Visit Wellington – WellingtonNZ

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.

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.

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.

Cosy restaurants for winter dining

Think roaring fireplaces, candles, warm service, and hearty soul food. These are the Wellington restaurants that will keep you warm when it's cold outside.

Two people browse through books outside Pegasus Books in Left Bank off Cuba Street. Pegasus Books is an older wooden building with shelves of eclectic books outside.

Wellington’s independent bookstores

Welcome to bookworm heaven. From secondhand treasures to the newest releases, there’s a book for everyone at these boutique bookshops in Wellington.

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 one 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.

A bartender at Ascot pours a sangio. Large mirrors on the wall behind them reflect outside, and the sign hangs above their head.

Hidden bars of Wellington (and how to find them)

Up a flight of winding stairs, down a laneway, or tucked into the back of a hotel, here’s how to find Wellington’s hidden bars.

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.

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.

Interior of Hummingbird restaurant in Wellington, with guests seated at a green-tiled bar while a staff member prepares drinks behind the counter, shelves of bottles and glassware illuminated by warm, ambient lighting.

Capital classics: Long-lasting restaurants

Wellington is fortunate to have a batch of fantastic restaurants that have stood the test of time.

From first date to foodie: Where to take your date for dinner

Whether you’re looking for first-date inspiration, a new spot for date night, or something for a special occasion dinner, here’s where to book in Wellington.

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

Beyond the central city, great food awaits

The quality of Wellington’s cafés, restaurants, and bars is not confined to the inner city.

Where to eat, drink, and be merry on Cuba Street

For many, Cuba Street captures the spirit of Wellington. It’s quirky, bustling, and full of creative life.

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.

Three people eat crab and other seafood plates at The Crab Shack on Queens Wharf.

Daily dining deals in Wellington

No matter the day, there’s a foodie deal in Wellington. From eggs for breakfast to pizza for dinner, you can have a delicious day, whatever your budget.

Close up of a person enjoying a bowl of pho with a pair of chopsticks.

Keeping you in the soup loop

Soup is hot and hearty food for the soul. Find the best bowls around Wellington.

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.

Wellington’s boutique cinemas

Wellington is a film lover’s dream destination and home to many independent movie theatres. You can sit back and enjoy a movie in style at one of these cinemas.

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.

Looking into Iris Store + Studio adorned with their beauty products in white bottles on shelves along the wall and a counter in the centre.

Wellington‘s top spa and wellness experiences

Feeling frazzled? Aura a little off? Wellington offers fantastic spots to relax and reset. Whether you’re after a luxury spa experience, or a soothing facial, there’s a place you can escape to.

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.

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.

Wellington Museum

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

Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve

According to Lonely Planet, stargazing in the Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve is one of the Top 25 Experiences in the World. To have a memorable evening in Wairarapa, all you need to do is look up.

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

1 – 31 August 2026

A model poses wearing a colourful fringe dress and hot pink sunglasses on a bright green background.

World of WearableArt Show: GLO!

17 September – 4 October 2026TSB Arena

Four members of the Drax Project posing for the camera

Drax Project & Friends — Wellington Town Hall reopening

20 February 2027Te Whare Whakarauika Wellington Town Hall

Harlem Globetrotters — 100 Year Tour

16 July 2026TSB Arena

Principal Laurynas Vejalis and Artist Cadence Barrack

Royal New Zealand Ballet 2026 Season

25 February – 7 November 2026St James Theatre

Looking up to the stands and roof of the St James Theatre, the red seats and gold fixtures can be seen, as well as the very large light on the roof.

Wellington Historic Theatre Tours

Explore Wellington's iconic St James Theatre and The Opera House with behind-the-scenes tours, history, architecture, and hidden stories brought to life.