4 minute read
Wellington Must-Do's
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.
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Cuba Street
The perfect balance 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.
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.
Zealandia Ecosanctuary
A fully-fenced 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.
Wellington Zoo
A well-considered zoo with vantage points for visitors big and small, as well as several playgrounds to break up the day.
Oriental Bay
Both a bay and a suburb, the small but immaculate beach is framed by an appealing row of cafés and restaurants. 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 LED-lighted tunnels and at the top, visit the free Cable Car Museum.
Wellington Botanic Garden
Catch the cable car to these well-maintained 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.
Weta Workshop
© Weta Workshop, Miramar
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 trade. It’s 17 minutes from town but transfers are an option; enquire at the Wellington city i-SITE.
City Gallery Wellington
A stunning building both inside and out, with contemporary and often thought-provoking exhibitions.
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
Solace’ on Wellington waterfront © Jeff McEwan
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
These terrific walks for every fitness level and several lovely places for a picnic. Thirty minutes by car from central Wellington.
The Writers’ Walk
Uncover 15 text sculptures dotted along Wellington's pedestrianised waterfront. Created by artist Catherine Griffiths, each piece features a city quote written by a well-known New Zealand writer.
Katherine Mansfield House & Garden
Enter the former abode of acclaimed New Zealand writer, Katherine Mansfield and travel back in time to her 19th century heyday. Regularly changing art exhibitions also feature here. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am-4pm.
Denzien Gin Distillery
Not just purveyors of beer, gin reigns supreme too. This distillery, off Lombard Street, creates small batch gin from rainwater! Drop in at the tasting shop or book a tour.
Old Bank Arcade
Exuding all the regal glamour of yesteryear, boutiques and coffee shops now fill the walls of this former 20th century bank. Go and find the hefty old bank vault door.
Scorching Bay Beach
Protected from Wellington's notorious northerly winds, this curvy inner-harbour has a white-sand beach, safe swimming and a large grassed area with playground.
Red Rocks Reserve
Walk (or drive if you have a 4WD) from Owhiro Bay to the 200-million-year-old Red Rocks (Pari-whero), looking for fur seals in between ocean views. Thirty minutes from Wellington.
