Things to Do in Wellington, NZ
New Zealand's compact, windy, creative capital, wrapped around one of the best harbors in the world.
See things to do »Wellington at a Glance
The things to do in Wellington NZ fit into a surprisingly small space. New Zealand's capital sits at the southern tip of the North Island, squeezed between steep green hills and a deep harbor, and its downtown is flat and walkable enough that you can go from the national museum to Parliament to the cable car in an afternoon. About 215,000 people live in the city itself, and it has a reputation out of proportion to its size for coffee, craft beer, film and the arts.
The waterfront is the place to start. A promenade runs from the train station past the wharves and Te Papa, the national museum, to Oriental Bay's small beach and the foot of Mount Victoria, whose lookout gives the best panorama of the harbor. From Lambton Quay, the main shopping street, the red Wellington Cable Car climbs to Kelburn and the Botanic Garden, and a few minutes beyond is Zealandia, a fenced valley where native birds that have vanished from the mainland are thriving again.
Wellington is also the home of New Zealand's film industry. Peter Jackson's companies are based in the suburb of Miramar, where the Weta Workshop runs tours of the effects studio behind the Lord of the Rings films, and several shooting locations are a short drive from downtown. Cuba Street and the surrounding Te Aro neighborhood are the bohemian side of town, full of cafes, vintage shops, street art and bars, while the Beehive and Parliament Buildings anchor the government district at the north end of Lambton Quay.
Beyond the city, the rugged south coast has seals, surf and walking tracks, and an hour over the Remutaka Range, the Wairarapa region has the wine village of Martinborough, the small-town shopping of Greytown and the wild coast around Cape Palliser. Wellington is also the North Island terminal for the ferries across Cook Strait to Picton and the South Island, and a regular port of call for cruise ships; our sister site has a Wellington shore excursions page for cruise passengers.
This guide divides the region into five areas, each with our notes and live, bookable tours. Separate pages cover where to eat and drink, from fish and chips to some of the country's best restaurants, and the festivals that fill the city's calendar. For help with flights, hotels and a wider New Zealand itinerary, ask our travel specialists for a free quote.
Explore Wellington by Area
Top-Rated Things to Do in Wellington
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ViatorTours, tickets, prices and reviews from Viator (a Tripadvisor company) and Tiqets — prices are per person, from, and were checked October 31, 2026. Wellington Travel may earn a commission when you book, at no extra cost to you.
Wellington Food, Coffee and Craft Beer
Wellington has fine dining in an old bank chamber, Maori-inspired tasting menus, a fish shack loved by locals, a coffee culture to rival any city its size and dozens of craft beer taps. Our dining guide lists places across the city and in Martinborough, all checked as open.
Festivals and Events in Wellington
Cuba Street throws a street party in March, Matariki lights up midwinter, the city eats its way through August at Wellington on a Plate, and the World of WearableArt show fills the stage in spring.
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Wellington — FAQ
What are the top things to do in Wellington NZ?
Visit Te Papa, ride the cable car to the Botanic Garden, see native birds at Zealandia, walk up Mount Victoria, tour the Weta Workshop in Miramar, explore Cuba Street and spend a day in the Wairarapa wine country.
What is Wellington NZ weather like?
Mild and changeable, with frequent strong winds funneled through Cook Strait. Summer, December to February, is the warmest and most settled time; winter, June to August, is cool and wet but rarely freezing in the city. Bring layers and a windproof jacket in any season.
How many days do you need in Wellington?
Two full days covers the waterfront, Te Papa, the cable car, Zealandia and Cuba Street. Add a third for Weta Workshop and the south coast, and a fourth for a Wairarapa wine day.
Is Te Papa free?
Entry is free for New Zealanders and people living in New Zealand. Since 2024, international visitors aged 16 and over pay a general admission fee, and some special exhibitions are ticketed for everyone.
How do you get from Wellington to the South Island?
By ferry across Cook Strait to Picton, a crossing of about three and a half hours through the Marlborough Sounds, or by a short flight from Wellington Airport.
Is Wellington a cruise port?
Yes. Most large ships dock at the Aotea Quay wharf or a berth near downtown, with shuttle buses into the city. See our sister site for shore excursions in Wellington.