You’ll be surprised at all the things you can do in downtown Wellington for under $5, there's something for everyone!
- 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.
- Try unique, unconventional transport. Take the Cable Car. For $3 you can ride from downtown Wellington to the top entrance of the city’s Botanic Garden, where various walks begin. Or $5 will get you there and back.
- Go for an educational tour inside and around Parliament Buildings and the Beehive for free. 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 exhibition on, then check out Popup Gallery on Ghuznee Street for that something different and then Mary Newton Gallery on Vivian Street for funky exhibitions.
- If the weather goes bad, head to the Wellington City Library. The library is running their usual story time, rhymes, songs and music with a Christmas theme. Perfect to keep school children entertained.
- Queens Wharf is said to be one of the busiest parts of the waterfront. Take a walk and soak in the summer atmosphere, alternatively have a latte and relax in Shed 5.
- Enjoy the enormous range of gelato and sorbet at Kaffee Eis this summer. Either relax at their café on The Lagoon or take away on your walk along the waterfront. A must do this summer!
- 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 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.
- 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.
- Spend an afternoon with the kids at Queen’s Wharf. Bring your lines and try your luck at fishing off the wharf. Find bait at home, or purchase it. An afternoon out for less than $5.
- If you are a chocoholic, you have to visit Ciocco Chocolates. Taste the different flavours such as Lime Chilli and Sea Salt, or purchase beautifully handcrafted chocolates that are almost too precious to eat (this might break the budget if you get more then 1!)
- Head to the Museum of Wellington and discover stories of both sea and land, complementing Te Papa's stories of the Nation.
- Take a walk in the Otari-Wilton’s Bush, New Zealand’s only botanic garden dedicated solely to growing native plants.
Alternatively, if your budget is slightly larger why not try some of these suggestions… - Wander up Cuba Street and sample some of its quirky, chic cafes. Floriditas and Fidel’s are favourites of ours; pop in for coffee and a piece of cake.
- Want to try something different this weekend? Why not get a group of friends together and try your hand at rock climbing, kayaking or inline skating. All available at Fergs Kayaks and a cheap alternative to hanging round home.
- Or hire the crocodile bikes and cruise round the waterfront. Stop by at Movenpick for an ice-cream and then continue on your ride.
- 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.
- If boyfriends, brothers or just boys are driving you crazy, send them down to Laserforce. It’s a guaranteed good time that they will enjoy.
- Head to the sophisicated bowling alley - The Lanes where you'll find top notch bowling, a bar and a restaurant!
