Visit Wellington - WellingtonNZ (original) (raw)

Nau mai ki Te Upoko o te Ika a Māui

Welcome toWellington

At the centre of New Zealand you’ll find Wellington, a region with so much to offer. Nestled between green hills and a sparkling harbour, the city is full of things just waiting to be discovered.

Discover Wellington

At start of items

Your guide to autumn in WellingtonAutumn in Wellington brings with it plenty of crisp mornings and settled days. Wander the hills, see an exhibition, and enjoy a meal outside (but you might want to bring an extra layer). Three people are taking a selfie at the Mount Victoria Lookout with a view of Wellington harbour and city centre behind them. Top 10 Wellington must-dosThere’s so much to see and do in the capital. To get you started, here are the top 10 things to do when you visit. A tray of 18 hot cross buns fresh from the oven. Where to get local hot cross bunsSoft and chewy, or toasted and slathered in butter. With sultanas or some secret spicy flavour combination. Hot cross buns are the ultimate Easter treat. Cross these buns off your list. Two people enjoy a flight of coffee at The Hangar. Your essential guide to coffeeWellington takes its coffee seriously. Whether you’re after a creamy flat white, a jet-fuelled long black, or something in between, there are plenty of places to keep you caffeinated. Two friends chat over food and drinks at Hei, a modern Chinese restaurant on Cuba Street in Wellington. New and notable places in WellingtonTreat your taste buds at one of these new cafés, restaurants, and bars in Wellington. A person in a long striped gown walks through a boutique clothing store. Shop for local labels in WellingtonThe capital is home to some of New Zealand’s best designers. Shop their wares at flagship stores dotted around the city centre. If you’re lucky, you’ll even get to see the faces behind the brands in store. Outside the Wellington Chocolate Factory, 2 people stand enjoying a coffee. A large black wall is to the left with the business name on it. 24 hours in WellingtonIf you’ve only got a day in Wellington and want to get a feel of what the city is like – get ready for a whirlwind tour of tastes, sights, and sounds. If you don’t fit everything in, you can always come back for more. Wide of the cable car driving up the tracks with the sun setting over Wellington city and harbour in the background. Wellington Cable CarOne of the city’s most iconic experiences, Wellington Cable Car leads to some of the best views of the capital. Waiter serving smiling customers at an outside table of August Eatery, with other customers and green plants in the foreground. Using Te Reo in WellingtonHei whakanui i te wiki o te Reo Māori, anei ētahi kīanga paku hei āwhina i a koe ki te huri haere, kia whānui ake hoki tō mōhio mō Te Whanganui a Tara.

An adult and two kids look at illustrations on display at Disney: The Magic of Animation exhibition.

Disney: The Magic of Animation

See 100 years of your favourite characters and films and experience the magic of Disney Animation at this Wellington-exclusive exhibition at Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre.

20 February to 13 July

Discover the magic

At start of items

A person chats with friends over coffee and pastries at Floriditas. Wellington city brunch: Start your morning sunny side upWellington is a city that takes its mid-morning meal seriously. Whether you’re in the mood for eggs just the way you like them, a vegan feast, or a sweet treat, you’ll find a meal to suit your cravings. Three friends enjoy cocktails at Hummingbird Restaurant & Lounge. HummingbirdCommanding a prominent corner on Courtenay Place, this restaurant is an oasis for mouthwatering food, quality cocktails, and personable service. Inside a busy Chinese restaurant with red lanterns suspended from the ceiling. Bring your own: BYO restaurants in Wellington worth the corkageYou bring the friends and the wine, and these restaurants will take care of the rest. Wellington has a wide variety of BYO spots. Head out, enjoy some great food, and sip on your favourite drop at the same time. The exterior of Swimsuit café on Dixon Street in Te Aro, Wellington. SwimsuitFind perfect brews, buttery cheese scones, and a cool community vibe at this bustling central-city coffee shop. Two people enjoying food and wine at Kisa, a Mediterranean restaurant on Cuba Street in Te Aro, Wellington. From first date to foodie: Where to take your date for dinnerIf the way to your date’s heart is through their stomach, Wellington has plenty of options to keep them happy. A family of four sitting together sharing some takeaway food outside. Where to eat with kidsHere’s the scoop on some family-friendly spots within Wellington’s vibrant foodie scene. From cosy cafés to beach breweries, you and your children can enjoy a tasty meal together. The exterior of a busy wine bar and restaurant with patrons filling both interior and exterior seating. Noble Rot Wine BarBehind a distinctive red brick façade on Swan Lane, you’ll find exceptional cuisine and a vast wine collection. View of Courtenay place from Dirty Little Secret rooftop bar. Get a taste of Courtenay PlaceA hotspot for all things fun and entertainment, there’s plenty to tempt your tastebuds on one of Wellington’s buzziest streets — Courtenay Place.

At start of items

Young children pointing up at the Earth projected onto the digital planetarium and Space Place. Te Ara Whānui ki te Rangi Space PlaceSpace Place is home to a digital full-dome planetarium, the historic Thomas Cooke telescope, and interactive galleries and exhibitions. The exterior of the New Zealand Parliament building at 1 Museum Street, Pipitea in Wellington at sunset with pink-coloured clouds in the sky above. New Zealand Parliament ToursWalk the corridors of power and see where New Zealand laws and policies are made. A kākā in a tree at Zealandia. Zealandia Te Māra a TāneThis pest-proof ‘urban island’ is the closest thing you’ll find to experiencing what New Zealand was like before humans. The exterior of Te Papa Tongarewa, half glass and half concrete. Museum of New Zealand Te Papa TongarewaNew Zealand’s national museum reflects the country’s identity, history, and culture. A Zealandia staff member leads a group of four friends on a walking tour in the forest. Get close to nature in WellingtonFrom serene walks in the bush to daredevil antics in the treetops, animal encounters to world first nature reserves — Wellington gets you up close and personal with nature. The exterior of Roxy Cinema. Wellington’s boutique cinemasThe capital is a film lover’s dream destination. It has a thriving movie industry, is a UNESCO City of Film, and is home to many independent cinemas. Sit back in a plush chair and view a movie in style. The interior of Te Whanganui a Tara exhibition at the Wellington Museum with two people admiring the colourful artwork displayed. Travel back in time with these unique Wellington experiencesThe heritage and history of a place helps ground us as we look to the future. Te Whanganui a Tara has a wealth of institutions dedicated to preserving and presenting the history of the city, region, and country.Te Nukuao Wellington ZooThe first carboNZero-certified zoo in the world, Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo puts conservation at the centre of everything it does. Exterior of the Wellington Museum, a blue building with a red door. Wellington MuseumExperience the stories of Wellington and its people. From maritime history, early Māori settlement, and the city’s evolution since becoming the capital in 1865.