Wellington Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Mount Victoria Lookout which includes a bay or harbour, night scenes and mountains
Wellington
Wellington
Wellington featuring boating, a bay or harbour and a marina
Wellington featuring food

Wellington Travel Guide Video

Visit the "coolest little capital in the world" for arts, culture and film industry glamour, not to mention stunning natural beauty.

As the capital of New Zealand, Wellington is the most southerly capital city on the planet. According to Māori legend, Wellington Harbour was first discovered by Kupe in A.D. 925. 1840 saw the arrival of the Europeans, who named the city after the Duke of Wellington, and it finally became the country's capital in 1865.Previously overlooked in favour of the more popular Auckland, a lot has changed here in terms of tourism in the last few years, with Wellington now described by some as the "coolest little capital in the world". Its hip reputation is due in large part to its thriving cultural scene, its nightlife and, in particular, one of the most successful film industries outside Tinseltown. Plenty of tourists come here to see famous film scenes come to life, such as the stunning landscapes of the Lord of the Rings trilogy or the heightened surroundings of blockbuster Avatar. The city's wealth of high-tech sound stages, special effects gurus and studios have led to the area sometimes being dubbed "Wellywood".A good place to start getting to grips with the city is along the waterfront. This area is most notably home to the national museum Te Papa. Not far is the Museum of Wellington City and Sea, which tracks the development and maritime heritage of the New Zealand capital.One of the most enduring tourist attractions in the city is the Wellington Cable Car. This 8-minute journey will whip you up the hill to Wellington Botanic Garden and the Kelburn lookout point. You can then hop on a shuttle from here to Zealandia, a conservation project which aims to return part of the countryside to its original state before human settlement. To see the famous unspoilt landscape of Wellington on a grander scale, head into the hills for some dramatic tramping trails, or make the trip to the city's nearest beach, Oriental Bay Beach.As night falls, the streets of Wellington come to life with great bars, cafés, restaurants and entertainment. Despite its many great facilities, Wellington is really quite a small city. One of the many advantages of this is that most things are within easy walking distance, making the visitor's life as easy and laidback as possible.

Where to stay in Wellington

Wellington showing interior views and kayaking or canoeing

Wellington CBD

If you're spending some time in Wellington CBD, Wellington Cable Car and TSB Bank Arena are top sights worth seeing.

Wellington CBD
Courtenay Place featuring interior views and a bar as well as a small group of people

Te Aro

4.5/5(1,649 area reviews)

Te Aro is known for its popular shops, and with sights like St James Theatre and Cuba Street Mall, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Wellington.

Te Aro
Wellington showing a city, a bridge and a sunset

Wellington Waterfront

The abundant dining options and interesting museums are top of the list for many visitors to Wellington Waterfront. A stop by Te Papa or TSB Bank Arena might round out your trip.

Wellington Waterfront
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Petone

4/5(247 area reviews)

Seaside views, cafes and waterfront views highlight some of the notable features of Petone. Make a stop by Petone Foreshore while you're exploring.

Petone
Wellington Zoo showing cuddly or friendly animals and zoo animals

Newtown

If you're spending some time in Newtown, Newtown Park and Wellington Zoo are top sights worth seeing.

Newtown
Mount Victoria Lookout featuring night scenes, a marina and a bay or harbour

Mount Victoria

If you're spending some time in Mount Victoria, Mount Victoria Lookout and Oriental Parade are top sights worth seeing.

Mount Victoria
James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor

James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor

4.5 out of 5
147 The Terrace, Wellington
The price is NZ$119 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
NZ$119
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Wellington. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,519 reviews)
"Was ok woll be staying elsewhere in future not kid friendly"

Reviewed on 23 Jul. 2025

James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
Rydges Wellington Airport

Rydges Wellington Airport

4.5 out of 5
28 Stewart Duff Drive, Rongotai, Wellington
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$201 per night from 28 July to 29 July
NZ$201
28 July - 29 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Wellington. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,006 reviews)
"Loved veing at the airport, literalky a 3 min walk to deoartures in morning!"

Reviewed on 24 Jul. 2025

Rydges Wellington Airport
Rydges Wellington

Rydges Wellington

4.5 out of 5
75 Featherston St, Wellington
The price is NZ$190 per night from 27 July to 28 July
NZ$190
27 July - 28 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Wellington. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
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Reviewed on 16 Jul. 2025

Rydges Wellington
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Gilmer Apartment Hotel

Gilmer Apartment Hotel

3.5 out of 5
10 Gilmer Terrace, Wellington
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Wellington. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,317 reviews)
"Nice room with in-room washer and dryer!!"

Reviewed on 18 Jul. 2025

Gilmer Apartment Hotel
Adina CityLife Wellington

Adina CityLife Wellington

4 out of 5
300 Lambton Quay, (Vehicle access 14 Gilmer Terrace), Wellington
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Wellington. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"We loved everything about our stay. Apartment was amazing, large, fully equipped, modern, way more than we expected. The staff were friendly and very helpful. Absolutely no complaints, we will be back 😊"

Reviewed on 21 Jul. 2025

Adina CityLife Wellington
Ramada by Wyndham Wellington Taranaki Street

Ramada by Wyndham Wellington Taranaki Street

4 out of 5
123 Taranaki Street, Wellington CBD, Wellington
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Wellington. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (435 reviews)
"Easy sign in, friendly helpful staff. Held our bags for the day we left and lend us an umbrella 🌂 for walking around town."

Reviewed on 17 Jul. 2025

Ramada by Wyndham Wellington Taranaki Street
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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