15 of the best things to do in Wellington
Get to know New Zealand’s cool little capital with these must-do activities.
Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand, sits tucked alongside a stunning harbour at the very bottom of the North Island.
The small but mighty capital is famous for a vibrant arts and cultural scene, housing the nation’s government in a building adorably called ‘the Beehive’, and having an impressive number of cafes and craft beer breweries.
Wellingtonians put up with a lot when it comes to the weather — it’s almost always windy — but won’t stand for anything less than excellence when it comes to eating and drinking.
The result is a selection of stellar restaurants, bars, and coffee roasteries, with hole-in-the-wall eateries secreted away down narrow streets.
Compressed between the mountains and sea, Wellington is easily explored on foot and strolling the eclectic and lively streets is all part of the fun.
Wellington's magic isn’t just confined to the urban centre, though. The rugged coastline, bush covered hills, and nearby islands provide ample outdoor adventures.
Sometimes, if you’re lucky, nature even comes to the city — orcas are known to pop into the harbour, and kākā (native parrots) flit through the city’s trees.
There are so many things to do in Wellington, you could easily spend a week here. These are some of my favourite ways to spend time in New Zealand’s cool little capital.
jump ahead.
About Wellington
The best things to do in Wellington
Wellington travel guide
About Wellington
Wellington is a relatively small city, home to only around 410,000 people (Auckland has a population of around 1.5 million).
Wellington is the seat of New Zealand’s parliament, and is where most government agencies are located.
Wellington is often referred to as the "Windy City." It experiences some of the strongest and most consistent winds of any city in the world due to its location between the North and South Islands and the surrounding topography.
The windy nature of the city can make flying in a nerve-racking experience, as the airport runway is right by the water and as the wind rattles the planes on the way down, landing seems very dodgy.
Another fun fact, Wellington is the southernmost capital city in the world, making it the closest capital to Antarctica.
The best things to do in Wellington
1. When in Wellington, drink coffee
When visiting Wellington, start your day like Wellingtonians do — with caffeine. Coffee culture is strong in the capital city, and locals take their morning brew seriously.
A popular spot for a caffeine fix is Customs Coffee. Order a flat white (a vital part of New Zealand’s food and drink heritage) and pair it with one of Wellington’s famous cheese scones.
If you’re not in a rush, pull up a stool in Pour and Twist, the only fully manual coffee brew bar in New Zealand and take a deep dive into methods of hand brewing coffee.
There’s no hissing espresso machine in here. The owners are just as enthusiastic about sharing the craft of hand brewed coffee as they are serving it and are happy to demonstrate different brew methods.
Other famous coffee spots in Wellington include Fidel’s on Cuba Street, and Havana Coffee Works, a colourful, retro roastery where beans are roasted in batches by passionate coffee artisans.
2. Explore the bohemian Cuba Street
Image courtesy of Ziggurat
You can’t visit Wellington without going for a stroll down Cuba Street, the bohemian heart of Wellington.
On this eclectic strip, you can browse vintage shops like Ziggurat, and Hunters and Collectors, or look for new vinyl at independent record stores.
Don’t forget to look out for the clanking bucket fountain, an icon of the city.
Cuba Street is also one of the great dining streets of Wellington city. This is where you’ll find local favourites like Scopa Pizzeria, Kisa, and Olive.
3. Learn about New Zealand history at Te Papa
Cost: Free
Location: Wellington Central
One of Wellington’s star attractions is the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, which has pride of place on the waterfront.
New Zealand’s national museum houses exhibits on Māori and Pacific history. Te Papa is an essential stop for learning about the heritage of Māori people, as well as the Moriori people who inhabit the Chatham Islands.
There are also stunning collections of artworks like the exhibit from the Mataaho Collective, four Māori women who have been working together for the past decade.
Admission to Te Papa is free, and the cavernous interior is a welcome refuge on days of inclement weather.
4. Explore Wellington’s literary history, and go book shop hopping
Wellington was once home to Katherine Mansfield, one of New Zealand’s most prominent writers.
Visit the Mansfield House and Gardens to see
Another great literary activity in Wellington is to follow the Writers Walk around the waterfront.
A series of sculptures with quotes from renowned New Zealand writers and poets are dotted along the waterfront. Following this trail is a great way get to know some of the literary names of New Zealand, and the waterfront is well worth walking in its own right.
If you feel inspired to pick up new reading material after your waterside walk, head to Good Books.
This independent bookstore started by Wellington poet Jane Arthur and author Catherine Robertson does exactly what it says on the tin, featuring a carefully crafted selection of good books.
Another great independent bookstore is Unity Books, and Ferret Bookshop is a good spot for quality second-hand books.
5. See Wellington’s creative side at a perfumerie in Aro Valley
Aro Valley is an inner-city suburb home to some of Wellington’s coolest creatives.
Among the brewers, bakers, and makers is Abel Odor, a natural perfumery that is part factory and part shop.
Abel was founded by New Zealander Frances Shoemack, as a result of her quest for a natural perfume that is sustainable and ethical. The perfumery’s mission is to create the world’s best natural perfume without compromising on ethics or aesthetics.
At the flagship store in Te Aro, you can enjoy the gorgeous aesthetics of bespoke furniture and the functional stainless steel of the working factory (or ‘fabriek’ as they call it.
Here, you’re invited to be guided through the fragrance experience. You can go behind the scenes of a functioning, hyper-modern perfumery, and maybe walk out with a delightfully scented souvenir.
6. Take the iconic Cable Car up to the Botanic Gardens
Cost: $6 one way
Location: Wellington Central (ends up near the Botanic Gardens)
One of the most fun things to do in Wellington is to catch the fire engine red Cable Car that has been trundling up and down the Kelburn hillside since 1902.
You can catch the cable car from Lambton Quay, the main shopping street running parallel to the waterfront.
The cable car climbs around 120 meters in a short five minutes, saving you a hike up the hillside. Disembark at the Kelburn terminal; from here, you can walk through the Botanic Gardens.
Wellington Botanic Garden is situated on the hills above the city center, encompassing 25 hectares (62 acres) of landscaped gardens, forests, and natural bush.
From their location on the hill, you can enjoy views across the city to the harbour beyond.
For an even better view, head to the Te Ahumairangi Hill Lookout — about a one hour walk from the Cable Car Kelburn terminal through the gardens. as your final destination.
From the lookout, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view of the city.
7. Visit Zealandia to see a vision of New Zealand without people
Zealandia is a fenced wildlife sanctuary with a 500 year plan to restore the valley where it’s located, wedged into a hillside not far from central Wellington, to a pre-human state.
Visit Zealandia during the day for a chance to spot rare birds like tieke/saddlebacks, takahē and kākā, or at night for a chance to see nocturnal kiwi.
There’s a free shuttle to Zealandia from the Kelburn terminal of the Cable Car, so it’s easy to combine the two activities.
8. Visit the National Library to see New Zealand’s founding documents
Cost: Free
One of the best things to do in Wellington is completely free.
Visit the National Library Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, opposite the New Zealand Parliament buildings, to see the New Zealand's founding documents. He Tohu is a permanent exhibition of three constitutional documents that shape Aotearoa.
The Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti o Waitangi, signed in 1840, is the founding agreement between Māori and the Crown. It is displayed facing toward the doors of parliament across the road, to constantly challenge the government and hold them accountable.
New Zealand was the first country in the world to give women the vote, and at He Tohu you can see the 1893 Women’s Suffrage Petition, Te Petihana Whakamana Pōti Wahine.
The third document is the He Whakaputanga — Declaration of Independence, which was created by Maori leaders/rangatira in 1835 to show the world that New Zealand was an independent Māori nation.
The hand-crafted room where these documents are kept is inspired by traditional Māori waka huia, or canoes. It's lined with wood and has a curved ceiling.
The interactive exhibits give context to these important documents and insight into New Zealand's history.
Entry is free.
9. Visit Wellington’s craft beer brewpubs
A visit to one of the capital’s craft beer brewpubs is an essential activity in Wellington.
The city boasts the most craft beer breweries per capita in New Zealand, earning its reputation as the craft beer capital of the country. It's a haven for beer enthusiasts with its diverse range of breweries and bars.
The craft beer culture is strong in Wellington, and the city’s breweries encapsulate a lot of the grungy, creative charm of the capital.
On the funky Hannah’s Laneway, a block over from Cuba street, you’ll find Fortune Favours spread across two stories of an old industrial building.
Near the upper end of Cuba Street is Heyday, a pastel green brewpub in a former car battery shop. There are tables out the front, so on a fine day you can sit in the sunshine and enjoy cold brews.
Garage Project is another local favourite. Their brewery in Aro Valley features a rotating selection of unique and experimental beers,
The wood-panelled taproom has a laid-back vibe and on tap are around 20 beers. Try a tasting flight for the full experience.
Over in Lyall Bay, one of Wellington’s best beaches, is ParrotDog.
Founded by three friends, ParrotDog has become a staple in the Wellington craft beer scene. Their brewery and bar in Lyall Bay offer a wide range of craft beers, including popular favorites and seasonal releases.
10. Spot seals in the Red Rocks reserve
On a coastal walk only a short drive from the city centre, and close to Island Bay, a swanky neighbourhood by the sea, you can see some of Wellington’s best scenery, and wildlife.
Red Rocks Reserve is located in the Owhiro Bay area, about a 30-minute drive from Wellington's city centre.
The Red Rocks path follows the rocky sea shore along the coast. The walk is a coastal track that's relatively easy, making it suitable for a wide range of visitors, including families and casual hikers.
The trail takes you past distinctive red and orange-hued rocks, which were formed from ancient volcanic activity.
Seals laze on the rocks, quite unbothered by the people walking by.
On clear days, you can even see as far as the South Island.
The walk is approximately 2.5 to 3 hours return, depending on how far you choose to go. It's around 6.5 km (4 miles) from the Owhiro Bay car park to Sinclair Head and back.
11. Explore Wellington’s restaurants
Over a few days in Wellington, you can go on a culinary tour of the world.
You could try a Myanmar tea leaf salad at Mabel’s, silky Syrian walnut-and-red-pepper dip at Damascus, toast with avocado, labneh and hot pickled carrots at Customs Coffee, and Pacific delicacies like kina at Hiakai.
There are so many restaurants to explore in Wellington that eating out is an activity in itself, a tour of New Zealand’s cultural influences and exceptional produce.
Until recently, New Zealand cuisine was mostly associated with lamb shanks and potatoes, or greasy snacks like petrol station pies.
These things still have a place in our food traditions, but now diverse, creative chefs are redefining modern New Zealand cuisine — and Wellington is an excellent place to see this in action.
12. Take a picnic up Mount Victoria
The Mount Victoria Lookout in Wellington is a must-do.
The view from the top of the mount (more of a hill) is glorious. From here, you can appreciate the splendour of Wellington’s harbour location, with bush clad hills rising around the city and sweeping sea views.
Before walking up the hill, swing by the famous chef wholesaler and gourmet goods paradise Moore Wilson’s on Lorne Street.
In true Wellington style, here you’ll find everything you need for a decadent picnic, including cheeses, meats, and baked sweet treats.
The Mount Victoria Lookout is about a 30 minute walk from the centre of the city.
Mount Victoria is also famous for its cameo appearance in the Lord of the Rings trilogy as Hobbiton Woods. If you’re a LOTR fan, you can follow the Hobbit path to find the spot where Frodo and the other hobbits hid from the ring wraith.
13. Swing by the City Gallery Wellington
Cost: Free
The City Gallery Wellington is housed in a former public library building in the city centre. You’ll recognise it easily thanks to the giant,and slightly terrigying sculture of a human hand with a face glaring down from the roof.
The 16-foot sculture is called Quasi, by Ronnie van Hout.
The City Gallery showcases modern art — it’s a great place to see exhibitions from New Zealand artists.
General admission is free.
14. Go on a day trip to Martinborough’s wineries in the Wairarapa
Location: 90 minutes from Wellington Central
Going on a wine-tasting tour of Wairarapa wineries is a must-do in Wellington.
Located only an hour and a half from Wellington, the Wairarapa region has stunning vineyards. The wine town of Martinborough is at the heart of the region.
Visit renowned wineries like Ata Rangi, known for its top-tier Pinot Noir, or Poppies Martinborough, celebrated for its elegant white varietals.
Engage in guided tours, often hosted by passionate winemakers, unraveling the nuances of winemaking from grape to bottle. Revel in wine-tasting sessions at cellar doors, surrounded by the picturesque landscapes that define the Wairarapa region.
You can visit with a wine tour from Wellington, or DIY your own visit with a few tastings and a vineyard lunch — just make sure you have a sober driver if you do.
Wellington travel guide
All the questions you have about visiting Wellington, in one place.
Is Wellington worth visiting?
Wellington is well worth visiting. There are many attractions to explore right in the city centre, as well as some epic day trip destinations within an hour’s drive. With so many great restaurants, cafes, and bars, it’s a great idea to spend a couple of days in exploring Wellington.
What is Wellington known for?
Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, is known for its vibrant food scene, often hailed as the country's gastronomic capital. The city is a creative hub, as the home of Weta Workshop, and has many diverse galleries, theatres, and museums. Combined with dramatic natural beauty, Wellington is famous for being New Zealand’s most interesting city to visit.
When is the best time to visit Wellington?
The best time to visit Wellington is in the summer and autumn months, from December to April. Wellington is a famously windy city and it can also be very cold and wet during winter. In summer, you have more chance of seeing Wellington in the sunshine — and as locals love to say, you can’t beat Wellington on a good day.
Having said this, I’ve spent time in Wellington in June and July, freedom camping out by Red Rocks Reserve, and it was fine. I had a hot water bottle in my van and was perfectly toasty.
There are lots of indoor options for activities in Wellington, including cosy cafes and restaurants, thrift shopping, museums and art galleries, and more.
While the views and walks of Wellington won’t be as pleasant on a wet and blustery day, you can still enjoy the city’s excellent food and coffee — in fact, heavy cheese scones taste even better on a cold day.
How to spend a day in Wellington
If you only have one day in Wellington, get brunch and coffee from one of the city’s famous cafes in the morning, go for a stroll around the waterfront, stop by Te Papa museum and then head down Cuba Street.
After an afternoon of browsing book shops and record stores, you can have dinner at one of the great restaurants in the city, and round out your day with a cocktail or glass of local wine in a speakeasy bar like Puffin.
How to spend 3 days in Wellington
n Wellington, a 3-day exploration begins with a deep dive into culture and history on day one, wandering through the captivating exhibits at Te Papa Tongarewa Museum and a scenic stroll along the waterfront.
On day two, embrace the city's artistic spirit with visits to galleries like City Gallery Wellington and the vibrant Cuba Street. Pair this with a taste of adventure at Zealandia Ecosanctuary or a cable car ride to the botanical wonders of Wellington Botanic Garden.
Lastly, day three invites a journey to the outskirts, exploring the coastal wonders of Red Rocks Reserve or a trip to the wineries in nearby Wairarapa. Throughout, relish the city's culinary scene, delighting in craft beer breweries and local eateries, for Wellington is as much a feast for the palate as it is for the soul.
Thanks for reading this far! I hope you’re looking forward to exploring Wellington, our funky little capital city.
If you’ve enjoyed my recommendations, you might want to check these out as well before you go:
