4 minute read
Wellington Must Do's
Oriental Bay
Both a bay and a suburb, the small but immaculate beach is framed by an appealing row of cafés and restaurants.
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The Great Harbour Way/Te Aranui o Pōneke
Walk or cycle Wellington’s entire coastline from Baring Head in the east to 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 market, on the corner of Cable Street and Barnett Street (beside Te Papa) every Sunday.
Waterfront Fun
Picnic, play and stroll along the city’s waterfront. Frank Kitts Park and Waitangi Park precincts are must-do stop offs.
Matiu/Somes Island
Home to protected wildlife, walks and a lighthouse. Reached by a 20-minute boat ride from Queens Wharf. If you fancy an overnight stay in the DOC camp, book in advance.
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.
World of Wearable Art Awards
New Zealand’s single largest theatrical production where incredible works of wearable art from around the world are brought to the stage, every Sep/Oct.
Pukeahu National War Memorial Park
A place of great significance for Kiwis, outdoor memorials commemorate World War battles.
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.
Scorching Bay Beach
Protected from Wellington’s notorious northerly winds, this curvy innerharbour has a white-sand beach, safe swimming and a large grassed area with playground.
Red Rocks Reserve Walk
From Ōwhiro Bay to the 200-million-yearold Red Rocks, look for fur seals in between ocean views.
Remutaka Forest Park
There are terrific walks for every fitness level and several lovely places for a picnic.
Crocodile Bikes
Hire a three or six-seater bike from Wellington Crocodile Bikes? A fun way to cruise from Oriental Bay to Kumutoto.
Oriental Bay © WellingtonNZ
Wellington Museum
In an 1892 heritage building on the waterfront; the city’s history over four floors. Check out The Attic, a steampunk-styled exhibit space with fantastical creations from lions to flying saucers.
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
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.
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.
Wrights Hill Fortress
Continuing past Zealandia, this impressive WW2 fortress in Karori consists of an underground network of tunnels, operation rooms and three-gun emplacements. Open weekends.
Wellington Botanic Gardens
Catch the cable car to these wellmaintained gardens with trails, lots of gardener tips, aromatic rose garden, duck pond and sound shell.
Wellington Zoo
A well-considered zoo with vantage points for visitors big and small, as well as several playgrounds to break up the day.
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.
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.
Weta Workshop
Take a tour of Weta’s sets, costumes and props or book a special effects workshop to learn the tricks of the trade.
City Gallery Wellington
A stunning building both inside and out, with contemporary and often thought-provoking exhibitions.
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.
Shopping Areas
Get your retail therapy fix at one of these top Wellington shopping hubs: Cuba Street, Willis Street, Manners Street, Courtenay Place, Old Bank Arcade or Hannahs Laneway.
TUCK IN & DRINK UP
Wellington Chocolate Factory – tours
Whistling Sisters – brewery & eatery
Evil Twins – jar drinks & coffee
The Oatery – breakfast
Choice Bros – brewery & eatery
Heyday Beer Co. – brewery, eatery & tours
Fred’s on Cuba – gourmet sandwiches
Pour & Twist – coffee
Belén Vegan Bakery – pastries
Mt Victoria, Wellington © WellingtonNZ
