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 featuring interior views and kayaking or canoeing

Wellington CBD

If you're spending some time in Wellington CBD, Wellington Cable Car and New Zealand Portrait Gallery 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 which includes a city, a sunset and a bridge

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
Default Image

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 zoo animals and cuddly or friendly animals

Newtown

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

Newtown
Mount Victoria Lookout which includes a bay or harbour, a marina and a city

Mount Victoria

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

Mount Victoria
Rydges Wellington Airport
Rydges Wellington Airport
4.5 out of 5
28 Stewart Duff Drive, Rongotai, Wellington
The price is NZ$185 per night from 28 July to 29 July
NZ$185
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! (1,001 reviews)
"Awesome place for easy access to the airport terminal. Parking was super easy and convenient."

Reviewed on 1 Jul. 2025

Rydges Wellington Airport
James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
4.5 out of 5
147 The Terrace, Wellington
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$127 per night from 13 July to 14 July
NZ$127
13 July - 14 July
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! (1,482 reviews)
"None"

Reviewed on 2 Jul. 2025

James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
Rydges Wellington
Rydges Wellington
4.5 out of 5
75 Featherston St, Wellington
The price is NZ$179 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
NZ$179
3 Aug - 4 Aug
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)
"Good stay. Good service. Overall good. My room needed a little love but otherwise comfy bed and good facilities."

Reviewed on 3 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! (1,299 reviews)
"Absolutely loved Gilmer ... Fantastic from the minute I arrived. Room amazing ...clean, stylish, just excellent!! Staff friendly and informative about the local area. Easy to get to Lambton Quay. I will DEFINITELY stay here again!!"

Reviewed on 2 Jul. 2025

Gilmer Apartment Hotel
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! (427 reviews)
"The staff at the Ramada are some of the most easy-going, helpful, and considerate people I have ever met in hospitality their names were (Tinō and hunter). When asked for advice or suggestions on where to eat or what to do while in Wellington they were more than happy to give great recommendations ..."

Reviewed on 27 Jun. 2025

Ramada by Wyndham Wellington Taranaki Street
Boulcott Suites
Boulcott Suites
4 out of 5
5 O'Reily Ave, Wellington
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Wellington. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a conference center. Our guests praise the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,221 reviews)
Hidden Gem
"Lovely, friendly ladies on reception. Spacious clean & tidy room. Easy parking. Handy to everything. Will definitely be back."

Reviewed on 15 Jun. 2025

Boulcott Suites
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.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Wellington

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
1614
5 - Excellent 53%
4 - Good
1257
4 - Good 41%
3 - Okay
160
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
12
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
5
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

RayTanya

Love our trips to Wellington. Great bars and restaurants. Good shopping in CBD and Queensgate. Reasonably easy to drive around.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

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

Verified traveller

Cool place to visit. Good food and good Shopping

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

was a very fun weekend away

3/5 - Okay

Disgusted

Its pretty but a bit boring

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

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.

Cities near Wellington