10 Things to do in Wellington That You Shouldn't Miss

Imagine a lush forest full of rare native animals. Discover ZEALANDIA – an ecosanctuary home to over 40 rare native species and 32km of walking tracks. Explore the outdoors at your own pace or be led by a guide! Our nature experts will show you the best places to spot wildlife like kakariki, tuatara and takahe on a ZEALANDIA by Day tour. Relax at Rata cafe with delicious food made from sustainably sourced ingredients and admire the views over the lake. Browse locally designed art, jewellery, homewares, books, clothes and gifts at the store where the products you buy have purpose and help the sanctuary to operate. For something a little more adventurous, see how the sanctuary transforms after dark on a ZEALANDIA by Night tour and search for thousands of glow worms and over 150 kiwi. Experience this world-renowned conservation success that lies only minutes from Wellington’s CBD. As a not-for-profit, your visit helps us ensure the future flourishing of New Zealand’s native wildlife.

Experience the whole of New Zealand in one building! Te Papa is New Zealand's bold, innovative and interactive national museum. Explore the great treasures and stories of this country, its unique natural environment, Maori culture and taonga (treasures), dynamic art heritage, and its fascinating history. Te Papa is located on Wellington's spectacular waterfront. Open 10am to 6pm every day except Christmas Day. General admission is free.

Take a tour with one of our trained guides to visit key parts of Parliament's buildings. Learn about our parliamentary processes and New Zealand’s history while looking through our iconic buildings. Free public tours operate seven days a week with the first tour at 10am, last tour 4pm. Public tour group size is limited to 25 people, therefore bookings are advisable. Bookings can be made by either email or phone. Specialist tours are available on request but must be booked in advance. We recommend you arrive least 15 minutes before the tour departs so you have time to check in your belongings. Everyone must leave their bags, coats, phones, cameras and other electronic devices in secure storage at the Visitor Centre in the Beehive.

High lookout point along Wellington's Southern Walkway gives visitors a spectacular view of the city and its surroundings.

Be embraced by the beauty of this gorgeous wooden Gothic Revival cathedral - still sacred, welcoming to all, in the heart of Wellington's heritage precinct. Breathtakingly beautiful - the capital city's famous Old St Paul's, constructed entirely of native timbers, is one of New Zealand's greatest heritage places. Experience the wonderful and sometimes quirky stories of this former cathedral, its historic location and its people. Gaze at Old St Paul's unique architecture, admire its exquisite embroidered furnishings and be awed by the colours of its beautiful stained glass windows. The site where Old St Paul's stands was formerly part of Pipitea Pā, and for almost 100 years, Old St Paul's served as the parish church of Thorndon and the Anglican Cathedral of Wellington. It remains a place of spiritual significance to many and is a popular venue for a wide variety of cultural events and celebrations.

The highlight to any visit to Wellington is a trip on Wellington Cable Car. In just 5 minutes you will reach the top of the Botanic Garden where panoramic views of the city and harbour are the reward. You can also visit the Space Place Observatory here. Before you head back down make sure to visit the Cable Car Museum (free entry), which provides a history of the city's symbolic mode of transport and see the original cars and winding machinery on display. There are walking tracks that start at the top of the Cable Car if you're keen on a stroll back to the city. The Cable Cars leave every 10 minutes and evry 15 minutes before 8pm.

Staglands Wildlife Reserve & Cafe is less than an hour from Wellington and a 'must see' attraction for anyone either living in or visiting Wellington. Staglands offers a unique experience for people of all ages to feed and freely interact with a wide range of native and exotic birds and animals in an environment that has been created with nature's materials. Open daily 9:30am-5pm. Adults $24, Children $12 (3 and under no charge)

Cruise with Interislander from Wellington to Picton across the Cook Strait and through the stunning Marlborough Sounds in just over three hours on the three largest ferries in New Zealand. Interislander is one of The Great Journeys of New Zealand and our three ships each feature several outdoor viewing decks that allow you to soak up the gorgeous New Zealand scenery as it floats by. They also have plenty of lounges, cafes and bars to choose from, plenty to keep the kids entertained - including children's play areas - and plenty for mum and dad too. Cars, vans, caravans, campervans, motorhomes, motorcycles and coaches - all vehicles are welcome, just drive on, drive off. And for the rental car providers, just drop off your car at the rental depots within our terminals then pick up another at the other end - easy! Interislander operates a FREE shuttle bus. Departing 50 minutes before each sailing from Platform 9 at the Wellington Railway Station.