Things to do in Wellington

Activities, attractions and tours

A cityscape with a marina and mountains in the background.
A historic building with a balcony and columns, surrounded by modern high-rise buildings.
A cityscape with a prominent church, residential buildings, and a hill in the background.
A marina with various boats docked, surrounded by buildings and hills.
A bowl of fresh salad with mint leaves and thinly sliced vegetables.

Things to do

Mātiu/Somes Island

Wellington 90 minute Harbour Cruise

€40
per adult
Wellington 90 minute Harbour Cruise
Guided Small Group Walking Tour in Wellington

Guided Small Group Walking Tour in Wellington

€43
per adult
Guided Small Group Walking Tour in Wellington
Wellington: Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

Wellington: Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

€18
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Wellington: Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
Wellington Electric Bike Rental

Wellington Electric Bike Rental

€43
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Wellington Electric Bike Rental
Discover Wellington 3 hour City Tour

Discover Wellington 3 hour City Tour

€45
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Discover Wellington 3 hour City Tour
Don't forget to grab a photo by our iconic Cave Trolls.

Wellington: Wētā Workshop 90-minute Tour

€30
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Wellington: Wētā Workshop 90-minute Tour
Kombucha Rum and Craft Beer Private Tour

Kombucha Rum and Craft Beer Private Tour

€30
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Kombucha Rum and Craft Beer Private Tour
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Top places to visit

1. Te Papa

Embrace New Zealand’s culture, history, flora and fauna with six floors of exhibitions and interactive experiences at Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand). Its full Māori name is “Te Papa Tongarewa,” which means “container of treasures.”
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A modern building with a large illuminated sign and a prominent lion statue.

2. Cuba Street Mall

Cuba Street Mall is one of Wellington’s trendiest areas. Its historic buildings, funky shops, café culture and eclectic mix of residents make it a magnet for visitors and locals alike.
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A sign with the word "CUBA" in large red letters.

3. Courtenay Place

It is said that Wellington has more bars and restaurants per capita than New York City. “The Windy City” is renowned for its appreciation of fine dining, excellent cheap eats, specialty coffee, superb wine and craft beer. Courtenay Place is where you will find the heart of Wellington’s culinary culture. It is also the entertainment hub with bars, clubs, theatres and cinemas.
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4. TSB Bank Arena

Visit TSB Bank Arena for international art shows, sports events and expositions. The arena is one of Wellington’s most versatile spaces, making it perfect for large-scale music performances. Check the TSB Bank Arena calendar for upcoming events or admire the grand structure, located on the scenic Wellington Waterfront.
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A modern building with a glass facade and colorful geometric patterns.

5. The Weta Cave

Weta Workshop is an Academy Award-winning design studio and one of the world’s most-lauded special effects film companies. It is named after New Zealand’s largest insect, the grasshopper-like weta. Experience the magic of what happens at Weta on the guided tour during which you will see life-size models, listen to interviews with the team and watch the Weta team at work.
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A sculpture of two elephants in a garden.

What to do in Wellington

Stay near popular Wellington attractions

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Hnry Stadium

8.6/10 (656 reviews)
Wellington's premier multi-purpose venue hosts major sporting events and concerts with excellent sightlines from all seats. Arrive early to soak in the electric atmosphere.
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Where to stay in Wellington

Find the best Wellington areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Wellington
Learn more about Wellington
A red cable car moving along a track, a body of water, and a cityscape with buildings and greenery.

Wellington CBD

If you're spending some time in Wellington CBD, Wellington Cable Car and New Zealand Portrait Gallery are top sights worth seeing.

A street with a rainbow-colored bike lane, storefronts, and a Cuba St sign.

Te Aro

Te Aro is known for its popular shops, and with sights like St James Theatre and Cuba Street Mall, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Wellington.

A church interior with rows of yellow chairs, tall arched ceilings, and stained glass windows.

Thorndon

If you're spending some time in Thorndon, Lambton Quay and National Library are top sights worth seeing.

A coastal town with a clear blue sea, a sandy beach, a fountain, and buildings on a hillside.

Oriental Bay

If you're spending some time in Oriental Bay, Oriental Bay Beach and Oriental Parade are top sights worth seeing.

A coastal city with a marina, dense urban area, and surrounding hills.
Photo by WanderingFunk009
Open Photo by WanderingFunk009

Mount Victoria

If you're spending some time in Mount Victoria, Mount Victoria Lookout and Oriental Parade are top sights worth seeing.

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Lower Hutt

A coastal landscape with wind turbines, rolling hills, and a beach.

Makara Beach

Frequently asked questions

Is Wellington worth visiting?
Famous for its nature and dining, discovering cool things to do in Wellington is a breeze. Don't forget to add Lambton Quay to your trip itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Wellington?
Once you've checked off popular attractions like Lambton Quay and Petone Foreshore, spend some time discovering Wellington's shopping and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Wellington?
You can't go home without visiting Lambton Quay, rated the top tourist attraction in Wellington.
Is three days enough to stay in Wellington?
Three days will give you plenty of time to check out the leading city highlights, such as Lambton Quay, The Opera House and Eastbourne Beach. The average stay in Wellington is two days. If you feel the urge to extend your trip, Lower Hutt isn't far away.
Is Wellington a walkable city?
It all depends on what you want to do and see in Wellington. Several top attractions, like Lambton Quay and The Opera House, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander around some of Wellington's neighbourhoods, Wellington CBD is 0.16 kilometres away from downtown, while Te Aro is 2 kilometres away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Wellington with kids?
Planning what to do in Wellington with kids has never been so easy. Whether you're holidaying with little ones or teenagers, there are lots of family-friendly sights and activities to keep them busy here.
What to do in Wellington for adults?
There are loads of things to do in Wellington, with experiences for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to Parliament House or Wellington Cenotaph.
Are there free things to do in Wellington?
From visiting parks to strolling around exciting neighbourhoods, it's simple to discover free things to do in Wellington. If you're in need of ideas, ask for tips from a local tour guide. Lambton Quay is a top spot for anyone wishing to save on their sightseeing activities.

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