Wellington New Zealand is one of my favourite cities. Compact and walkable, it seamlessly blends a relaxed and energetic atmosphere. It welcomes visitors by offering heaps of free things to do in Wellington. These range from fascinating museums to historical tours and outdoor adventures.
A coastal city full of activity, there is never a shortage of things to discover. Wellington is an affordable town to visit, and it’s easy to make a budget that includes loads of free things to do in Wellington.
Take a look below, and I am sure you will find both something interesting to you as well as something new to discover.
We have grouped the things to do in Wellington for free as follows:
- Stunning views
- Museums and art galleries
- Walks, hikes, and outdoor fun
- Lord of the Rings (LOTR)
- Landmarks, government, and history
- Churches and cathedral
- Live like a local
- Things to do at night
Free things to do in Wellington: Enjoy one of the stunning views
There’s no better way to get acquainted with a city than to stand on top of one of its hills and look down upon its landscape.
1. Mount Victoria Lookout
Lookout Road, Hataitai
The hike to the Mount Victoria lookout is intermixed with sweeping views and forested trails. While driving is an option, we enjoy the walk. Either way, visitors are rewarded with panoramic views of Wellington’s harbours, hills, and city. As a bonus for Lord of the Rings (LOTR) fans, you might recognise the spot in the forested area where Frodo shouted, “Get off the road.”
2. Kelburn Hill Lookout
Wellington Cable Car (Kelburn lookout)
One of my favourite viewpoints overlooking the city is from Kelburn Hill at the top of the cable car line. While one can drive or walk to the top from the base of the cable car, we generally walk up through the Botanic Gardens or purchase a cable car ticket.
3. Brooklyn Wind Turbine route
6012, Owhiro Bay Parade
This is a 6km walking path passing a huge wind turbine and offering a different, albeit fabulous, view of the city. The Brooklyn Gun Emplacements can be found just off of the trail.
Free things to do in Wellington: Check out a museum
New Zealand’s capital city is not only home to Te Papa, the world-renowned national museum, but it also has several fascinating specialty museums. Best of all, like so much of this great city, many of the museums are amongst the free activities in Wellington.
4. Te Papa, the National Museum of New Zealand
55 Cable Street, Te Aro
Officially Te Papa Tongarewa, New Zealand’s national museum, is the highlight of any Wellington visit. Here, you will discover NZ through extensive art, history, the Pacific, Māori, and natural environment collections. It also features hands-on discovery centres for children. We never miss it when we are in the capital.
5. Wellington City Gallery
Te Ngākau Civic Square, 101 Wakefield St
This world-class contemporary art gallery, with its ever-changing programme of exhibits and frequent events, was a great escape from the rainy weather. It has huge rooms with limited art, so we found it pretty quick to explore.
6. New Zealand Portrait Gallery
Shed 11, Queens Wharf, Wellington Waterfront
To our surprise, there were plenty of paintings and photography, but few were portraits. It’s an interesting historical mix that changes frequently.
7. Cable Car Museum
1A Upland Road, at the Kelburn Terminal
A small museum at the upper end of the cable car line greets you with an old cable car. I’d been a few times before I discovered the lower level and its unique behind-the-scenes perspective.
8. Wellington Museum
3 Jervois Quay, Queens Wharf
One of our favourites, here we discovered more about the region. Our favourite section was the eclectic top floor called ‘The Attic’, a collection of historic oddities worth a visit, even if you don’t have time to see the entire museum.
9. Mokomuseum, The National Tattoo Museum
187 Vivian St
Discover tattoo history from the ancient indigenous art form of Ta Moko and modern designs, with a focus on New Zealand.
Read next: 26 Favourite museums in New Zealand: A local’s list
Walks, hikes, and other outdoor free things to do in Wellington
With over 200 hikes in the Wellington region, there is something for everyone.
10. Wellington Botanic Garden
101 Glenmore Street, Kelburn
Wellington Botanic Garden is native bush, exotic forests, colourful flowers, and speciality gardens (don’t miss the rose garden!). Personally, I prefer to ride the cable car up (paid) and then stroll the winding downhill walk back to the city.
11. Red Rocks Coastal Walk
Te Kopahou Visitor Centre, Owhiro Bay
This is a popular south coast walk and another spot that was used in LOTR filming. The rugged coastal walk runs from Owhiro Bay to the Red Rocks. Between April and October, you will probably see seals.
12. Otari Botanic Garden and Wilton’s Bush Reserve
150 Wilton Road, Wilton, (5 km from Wellington CBD)
Also called the Otari-Wilson Bush, this is the only public botanic garden in New Zealand that exclusively holds native trees and plants. It is also home to some of Wellington’s oldest trees.
13. Frank Kitt’s Park
Jervois Quay, Wellington waterfront
A playground for kids and a hang-out for hipsters, this waterfront park is centrally located and a great place to just sit and relax. Or, if it’s a Tuesday night, you might spot the fire jugglers.
For more free Wellington regional hikes, check out the Wellington Regional Trails website.
Lord of the Rings things to do in Wellington for free
If you are a Lord of the Rings fan, you probably already have a LOTR list of things to do. However, if you are looking for free things to do in Wellington city, you will be impressed as soon as you arrive. The domestic departures lounge is home to a giant eagle with Gandalf on his back, plus other examples in the airport. It, like other LOTR characters you will discover in the city, was created at the Weta Workshop.
14. Weta Cave
1 Weka Street, Miramar
Weta Cave is a movie lover’s paradise surrounding visitors with props, characters, and weapons from LOTR and other films. There is a mini-museum and short films offering an inside look at how things are brought to life. The cave is much more than just a gift shop for Weta Workshop, the Oscar-winning special effects and props company. A visit to Weta Cave is free (unless you purchase souvenirs). We never miss the chance to take silly photos with trolls that stand just outside (also free).
In contrast, Weta Workshop does offer popular (paid) tours. Reserve your tour here.
15. Embassy Theatre
10 Kent Terrace
If you’re a hard-core LOTR fan, you will want a selfie at the Embassy Theatre, home to the world premiere of The Lord of the Rings.
Read next: New Zealand Lord of the Rings Filming Locations You Can Visit
Free things to do in Wellington: landmarks, government, and history
Of course, the capital of New Zealand is filled with landmarks, government buildings, and historical sites.
New Zealand Parliament
Visitor Centre on the ground floor of the Beehive
Of New Zealand’s three parliament buildings, the most famous is aptly nicknamed “the Beehive.” Parliament visits can include:
- A Parliament Tour: While tours are free, they do require booking at least 24 hours in advance. I have done it three times with visitors. Check the official website for tour options and booking details.
- Observe a session: If Parliament is in session, the chamber viewing galleries allow visitors to quietly observe the Members of Parliament in action. This is independent of the tour and one of the more fascinating free things to do in Wellington.
- Check out the nearby pedestrian traffic lights: Near the parliament buildings, several traffic lights feature the silhouette of Kate Sheppard rather than the traditional male figure telling us when it’s safe to cross. (Kate Sheppard was significant to the NZ women’s suffrage movement.)
19. National Library
70 Molesworth Street, Thorndon
The National Library now houses the original treaty of Waitangi document in a secure climate and lighting-controlled space. It is on display alongside several other historical documents.
20. National War Memorial
Taranaki Street, Pukeahu National War Memorial Park
The National War Memorial honours New Zealanders who served and/or perished in the South African War, First and Second World Wars, post-war conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.
21. Bolton Street Cemetery
Bolton Street
This is the city’s original burial ground and dates back to 1840. Be sure to take notice of the obelisk that marks the resting grounds for many of the city’s pioneers.
22. The buried Plimmers Ark
131-135 Lambton Quay
Head to the lowest level of the Old Public Trust Building. Under a section of glass floor are the remains of Plimmers Ark, a triple-masted sailing ship that was pushed ashore in 1855 during the big earthquake. It was discovered when retrofitting the building in 1997-99.
Churches and cathedrals
23. Old St Paul’s Cathedral
34 Mulgrave Street, Pipitea
Built entirely of native timber in 1866, Old St. Paul’s Cathedral is a gothic-revival masterpiece with high vaulted ceilings, wooden beams, and stained glass windows.
24. Wellington Cathedral of St. Paul
Corner of Hill and Molesworth Streets
This is the new St Paul’s built during the 1960s. It is a modern cathedral serving as the Anglican Diocese of Wellington.
25. St Mary of the Angels Church
17 Boulcott Street
Another intricate historic church, St Mary’s is a Category 1 Heritage building with fabulous stained glass windows and a timber roof.
Free things to do in Wellington: live like a local
In this case, we mean hanging out where the locals hang out and doing the day-to-day things locals do.
26. Walk, jog, or cycle along the waterfront
Join locals walking, jogging, or cycling along the waterfront, where the city has installed a wide footpath that runs about 3km from Oriental Bay to the Railway Station.
27. Jumping from the Taranaki Street jump platform
97 Jervois Quay
Daredevils love this 8-metre high platform along the waterfront purpose-built for safely leaping into the sea. Personally, I prefer to watch; however, my daughter and niece have taken the plunge.
28. Head to the beach
If you love finding a sandy beach within walking distance from the city centre, head to Oriental Bay and join hundreds of locals on a sunny day. Other beaches within Wellington City include Scorching Bay, Lyall Bay, Island Bay, and Princess Bay.
29. Sculpture Trail and Poetry Trail
An artistic town, Wellington is filled with statues, sculptures, and other artworks. One of my favourites is the large concrete slabs sharing poetry from Wellingtonians.
30. People watching
Coffee culture and an outdoor bohemian lifestyle are strong, and as a result, there are great people-watching opportunities. Whether we choose to get a coffee (paid), join in a dance, or sit on a bench, we enjoy watching passing smiles on Cuba Street or along the waterfront. If you are looking for coffee, check out our favourite Wellington restaurants.
Free Things to do in Wellington at night
31. Friday or Saturday night markets (temporarily closed)
Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington
International flavours, trendy foods, entertainers, and craft booths will fill your belly and keep you inspired on the weekends. On Friday night, find the market on Left Bank (an alleyway off of Cuba Street), while on Saturday, it moves to Lower Cuba Street.
32. Courtenay Place and Cuba Street
After dinner, enjoy the nightlife on Courtenay Place, Wellington’s entertainment and theatre district. A fascinating spot for people watching, on weekends and during summer, street performers keep the evening interesting. Similarly, buskers entertain on Cuba Street when the market isn’t dominating the activities.
If you are arriving in Wellington via a cruise ship, don’t miss Wellington Cruise Port: 10 Must-Dos for Amazing DIY or Tours
Still want more? There are plenty of other things to see and do in Wellington
- Start with this list of 37 things to do in New Zealand’s capital city, or if you just want more photographic inspiration, check out this article.
- Be sure to pick up a free self-guided walking map from the i-SITE Visitor Centre in Civic Square or download a free Wellington Walks Map here.
- Don’t worry if you get tired from too much walking. The capital of New Zealand has one of the most used public transportation systems in the country, making it easy to get around, even without a car. Best of all, you don’t need a lot of planning as a single ride or day pass bus tickets can be purchased from the driver.
- If you are looking for more of a tour, click here for discount options on the Wellington Hop-on Hop-off bus.
- When you are ready to expand outside of Wellington city and maybe even explore more of the North Island, this will give you ideas for what to see as you road trip from Wellington towards Auckland.
- Check out this official Wellington events calendar.
Where is Wellington?
Wellington is the world’s southernmost capital city. It’s located at the south end of New Zealand’s North Island.
Still wondering what to do in Wellington for free?
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Which of the amazing free things to do in Wellington will you do?
For more on New Zealand, start here: New Zealand Road Trips: Itineraries for North or South Island Adventures, or you might like …
Disclaimer: We worked with WellingtonNZ, the local tourism board, on our last visit. However, the opinions expressed here are strictly our own.
Paul Pietrangelo
Wellington sure looks like a cool place to go to. I wish I could go there and maybe visit you Rhonda while I’m in New Zealand but I doubt that will ever happened. Travelling is out and I think for a very, very long time. See ya my friend.
Cruisin Paul
Suzanne Jones
I hope I make it to New Zealand some day. Wellington looks a fabulous city to explore with so much to see and do.
Carol
Visiting New Zealand would be a fantasy trip for me.
Smita
200 hikes in the Wellington region – wow! Folks living there are lucky! The hike to Mount Victoria looks amazing. WIsh I had known about all these wonderful things to do the last time I visited New Zealand. Hopefully I can plan another visit soon!
Jamie Italiane
I would want to do all of those hikes, especially the ones with views and visit the church with the stained glass. My husband and sons would want to spend all our time searching for Gollem.
Nancy
I hope to have the opportunity to visit New Zealand some day.
Thank you for sharing your photos.
rupam { xhobdo }
Amazing place, Loved the post.
Leah
Looks like we missed out on quite a few things in Wellington on our last visit! We loved the Te Papa Museum though, especially being able to see the albatross display!
Photo Cache
My childhood neighbor lives in Wellington and our families are very close to each other; so if I’m ever going to reach this incredible country I will have a tour guide.
Arielle Kurtze
Wow, there is so much to do in Wellington! I’ve not (yet) made it to New Zealand but it is definitely on our bucket list and I will have to make sure to visit Wellington when we do. Loved your photos and details. Thanks for sharing!
Molly
I love this post! My husband has been and wants to go back. Thanks for all the great tips!
Vanessa Shields
That’s is both amazing and cool that there are so many free things you do there! I’d enjoy the hikes and exploring the different parks and gardens. Thank you for so many suggestions that won’t break the bank!
Rob + Ann
So much to do! I think Te Papa would be first on our list, and we’d be interested to visit the Mokomuseum. With so much to do and see, seems like you couldn’t go wrong wandering through town and seeing what you find!
Delphine Mignon
Wow, so many free things to do! This is the beautiful thing about cities in Australia and New Zealand, it’s a very outdoorsy lifestyle and the museums are not hugely popular or famous so a lot of them might as well be free. I’m intrigued by the Moko Museum and I would absolutely do a coastal walk out of this great list.
Lisa
It looks like a wonderful place to visit! New Zealand seems to have coped so well with the corona crisis. I suspect many people will be visiting as soon as they are able.
Sharon
I’m from New Zealand and never really spent a lot of time in Wellington! I’ve always wanted to go to Te Papa. Pinning this list for when I finally get there 💛
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Hi Rhonda – I’d love to visit … there’s a good cricket ground I think … but the botanical gardens, and the tattoo park … and if you don’t mind I’ll take the cable car up Mount Victoria … looks wonderful … take care – Hilary
Keira
New Zealand is an absolute dream of mine and I can’t wait to visit after reading this post! Definitely saving for later ☺️
Sandee
Tons and tons of wonderful things to do and see. You do these post so very well.
Have a fabulous week, Rhona. ♥
Ashley
What an awesome list! I would love to do these things. I’m definitely bookmarking this for when I can travel again. Thank you for sharing 🙂
Cosette
So there are a lot of fun free things to do in Wellington. Love the LOTR things and the hikes.
Marina
Love that there is SO much to do for free in Wellington! I am currently in Dunedin and Wellington is our next destination so I’m definitely keeping this list, I know it will be useful!
Cathy
I miss New Zealand so much! I unfortunately haven’t made it to Wellington yet. But it’s on my list! And this is such a great guide! I’ll save this for later 🙂
globeloper
Wow! that’s a long list. Thanks for sharing! It is good to see you have travelled so much.
Tania Muthusamy
When Aussies can go to NZ, hopefully soon, I am definitely keen to visit Wellington. Will keep this post for my future travels there. I love that there are so many free things to do there. My husband would enjoy the LOTR’s highlights. I would really like to do the gardens, walks and museums.