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 brings a chill, yes. But there’s still plenty of fun to be had. Wrap up and head out to a cosy bar, vibrant event, or breathtaking view. Don’t let the cold keep you indoors.

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 taste buds 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, the capital provides plenty of indoor activities to keep you occupied. Head to these Wellington attractions to stay warm, dry, and entertained.

Cosy restaurants for winter dining

Think roaring fireplaces, candles, warm service, and hearty soul food. Just add a glass of local Martinborough pinot noir, and you have a perfect winter’s evening.

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

Bookworms will be in heaven in Wellington, where independent bookstores are around every corner.

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 a 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. If you don’t fit everything in, you can always come back for more.

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 or down a laneway, these are Wellington’s best-kept secret bars.

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

Te Ara Whānui ki te Rangi Space Place

Space Place is home to a digital full-dome planetarium, the historic Thomas Cooke telescope, and interactive galleries and exhibitions.

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

If the way to your date’s heart is through their stomach, Wellington has plenty of options to keep them happy.

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

They’re boutique, fiercely independent, and proudly fly the craft beer flag for Wellington.

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 the capital. 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

It’s hot and hearty food for the soul. Many cultures have a go-to soup that warms the belly. Many have made their way to the Wellington restaurant scene.

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

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.

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

Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo

The first carboNZero-certified zoo in the world, Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo puts conservation at the centre of everything it does.

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

Experience the stories of Wellington and its people. From maritime history, early Māori settlement, and the city’s evolution since becoming the capital in 1865.