Makara Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Popular places to visit
Te Papa
Engage your senses with a trip to this New Zealand museum, home to the national art collection and interactive exhibits on everything from nature to Māori legend.
Cuba Street Mall
Enjoy artisan coffees, sample specialty foods, browse through vintage shops or hunt for retro bargains in Wellington's bohemian heart.
Wellington Central Business District
Wellington Central Business District is just one of the places to see in Wellington, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Experience the fascinating museums and acclaimed art galleries in this walkable area.
Courtenay Place
Shop, wine and dine in this culinary hot spot on one of Wellington's most fashionable streets.
Lambton Quay
During your visit to Wellington, you can do some window-shopping at Lambton Quay. Stroll along this family-friendly area's waterfront or simply enjoy its restaurants.
The Weta Cave
Learn the special effects secrets behind films such as The Lord of the Rings and Avatar with a tour through this Academy Award-winning studio.
Activities
Wellington: Return Cable Car Ticket
Axe Throwing Lesson and Tournament
Wellington: Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
Wellington: Wētā Workshop Guided Tour Ticket
Seal Coast Safari - Exclusive access to Wellington's secret coast
Wellington's Original HD LOTR Experience - includes Weta Tour
Our pick of the best Makara Hotel Deals
James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
Great Location, staff friendly and efficient, parking good but could be cheaper.
Reviewed on 1 Jan 2026
Rydges Wellington Airport
Clean, modern room with good facilities and tasty room service food. Courteous and professional staff.
Reviewed on 1 Jan 2026
Gilmer Apartment Hotel
Great location. Very nice staff. Clean rooms. Only drawback was lack of space to put clothing and suitcases for a lengthy stay.
Reviewed on 5 Jan 2026
Rydges Wellington
The room was good but had to ask for extra items during the week as they ran out. Loved the pool and spa. Very friendly staff.
Reviewed on 24 Dec 2025
ibis Wellington
Everything was excellent! The room and other facilities were sparkling clean, the parking was easy and convenient, and the breakfast was good. I had a very comfortable stay and would definitely stay here again!
Reviewed on 29 Dec 2025
Oaks Wellington Hotel
The room we had was of generous proportions and we were on 8th floor with a view out to the harbour. If could fault it was because the bathroom didn't have any hooks to hang things on and it didn't seem to have an exhaust system for when the shower was running.
Reviewed on 31 Dec 2025
Other neighbourhoods around Makara
Karori
While Karori isn't home to many top sights, Zealandia and Botanic Gardens are some notable places to visit nearby.
Kelburn
While visiting Kelburn, you might make a stop by sights like Botanic Gardens and Zealandia.
Brooklyn
Though Brooklyn may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Basin Reserve and Central Park.
Wellington CBD
If you're spending some time in Wellington CBD, Wellington Cable Car and Museum of Wellington City and Sea are top sights worth seeing.
Thorndon
If you're spending some time in Thorndon, Lambton Quay and National Library are top sights worth seeing.
Mount Cook
If you're spending some time in Mount Cook, Basin Reserve and Central Park are top sights worth seeing.
