Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, is often overlooked by visitors yet it is one of my favourite getaway destinations. The range of Wellington activities makes it a perfect choice for either a romantic escape or a site-seeing visit with family and friends.
Boat House on the Waterfront.
It is a beautiful waterfront city, surrounded by lush green hills. As the capital of New Zealand, it’s also home to culture, history, and art. Located in middle earth, Wellington activities often include an element of Tolkien fantasy.
Right from the first moment, you know you are in Middle Earth. Gollum hangs in the airport.
Unlike many of the tourist cities in New Zealand, there are plenty of free things to do in Wellington. In fact, many of the recommended Wellington activities have no entrance fee.
We have a favourite 3-day Wellington itinerary. We usually arrive in the city on the first morning, therefore have had breakfast before embarking on this adventure.
Table of Contents
- 1 Three Day Wellington Itinerary: Enjoy the Capital of New Zealand
- 1.1 Wellington Activities Morning Day 1: Cable Car, Museums, Gardens
- 1.2 Wellington Activities Afternoon Day 1: Parliament, Archives, Church, Relax
- 1.3 Wellington Activities Evening Day 1: Markets, Street Performers, Nightlife
- 1.4 Wellington Activities Morning Day 2: Waterfront walk, Coffee
- 1.5 Wellington Activities Afternoon and Evening Day 2: Animal Encounters, LOTR, Entertainment
- 1.6 Wellington Activities Morning Day 3: People Watching
- 1.7 Wellington Activities Afternoon and Evening Day 3: National Museum, Adventure, Hiking
- 2 Wellington Activities Summaries:
- 3 Practical Information for Visiting the Capital of New Zealand
- 4 Which of these Wellington activities have the greatest appeal?
Three Day Wellington Itinerary: Enjoy the Capital of New Zealand
Wellington Activities Morning Day 1: Cable Car, Museums, Gardens
Begin your adventure with a short ride on New Zealand’s only funicular railway. You will find the entrance to the cable car is on Lambton Quay. Once the city’s waterfront, today Lambton Quay is the heart of the shopping district. Turn at Cable Car Lane and purchase a one-way ticket.
Exit at the end of the line and take a few moments to enjoy the sweeping views of Wellington City, its harbour, and the surrounding hillside. Before walking through the gardens, you might want to visit the free Cable Car Museum at the station exit or a two-minute walk brings you to the Carter Observatory and Planetarium. Optionally, choose a nighttime visit to the observatory and possible viewing through New Zealand’s largest refracting telescope.
The winding downhill walk from here to the city takes about 40 minutes through the Botanic Garden to the capital buildings. While there are many trails, the path with painted purple/pink flowers is a direct route down to the city. The 26-hectare Botanic Garden was established in 1868 and features native bush, exotic forests, colourful flowers, and a variety of speciality gardens. Exit the park at the Bolton Street Memorial, an obelisk that marks the resting grounds for many of the city’s pioneers.
Wellington Botanic Garden.
Wellington Activities Afternoon Day 1: Parliament, Archives, Church, Relax
Once on the street, the central government building (aptly nicknamed the Beehive) will be visible. Follow the signs for a free tour of Parliament and discover some of New Zealand’s colourful political history. If Parliament is in session, the chamber viewing galleries allow visitors to quietly observe the members of Parliament in action (independent of the tour).
Can you see why it is nicknamed “The Beehive”?
Next, visit the National Library of New Zealand to see the original treaty of Waitangi document, although, it’s not always on display. If you enjoy old documents and national treasures, also stop at Archives New Zealand. From here, you will want to go inside the Old St Paul’s church, to enjoy the surprisingly European flare inside this gothic revival cathedral.
Old St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Your final afternoon stop is a well-deserved beverage break at the Thistle Inn, New Zealand’s oldest surviving tavern and restaurant operating from its original site.
Wellington Activities Evening Day 1: Markets, Street Performers, Nightlife
If you happened to have arrived on a weekend, enjoy an international banquet of flavours at the Friday Night Market. The aromatic spices along with the crowds will guide you to Left Bank, an alleyway just off of Cuba Street that is host to the market. The seemingly endless food choices intermix with entertainers and craft booths. The energy at the market is contagious. The one downside is the lack of tables, yet people don’t seem to mind as they sit on benches, kerbside, or eat standing. The market is also open on Saturday nights, although it moves to Lower Cuba Street.
No need to travel far after dinner as the late night entertainment continues on Cuba Street, with a variety of clubs offering live music. It’s a great place for people watching, and on weekends street performers keep the evening interesting.
Cuba Street at night.
Wellington Activities Morning Day 2: Waterfront walk, Coffee
Start your day at one of the many waterfront cafes. In a city known for great food and perfect coffee, there are plenty of restaurant options in Wellington.
Next, take a waterfront walk to discover street art, sculpture, fountains, eclectic architecture, culture, and more. Choose a guided tour or pick up a self-guided walking map from the i-SITE Visitor Centre in Civic Square.
Wellington Activities Afternoon and Evening Day 2: Animal Encounters, LOTR, Entertainment
Spend the afternoon with wildlife or animated creatures. The best options are:
- Zealandia: A nature lover’s paradise, Zealandia is an unspoiled eco-reserve only 10 minutes from central Wellington. Birds and small reptiles dominate native wildlife. A free shuttle from either downtown or the Cable Car museum makes Zealandia easily accessible. Zealandia’s optional night tour offers the possibility of seeing many of New Zealand’s endemic, nocturnal birds including the kiwi bird.
Tuatara at Zealandia.
- Wellington Zoo: The self-proclaimed “best little zoo in the world” is home to 500 animals including some unusual creatures like the kiwi bird, Malayan sun bear, caracal, and the Australian pelican. Scheduled keeper talks run throughout the day, many including personal opportunities like hand-feeding a giraffe or an eel.
Sun Bear at the Wellington Zoo.
- Weta Cave and Weta Workshop: Weta Workshop is the 5-times Oscar-winning special effects and props company known worldwide for their work with movies and TV shows including Lord of the Rings, Chronicles of Narnia, Avatar, and The Hobbit. The company designs and produces sets, costumes (including armour and weapons), creatures, and miniatures. The Weta Cave is their free-to-enter shop. Weta Workshop offers (paid) guided tours. Save money by using Viator for your Weta Workshop tour and transportation.
After dinner, enjoy the nightlife on Courtney Place, Wellington’s entertainment and theatre district. The street ends at Kent Terrace. At this corner, you will find the Embassy Theatre, home to the world premiere of The Lord of the Rings.
Wellington Activities Morning Day 3: People Watching
Cuba Street is different by day and warrants another visit. Head here for breakfast and plan to spend a bit of time soaking up the bohemian culture that amplifies the heart of this city. Whether it is an art gallery, boutique shop, second-hand store, off-beat café or top restaurant, Cuba Street has it all.
A fountain on Cuba Street.
Wellington Activities Afternoon and Evening Day 3: National Museum, Adventure, Hiking
Be sure to leave at least half a day for the National Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa (commonly referred to as “Te Papa”). This free-to-enter museum has extensive collections in the areas of art, history, Pacific, Māori, and the natural environment. With several hands-on Discovery Centres for children, Te Papa is an excellent day out for everyone.
Just outside the museum is the Taranaki Street Jump Platform, built for daredevils who want to plunge into the sea. This is best on warm days when you have both a towel and a change of clothing available.
I am not brave enough, are you?
Before sunset, head up to the top of Mount Victoria for spectacular views of the city. You can take an easy, although uphill, hike to the top, a public bus, or drive to the lookout.
The Wellington waterfront at seen while hiking to the summit of Mt. Victoria.
Wellington Activities Summaries:
Free Things to Do in Wellington:
- Cable Car Museum
- Botanic Gardens
- Bolton Street Memorial (and cemetery)
- Te Papa – the National Museum
- Waterfront Walk
- Tour of Parliament
- Parliament Chamber Viewing Gallery (if in session)
- Taranaki Street Jump Platform
- Friday Night Market
- Mount Victoria Summit Lookout
- Visit Weta Cave
- Old and New St. Paul Cathedrals
Things to Do in Wellington at Night:
- Carter Observatory and Planetarium
- Friday or Saturday Night Markets
- Night tour at Zealandia
- Bars or street performers on Cuba Street
- Courtney Place
Indoor Things to Do in Wellington on rainy days:
- TePapa – the National Museum
- Carter Observatory and Planetarium
- Enjoy a coffee or a craft beer
- Weta Cave and Weta Workshop
- Tour Parliament
Wellington Waterfront.
Practical Information for Visiting the Capital of New Zealand
- Wellington is a city made for walking. However, the capital of New Zealand has one of the most used public transportation systems in the country. Single ride or day pass bus tickets can be purchased from the driver.
- The main tourist hotels are centred around the museum, the government buildings, or in the financial district. We always check booking.com for the best prices.
Booking.com
- Tipping is neither customary nor expected in New Zealand. Exceptional service occasionally warrants a tip, but most locals don’t tip in restaurants or hotels.
- Wellington is the world’s southernmost capital city. It is on the southern tip of New Zealand’s North Island.
- Tours of Parliment begin on the hour from 10 am to 4 pm and require booking 24-hours in advance. There is a dress code, and as a result, adults are not allowed to wear short pants to Parliament. Contact tour.desk@parliament.govt.nz or check the official website for more details.
- Te Whanganui-a-Tara is the Māori name for Wellington Harbour.
- If you prefer a tour or want to get out and see some of the Lord of the Rings filming sites, check out Viator (a trip advisor company that we recommend):
- As you tour other areas in New Zealand you might want to pick up a copy of Lonely Planet’s New Zealand Travel Guide.
If you enjoyed this tour of the capital of New Zealand, please pin this onto Pinterest:
Which of these Wellington activities have the greatest appeal?
Disclaimer: Many of the links are affiliate links, often offering better prices to you, our readers. At the same time, we earn a small commission. Furthermore, we are frequently provided with complimentary entrances, tour, or sample items. However, the opinions expressed here are strictly our own.
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Looks LIke a beautiful city!
Wellington is lovely, especially the waterfront and the hills.
This is the first post I’ve read about Wellington, so I think you hit the nail on the head when you said it got overlooked. Looks like a wonderful city with lots of things I would want to see and do. I also like that many of them are free, and there is plenty of nature-related activities nearby.
There is just so much to see in tiny New Zealand, it’s impossible to do it all.
It sounds like you had an amazing trip – and very busy 🙂 Lovely city, and great writeup! Thanks for sharing 🙂
I have actually done this trip a few times.
What a cool and lovely place. Would love to go there sometime. Thanks for sharing.
The capital of New Zealand is worth a visit.
Hi Rhonda – I imagine Wellington has some stunning places to visit and delightful walks to get around – here you’ve shown us a wonderful selection … one day I shall get down under … cheers Hilary
Yes, I have been several times, and we always walk or use the public transit.
awesome things! I had a friend blogger write a guest post for me about NZ:) can’t wait to visit it some day..
I hope you get here.
What a fab post Rhonda I would love it there there is no way I would use that jump platform I am not brave enough LOL looks good fun though
I enjoyed the photos especially The Wellington waterfront from from Mt. Victoria 🙂
Have a tanfastic weekend Rhonda & thanks for the tour
LOL – there is no way I will make that jump either. Although, both one of my girls and my niece have taken the plunge.
So many things to do. What a beautiful city too.
Have a fabulous day, Rhonda. 🙂
You can easily see why we love to do getaways here.
Perfect timing. We are in New Zealand now. We were just talking about Wellington and couldn’t decide. Now I know we will go. Cable car, gardens and parliament – here we come!
Glad you will be adding Wellington to your itinerary. I am sure you won’t regret it. It’s one of my favourite cities.
Wow, not just so much to do, but so much to photograph. I’d fill a card in no time taking photos.
Very true. Between the eclectic mix of modern and cultural artwork and the nature of the hills and sea, it is like everywhere in New Zealand, a photographers paradise.
I love Gollum! “My only wish is to catch a fish so juicy sweet!” Wellington looks charming.
It looks like his wish is about to come true in Wellington airport.
New Zealand and Australia are two places I’d love to visit. I think I would have to stay there for a couple of lifetimes to get my fill of them. Can I stay at your place?
Thanks for sharing at http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2017/09/orchids-endless-variety.html
LOL – If you want to visit both countries in a short amount of time, you will be on the go constantly.
I bet you could spend a week there. I love the creepy, yet cool guy hanging from the ceiling with the fish.
I could spend a lot longer than a week. It would be nice to visit and take it slow next time. As for the “creepy guy”, that is Gollum from Lord of the Rings, a Peter Jackson movie filmed in New Zealand.
New Zealand does sound awesome and I’m definitely loving the free activities list! Only thing I think you should have included a bit more is the food! I love my food and I would love to know their speciality!
I am always impressed when I head to the capital, as so much is free. And, as for food, I agree. There is a link above to my favourite Wellington restaurants, as I love food so much, I felt it needed its own post.
I had not realized that Wellington had so many things to do, or that it was so cosmopolitan. Definitely looks like a city I would love to visit. The museum looks interesting and the views from Mount Victoria are incredible!!
The view I put here is only half way up on our climb. The views from the top are 360 degrees. Yes, Wellington is a fantastic city.
Great post! I am going to bookmark this article for when I visit New Zealand!!
Wonderful, you will love Wellington.
this is a great itinerary – i love to go to markets & experience the nightlife & restaurants wherever i visit!
Me too. I tend to want to do it all, so I need to schedule in rest days when I travel. 🙂
I can’t believe we skipped Wellington when we were there. We had only three weeks, and spent over two on the South Island, the other in the Auckland and by the geysers.
I think you did what most people do. There is so much to see in New Zealand, it’s hard to pick. Next time you can visit Wellington.
I think I need to explore Wellington next time we’re there, last time we were only there to catch the ferry so it was very brief.
If you take the overnight ferry next time, you could get some time in the city without having to pay for an accommodation.
Hi Rhonda, New Zealand is one country I would like to visit. Wellington looks a lovely city although Gollum hanging in the airport looks a little unsettling. St. Pauls cathedral looks interesting too and I really am not a church person. But for me, the highlight would be enjoying the street entertainment.
Popped over from the #WednesdayBlogHop.
xx
There is so much to see and do, really there is something for everyone.
Sounds like a perfect place to visit with so many affordable activities.
I was so surprised to have so many free options the first time I visited.
Rhonda,
The view from Mount Victoria is beautiful! I love all of your captures. The area you snapped of the street vendor reminds me a bit of our downtown in Market Square. We don’t go there often but I hope to this before the weather turns too cool. Have a fototastic weekend and thanks for stopping by for a visit!
I love watching street performers on a warm summer’s night.
I have heard a lot of things about New Zealand and it sounds really like a wonderful place.
It is 🙂
Looks like there is plenty to do for a few days in Wellington, love the look of Old St. Paul’s Church! ~ Jessica
That old church caught me by surprise. It seemed so European, almost out of place in New Zealand.
Many, many years ago David and I were at the end of a 9 month overseas trip with our two (then small) boys. The North Island of New Zealand was our last stop before coming home. We got to about 50 kms north of Wellington. David was driving, we turned around and looked at each other and decided we had had enough. We did a u-turn, called in at a public phone box (in the days before mobile phones were common), changed our flight home and headed back to Auckland. We finally made it to Wellington more than two decades later – and loved it. I don’t know if we would have loved it as much the first time but on our second attempt it turned out to be a great destination. Even the unceasing wind was fun.
Jeff and I have done that travelling. Both on a really long adventure, at about the same time you had had enough, and on shorter trips.
So beautiful. The pictures make me want to take a trip down the NZ even more. Thank you for sharing.
You won’t regret it. New Zealand is even more beautiful live.
It looks lovely. I’ve only been to Christchurch (a couple of times now – most recently last December as my bestie lives there – and previously in the late 1990s when a friend and I travelled south from Christchurch). But not Wellington and not Auckland. And if I’m really honest I’d kinda forgotten Wellington was the capital! (Like Australia and Canberra and South Africa and Pretoria!)
Deb
#lovinlifelink
I haven’t been to Christchurch in years, and I think it’s time for another visit. Wellington and Auckland are quite different from the South Island, but equally as interesting.
This is a great guide, can’t believe people would jump off that platform- eeek! I haven’t been to Wellington, but I keep hearing good things about it 🙂
Both my daughter and my niece have taken the jump. Not me. It doesn’t even look like fun to me, but they have both jumped more than once.
What a beautiful city guide, Rhonda. You provide a lot of information and you surely make Wellington look irresistible. Mount Victoria seems to be the place to be if you want to take a panoramic view of the city. I’m sure I would enjoy visiting Wellington. How far is it from where you live?
It’s at the bottom of the island, a longer distance than from you in LA to San Francisco. We generally fly to Wellington, as it’s an hour flight (or a 9-10 hour drive).
Such a bummer that many people skip over the capital, but to be honest, that’s many places! Even in California no one goes to Sacramento even though it
s really beautiful and awesome! Wellington certainly looks equally awesome! Thanks for linking up with #TheWeeklyPostcard!
LOL – We used to live in San Francisco and had a vacation home in Lake Tahoe. we probably drove through Sacramento 100 times and never stopped there, other than to grab a meal or snack. And, hubby was born there.
Wonderful guide! We had some friends who were in wellington for some time who wouldn’t stop singing its praises. Sounds kinda lame but would definitely want to visit the zoo, the sun bear seems fascinating somehow!
The sun bear is really interesting, with that big circle spot on his chest. It’s the only bear in New Zealand.
The view from the cable car makes it so alluring to go and explore, and take a bunch of lovely photos!
And how about that Cuba Street! 🙂 It caught my eye immediately, it must be so vibrant and amusing to spend few hours there.
I love Cuba Street. Day or night, it’s the best place to people watch, grab a coffee, have a meal, or watch street performers.
Hi Rhonda, thank you very much for a so detailed itinerary for the must do experiences in Wellington. The first day is amazing with list full of excited things to do. We plan to stay at Weliington at our trip next year and we have defined our program thanks to your well structured guide of Welllington.
The first day is the one we do the most often. It’s practically free, and good fun. I love the botanic garden, as it is different in every season.
This is a great list Rhonda. My favorites would be the botanical garden and the free Parliament tour. #wkendtravelinspiration
The first time I did the Parliament tour I thought it was fascinating, the second time I fell asleep.
The last time I visited NZ I was 7 years old (and I’m not about to tell you how long ago that was, haha) so I don’t remember a lot about the cities. We’ve been threatening to return for a visit for years, but hadn’t put Wellington on the ‘must do’ list – until now! I especially like the Cable Car ride (anything with a view works for me), the Botanic Gardens, Zealandia and the zoo – but I’m SO NOT jumping off the jump platform 😀
Stop threatening and hop on a plane. New Zealand is fabulous, and don’t worry, you won’t have to jump off of anything.
What a splendid town!
It sure is.
” I am not brave enough, are you? ” said Rhonda. Me NEVER. I have to say that the waterfront is a very beautiful place. You know my friend, I wonder how long it would for me and my wife to visit Wellington, New Zealand? MaryLou keeps telling me that she wants to go to different places. Is there places that we could stay while we were there? The most important thing is the expense. We would have to stay for at least two weeks. You know, this is a great idea for a vacation. MaryLou and I will have to talk about. There are so many great things about the city that interest us. Rhonda, you have given me a great idea. Thanks you my friend. See ya.
Cruisin Paul
If you and MaryLou come to New Zealand, you will want to visit more than just Wellington. It’s a wonderful country filled with just about anything you could be looking for.The natural beauty of the South Island should be on your list, as well as the geothermal region.
I don’t know much about Wellington but it looks like a fun place to visit. Hope I make it there someday!
It’s New Zealand’s capital city and the world’s southernmost capital city. Well worth a vist.
My husband and I hope to make it to NZ one day – so thanks for making a visit to Wellington so appealing – and it you laid it out so we wouldn’t have to do much thinking! Thank you.
Having a pre-made itinerary makes it such an easy place to visit.
Awww, this made me super home-sick. I grew up in Wellington and you don’t really appreciate all the amazing sights until you’re not there any more! I’ve only been back twice in 14 years, but we enjoyed much of these activities on my last visit – I especially loved what they have done around the wharf / rowing shed area – so many great bars and restaurants!
Perhaps it’s time for another trip back home.
Oh yes, I would absolutely love to visit New Zealand someday. It would take a lot of planning though, as it’s so far away. I have heard some good stories about Wellington, definitely a place I’d want to visit.
#TheWeeklyPostcard
New Zealand is an easy place to visit, but anywhere far away needs some planning.
What a blissful place to visit and live – thanks for the informative post!
We live north of Auckland, another great city.
Great photos and so much free stuff to do!
#teamlovinlife
I know, I just love going to Wellington as so much is free once you get there.
Love me a city that is designed for walking around, it’s the absolute best way to really experience a place. I think all my days in Wellington would be spent like your day 2, coffee stops followed by foodie stops with a healthy amount of street art, sculpture, fountains, eclectic architecture thrown into the mix. I havent been, but I am told much of NZ is very similar to Australia, do you think so?
Agreed. Walking is the best way to really get a feel for a place. And, that is pretty much how I spend my time in every city.
Wellington looks like an amazing place. I’ve heard so much about NZ but haven’t had the chance to visit there yet. It seems like a perfect start to get a feel of NZ with its culture and nature. I will visit the cute little zoo for sure!
Very good blogpost with a lot of great tips. Did you also do the LOTR work-shop tour? It would have been an amazing one I am sure. Great that you also did some wildlife watching. 🙂
My first and only (so far) visit to NZ was almost 20 years ago – I think it would be somewhat different today, as there is a lot of LOTR-generated tourism. Not that I’m complaining – I’m a fan of the books and the movies myself! It still looks like the lovely, laid-back country I remember, and Wellington sounds like a great place to pass a few days!
I would love to visit Wellington, and it’s cool to know that quite a lot of attractions don’t charge an entrance fee. I don’t really have any attachment to Lord of the Rings, but love the outdoors and taking in stellar views, so the funicular railway sounds like it would be fun! Would be so relaxing to walk around the beautiful harbor too.
Old St. Paul’s Cathedral is stunning, I love visiting churches overseas as they’re always the most spectacular buildings. And cool to know that there’s a vibrant street nightlife. Thanks for the guide and info!
What a fantastic guide! Sounds like there’s no shortage of fun activities to do in Wellington. The National Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarew sounds so interesting, and I can’t believe it’s free! I would love to visit the Friday Night Market, followed by Cuban Street too 😀