for 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 beach sports, leisure facilities, entertainment, nightlife, dining and water sports. You can easily spend a few hours enjoying the 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 a free tour of the building from the visitor’s center on the ground floor. This tour delves into the 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 the 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 an insight into 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 the 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’s games, sports and fun activities. It also has several sculptures and artworks. You can easily spend an hour or so enjoying it 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 the exhibition of space technology, the observatory also runs a show with a live presentation of the sky. It is one of the most interesting places to see in Wellington and will require about an 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, flower 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

Mid-Range Hotels

Budget Hotels

Custom Tours Package in Wellington

How to Reach Wellington?

By Air

Wellington International Airport is situated about 5 km away from the city. You can get directions 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