Visit Wellington – WellingtonNZ

Your guide to autumn in Wellington

Autumn is a great time to visit Wellington. The days are calm, sunny, and typically less windy than other seasons. Head out and about to enjoy nature, galleries, cafés, and events.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

16 people paddle a waka in the Wellington Harbour.

Te Wharewaka o Pōneke

Discover Wellington’s indigenous history through unique tours with local storytelling.

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.

Three people sit around a table covered in foot plates at Charley Noble. They are clinking wine glasses.

Spoilt for choice — your list of special occasion spots

Got something to celebrate? Or just feeling fancy? Wellington restaurants know how to make you feel special.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

4 ice creams being handed over the counter at Gelissimo Gelateria.

We all scream for ice cream in Wellington

When it’s hot out (and even when it’s not), cool down with your frozen treat of choice. Whether you prefer a scoop, soft serve, gelato, or sorbet, Wellington has it all.

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.

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

Outdoor activities in Wellington

Getting outside doesn’t have to mean just going for a walk. Wellington has a wealth of outdoor activities that will get your blood (and adrenaline) pumping. When it’s one of those unbeatable good days, get some fresh air on these outside adventures

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

Wētā Workshop Experiences & Wētā Cave

Visit the home of movie-making magic in the heart of Wellywood, and see behind the scenes of world-renowned films and television.

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.

Te Wharewaka o Pōneke

Discover Wellington’s indigenous history through unique tours with local storytelling.

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, there are plenty of things to do in Wellington. Here are eight things that kids and adults alike will love.