The 10 Best Hidden Gems Things to do in Wellington, North Island

January 10, 2022 Jacquiline Delozier

Wellington boasts a compact downtown area that’s easy to explore on foot and a wealth of architectural styles, from 19th-century wooden cottages to Art Deco masterpieces. Discover the city’s Maori roots at the Museum of Wellington City & Sea and the Museum of New Zealand. Sip coffee and people-watch in lively Courtney Place, or survey the city from scenic Mount Victoria. When the sun goes down on Windy Wellington, take a nocturnal tour of Karori Wildlife Sanctuary to meet some colorful inhabitants.
Restaurants in Wellington

1. Government House

1 Rugby St, Wellington 6001 New Zealand +64 4-389 8055 http://www.gg.govt.nz
Excellent
86%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 99 reviews

Government House

A beautiful heritage building, Government House in Wellington is the principal residence for New Zealand's Governor-General. Designed in the office of the Government Architect, John Campbell, the designer of Parliament Buildings,the house was built between 1908 and 1910. A major strengthening and refurbishment project was undertaken in 2008,with the official reopening taking place in March 2011. Built mostly of wood, Government House has eight guest suites and a self-contained apartment for the Governor-General, as well as a ballroom, conservatory, sitting rooms, service rooms, kitchens and offices. The formal rooms can be visited by the public,schools and community groups Visitors may also tour the gardens if the weather is fine.

Reviewed By dpr8 - San Francisco, United States

Took the free tour the government house offers, and it was quite impressive and informative. You will be asked to leave all personal items at the front desk, so if you have separation anxiety with your phone, do be aware that, too, is not allowed to be with you.

2. Xplor Tours

Excellent
97%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
1%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 337 reviews

Xplor Tours

We are a family-owned tour company priding ourselves on leaving you with a WOW impression of our city. We offer a variety of half and full day tours or if you would prefer we can create tours tailored to your needs.

3. Zest Food Tours of New Zealand

Excellent
88%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 173 reviews

Zest Food Tours of New Zealand

Here at Zest we believe the best way to experience Wellington is by tasting gourmet delights while strolling the city learning about the art, architecture, culture and history of the region. Your passionate and knowledgeable local guide will introduce you to local artisans and producers and share stories of sustainability, ethical trade, community partnerships and more. We support local social enterprises and are absolutely committed to preserving our beautiful home here in Aoteoroa. Zest Food Tours also offers a premium private food and wine experience for two to four guests in the renowned Martinborough boutique pinot noir wine region.

4. Seal Coast Safari

Excellent
85%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 307 reviews

Seal Coast Safari

Just minutes from the city lies nature's playground! Travel through private land and see wild animals, snow-capped mountains of the South, and stunning views of Wellington. Observe New Zealand Fur Seals in their natural habitat and the Leaning Lighthouse. Listen to stories and relax as you journey around bays and past the world-renowned Red Rocks. Seal Coast Safari has been providing guests with exclusive access to the best scenery in Wellington for over 17 years.

5. Tarot Zamm - Tarot Reader

157 Lambton Quay Zammtopia Level 16 NTT Tower, Wellington 6011 New Zealand +64 4-889 0018 [email protected] http://www.tarotreader.co.nz/
Excellent
92%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
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1%
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5.0 based on 189 reviews

Tarot Zamm - Tarot Reader

Experience a "mystical" adventure when you visit Middle Earth - Wellington. Get an appreciation of the influencing energies with a Tarot reading - starting with an open reading, then have your burning questions answered! Discover your past lives and soul's purpose through a past life reading. Find out about your soul mate or twin flame. Get insight and seek guidance about anything that is important to you. A Tarot reading can help uncover a better understanding of yourself and your many possibilities! By APPOINTMENT ONLY. Kindly book at least a day in advance. You can check my daily updated schedule and availability on my website. Buy hard-to-find Tarot decks, books and gift vouchers on your visit. Attend and learn from my Intuition, Tarot and Dreams classes and workshops to help you thrive in - both your personal and work - life. I'm available to speak about these topics - and for Group Tarot readings - at corporate and group events. I look forward to seeing you soon!

Reviewed By loganswind

Visited Zamm again since I feel my energies are so dispersed lately and can't quite find my center. I was pleasantly surprised at how in depth and how enlightening she is. Zamm took the time to carefully explain every facet and minute detail of my reading. I thought maybe 15 mins was all-turned out to be an hour's worth of genuine sincerity and empathy, and a lot of enlightenment and encouragement. she definitely helped lift a huge load of my shoulders and helped me find my center and refocus. Thank you Zamm for treating me like an old friend!

6. Light House Cinema Cuba

29 Wigan Street Te Aro, Wellington 6011 New Zealand +64 4-385 3337 http://www.lighthousecuba.co.nz/
Excellent
81%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
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5.0 based on 72 reviews

Light House Cinema Cuba

Going to the cinema is about so much more than watching a film. At Light House we try to create an environment of comfort and sophistication to deliver a unique cinema experience. Light House Cuba is located in Wellington's bustling Cuba street district. Nestled on Wigan street, across from Havana bar, Light House Cuba offers offers a unique and inviting atmosphere to escape the daily grind. Sit back, relax and unwind.

Reviewed By 547ashleighb - Dunedin, New Zealand

Although it's a little more expensive than the regular cinema, it's well worth the price. It's got a number of lovely screening rooms wiry comfy chairs instead of normal seats. You can also get coffee and tea from their cafe and take it in with you. The staff are attentive and kindly gave me a student ticket even though I only had last year's student id. Highly recommend, a cinema experience like no other.

7. Fragrifert Parfumeur, the Victorian Perfumery

1 Upland Road Kelburn, Wellington 6012 New Zealand +64 27 607 1852 [email protected] http://www.fragrifert.co.nz
Excellent
88%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
1%
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 131 reviews

Fragrifert Parfumeur, the Victorian Perfumery

Fragrifert Parfumeur, The Victorian Perfumery, is a mini-museum and perfume emporium all in one. All perfumes are made by me, Francesco van Eerd, and are created using time honoured techniques and with a high percentage of natural materials. Just as they would have been made one hundred years ago. Where nature allows, I even distill my own materials. I welcome you to visit for yourself the fragrant excitement that is Fragrifert Parfumeur, at the Top of the Cable Car!

Reviewed By Kiwifromkiev - Auckland, New Zealand

We’ve found this place whilst visiting a coffee shop at the top of the cable car. We walked in and were totally fascinated by the smell and the sight. Beautiful period setting, very attentive host who is happy to share his passion for perfumes with visitors, and new and exciting smells. Yes, we’ve bought perfumes to remember this place by and I would recommend anybody to go and see and smell for yourself! You will not be disappointed!

8. Escape Mate

12 Johnston Street Aviation House, Wellington 6011 New Zealand +64 210 225 4443 [email protected] http://www.escapemate.co.nz
Excellent
88%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 289 reviews

Escape Mate

Be a special agent for an hour and take your team to an epic, live-action, puzzle-solving adventure game in the heart of Wellington. Boasting three epic, hour long games across two locations, featuring exciting and interactive puzzles with thought-provoking challenges and hi-tech puzzles. The best indoor activity, perfect for rainy days! At Johnston St, embark on a mission to save the world from the wrath of the Death Gods as you explore 'Ancient Temple' ruins. Or, enter a 1930's bank vault, the 'Spaceship' to investigate the crash site of an AI operated alien spacecraft and prevent an alien invasion. At Victoria St, investigate a mysterious, sunken shipwreck to find the lost continent, Atlantis and untangle the dark secrets of the long-lost Utopian paradise, the land of the titans. Switch off from reality and immerse yourself in a hidden world in a movie-like, themed environment with seriously cool, tactile puzzles. Always thought you'd make a damn good detective? Well, prove it.

Reviewed By MelW609

We sent our recent Graduates to Escape Mate as a team bonding event. They came back so excited and definitely a lot closer as a group. It was a great team building activity. I would highly recommend it and we'll be using Escape Mate again!

9. Wellington's Food & Spice Odyssey

Excellent
98%
Good
2%
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5.0 based on 31 reviews

Wellington's Food & Spice Odyssey

Discover the wonders of the finest Foods, Spices and Cocktails on offer around the beautiful and cultural city of Wellington. Your expert guide will take you off the beaten track to experience a variety of taste sensations, where you can discover the hidden gems usually only experienced by the locals in Wellington. It's a special treat you shouldn't miss where you'll be taken around the nooks and crannies of specialty food & spice stores and quirky cocktail bars. (Transport provided for non-walking tours)

10. C.G.R. Merchant & Co.

44 Courtenay Place, Wellington 6011 New Zealand +64 4-384 6737 [email protected] http://www.cgrmerchant.co.nz
Excellent
81%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 32 reviews

C.G.R. Merchant & Co.

Wellington speciality rum & gin infusion bar

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