Wellington
Two people walking along a pebbled beach near the shoreline, with calm water, boats, and a tree-covered hillside in the background. One person is holding a takeaway coffee cup.

Your guide to Miramar Peninsula

A giant Wellington sign that looks ‘blown away’ by the wind marks the gateway to the Miramar Peninsula. Go behind the scenes for a day in New Zealand’s Hollywood, unearthing rugged coastlines, movie magic, and proud locals.

Miramar Essentials Kit

Looking for the must-visit spots on the Miramar Peninsula? Here’s where to begin.

Two visitors posing with a giant troll sculpture at Wētā Workshop, with one holding a staff outside a hobbit-style building surrounded by trees and greenery.

Visit the home of movie-making in Wellington at Wētā Workshop in Miramar.

Kiwi glitz at Wētā Workshop and beyond

Tucked within the peninsula are several globally recognised film companies. Film stages at Stone Street Studios, Park Road Post Production, and Wētā FX, to name a few. This unique concentration led to the famous Miramar nickname “Wellywood”. For those without a backstage pass, you can still get a taste of the industry. Book a tour at the famous Wētā Workshop to marvel at creations featured in Avatar, The Lord of the Rings, and Narnia. Scout out Fort Dorset to get a glimpse of the Prancing Pony filming location in The Lord of the Rings. Keen to relax? Visit the stunning art-deco Roxy Cinema and pick a flick.

Coffee and a sweet treat

When in central Miramar, Park Kitchen is the place to enjoy breakfast with the locals. Or, if you’re craving a cheese scone, the Swimsuit team have got you covered. For those partial to a sweet treat, visit Vonuts for a scrumptious plant-based doughnut. Adjacent to Wētā Workshop, Pestle & Mortar or The Larder will get you caffeinated and ready to go. If you’re excited to venture around the bays first, stop by the iconic Scorch O Rama. This café boasts one of the prettiest settings in the Wellington region. Further south, Arcimboldi doubles as a rustic restaurant and unofficial Seatoun community hub.

Get your body moving

It’s time to stretch your legs and discover the natural nooks and crannies of Miramar. Stroll the Eastern Walkway to soak up views of the harbour and mighty Remutaka Range. (Bonus: Sunrise at the top of Breaker Bay will please the true early birds). Not quite as natural, but plenty of fun, is the iconic Miramar Golf Club. Grab a club at this popular spot and give it a whirl. Meanwhile, adrenaline-junkies will appreciate the mountain bike riding trails in Centennial Reserve.

Eat up, it’s good for you

Take a lunchtime break and load up on delicious homemade pasta at Bungusto Pasta Workshop & Café. For dinner, continue the Mediterranean love at Oikos Hellenic Cuisine. This restaurant reigns supreme as Wellington’s Greek culinary paradise. Meanwhile, beer lovers can’t miss Double Vision Brewery. The taproom is dog-and baby-friendly, with an elite food truck attached. Or keep it classic with good ol’ fish and chips at Huckle & Co. in Seatoun. 

Two people enjoy a meal together on a pebble beach by the water.

Seatoun Beach is a five-minute walk from Huckle & Co. 

How to get to Miramar

Hire a bike 

It’s about the journey and the destination. Hire a bike in the central city and ride the flat path along the waterfront. 

Public transport 

Keen to skip the wind resistance training? Bus routes numbered 2, 31x and 24 will deliver you straight to central Miramar. They are arguably the most scenic bus rides in Wellington. 

Self-drive 

Drive the bays on a DIY tour to squeeze out all the goodness in a short period of time.

More Miramar

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

Cheers for beers

Dive into Wellington’s craft beer scene at Double Vision Brewery in Miramar.

The exterior of Roxy Cinema.

Wellington’s boutique cinemas

You’re in film-nerd heaven at The Roxy Cinema in Miramar.

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 combos in Wellington

Swim at Scorching Bay, brunch at Scorch-O-Rama.

Ali Quinn at the Zerode headquarters in Miramar.

Zerode leads the pack

Miramar-based mountain bike brand Zerode is winning races and advancing bike design and technology.

Two people laying traps along Wellington’s wild coast

Kiwi in the Capital

Learn about conservation efforts in Miramar and beyond.

Group of golfers pushing golf bags on the green at the Royal Wellington Golf Club.

Tee off in Wellington

Right next to the airport, Miramar Golf Club combines mini golf, a two-tier driving range, and excellent plane spotting.

Discover more city guides

The Miramar Peninsula is just the start. Explore more things to do, eat and explore in Wellington.

Plan your trip

Looking for more?

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

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

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Shop sustainably — secondhand fashion in Wellington

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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.

A long weekend in Wellington

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Two people sharing a plate of small bites at Jano Bistro.

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People seated at a bar, holding drinks and talking with a bartender, with records displayed on the wall behind.

New and notable places in Wellington

Treat your tastebuds and find a new place to eat at one of these new cafés, restaurants, and bars in Wellington.

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

Nature experiences in Wellington

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

Two people sit and enjoy iced coffees and a dessert on the beach-side patio at Maranui café in Lyall Bay, Wellington.

Brunch by the beach

Fresh coffee, sea breeze, and eggs over easy — these seaside cafés in Wellington offer views of the water and delicious brunch menus.