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• There’s always plenty to do at Te Papa. It has been said there is approximately 60,000 hours of reading to be had within the museum. Pop in and have a look around, you’re bound to find something new every time you’re there.  Don't forget to visit the Colossal Squid if you haven't already.

• Go for an educational tour inside and around Parliament Buildings and the Beehive. Tours leave on the hour every day.

• Discover art in the city. Start at the City Gallery in Civic Square - there's always fantastic free exhibitions on, then check out Bowen Galleries or Enjoy Art Gallery or Manky Chops both on Cuba Street for quirky exhibitions; or see the exquisite paintings and sculptures at the Museum Art Hotel (listed on Yahoo’s list of Ten of the Best Hotels with Magnificent Artwork of the World.) 

• See a fine example of 19th century Gothic Revival architecture at Old St Paul's - it's made entirely from native timbers and the glowing interior is enhanced by stunning stained glass windows. Entry is by donation so practically free.
  
   

• View panoramic sights of the city from the top of Mt Victoria or Te Ahumairangi Hill Lookout.

• Wellington is a compact city, so why not explore it by foot? Pop into the Wellington i-SITE and arm yourself with information and maps or download our Welly Walks iPhone Application. Then guide yourself round famous Wellington landmarks. 

• The Wellington Writers Walk around the waterfront is an introduction to the many talented writers who made Wellington their home at some point in their lives. The tour is self-guided making it accessible for any time of the day.

• Head to the Botanic Gardens for a lovely walk amongst the beautiful flowers and trees - the Rose Garden is our fave and the kids will love feeding the ducks at the pond.

• Head to the Museum of Wellington City and Sea, complementing Te Papa's stories of the Nation.
   

• If you're into The Lord of the Rings or movies by Peter Jackson then you'll love a visit to The Weta Cave. It's a mini museum with behind-the-scenes look at Weta, movie memorabilia and interviews with Weta co-founders Peter Jackson and Richard Taylor.

• Take a walk in the Otari-Wilton’s Bush, New Zealand’s only botanic garden dedicated solely to growing native plants.

• Why not let the kids run wild for a few hours at Frank Kitts Park or Waitangi Park. A fantastic chance for you to relax in the sun with a good book. 

If your budget is slightly larger then try some of these things… 
 

• Take the Cable Car up the the scenic lookout and check out the Cable Car Museum. A return ride is only $6 or take it one way for $3 and walk back down through the Botanic Gardens.

• Wander up Cuba Street and sample some of the great Wellington coffee and cafe culture. Floriditas, Olive and Fidel’s are favourites of ours. 

• Or if you're into tea check out Martha's Pantry an old fashioned tea room with dainty cupcakes and tea in china tea pots.

• Why not get a bit adventurous and try your hand at rock climbing, kayaking around the harbour or inline skating. All available at Fergs Kayaks.

• Or hire the crocodile bikes and cruise round the waterfront.
   

• If you're a foodie try the curly fries at Sweet Mother's Kitchen; the eggs at Floriditas; Kedgeree at Nikau; milkshakes at Maranui; or chilli hot chocolate at Ciocco.

• Check out all the animals at the Wellington Zoo and if you're game get up close and personal with a red panda or cheetah with their personal encounter programme.

• Visit the Zealandia: The Karori Sanctuary Experience, a world first conservation attraction and home to some of New Zealand’s rarest and most endangered wildlife.

• Take a virtual journey through space in Carter Observatory's new planetarium - a state-of-the-art full-dome digital theatre and interactive multimedia space. The kids will love it.