Nau mai haere mai
Welcome to Wellington

At the centre of New Zealand you’ll find Wellington, a vibrant region with so much to offer. It’s a place where culture, food, nature, good times, and more, easily come together — all within a compact footprint and easy access to the rest of the country.

Discover Wellington

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Two smiling friends chatting while standing in front of the Well_ngton Sign at the city's harbourfront.

Your guide to winter in Wellington

Winter in Wellington brings a chill, yes. But there’s still plenty of fun to be had.

Top 10 Wellington must-dos

There’s so much to see and do in the capital. To get you started, here are the top 10 things to do when you visit.

Two friends enjoy food and drinks at Superfina on Cuba Street in Wellington.

New and notable places in Wellington

Treat your taste buds at one of these new cafés, restaurants, and bars in Wellington.

Racks of clothes are positioned in front of Sully's shop windows, looking out on Ghuznee Street.

Boutique shopping in Wellington

Showcasing a curated range of brands from Aotearoa and beyond, boutiques are a one-stop fashion shop.

A Zealandia staff member leads a group of four friends on a walking tour in the forest.

Nature experiences in Wellington

Wellington gets you up close and personal with nature.

Two people enjoy a flight of coffee at The Hangar.

Your essential guide to coffee

Wellington takes its coffee seriously. Whether you’re after a creamy flat white, a jet-fuelled long black, or something in between, there are plenty of places to keep you caffeinated.

Two friends take a break from cycling in front of the colourful boatsheds at Oriental Bay in Wellington on a sunny day.

48 hours in Wellington

It’s compact and walkable, has a calendar full of events, and is stacked with great bars and restaurants. Wellington is the perfect weekend getaway.

Two customers clink their wine glasses and enjoy their food at Graze Wine bar.

Wine not? A full-bodied list of Wellington wine bars

Part of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail, Wellington is the perfect place to sample a local drop (or two).

The All Blacks players before the All Blacks v France Lipovitan-D July Series in Wellington

All Blacks vs Italy

Say ‘sì’ to a great game of international rugby in the city.

11 July 2026

Learn more

Eat & Drink

Eat & Drink
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Patrons enjoying food and coffee inside Midnight Espresso, a popular café on Cuba Street in Wellington.

Capital classics: Long-lasting restaurants

Wellington is fortunate to have a batch of fantastic restaurants that have stood the test of time.

A group of three sit at a table inside Ombra near a window. One reaches across the others to grab a plate and they all laugh.

Where to eat, drink, and be merry on Cuba Street

For many, Cuba Street captures the spirit of Wellington. It’s quirky, bustling, and full of creative life.

Two people dining at Volco on Egmont Street being served their food

Wellington city brunch

Cosy up in a casual café, or get your crew together to debrief on the week.

A bartender in Garage Project pours a beer from taps on the wall. Two people are seated at the bar waiting for a drink.

Crafting your beer experience in Wellington

They’re boutique, fiercely independent, and proudly fly the craft beer flag for Wellington.  

A croissant is picked up with a pair of tongs by a baker wearing a yellow teeshirt and dark grey apron.

Your knead to know list of Wellington bakeries

Rise and shine for your daily dose of carbs at these Wellington bakeries.

Two friends enjoy a meal at Rita. The small restaurant has dim amber lighting and staff working in the background.

From first date to foodie: Where to take your date for dinner

If the way to your date’s heart is through their stomach, Wellington has plenty of options to keep them happy.

A hand holding a dish inside Margot, with 2 other dishes already on the table.

Beyond the central city, great food awaits

The quality of Wellington’s cafés, restaurants, and bars is not confined to the inner city.

Artisanal dark chocolate bars, imprinted with a floral design, on a baking sheet at the Wellington Chocolate Factory.

Artisan chocolate in Wellington

You might be surprised to learn that Wellington is home to some of the most delicious, innovative, and award-winning chocolate in New Zealand.

See & Do

See & do
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The exterior of Roxy Cinema.

Wellington’s boutique cinemas

Sit back in a plush chair and view a movie in style.

A kākā in a tree at Zealandia.

Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne

This pest-proof ‘urban island’ is a great way to experience what New Zealand was like before humans.

Wide of the cable car driving up the tracks with the sun setting over Wellington city and harbour in the background.

Wellington Cable Car

One of the city’s most iconic experiences, Wellington Cable Car leads to some of the best views of the capital.

Family taking a photo with the Wellington sign.

Best things to do for free in Wellington

Have fun for free while making the most of what the capital has to offer.

Two people stand in the middle of a bird themed exhibition in Te Papa Museum in Wellington with bird skeletons visible in the background.

Fun activities for the whole family

Here are eight things that kids and adults alike will love.

Two people sit in the grass with their bicycles lying nearby at Mount Victoria lookout in Wellington, New Zealand with a view of the city centre, the bay and rolling hills in the distance.

Trail and a treat: Outdoor combos in Wellington

Fuel your activity or celebrate your achievement with something sweet or savoury at these handy spots.

The exterior of Te Papa Tongarewa, half glass and half concrete.

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

New Zealand’s national museum reflects the country’s identity, history, and culture.

Two cyclists wear helmets while riding e-bikes along Wellington's waterfront.

Outdoor activities in Wellington

When it’s one of those unbeatable good days, get some fresh air on these outside adventures.

Book a ticket

Events
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The All Blacks players before the All Blacks v France Lipovitan-D July Series in Wellington

All Blacks vs Italy

11 July 2026Hnry Stadium

A model poses wearing a colourful fringe dress and hot pink sunglasses on a bright green background.

World of WearableArt Show: GLO!

17 September – 4 October 2026TSB Arena

Six friends sit in a booth with sharing plates on the table. They raise their wine glasses to toast.

Visa Wellington On a Plate

August 2026

Principal Laurynas Vejalis and Artist Cadence Barrack

Royal New Zealand Ballet 2026 Season

25 February – 7 November 2026St James Theatre

A person holds a tool applying smoke to the top of a pint of red and yellow beer at Beervana 2023, a beer and food festival in Wellington New Zealand.

Beervana

21 – 22 August 2026Hnry Stadium

The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra performing at the Michael Fowler Centre in Wellington, New Zealand.

New Zealand Symphony Orchestra 2026 Season

26 March – 19 November 2026Michael Fowler Centre

Matilda The Musical

Matilda The Musical

23 September – 11 October 2026St James Theatre

Cornelia Parker Cold Dark Matter

Cornelia Parker

10 October 2026 – 7 March 2027City Gallery Wellington

See more of Wellington

Plan your trip
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A drone shot of the Pencarrow Lighthouse Trail in Lower Hutt with two cyclists riding on the grassy path.

Discover the Hutt Valley

Wellington’s big backyard is packed full of outdoor adventures and unmissable experiences.

A birdseye view of three cyclists riding along Te Onepoto Loop Track in Whitireia Park along the coast in Porirua, New Zealand.

Get amongst it in Porirua

With two harbours, extensive trails, and a beating cultural heart, Porirua is worth exploring.

Two cyclists are riding through a vineyard in Martinborough, Wairarapa.

Unwind in Wairarapa

Big skies, wild landscapes, charming villages, delicious food, and award-winning wineries just an hour from Wellington.

A family sits on Raumati beach on the sand under an umbrella. Kapiti Island is in the background.

Discover the charms of the Kāpiti Coast

Sandy beaches, spectacular landscapes, and friendly people are all just a short drive from Wellington.

Two people walking down wooden steps on the Escarpment Track. The coastal road in the background has many cars on it, and nearby are large rocky outcrops on the shoreline.

Find your wild on Wellington’s trails

Whether you walk, bike, hike, or horse ride, discover trails for all walks of life across the region.