Nau mai haere mai
Welcome to Wellington

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

Explore Wellington

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The Well_ngton Sign on Wellington's waterfront is reskinned in a reflective colourful material.

See & Do

It’s easy to be entertained in Wellington. Discover mind-bending art galleries, take a trip back in time at a museum, or go wild at the zoo.

Various plates of food on a table at The Ram, including fries, oysters, olives, salami, and more.

Eat & Drink

Find the best-ever coffee, enjoy lunch with a side of harbour views, and indulge at award-winning restaurants. Be sure to bring your appetite to 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.

Trails & Hikes

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

A packed audience inside The Opera House in Te Aro, Wellington.

Events

With world-class gigs, captivating performances, and adrenaline-fuelled games, there’s always something happening in Wellington.

A staff member of Flowers Manuela reached into a bouquet in a room full of vibrant flowers.

Shopping

With boutiques full of local and international designers, quirky gift stores, and well-stocked bookshops, Wellington is a treasure trove of beautiful things.

Naumi Hotel lobby interior with a floral carpet, wallpaper design, giant flower chair in the background.

Accommodation

Stay by the seaside or in a boutique hideaway — Wellington has hotels aplenty

Build your itinerary

Plan your trip
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Couple standing at the top of the Mount Victoria Lookout, with Wellington harbour and city in the background on a sunny day.

Top 10 Wellington must-dos

There’s much to see and do in Wellington, the capital of New Zealand. These are a few of the special experiences that shouldn’t be missed.

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

Spend a weekend in Wellington — it’s compact and walkable, has a calendar full of events, and is stacked with great bars and restaurants.

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

Whether you’re a family that likes to get outdoors or prefers art and culture, these are fun family activities in Wellington that kids will love.

Family taking a photo with the Wellington sign.

Best things to do for free in Wellington

There are plenty of things to do while you’re in Wellington that won’t cost a cent. Have fun for free while making the most of what the capital has to offer.

The patio at Golding's bar located in Te Aro in Wellington, with four tables, twelve stools and eight people sitting enjoying beer and pizza.

How to spend 3 days in Wellington

Extend your weekend trip and spend three days in Wellington. Here’s an itinerary for 72 hours packed with hospitality, events, nature, and fun.

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

Outdoor activities in Wellington

Have fun with these outdoor activities around Wellington. From electric bikes to harbour tours, here’s some ways to explore the city and get some fresh air.

Two people look at the art on display at Te Whanganui a Tara exhibition, Wellington Museum.

What to do on a rainy day in Wellington

When it’s wet outside, Wellington provides plenty of indoor activities to keep you occupied. Head to these attractions to stay warm, dry, and entertained.

Iconic Wellington experiences

More to see & do
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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.

3 people outside Wētā workshops, poking swords at a hill troll from Lord of the Rings.

Wētā Workshop Experiences & Wētā Cave

Wellington’s Wētā Workshop crafts special effects and props for films and TV shows. Visit and take a tour that goes behind the scenes of movie-making magic.

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

Wellington Cable Car

The historical Wellington Cable Car is a must-do in the city. The 5-minute, 612m journey rises 120m above sea level with panoramic views from Kelburn.

A kākā in a tree at Zealandia.

Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne

Named by Time magazine as one of the 100 greatest places in the world, Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne in Wellington is the world’s first fully fenced ecosanctuary.

Two people are standing on Kumutoto Wharf near Lambton Quay on a sunny day. The water behind them is green and the sky is blue.

By the seaside: Where to eat and drink on the waterfront

If you’re wandering along Wellington’s waterfront, here’s where you can eat and drink along the way.

An adult and child walk alongside a fountain at the Wellington Botanic Gardens ki Paekākā. Pink and red roses surround them.

Wellington Botanic Garden ki Paekākā

Wellington is home to the oldest botanic garden in New Zealand. On the city edge there are 25 hectares of specialised plants, unique landscapes, and city views.

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

Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo

Wellington Zoo is home to 500-plus animals, including tigers, capybaras, meerkats, and snow leopards. All tucked into the hills of Newtown on the city fringe.

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

Te Ara Whānui ki te Rangi Space Place

In the hills of Wellington, you’ll find Space Place and the Carter Observatory. A full-dome planetarium that tells the stories of New Zealand’s skies.

Exterior of the Wellington Museum, a blue building with a red door.

Wellington Museum

Wellington Museum tells the stories of our people. From maritime history, Māori and European settlement, and the evolution as the capital.

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

The city’s hills, beaches, and trails offer much opportunity to experience nature. Fuel your adventure with a stop-off at one of the excellent eateries offers nearby.

A close-up shows a person holding a bowl of noodles and lifting a forkful to eat, with greens and slices of meat visible in the dish.

Visa Wellington on a Plate

From immersive events and pop-up restaurants to the ever-popular Burger Wellington, there is plenty to explore at New Zealand's largest food festival.

Annual event (August)

Learn more

Pick your season

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Two people stroll along Oriental Bay Parade in Wellington holding hands on a sunny day.

Your guide to summer in Wellington

Visit an island, scream in a stadium, or indulge in ice cream. Here’s how to enjoy some of Wellington’s best summer days.

Three friends are shopping at Hunters & Collectors.

Your guide to autumn in Wellington

The autumn leaves are numerous and so are the gigs, exhibitions, and festivals in Wellington. Head out into the crisp air and enjoy the buzz.

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 is packed with events. Discover what to do in Wellington — from sport and film to food fests, theatre, and beer.

Three friends have coffee outside Pour & Twist, a café in Te Aro, Wellington.

Your guide to spring in Wellington

Spring in Wellington is a bit like the city itself — lively, unpredictable, and full of surprises. As the days grow longer and the city bursts into bloom, you’ll find pockets of sunshine, crisp sea breezes, and the occasional gust.

Get a taste for the culinary capital

More to eat & drink
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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.

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

Wellington’s thriving craft beer industry is filled with successful independent breweries. Many have cellar doors and tap rooms selling directly to the public.

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).

Two people in a vibrant restaurant setting, holding burgers smiling at each other

Where to find Wellington’s best burgers

Make a point of visiting a local burger joint for something flavoursome, filling, and fun.

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. From doughnuts and croissants to loaves of bread, the proof here is in the pastry.

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

Wellington city brunch: Start your morning sunny side up

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

Plan your trip to Wellington

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A drone shot of the runway at Wellington International Airport with a plane on the runway, a parking lot filled with cars located at Stewart Duff Drive, Rongotai with Hataitai, Evans Bay and Miramar seen in the background.

How to get to Wellington

Located in the middle of New Zealand, it's easy to get to Wellington. By plane, train, car, or boat, here’s how you can cruise into the capital.

2 people walking across the rainbow crossing on Cuba street, next to the rainbow umbrella.

Getting around Wellington

Wellington is a compact city centre with accessible transport options. Navigating the capital is a breeze with public transport and easy walking and biking.

People sit at the information desk of the Wellington isite in Tākina.

Wellington isite Visitor Information Centre

The Wellington isite Visitor Information Centre is your first stop for travel advice and bookings for tours, activities, and accommodation.

Illustrated city map of Wellington city centre.

Wellington maps and guides

Plan your visit to and from Wellington with handy maps and guides. Including a Wellington visitor guide and Classic New Zealand Wine Trail map.

Naumi Hotel lobby interior with a floral carpet, wallpaper design, giant flower chair in the background.

Accommodation

Stay by the seaside or in a boutique hideaway — Wellington has hotels aplenty

More beyond the city