On a crisp, golden autumn day, there’s no better place to be in Wellington than the waterfront. Meander the oceanside boulevards with a hot drink in hand. You can watch ferries glide into port, sea life in the harbour, or stop in at one of many attractions and places to eat.
If you’re in the mood for culture, make a beeline for the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. Spanning six storeys and 36,000 square metres, it’s the country’s largest and most dynamic museum. Inside, you'll find more than 800,000 artworks, taonga, and specimens. Immersive, interactive exhibitions bring these treasures to life.
Start with the Te Taiao Nature exhibit, where you’ll learn about New Zealand’s natural environment. Discover native wildlife, seismic forces, and even walk through a living forest. Head up to Toi Art to see a rotating showcase of the best in New Zealand art and photography. Don’t miss Gallipoli: The Scale of Our War. Created in collaboration with Wētā Workshop, it’s a deeply human tribute to those who served in WWI, told on a breathtaking scale.
Te Papa
Gallipoli: The Scale of Our War exhibition at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.
After exploring Te Papa, chances are you’ll have worked up a solid appetite. Luckily, Wellington hosts a wide array of quality long-standing restaurants. Here, great food and great service go hand in hand. Floriditas on Cuba Street is delicious any time of day. The café and restaurant has made a name for itself with inventive seasonal fare, merging elevated Kiwi classics with European bistro dining. Great India on Manners Street is one of the dining scene’s stalwarts, having been open for over 40 years. Every one of its 60-plus dishes is made from scratch. If you’re after something more elevated, try the award-winning Capitol on Kent Terrace. The food is fresh and uncluttered, with a wonderful balance of flavours.
If you find that has reinvigorated your appetite for culture, City Gallery Wellington is the next stop on your journey. While its usual home in Ngākau Civic Square is temporarily closed, the gallery continues to present exhibitions at the National Library of New Zealand. This building also houses He Tohu, an exhibition of significant national documents. This includes Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the Women’s Suffrage Petition, and the He Whakaputanga — Declaration of Independence.
Autumn evenings in Wellington offer plenty of possibilities. Check out a movie at the city’s grandest picture palace, the Embassy Theatre. If intimate is more your jam, snuggle into the plush two-seater couches at Light House Cuba. Venture further afield to the elegant, art deco-inspired Roxy in Miramar, or the artsy Penthouse Cinema in Brooklyn.
The season also brings the NZ International Comedy Festival. This popular event draws thousands of people to live comedy shows around the city. It’s the perfect chance to get a taste of that trademark Kiwi humour: clever, offbeat, and delightfully self-deprecating.
For anyone sad to have missed summer in the capital, enjoy one last open-air frolic at the free street festival CubaDupa. Watch as every corner of the Cuba Quarter transforms to showcase the city’s creative heart. Dance alongside locals and visitors alike until well after sundown.
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.
March 2026
The sun is shining and the harbour is glistening. If you’re wandering along Wellington’s beautiful waterfront, here’s where you can eat and drink along the way.
New Zealand’s national museum reflects the country’s identity, history, and culture.
Wellington is fortunate to have a batch of fantastic restaurants that have stood the test of time.
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.
‘Brr’, you say? Yes, it’s winter in Wellington, so the chills are multiplying. Don’t worry, though — the city has plenty of fun to warm you up. So, grab your coat and scarf and head out the door.
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.
Find your next favourite piece at these curated op shops, consignment stores, and all-around treasure troves.
Treat your taste buds at one of these new cafés, restaurants, and bars in Wellington.