Wellington is New Zealand’s capital with a personality all of its own. Perched between a rugged coastline and green hills, the city is alive with creativity, flavour, and energy. It’s a place where you can sip some of the country’s best coffee, discover laneway eateries, catch a local gig, or explore galleries and film studios, all within walking distance. Compact, quirky, and full of charm, Wellington shows that a small city can deliver world-class experiences.
This charming city doesn’t disappoint and will surely capture your heart and leave you wanting more! When planning your trip from around New Zealand remember that Auckland to Wellington flights are frequent and convenient, as are many other routes into Wellington.
Te Papa Tongarewa – The National Museum of New Zealand
New Zealand’s most celebrated museum combines culture, history, science and art. With interactive displays, rich Māori storytelling, and rotating exhibitions, Te Papa is free to enter for New Zealanders, with an admission fee for international visitors aged 16 and over and is a genuine must-see for locals and visitors alike. A particular highlight is the Gallipoli: The Scale of Our War exhibition, created in collaboration with Wētā Workshop, which brings to life the experiences of New Zealanders at Gallipoli through larger-than-life, incredibly detailed sculptures and powerful storytelling.
Cable Car & Botanic Garden – Classic Wellington Views
Hop aboard the historic red cable car from Lambton Quay and glide up to the lush Botanic Garden. At the top, enjoy sweeping views across the harbour before wandering through native bush trails, colourful flowerbeds, and enchanting glow-worm grottos once the sun sets.
Cuba Street – Eclectic, Energetic, Endlessly Fun
Wellington’s coolest strip hums with creativity. Discover vintage stores, boutique shopping, vibrant street art, street performers, and some of the finest flat whites in the country. Cuba Street is the city’s bohemian core and perfect for soaking up the capital’s personality.
Wētā Workshop – Inside the World of Film
Step behind the curtain of global movie magic with a guided tour of Wētā Workshop in Miramar. Get up close with props, costumes and creatures from legendary films including The Lord of the Rings, Avatar, and The Hobbit. You’ll be surprised how many classics and blockbuster favourites they’ve been involved with — a must-do for fans of storytelling and cinema.
The World of WearableArt – Where Fashion Meets Fantasy
Celebrate the creativity that put Wellington on the global art stage. The World of WearableArt (WOW) is an annual event that fuses fashion, design, and performance in a spectacular show where artists transform fabric and form into extraordinary works of wearable art. It’s a truly unforgettable experience and well worth planning your visit around.
Zealandia Eco-Sanctuary – Wildlife in the City
Just a short ride from the CBD, Zealandia is a predator-free sanctuary where native species thrive. Explore walking tracks by day or join a twilight tour for the chance to hear kiwi calls and experience New Zealand’s rare nocturnal wildlife. A free shuttle runs regularly from the city, making it easy to experience this remarkable urban eco-sanctuary.
You can fly to Wellington International Airport (WLG) from all New Zealand airports including Auckland and Christchurch. Wellington city is located just 15 minutes from the airport, making travel to and from the city quick and hassle-free.
Find great-value Auckland to Wellington flights and more through Mix & Match, and plan your next adventure in Aotearoa’s vibrant capital.
On Foot - Compact and walkable, the CBD is best explored at street level.
Public Buses - Regular and budget-friendly, reaching suburbs and surrounding areas.
Cable Car - A unique, scenic link from the city centre to Kelburn and beyond.
Rideshare Services - Uber and Ola operate widely across Wellington.
Catch the sunset from Mt Victoria Lookout.
Sample craft beers at the city’s buzzing microbreweries.
Discover bean-to-bar chocolate and gourmet bites in Hannahs Laneway.
Explore New Zealand art at City Gallery Wellington.
Take a day trip to Matiu/Somes Island or the vineyards of the Wairarapa.
See the original Treaty of Waitangi at the National Library’s He Tohu exhibition.
Tour the Beehive and Parliament Buildings – free guided tours available.
Wellington's weather keeps things interesting!
Summer (Dec–Feb): Mild, breezy and great for alfresco adventures (19–24°C).
Winter (Jun–Aug): Crisp with cool winds (8–14°C), pack layers!
Year-Round Tip: Wellington is famously windy, so a good jacket is essential.
Pack for all seasons: Wellington weather can change quickly, layers and a good windproof jacket are essential year-round.
BYO dining: Many restaurants allow you to bring your own wine, but check licensing first.
Book ahead: Popular spots like Wētā Workshop and Zealandia tours can sell out during weekends and holidays.
Walking friendly: The CBD is compact, so comfortable shoes make exploring much easier.
Day trips are close: The Wairarapa wine region, Kapiti Coast, and Matiu/Somes Island are all easy escapes from the city.
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Photographers: Graeme Murray, Camilla Rutherford, Miles Holden
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