Wellington

New Zealand, Oceania

Wellington, the vibrant capital of New Zealand, is known for its stunning harbor, creative arts scene, and culinary delights. Explore the iconic Te Papa museum, take a ride on the historic cable car for panoramic views, and stroll through Cuba Street, a hub of quirky shops and cafes. Wellington's compact size makes it easy to navigate, and its rich cultural festivals, lush botanic gardens, and nearby hiking trails make it an appealing destination for travelers seeking urban experiences balanced with outdoor adventure.

Quick facts

Target stay

3-4 days

Type

City

Vibe

History

Airport

Wellington

Known for

Beach

Hiking

Leisure

Wildlife

Best time to visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

13 Best Things to Do in Wellington

1

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore Te Papa Museum

Discover New Zealand's national museum with interactive exhibits.

No booking required
2

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit Wellington Cable Car

Ride the iconic cable car for stunning city views.

No booking required
3

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Stroll through the Botanic Garden

Enjoy beautiful landscapes and diverse plant life.

No booking required
4

Est. 2.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit Zealandia Ecosanctuary

Experience New Zealand's unique wildlife in a protected area.

Booking required
5

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore Cuba Street

Wander the vibrant street full of shops and cafes.

No booking required
6

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Hike Mount Victoria

Enjoy panoramic views of Wellington from the summit.

No booking required
7

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit Weta Workshop

Discover the magic behind film special effects.

Booking required
8

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Experience Te Wharewaka o Pōneke

Engage in Māori culture and waterfront activities.

No booking required
9

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Tour Parliament Buildings

Explore New Zealand’s political hub and architecture.

No booking required
10

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Sip coffee at a local café

Experience Wellington's renowned coffee culture firsthand.

No booking required
11

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Attend a show at the Opera House

Enjoy a performance in Wellington's historic venue.

Booking required
12

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Museum of New Zealand

Learn about New Zealand’s history and culture.

No booking required
13

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore Oriental Bay

Relax at the beach with stunning harbour views.

No booking required

Need to know, before you go

Country info

Tipping

Not expected

Tapwater

Generally safe to drink

Safety

1 2 3 4 5

Very High

LGBTQ+ safety score

12 (#1 globally)

Cost

Expensive

Currency

New Zealand Dollar

Majority religion

Christian

Language

English

(80%+ speak English)

Best dishes to try

Kiwi Pie

Savory pie with meat and vegetables. (National dish)

Hāngi

Traditional Māori dish cooked in earth oven.

Pavlova

V

Meringue dessert topped with fruit and cream.

Fish and Chips

Battered fish served with fries.

Lamingtons

V

Sponge cake coated in chocolate and coconut.

Phrases to learn

English

English

Hello

Hello

(Hel-loh)

Yes/No

Yes / No

(Yes / No)

Thank you

Thank you

(Thang-k yoo)

Excuse me

Excuse me

(Ex-kyoos mee)

How much?

How much?

(How much)