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Top things to do in Wellington

Attractions, tours and activities in Wellington

Wellington: the city's best neighbourhoods

Find a great area to stay in Wellington

About Wellington

Including tips for the best time to visit Wellington

Wellington, the southernmost capital in the world, is surrounded by the slopes of forested hills and the glittering blue sea. Nicknamed ‘Windy Wellington' due to the strong winds coming through the Cook Strait, this city is the cultural, political and culinary seat of New Zealand.

For a journey back in time, try visiting some of the museums and historical sites in Wellington. Te Papa, an interactive museum, narrates tales of the powerful Māori culture along with the seafaring history of the nation. The Wellington Museum showcases the history of New Zealand through various artefacts and interesting displays. You'll get to learn about the people and events that shaped the culture of this country.

During your Wellington trip, you’ll always have something to entertain you – be it relaxing by the beach or exploring the city’s vintage shops. Try to visit the Carter Observatory to discover the southern skies and learn about ancient navigational techniques. Take a walk through the native trees and vibrant plants of the Botanic Garden for a relaxing time away from the city crowds. At the Wellington Zoo – New Zealand's first zoo and conservation organisation – you can watch animals like brown capuchins, capybaras, cheetahs and giraffes in their natural habitat. Surrounded by important buildings like the City Gallery, Central Library and the Civic Administration Building, the Civic Square is the heart of the city. A calming stroll around this area will acquaint you with the cultural pulse of Wellington.

Tonight

From £59 per night

This weekend

From £125 per night

Next weekend

From £100 per night

Most popular time to visit October–December
Cheapest time to visit January–March
Local currency NZD 10 = £4.77
Language English
Average weekend price £104 per night
Average weekday price £111 per night
Typical stay 1 night

Points of interest in Wellington

Stay near the top sightseeing spots in Wellington

Wellington reviews

What other travellers say about Wellington

10

We stayed at the Apollo which was an easy walk into town.

27 April 2024

We stayed at the Apollo which was an easy walk into town. Buses to areas out of the city seemed pretty regular. Wellington is a pretty switched on city, with a creative energy and plenty of things to enjoy. Cuba St which is pedestrians only has plenty of cafes and restaurants and the food is top notch. Our favourites for dinner were Loretta’s, Olive, Mr Go’s. Icecream and Creaming sodas at Duck Island, coffees at Pickle and Pie, Cheese Scones beautiful pastries and coffee at Myrtle’s. Some good clothing shops, also recycling shops where there was really good clothing for sale at low prices, good bookstores. A must visit is Te Papa Museum - Level 4 Māori and Pacific Island history is impressive. The museum’s shop is also worth checking out. The lobby of QT Hotel (there’s a golden hippo on the hotel’s exterior) - you don’t need to be a guest to wander in to view the lobby area which includes a magnificent private art collection and a ritzy bar. Plenty of bars with music and Sunday Farmers Market on the waterfront was bustling with plenty of fruit and vegetables along with brunch food and coffee available.

Victoria
Victoria Australia
10

I enjoyed the zoo as I have never been there before.

20 April 2024

I enjoyed the zoo as I have never been there before. Big city that's for sure. I will definitely come back here in the future, I really enjoyed here. Very friendly people. Nice building and heaps of shops to choose from.

Jennifer Stanley-Adams
Jennifer Stanley-Adams New Zealand
10

Fun vibrant city easy access to all attractions by foot...

14 April 2024

Fun vibrant city easy access to all attractions by foot around the central city, easy bus trip to local beaches or walking distance in the main city area. Airport within 10 min drive to central city. Local parks easy drive or walk or bus. If staying in the city great shopping and local restaurants are easy to access. Local pools are on hand and only a small trip via car or bus. Local supermarkets are handy and have everything you require. Great local pubs and bars for a night out on the town all within walking distance to you accommodation if staying in town. Loads to do in Wellington like visiting the Bee hive, cable car, Te papa, local markets, local gardens, and much much more. Loads of free stuff to do also (we visited the Marvel event being held in wellington). Wellington is the place to visit for a weekend away with friends, short holiday with the kids you won’t be disappointed. Do your research before you go and plan your trip as there is so much to see. Have fun and enjoy Wellington.

Tracey
Tracey New Zealand
8.0

I enjoyed how close everything was to the hotel and how easy...

13 April 2024

I enjoyed how close everything was to the hotel and how easy it was to walk to the places I wanted to see. The waterfront was nearby too. I did go by uber to Zealandia which was amazing and is a great place to visit.

Cushla
Cushla New Zealand
10

We stayed in a quirky hotel on Cuba St and suited the area...

4 April 2024

We stayed in a quirky hotel on Cuba St and suited the area it was situated in. Lots of funky boutiques and shops as well as great restaurants. Easy to walk around the city centre with heaps of interesting things to see and do.

chris
chris New Zealand
2.0

Bus rides and train rides are awesome, just get yourself a...

26 March 2024

Bus rides and train rides are awesome, just get yourself a Snapper card and more than one person can travel with that one card. Only one person can travel on that card on trains. Travelling in bus was also good, no hassle to driving or parking, bus service are almost everywhere till late nights and safe environments.

Anonymous

Popular places to stay in Wellington

Stay in some of the best accommodation Wellington has to offer