Greater Wellington
Wellington
Upper Hutt
Lower Hutt Solace’ on Wellington waterfront © Jeff McEwan INSET ABOVE: © Weta Workshop, Miramar
Petone
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa Highly rated
by everyone who crosses the threshold, this world-class museum is free to visit. Detailing every aspect of New Zealand’s landscape, people and history, it also houses New Zealand’s national art collection.
Cuba Street The perfect balance
Wellington Zoo A well-considered zoo with vantage points for visitors big and small, as well as several playgrounds to break up the day.
trade. It’s 17 minutes from town but transfers are an option; enquire at the Wellington city i-SITE.
Oriental Bay Both a bay and a suburb, the small but immaculate beach is framed by an appealing row of cafés and restaurants.
A stunning building both inside and out, with contemporary and often thought-provoking exhibitions.
Featherston
of gritty-meets-gentrified, with vintage stores and plenty of panache. Cafés open from breakfast through to dinner, when a myriad of bars take centre stage.
Hannahs Laneway Easily the city’s tastiest street, this laneway hosts a Fix and Fogg peanut butter window-in-the-wall, a heavenly bakery, Wellington Chocolate Factory and several slick eateries.
Mt Victoria Lookout Walkway Admire every inch of Wellington from this spot. Allow one-and-a-half hours to walk the full 4.6km loop.
Cable Car Experience the capital’s iconic red cable car. Marvel at LEDlighted tunnels and at the top, visit the free Cable Car Museum. Wellington Botanic Garden
Greytown
City to Sea Walkway This 14km walkway starts near Parliament and ends at Island Bay, passing city landmarks such as the Botanic Garden, Cable Car and Victoria University. Allow 6-7 hours.
Catch the cable car to these wellmaintained gardens with trails, lots of gardener tips, aromatic rose garden, duck pond and sound shell.
Space Place A quick hop from the cable car and next to the Botanic Garden, this state-of-the-art complex boasts hands-on exhibits, movies and a junior astronaut zone where budding space cadets can learn to land a space shuttle.
Carterton
Zealandia Ecosanctuary A fullyfenced urban ecosanctuary with over 40 species of native wildlife roaming free. Explore at your own pace or book a tour. There are twilight tours in summer and come sundown, kids’ night walks, too.
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Weta Workshop With trolls outside and Gollum lurking within. Take a tour of Weta’s sets, costumes and props or book a special effects workshop to learn the tricks of the
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City Gallery Wellington
The Great Harbour Way/Te Aranui o Pōneke Walk or cycle Wellington’s entire coastline from Ōrua-pouanui/Baring Head in the east, to Te Rimurapa/Sinclair Head in the west.
Visit The Beehive Absorb the architecture and history on a free one-hour tour. If Parliament is meeting, observe from the public gallery, and venture to the first floor of Bowen House for art exhibitions.
Harbourside Market Proudly the city’s oldest and most popular market, on the corner of Cable Street and Barnett Street (beside Te Papa) every Sunday morning.
Walk Wellington Discover Wellington on a two-hour guided walk. $20 per adult, children free.
Matiu/Somes Island Wild and rugged, this island is home to protected wildlife, walks and a lighthouse. Reached by a 20-minute boat ride from Queens Wharf. There are no cafés so pack a picnic;
if you fancy an overnight stay in the DOC camp, book in advance.
Wellington Museum In an 1892 heritage building on the waterfront; the city’s history over four floors. World of Wearable Art Awards Show New Zealand’s single largest theatrical production, ‘a visual feast for the soul’, where incredible works of wearable art from around the world are brought to the stage, every September/October.
Craft Beer Capital There are more brewers in Welly than you can throw a bag of hops at. Head to craftbeercapital.com for a comprehensive city beer map.
Showtime Catch a show at one of the city’s theatres. From glamorous to backstreet, there’s something for every taste at The Embassy Theatre, BATS, Circa, St James, The Opera House, Gryphon Theatre and more.
Pukeahu National War Memorial Park A place of great significance for Kiwis, outdoor memorials commemorate World War battles.
Remutaka Forest Park There errific walks for every fitness level and several lovely places for a picnic. Thirty minutes by car from central Wellington. PAGE 5 - REGIONAL MAP
