10 must-visit places & best things to do in Wellington that you cannot miss

What does Wellington have besides the windy capital? What destinations fascinate tourists? Discover the 10 must visit places in Wellington and best things to do in Wellington that you cannot miss in this article!

Have you ever heard of Wellington – the small but vibrant capital of New Zealand? Not only famous for its unique art, cinema and cuisine, this place also contains countless majestic natural landscapes, from poetic coastlines to lush green hills. With a modern yet peaceful pace of life, Wellington will definitely bring you more surprises than you can imagine.

If you are curious about this city, join Living Nomads to discover the top 10 Wellington tourist attractions and best things to do that cannot be missed on your upcoming trip to New Zealand!

Best things to do in Wellington: Explore Te Papa Museum – National Museum of New Zealand

Located right on the shores of Wellington Bay, Te Papa Tongarewa is the cultural pride of the New Zealand people. Established in 1992 after the merger of the National Museum and the National Art Gallery, Te Papa means “treasure box of mother earth” in Māori.

Over 2 million objects are held here, including art, history, natural science, Māori and Pacific culture. What makes Te Papa special is its bilingual approach and close ties with the indigenous community, allowing visitors to both admire and learn deeply about Aotearoa’s identity.

You should spend at least 2–3 hours to visit the permanent exhibitions such as Toi Art (contemporary art), the taonga Māori display and the interactive programs for children. During Māori Language Week (September), the museum hosts many interesting events with games, activity books and performances.

Te Papa Museum in Wellington

The museum is currently free, but some special exhibitions have a fee. After the tour, visitors can enjoy “Eat Your Art Out”, an afternoon tea party combined with art right on the premises. If there is time, take a walk along the nearby Oriental Bay beach to continue a complete journey of discovery.

• Address: 55 Cable Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
• Opening hours: 10:00–18:00

Experience the Wellington Cable Car & Relax at the Botanic Garden

Located right in the center of Lambton Quay, the Wellington Cable Car is a familiar symbol with its bright red color and impressive climbing route. Departing from the CBD, the cable car takes you through three intermediate stations before stopping at Kelburn to see the entire city and the blue seaport in the distance. Built in 1902, the cable car has been associated with the history of Wellington’s urban development, serving thousands of tourists and residents every day.

Here, you will be amazed by the lighting effects in the railway tunnel, creating the feeling of traveling in space. Don’t miss the Cable Car Museum right at the terminal station, which displays antique cable cars and traction machines from the 1930s. After the tour, visitors can enjoy coffee at Cabletop Eatery or visit Space Place to learn about the Southern Hemisphere sky through a screening at the planetarium.

From Kelburn station, it is just a few steps to the Botanic Garden, covering dozens of hectares with many themed gardens. Spring and early summer are the best times to stroll and admire the brilliant flowers. If you want to continue your journey of exploring nature, take the free shuttle bus to Zealandia – a famous ecological reserve, just a few minutes away.

Martinborough Town – A Paradise for Wine and Local Art

About 65 km from Wellington, Martinborough is a small town nestled in the Wairarapa Valley with its unique Union Jack-shaped streets and classic wooden houses. The peaceful atmosphere, cool dry weather and characteristic gravel soil have turned this place into the “Pinot Noir capital” of New Zealand. More than 20 cellars are all family-run, so the atmosphere is very friendly, as if you walk in and are invited to taste a glass of freshly brewed wine and hear interesting stories after each grape season.

In addition to wine, the town also has olive farms, craft shops, and a few cute cafes around the square, enough for you to spend the whole morning wandering around without getting bored. The most beautiful time is in autumn (March–May) when the vineyards turn bright yellow, or in November with the bustling Toast Martinborough festival. In the evening, you can go to the Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve to watch the stars, where the night sky is so clear that you can see the Milky Way.

South Island – Journey to New Zealand’s Majestic Nature

South Island is New Zealand’s largest island with an area of ​​over 151,000 km². The Māori call this place Te Wai Pounamu, meaning “green ice”, reminiscent of the glaciers and rare pounamu jade. Although large, the population is quite sparse, so when you set foot here, you will immediately feel the wildness and tranquility that is very typical.

Running along the island is the majestic Southern Alps, with Aoraki Mount Cook at 3,754 m. In summer, Lake Tekapo is awash with lupines, making it an ideal time for trekking or picnicking. In winter, the entire area around Queenstown and Wanaka attracts visitors thanks to its beautiful ski runs and heavy snowfall, creating a very clear atmosphere.

The South Island also has countless unforgettable experiences. You can watch seals playing in Kaikoura, kayak between high cliffs in Milford Sound or soak in an outdoor hot tub in Omarama on cold days. The weather here changes quite quickly, so bringing warm clothes and raincoats is always a safe choice.

If you love peaceful towns, Christchurch with its green Hagley Park or European-style Dunedin will make you want to stay longer. And if you like thrills, Queenstown has almost everything from bungy jumping to paragliding.

And if you’re in the South Island, State Highway 6 is a must-drive. The route follows the West Coast coastline, with pristine forest on one side and the deep blue Tasman Sea on the other, offering a sense of freedom and grandeur that few places can match.

Doubtful Sound – A Wonder Not to Be Missed

Hidden in Fiordland National Park, Doubtful Sound (Māori name Patea) is known to many as “The Sound of Silence”. Unlike its more popular brother Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound is wider, deeper and has a pristine beauty that is hard to find elsewhere.

The fjord is 40 km long, formed by glaciation millions of years ago, with countless vertical cliffs, white waterfalls and tropical rainforests. History records that in 1770, Captain James Cook, standing at the entrance of the bay, said that it was “difficult to turn back” if entering, and hence the name Doubtful.

To reach this fjord, visitors must sail across Lake Manapouri, pass Wilmot Pass, and then board a cruise ship to explore. It is this isolation that has kept Doubtful Sound almost intact. The most popular activity here is an overnight cruise, where you have the opportunity to listen to the absolute silence, broken only by the sound of birds or the sound of falling water. Observe the sea surface carefully, because bottlenose dolphins, fur seals and Fiordland penguins often appear around this area.

Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise

The best time to visit the bay is winter, when the air is clear and the snow covers the mountain peaks. In addition, visitors can try kayaking in the summer or take a panoramic seaplane from Queenstown. A little tip for you is to always prepare a raincoat, because Fiordland is the rainiest region in New Zealand.

• Location: Southland 9679, New Zealand
• Opening hours: 24/7

See the Panorama of Wellington from Mount Victoria Lookout

Mount Victoria is 196m high, located in the heart of Wellington, and is considered the most beautiful viewpoint in the capital. The mountain is associated with the Māori legend of the sea monster Whataitai, and since the 19th century has become part of the “Town Belt” – a green belt preserved for city residents to rest and exercise.

The path to the top is about 2.6 km long, starting from Courtenay Place, winding through old villas and entering the pine forest. It takes about 1.5 hours to walk, in return you get a panoramic view of the entire Wellington Harbour, the international airport and even the Southern Alps in the distance when the sky is clear. At the top of the mountain is a memorial to explorer Richard Byrd and a bronze cannon that was fired daily in the late 19th century.

The best time to visit the mountain is in the late afternoon, when the sunset casts a golden glow over the bay and the city lights up. For movie fans, Mount Victoria is the setting for Peter Jackson’s “Lord of the Rings”. Many tours that combine visits to the Weta workshop also depart from here, providing a unique behind-the-scenes look at the famous series.

A small note: this area is quite windy, so you should bring a light jacket even in summer. After sightseeing, take a walk down to Oriental Bay to enjoy fresh seafood or sip coffee in small shops along the beach, completing your journey to explore Wellington.

• Address: Lookout Road, Hataitai, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
• Opening Hours: 24/7

Explore Behind the Scenes of Famous Movies at Weta Workshop Studio

Located in Miramar, Weta Workshop Studio has long been a “holy land” for movie lovers, contributing to the creation of The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit and many other Hollywood blockbusters. Founded in 1987 by Richard Taylor and Tania Rodger, this studio is now over 5,600 square meters wide, bringing together a team of artisans, engineers and creative designers who have won more than 30 international awards, including 5 Oscars.

Visiting Weta Workshop, visitors will be able to see props, armor, giant “bigatures” models, as well as hear about behind-the-scenes secrets that have never been released. To fully enjoy the creative space, you should come to the studio in the morning when there are fewer visitors.

Weta Workshop Tours

In particular, you should book tickets in advance because the tour often fills up quite quickly. After the tour ends, stop by the mini museum or souvenir shop to find a small statue of your favorite character. If you have time, the Miramar area also has many stylish dining spots and cafes to “recharge” your batteries before your journey to explore Wellington.

• Address: 1 Weka Street, Miramar, Wellington 6022, New Zealand
• Opening hours: 08:45 – 17:45

Beehive Parliament House – Wellington’s Architectural and Historical Icon

Located on the corner of Molesworth Street and Lambton Quay, the Beehive building was started in 1969 and completed in 1981, with a unique honeycomb design sketched by architect Basil Spence. Standing 72 metres tall with ten floors above ground and four underground, it is not only home to the Prime Minister and Cabinet, but is also a national symbol that appears on the New Zealand $20 note.

The Beehive was listed as a Grade I Heritage Site in 2015, demonstrating its significant cultural and historical value. Visitors can take a free guided tour from the Visitor Centre on the ground floor. The tour usually lasts about an hour, taking visitors through the meeting rooms, banquet hall, and even the National Art Gallery.

Afternoons are a great time to see the building with the golden sunlight reflecting off the copper roof. However, please check the schedule in advance as there are some days when the building is closed to the public. After the tour, stroll along Lambton Quay for shopping, cute cafes and unique souvenir shops.

• Address: Ground Floor/1 Molesworth Street, Pipitea, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
• Opening Hours: 9:30 – 16:30

Relax at Island Bay Wellington with a myriad of exciting experiences

 

Just 5km south of the city centre, Island Bay offers a picturesque coastal setting, sheltered by the offshore island of Tapu Te Ranga. It is part of the 854-hectare Taputeranga Marine Reserve, home to blue cod, octopus, giant seaweed and the occasional dolphin or whale. Island Bay Beach is a popular tourist destination all year round, but summer (December-February) is the best time for swimming and picnicking.

Underwater enthusiasts can try a half-day dive tour with a PADI centre to explore the wreck of the HMNZS Wellington or a 200-metre snorkelling route in the bay. For those who want to enjoy the gentleness, a 90-minute guided boat tour along the bay is also an interesting choice to learn more about the history and ecosystem here.

Back on the shore, visitors can enjoy the classic benches and the newly upgraded playground at Shorland Park. Or if you come to Wellington in February, you can join the annual Island Bay festival with a vibrant parade and the colorful “Blessing of the Boats”. It can be said that Island Bay opens up a different perspective of Wellington – a windy, vibrant city.

Challenge the White Waters at Te Awa Kairangi River

The Te Awa Kairangi River (Hutt River) is 56 km long, originating from the Tararua Range and flowing into Wellington Harbour in Petone. Meaning “river of food from the sky” in Māori, this place is considered the “lifeblood” of the Hutt Valley, playing an important role in the lives of local residents. Having survived several major floods in the 20th century, the river is now protected by a system of dykes, willow trees to prevent erosion and environmental restoration projects.

Te Awa Kairangi is both an irrigation project and a paradise for adventurers. The rapids that flow through the Taitā Gorge are perfect for challenging rafting. Visitors can also choose to kayak along the gentle stretches, cycle along the banks or walk along the green trails that connect Upper Hutt to Lower Hutt.

Summer (December–February) is the perfect time to indulge in water activities, while winter brings fresh air, suitable for trekking. Don’t forget to visit Lower Hutt to explore local cuisine or shop in the small shops along the harbor, completing an adventure in the windy capital.

Wellington Self-Guided Travel Tips

To make your self-guided Wellington travel journey complete and comfortable, please note the following experiences:

• Moving around the city: Wellington city center is quite small, you should walk to both enjoy the scenery and save money. If you go further, choose the bus or bicycle, which is both convenient and environmentally friendly.
• Book tickets in advance: Famous places such as Wetā Workshop, Zealandia or the Parliament House tour are often full, so you should book tickets online on Klook to ensure a seat and save time.
• Climate and clothing: Wellington is known as the “windy city”, the weather changes quickly, so bring a light jacket, raincoat and comfortable shoes to move around.
• Food & shopping: Don’t miss Cuba Street with a series of unique cafes, restaurants and stylish fashion stores. This is the ideal place to enjoy the diverse cuisine of the “culinary capital” of New Zealand.
• Explore nature: Spend time climbing Mount Victoria, exploring Wellington Botanic Gardens or trekking in Zealandia to feel the harmony between urban and natural.

Frequently Asked Questions About Traveling to Wellington, New Zealand

How many days are enough to visit Wellington?

Usually, you should spend about 2-3 days to fully explore the city. This time is enough to visit museums, walk along Oriental Bay beach, take the cable car to see the panoramic view and enjoy local cuisine.

When is the ideal time to travel to Wellington?

The best time is from December to February (New Zealand summer). At this time, the weather is warm, the sky is clear, favorable for both city sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Can you swim at Oriental Bay?

Yes. Oriental Bay is a famous beach right in the center of Wellington, with golden sand, clear blue water, suitable for swimming, sunbathing and walking on the beach.

Is there public transport from Wellington Airport?

Yes. The most popular is the Airport Express bus, a convenient route that quickly connects the airport to central Wellington.

Where to buy souvenirs and local crafts in Wellington?

Visitors often visit Cuba Street, Wellington Underground Market or shops in the central area to find souvenirs, handicrafts and products with a strong New Zealand imprint.

Each journey has its own color, and Wellington will definitely leave you with countless unforgettable memories. From green parks, fresh beaches, to unique museums, this city is both modern and peaceful. If you love nature, culture and want to immerse yourself in a youthful lifestyle, Wellington is a destination worth experiencing on your trip to New Zealand.

Don’t hesitate to save this list of 10 must visit places and best things to do in Wellington for your upcoming vacation!

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Wellington you can refer to

• Wellington Cable Car
• Wellington Sightseeing Tour
• Wellington City and Coastline Tour
• Hop on Hop off Sightseeing Bus Tour
• Lord of The Rings Tour

Are you looking for more top things to do in Wellington: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out here.