Wellington, which serves as New Zealand’s capital, is not only a center for politics; it is also a mecca for craft brewing, coffee, cinema, and other popular pastimes. For more things to do and places of interest in Wellington, scroll down.
What is Wellington famous for?
The national museum Te Papa Tongarewa, award-winning restaurants, and a passion for coffee, regional wine, and craft beer are all found in Wellington, a city renowned for its creative and cultural core. This city also has a full calendar of events.
Why do travelers visit Wellington?
Visitors will find plenty of things to do in Wellington, from excursions to experience some of the city’s cinematic magic to the city’s masterpiece of a museum, Te Papa. It’s one of the top tourist destinations in New Zealand because of the area’s thriving craft beer culture, great shopping, and fantastic restaurants.
Places of interest and Things to do in Wellington
Ascend Mount Victoria: Best places of interest in Wellington
There are lots of fantastic walks in Wellington that are reachable from the city center. The hike up Mount Victoria is one of the most well-liked due to the breathtaking panoramic vistas! It only takes about 20 minutes to make the ascent from Majoribanks Street or Oriental Bay. Connect with the Southern Walkway for additional city vistas if you want to make a day of it.
Location: From the eastern end of Courtenay Place, proceed along Majoribanks Street until you see the sign for the Southern Walkway. From here, cross Cambridge Terrace and Kent Terrace. To reach the overlook, take the Summit Walkway.
Visit Zealandia, places of interest in Wellington, to view native wildlife
There are an amazing variety of birds and reptiles in New Zealand. With a museum and footpaths encircling this designated wildlife sanctuary, Zealandia is the ideal location to learn more about New Zealand’s distinctive environment and is conveniently accessible from the heart of Wellington. You’ll undoubtedly see many magnificent birds, like the takahe, kaka, tui, North Island robin, and many others.
- Interesting article Wellington is always underrated but this city deserves so much more!
Take a trip to the Wellington Botanic Garden, amazing place of interest
Checking out the Wellington Botanic Garden’s bush walks, gardens, treehouse, duck pond, and free summer concerts is one of the greatest free things to do in Wellington. You won’t believe you’re still in the center of the city while you’re strolling through the native bush or gardens of this park!
Take a Cable Car Ride
A cheap and enjoyable activity in Wellington is riding the iconic Cable Car! Take the flamboyantly colored Cable Car from Lambton Quay to the Botanic Gardens. The free Cable Car Museum is located inside the former wheelhouse at the top of the cable car.
Kayak the Harbor
Rent a kayak or a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) from Fergs Kayaks on the waterfront to get a completely different perspective of the city. Take a guided tour or use freedom rental to visit the beauties of Wellington Waterfront and hone your paddling techniques!
Go to Matiu Somes Island: Places of interest in Wellington for adventurers
Somes Island, also known as “Matiu,” has a rich past that includes being a Maori settlement in the early days, a prisoner of war camp, and a quarantine facility. Since there are no rodents on the island now, the birdlife is as diverse as in the island’s past. Spend at least two to three hours visiting the island before taking the ferry back to Wellington’s Queens Wharf.
Take to the trails on a mountain bike
It’s incredible how many mountain bike routes and beautiful bike paths are accessible only from the city’s downtown. However, you may ride your bike on the train to several fantastic biking routes farther away.
Explore Otari-Bush Wilton’s
This is the only public garden in New Zealand that is exclusively comprised of native plants and trees. Otari-Bush Wilton’s is a fantastic spot to learn about the wonderful New Zealand flora and get more in touch with nature.
Take a ride on the Remutaka Bike Trail
Hire a bike for two to three days, and travel the Remutaka Cycle Trail from Wellington Harbour to Turakirae Head, where 500 fur seals live in a colony! The trail is one-way, so plan to ride it back or arrange for other means of transportation.
Check out Space Place (The Carter Observatory): Unmissable places of interest in Wellington
The vintage Thomas Cooke telescope, planetarium, and other features at Space Place will help you get a little closer to the stars. Through hands-on exhibits, displays, and planetarium shows, you may learn about the stars, galaxies, and planets seen from the Southern Hemisphere. You can use the enormous telescope to view the universe on clear evenings. Tuesdays, Fridays, and weekends are the only days of the week when Space Place is closed for school.
Check out the Te Papa Museum
The national museum of New Zealand features engaging exhibits and displays that will keep you entertained for hours. Learn about the historical and environmental history of New Zealand as well as a variety of facets of daily living there.
Visit a beach
There are many beaches in Wellington where you can enjoy the sand between your toes, go swimming, or even surf! A short distance from the city is a beach called Oriental Bay. Lyall Bay is a fantastic site for “long walks on the beach” and for surfing. A picnic in Scorching Bay might be an excellent idea!
How long do you need to stay in Wellington?
In a perfect world, I would advise staying in Wellington for at least three or four days. In this manner, you can leisurely take in many of the city highlights listed below. You can include a few day trips from the city in your schedule while you’re there.
