Visit Wellington - WellingtonNZ

Your guide to autumn in Wellington

Autumn in Wellington brings with it plenty of crisp mornings and settled days. Wander the hills, see an exhibition, and enjoy a meal outside (but you might want to bring an extra layer).

Three people are taking a selfie at the Mount Victoria Lookout with a view of Wellington harbour and city centre behind them.

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 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 chat over food and drinks at Hei, a modern Chinese restaurant 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.

A person in a long striped gown walks through a boutique clothing store.

Shop for local labels in Wellington

The capital is home to some of New Zealand’s best designers. Shop their wares at flagship stores dotted around the city centre. If you’re lucky, you’ll even get to see the faces behind the brands in store.

Outside the Wellington Chocolate Factory, 2 people stand enjoying a coffee. A large black wall is to the left with the business name on it.

24 hours in Wellington

If you’ve only got a day in Wellington and want to get a feel of what the city is like – get ready for a whirlwind tour of tastes, sights, and sounds. If you don’t fit everything in, you can always come back for more.

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.

Waiter serving smiling customers at an outside table of August Eatery, with other customers and green plants in the foreground.

Using Te Reo in Wellington

Hei whakanui i te wiki o te Reo Māori, anei ētahi kīanga paku hei āwhina i a koe ki te huri haere, kia whānui ake hoki tō mōhio mō Te Whanganui a Tara.

A person chats with friends over coffee and pastries at Floriditas.

Wellington city brunch: Start your morning sunny side up

Wellington is a city that takes its mid-morning meal seriously. Whether you’re in the mood for eggs just the way you like them, a vegan feast, or a sweet treat, you’ll find a meal to suit your cravings.

Hummingbird

Commanding a prominent corner on Courtenay Place, this restaurant is an oasis for mouthwatering food, quality cocktails, and personable service.

Inside a busy Chinese restaurant with red lanterns suspended from the ceiling.

Bring your own: BYO restaurants in Wellington worth the corkage

You bring the friends and the wine, and these restaurants will take care of the rest. Wellington has a wide variety of BYO spots. Head out, enjoy some great food, and sip on your favourite drop at the same time.

Swimsuit

Find perfect brews, buttery cheese scones, and a cool community vibe at this bustling central-city coffee shop.

Two people enjoying food and wine at Kisa, a Mediterranean restaurant on Cuba Street in Te Aro, Wellington.

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 family of four sitting together sharing some takeaway food outside.

Where to eat with kids

Here’s the scoop on some family-friendly spots within Wellington’s vibrant foodie scene. From cosy cafés to beach breweries, you and your children can enjoy a tasty meal together.

The exterior of a busy wine bar and restaurant with patrons filling both interior and exterior seating.

Noble Rot Wine Bar

Behind a distinctive red brick façade on Swan Lane, you’ll find exceptional cuisine and a vast wine collection.

View of Courtenay place from Dirty Little Secret rooftop bar.

Get a taste of Courtenay Place

A hotspot for all things fun and entertainment, there’s plenty to tempt your tastebuds on one of Wellington’s buzziest streets — Courtenay Place.

Young children pointing up at the Earth projected onto the digital planetarium and Space Place.

Te Ara Whānui ki te Rangi Space Place

Space Place is home to a digital full-dome planetarium, the historic Thomas Cooke telescope, and interactive galleries and exhibitions.

The exterior of the New Zealand Parliament building at 1 Museum Street, Pipitea in Wellington at sunset with pink-coloured clouds in the sky above.

New Zealand Parliament Tours

Walk the corridors of power and see where New Zealand laws and policies are made.

Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne

This pest-proof ‘urban island’ is the closest thing you’ll find to experiencing what New Zealand was like before humans.

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

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

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

Get close to nature in Wellington

From serene walks in the bush to daredevil antics in the treetops, animal encounters to world first nature reserves — Wellington gets you up close and personal with nature.

Wellington’s boutique cinemas

The capital is a film lover’s dream destination. It has a thriving movie industry, is a UNESCO City of Film, and is home to many independent cinemas. Sit back in a plush chair and view a movie in style.

The interior of Te Whanganui a Tara exhibition at the Wellington Museum with two people admiring the colourful artwork displayed.

Travel back in time with these unique Wellington experiences

The heritage and history of a place helps ground us as we look to the future. Te Whanganui a Tara has a wealth of institutions dedicated to preserving and presenting the history of the city, region, and country.

Two smiling people sit on a wooden bench petting a lemur during a Close Encounter experience at Wellington Zoo.

Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo

The first carboNZero-certified zoo in the world, Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo puts conservation at the centre of everything it does.

Wellington Museum

Experience the stories of Wellington and its people. From maritime history, early Māori settlement, and the city’s evolution since becoming the capital in 1865.