Wellington, New Zealand

Wellington, New Zealand

Weta Workshop Tours

Weta Workshop Tours

Parliament Buildings

Parliament Buildings

Space Place at Carter Observatory

Space Place at Carter Observatory

National Library of New Zealand

National Library of New Zealand

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Top Places to Visit in Wellington, New Zealand

Wellington is the southernmost capital city in the world. Nestled around a stunning harbor and surrounded by lush hills, New Zealand's vibrant capital is a captivating blend of artistic flair, cultural diversity, and natural beauty, offering a unique urban experience in a spectacular setting.

Te Papa Tongarewa (Museum of New Zealand)
#1

Te Papa Tongarewa (Museum of New Zealand)

3-5 hours
Free

Explore Te Papa Tongarewa, New Zealand's innovative national museum. Its engaging exhibits cover the country's art, history, natural environment, and Māori culture, offering a comprehensive and interactive experience.

Updated June 23, 2025
Wellington Cable Car
#2

Wellington Cable Car

1-1.5 hours
NZD$8.50 adult

Ride the iconic Wellington Cable Car from Lambton Quay up to the Botanic Garden. Enjoy panoramic views of the city and harbor from the top, and visit the Cable Car Museum.

Updated June 23, 2025
Wellington Botanic Garden
#3

Wellington Botanic Garden

1.5-2.5 hours
Free

Stroll through the beautiful Wellington Botanic Garden, accessible via the Cable Car. Explore its diverse plant collections, themed gardens, and enjoy stunning views and peaceful walks.

Updated June 23, 2025
Mount Victoria Lookout
#4

Mount Victoria Lookout

30 minutes-1 hour
Free

Ascend Mount Victoria for breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of Wellington city, its harbor, and the surrounding hills. It's a popular spot for sunset and iconic photos.

Updated June 23, 2025
Weta Workshop Tours
#5

Weta Workshop Tours

1.5-2.5 hours (per tour)
NZD$79 adult

Go behind the scenes of filmmaking magic with Weta Workshop Tours. Discover props, costumes, and creative artistry from movies like 'The Lord of the Rings' and 'Avatar'. Pre-booking essential.

Updated June 23, 2025
Cuba Street
#6

Cuba Street

1.5-2.5 hours
Free

Explore the vibrant and quirky Cuba Street, a hub of cafes, restaurants, boutiques, street art, and live music. It's known for its bohemian vibe and the iconic Bucket Fountain.

Updated June 23, 2025
Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne
#7

Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne

2-4 hours
NZD$32 adult

Discover Zealandia, an urban eco-sanctuary and ground-breaking conservation project. Explore its lush valley, spot rare native wildlife like kiwi birds, tuatara, and ancient trees.

Updated June 23, 2025
Waterfront Walkway
#8

Waterfront Walkway

1-2 hours
Free

Stroll along Wellington's vibrant Waterfront Walkway, offering stunning views of the harbor, public art installations, cafes, and easy access to attractions like Te Papa and Frank Kitts Park.

Updated June 23, 2025
City Gallery Wellington Te Whare Toi
#9

City Gallery Wellington Te Whare Toi

1-1.5 hours
Free

Explore contemporary art at City Gallery Wellington, showcasing a diverse range of New Zealand and international art. Its innovative exhibitions offer unique cultural insights.

Updated June 23, 2025
Parliament Buildings
#10

Parliament Buildings

1 hour (tour)
Free

Take a guided tour of New Zealand's iconic Parliament Buildings, including the Beehive (Executive Wing). Learn about the country's political history and parliamentary process.

Updated June 23, 2025
Old Bank Arcade
#11

Old Bank Arcade

30 minutes
Free

Admire the beautiful Edwardian architecture of the Old Bank Arcade, a historic shopping arcade with a stunning glass dome. It houses boutiques, cafes, and a charming atmosphere.

Updated June 23, 2025
Cuba Street Night Market
#12

Cuba Street Night Market

1-2 hours
Free

Experience the lively Cuba Street Night Market, held on Fridays and Saturdays. Enjoy a diverse range of street food, live music, and browse unique crafts and goods.

Updated June 23, 2025
Wellington Museum
#13

Wellington Museum

1-1.5 hours
Free

Discover the fascinating history of Wellington, from its Māori origins to its maritime heritage, at the Wellington Museum. Its engaging exhibits tell the stories of the city and its people.

Updated June 23, 2025
National War Memorial Park and Pukeahu National War Memorial Park
#14

National War Memorial Park and Pukeahu National War Memorial Park

1-1.5 hours
Free

Visit the National War Memorial Park, commemorating New Zealanders who served in wars and conflicts. Explore its various memorials, including the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior.

Updated June 23, 2025
Space Place at Carter Observatory
#15

Space Place at Carter Observatory

1-1.5 hours
NZD24 adult

Explore the wonders of the universe at Space Place, located in the Botanic Garden. Enjoy interactive exhibits, a planetarium show, and gaze through telescopes for stargazing opportunities.

Updated June 23, 2025
Oriental Bay
#16

Oriental Bay

1-2 hours
Free

Relax on Oriental Bay, Wellington's popular inner-city beach. Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and strolling along its promenade, lined with cafes and beautiful views of the harbor.

Updated June 23, 2025
Cable Car Museum
#17

Cable Car Museum

30 minutes-1 hour
Free

Located at the top of the Wellington Cable Car, this small museum explores the history of the iconic cable car system. See original machinery and learn about its engineering.

Updated June 23, 2025
Old St. Paul's
#18

Old St. Paul's

30 minutes-1 hour
Free

Visit Old St. Paul's, a beautiful and historic wooden church, considered one of New Zealand's finest examples of Gothic Revival architecture. Admire its intricate stained glass windows.

Updated June 23, 2025
Wellington Zoo
#19

Wellington Zoo

2-3 hours
NZD31 adult

Discover a diverse collection of animals from New Zealand and around the world at Wellington Zoo. It's committed to conservation and offers engaging animal encounters and exhibits.

Updated June 23, 2025
National Library of New Zealand
#20

National Library of New Zealand

1 hour
Free

Explore the National Library of New Zealand, home to significant collections of national heritage. Visit its exhibitions, including the He Tohu exhibition of iconic constitutional documents.

Updated June 23, 2025

Frequently Asked Questions About Wellington, New Zealand

Get answers to common questions about visiting Wellington, New Zealand