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Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand and it is located at the southern tip of the North Island. Wellington is known as ‘Windy Wellington’ as it is situated near the Cook Strait, which separates North and South Island. The weather remains windy throughout the year here.
Wellington is one of the most scenic cities of the world. It witnesses an influx of tourists every year, who come here to cherish the beauty of the landscape, enjoy the urban charm and experience various outdoor adventures.
Are you planning your first New Zealand trip and wondering what to do in Wellington? We are here to simplify things for you as we bring you an informative guide for all the fun things to do and places to visit in Wellington with your family or friends. Most of the places are free to visit while some may charge an entry fee.
Cable Car is a famous tourist attraction in Wellington in which you can take a ride to the top of the hill for a stunning panoramic view of the city. At the top you can explore the beautiful Kelburn Park with gardens and walking trails.
The operational hours may vary in summer and winter and the ticket price also varies for different age groups. You can get all the information regarding schedules and tickets on their official website.
Te Papa Museum, also known as Museum of New Zealand, is NZ’s national museum which is located at Wellington Waterfront. It is a must-visit destination for anyone who is interested in the country’s history, art, culture and natural heritage.
The stunning display of various artefacts, interactive exhibits, and ocean gallery make it an unforgettable experience. The museum is open for visitors everyday, from 10:00 AM – 05:00 PM and the entry is free.
It is a beautiful botanical garden situated near Kelburn Park up the hill. The garden is known for its peaceful atmosphere, breathtaking view and a diverse collection of plants.
A wide range of plants including exotic flowers, rare trees and native New Zealand species of plants. There is no entry fee and the garden is open from 07:00 AM – 06:00 PM daily.
It is a pedestrian-only street in the Te Aro district of Wellington city. The street is filled with shops, cafes and bars. All the locals and tourists enjoy walking down this street which makes it lively. There are also many historic buildings like Old Cuba Street Fire Station and Cuba Street Library, situated on the street. There are even several vintage stores, art galleries and music shops. People socialise and cherish the vibe of the place.
Formerly known as Karori Wildlife Sanctuary, Zealandia is located in Wellington. It is the world’s first fully fenced wildlife ecosystem sprawled over 560 acres of land. It houses many of New Zealand’s rare and endangered species along with various reptiles, birds and insects. The visitors can take an unforgettable walk through the trails, learn about the importance of conserving wildlife or take part in the night tours to see nocturnal wildlife.
To check the ticket prices, operational days and timings of the sanctuary, you can visit their official website.
We have mentioned the top 5 must-visit destinations in Wellington but the city is equally well-known for its spectacular night life as well. Here are the things you can do to enjoy your nights in this vibrant city.
As mentioned above, Cuba Street has a bunch of cafes and bars which come alive as the sun sets. Locals and tourists cherish the live music, sip on local craft beers, indulge in delicious cuisines.
Wellington has an impressive theatre culture which is a must-have experience for the theatre lovers. Choose your entertainment genre from comedy, musical, drama and check the show listings.
Wellington city is located at one of the most scenic points of New Zealand. Wellington Waterfront is a beautiful area to explore at night. Take a stroll and enjoy the mesmerising view of the harbour. You can also grab a bite at one of the diners at the waterfront.
Whether you are looking for a relaxed atmosphere of a decent bar or a lively DJ dance party, you will surely find something in Wellington. The nightlife of Wellington is enjoyable for families, friends or couples.
Go to Carter Observatory for a unique experience. Enjoy a stunning view of the city at night from the hill above Wellington. There are stargazing sessions to learn about astronomy.
Wellington is a city which offers something for everyone which includes adults as well as kids. While you can take your kids to the above mentioned places, we have also narrowed down more places which kids can rejoice in Wellington. Wellington is full of must-see attractions for a perfect family sightseeing.
Wellington has a lot to offer for people of all age groups, therefore it is a must-visit city when you are travelling to New Zealand. But if you want to explore all these places in Wellington then renting a car is the best way to do so. There are various types of car rentals from compact to SUV including vans and minivans as well. Minivans are quite popular in Wellington as there are many camping spots with beautiful lookout points.
Hiring a car also allows you to travel and explore the region at your own pace without relying heavily on the public transport schedules. So book a car well in advance, to get the best value deals along with a wide range of cars to choose from, and have an unforgettable trip to the beautiful capital city of New Zealand, Wellington.