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.
Wellington Travel Guide
Wellington Travel Guide Video
Where to stay in Wellington
Wellington CBD
If you're spending some time in Wellington CBD, Wellington Cable Car and TSB Bank Arena are top sights worth seeing.
Petone
Seaside views, cafes and waterfront views highlight some of the notable features of Petone. Make a stop by Petone Foreshore while you're exploring.
Te Aro
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.
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.
Newtown
If you're spending some time in Newtown, Newtown Park and Wellington Zoo are top sights worth seeing.
Mount Cook
If you're spending some time in Mount Cook, Basin Reserve and Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre are top sights worth seeing.
Reviewed on 11 Mar. 2024
Reviewed on 17 Mar. 2024
Reviewed on 12 Mar. 2024
Reviewed on 17 Mar. 2024
Reviewed on 16 Mar. 2024
Reviewed on 15 Mar. 2024
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.
Wellington Zoo
Chill with the big cats, spend some quality time with the red pandas and hang with the gibbons at New Zealand's original zoo.
Activities
Zealandia Twilight Tour
Wellington: Te Awa Kairangi Class 3 Whitewater Rafting Tour
Remutaka Rail Trail eBike Explorer Cycle Tour
Remutaka Rail Trail eBike Explorer Cycle Tour
Auckland Maori Tour
Private Wellington Craft Beer Half Day Tour
Reviews of Wellington
5/5 - Excellent
Love our trips to Wellington. Great bars and restaurants. Good shopping in CBD and Queensgate. Reasonably easy to drive around.
4/5 - Good
We come to Wellington to visit family but also enjoy the city and seafront. It's a lively city with plenty of options for activities.
5/5 - Excellent
Cool place to visit. Good food and good Shopping
5/5 - Excellent
was a very fun weekend away
3/5 - Okay
Its pretty but a bit boring
4/5 - Good
Very little street parking, so generally you are forced to go to paid parking but you must be careful of sneaky extra charges and fines from Wilson carparks.
Other places like Wellington
- Interislander Ferry Terminal
- Te Papa
- Cuba Street Mall
- Wellington Central Business District
- Lambton Quay
- Courtenay Place
- Wellington Zoo
- Sky Stadium
- Michael Fowler Centre
- The Weta Cave
- Victoria University of Wellington
- Wellington Cable Car
- Zealandia
- TSB Bank Arena
- Newtown Park
- New Zealand Parliament Buildings
- Beehive
- Oriental Bay Beach
- Oriental Parade
- Mount Victoria Lookout
- Massey University
- Basin Reserve
- St James Theatre
- Botanic Gardens
- Petone Foreshore
- Southern Cross Hospital
- City Gallery Wellington
- The Opera House
- Waitangi Park
- St Paul's Cathedral