Location: Wellington
Top Things to do in Wellington
Top 10 Things to do Good for Big Groups in Wellington, North Island
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. ZEALANDIA Ecosanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,744 reviews
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.
Reviewed By Ealgian - New York City, United States
I hope my comparison of Zealandia to Jurassic Park is not interpreted in a negative fashion. Growing up in the era of those films that gave me a deep appreciation for our natural world as well as the unique talent of human beings to mess up that natural world, it was the first comparison that came to mind upon visiting Zealand. There is truly no place like it on earth. The combination of science, engineering, and love for our planet and its creatures that Zealandia represents is infinitely inspiring. You will see and hear so many fascinating creatures here, especially birds. The tour guides will also share interesting facts about how the work of preservation is done, and the clever solutions people have devised to undo some of the damage humans have wreaked on NZ. If you take the night tour, there's a good chance you'll see kiwi birds (to see them for certain, highly recommend the Kiwi Birdlife Park in Queenstown).
2. Wellington Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,345 reviews
Wellington Museum celebrates the people and the events that have shaped the character and soul of the Capital City of New Zealand and it’s region. Visitors are transported to the 1800s, and then explore the city’s metamorphosis. The Ngā Heke exhibition showcases prized taonga, Te Whanganui a Tara (The Great Harbour of Tara), and contemporary work from Māori artists and poets. Reach the top floor and you’ll be greeted by the delightfully bizarre; The Attic, which embraces the more peculiar side of Wellington’s history. Explore, listen, and even time travel. The Museum Store is a gem of a place to get a unique gift for yourself or a loved one, find exquisite New Zealand made memorabilia. The Museum is located at the heart of Wellington’s waterfront, just two minutes from the shopping on Lambton Quay and the iconic cable car. It is free and listed as one of the must-dos while in the world’s coolest little capital.
Reviewed By Meatpie40 - Te Anau, New Zealand
this rates better than te papa in my opinion, lots of informative displays and curiosities, great focus on local history and plenty of interactive stuff to play with
3. Red Rocks Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 174 reviews
Reviewed By CarolDM1900 - Montpelier, United States
There's a World War II forward observation post with huts and bunkers atop Sinclair Head, the high promontory that looms over Devil's Gate and the seal colony just beyond. It's an impressive site to visit, redolent of history and offering some of the best views over Cook Strait. On a fine summer day, the sky above is magnificent. If you're hardy and adventurous, with good footwear and sturdy long pants, you can get there via a loop of trails that will take you through some of the more remote interior sections of the reserve, where you are less likely to encounter other hikers and can enjoy the sound of silence over the hills and through the deep valleys. I found this to be one of the most challenging, but enjoyable, hikes I've done in Wellington, and I've done many of them, at least 8 in this particular reserve. Here's how to put together the loop. Start from the main trail head, a bit inland from the Coastal Track (road) as it nears Devil's Gate. Between a couple of "baches" (beach shacks), you'll see a big sign at the bottom of rising hills showing the different tracks on a map. You will start by rock-hopping across a shallow stream that flows by to the right of the sign, then follow the steep, winding trail straight ahead. A sign will eventually identify it as the Pari-Whero (Red Rocks) Re-Route. NOTE: When you begin, DO NOT turn right BEFORE the stream to follow the steep uphill gravel road with a barrier across it. That is the part of the Red Rocks track route that is now closed. The re-route rises steeply, has a couple of stream crossings, and eventually, about halfway up the hills, brings you to a hard-to-miss sign that points you to the connector for the Radome Track and the Bunker Track. You'll also traverse some of the Waipapa Loop Track. From the connector sign, it is still a long way to the WW II headland bunkers, with some very steep slopes to navigate both up and down, as you will essentially be crossing over several big hills and the valleys between them to get to the historic site. This being the dry season, small rocks and pebbles are loose and tend to slide in the dust when foot pressure is applied on the slope, so take great care on the downhills in particular. I slid a couple of times, despite wearing trail runners with aggressive treads. Some sections of the track wind through very prickly bushes that nearly obscure the pathway. You can't always detour around them, so don't even think about coming this way in shorts and short-sleeved shirts. These bushes are nettlesome and can raise welts. All this may have you wondering if you really want to take this loop. But I assure you, once you are up high enough to see the observation post in the distance, you will be strongly motivated to get there, even if you are tired and a bit scratched up. And besides, it a long, difficult way back retracing your steps. Better to press on. Once you get to the site, you'll discover that there is some graffiti on the buildings, but it does not much detract from the experience of seeing the old installations, especially the bunkers with the grass growing on the roofs in an effort to hide them from sight. If you are historically-minded, as I am, you will have a deep feeling about what went on here, being able to picture it "live" in the empty structures that remain today. It is a moment in time in the dramatic shadow of history. Get out as close to the edge as you cautiously think appropriate and walk around: the views up and down Cook Strait from this spot are glorious. Alas, there is no historical interpretation, but I think what you see is enough to make you feel the history and the impact of the place. So take your time, take it all in, and enjoy it. To complete the loop and return to the place you began, you should begin to descend the trail you used to get up to the buildings. Focus intently on the right side as you start to go down, and you will see a small, somewhat overgrown track that has no sign but is distinguishable because of its narrow tramped pathway of dried grass that clearly begins to move toward a descent in the distance. Once you start to follow the tramped down grassy pathway, you will see occasional metal posts, some with yellow plastic caps on top. There are sections that may require some trial and error to keep on the track. Sometimes you may have to dive under big bushes to find and follow the trail. Parts of it are so overgrown that the trail just seems to disappear. It does help to know that you're definitely going down, in a fairly narrow valley, and that this last part of the loop is relatively short. You will get there. The last section of the track is the most difficult because its runs right on top of a steep, stony creek. You will be stepping over rocks with moss and water trickling down them. It is slow going, but not far from the beach. You will exit the trail right by a local "bach" that has a jolly roger flag on the roof of a rough shed. From there, it is just steps back to where you began, and in any case you will see the Coastal Track (road) right ahead of you. If you'd rather not do this whole loop track, you can do a there-and-back on the shorter, more direct route used to descend on the last part of the loop. To find the beginning, start at the main trailhead sign and map, then walk to the left. You'll cross a little bridge and then find the track between two baches, nearest the one with the jolly roger flag above it. Stroll up what seems to be a private driveway toward the bach's outdoor shed, and you will see on your right a rough, hand-painted sign with the word "track" on a bright red arrow pointing the way. I would personally not like to take that shorter, more direct track uphill, given the difficult climb over the descending stream with the water and the moss. Plus, it misses the peaceful charm of the trails in the quiet interior hills and valleys. But if your time is limited, and you 're willing to scramble a bit to see the WWII observation post site, then by all means give it a try. The loop trail took me about 3 hours to do, but I did not hurry. I also spent time on top taking photographs and just enjoying the scenery. Having made a significant effort to get there, I wanted to savor the experience of being there. If you elect the shorter, more direct there-and-back route, you can probably cut the time in half, depending on your strength and agility. This is a great place, the more so, I think, because of the invigorating hike and the dramatic scene changes you experience while getting there via the longer loop. You miss that on the shorter, there-and-back trail. But whichever way you go, I think you will enjoy your visit. Highly Recommended.
4. Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14,040 reviews
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.
Reviewed By trishydishy
What a great museum - added bonus of seeing the terracotta warriors and Peter Jackson's marvellous and moving Gallipoli exhibition - saved our trip to Wellington which we found mostly CLOSED!!
5. New Zealand Parliament
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,919 reviews
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.
Reviewed By garrylid - Mornington, Australia
FREE tour a must Extremely well done, enriched with the New Zealand history where early settlers came together with the Polynesian Maori to form one nation democratically Beautiful buildings some built outside the box, but such is architecture Well worth it and the NZ put this on for free and takes all of 1 hour to do, get there early and book a suitable time as can get busy
6. Wellington Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,501 reviews
Wellington Zoo is New Zealand’s first Zoo, and Wellington’s oldest conservation organisation, caring for animals since 1906. The Zoo is a not for profit charitable trust and we're proud to be the world’s first carboNZero certified zoo. We are guided by our kaupapa Me Tiaki, Kia Ora! We must look after our environment, so all things will flourish. It is up to us collectively to make a difference for animals and the wild places they call home. See our website for entry prices and to plan your visit. If you have accessibility needs, you can find more visitor information on our website.
Reviewed By judemgard - Shrewsbury, United Kingdom
Reasonably priced and spot-on size-wise with approachable rangers and a wide range of animal environments this zoo is great in every way for kids. Take a full day and a picnic ( the food is great here but over-subscribed leading to lunchtime queues). There are water-fountains, playgrounds and picnic areas, the animals seem well-cared for and it is a treat for any animal lover. I kept losing the kids I was with but all OK and a measure of how much there is to explore. Roll on tagging!
7. Mount Victoria
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,018 reviews
High lookout point along Wellington's Southern Walkway gives visitors a spectacular view of the city and its surroundings.
Reviewed By fafa_potato - Palmerston North, New Zealand
On a hot Wellington day, when you take the number 20 from Courtenay place to this lookout point (I was never going to walk) the views from this place are absolutely stunning! You can see all of Wellington and it is absolutely beautiful!
8. Old St Paul's
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,197 reviews
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.
Reviewed By costaricatravel09 - Battle Ground, United States
Old St Paul’s is a wonderful Gothic Revival wooden church built by the Anglican Church and completed in 1866. The inside of the church is breathtaking with its beautiful wooden arches and stained glass windows. This is a beautiful heritage building and amazingly almost was destroyed in 1960 (like many buildings) when the new St Paul’s church was built close by. Well worth the visit.
9. Wellington Cable Car
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,509 reviews
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.
Reviewed By Probal - Sydney, Australia
It was a fun ride up with some great views and the walk back down through the botanical gardens to the city was great and lots of fun.
10. Lyall Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 136 reviews
Reviewed By mandysugny
Elements is one of our local cafes, super friendly staff and you can always get a table! Fresh honest food with something to suit everyone.
