Best Things To Do in Wellington, New Zealand

Are you looking for what to do in Wellington?

Wellington tourist attractions are aplenty. Some must visit ones are:

  • Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa: The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa is the national museum of New Zealand. It gives visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the interesting and amazing human history of New Zealand.
  • Zealandia: Zealandia is home to some of New Zealand's most rare and extraordinary wildlife. It is a protected wild region set around a picturesque reservoir.
  • Wellington Botanic Garden: Established in 1868, the Wellington Botanical Garden comprises of a unique landscape, protected native forest, specialized and exotic tree collections, beautiful flowering plants and it also offers a stunning view of the city of Wellington!
  • Museum of Wellington City and Sea: The Museum of Wellington City and Sea is a popular museum and offers an insight into the rich history of Wellington.
  • Beehive: The Parliament Buildings are one of Wellington’s best known landmarks. And the Executive Wing, popularly known as the Beehive, is the most recognisable building in the parliamentary complex. It got its token name ‘Beehive’ from the way it has been architecturally designed.
  • Mount Victoria Lookout: Situated at 196 metres above the city of Wellington, the Mount Victoria Lookout is a Wellington must-do.
  • Oriental Bay: The Oriental Bay is a nice little beach where you can head over for a swim, some sunbathing, maybe a game of volleyball and a jog along Oriental Parade.

One of the things to do in Wellington is explore the nearby islands and mountain ranges. Some suggestions are the Matiu/ Somes Island, Rimutaka Range, Mount Kaukau, Wrights Hill Fortress and Makara Peak Mountain Bike Path.

Below we have a list of things to do in Wellington and the places where you want to spend the best moments of your trip. At the same time, the city offers you the best neighborhoods to explore and new foods to try.

This list should help you in deciding and prioritizing what you should plan on your Wellington getaway. Find a mix of must-see tourist spots, underrated local hangouts, and maybe even a few new experiences you can try out.

Make the most of your trip to Wellington with confidence.

Tourist Attractions in Wellington

Here is the list of things to do in Wellington and tourist attractions in city.

  1. Museum Of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

    Museum, Educational Site

    The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa is the national museum of New Zealand. It gives visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the interesting and amazing human history of New Zealand. Exhibits tell the story of the people of the Pacific and their discovery and settlement of Ao Te Aroa and their subsequent interaction with the Europeans on to the present age. The museum also...Read more
  2. Wellington Cable Car

    4.5 (1935 Votes)
    Wellington Cable Car

    Outdoors, Trail, Entertainment, Cable Car

    The Wellington Cable Car is one of Wellington’s iconic tourist attractions. It completed 110 years of service in the year 2012. The cable car connects downtown Wellington (Lambton Quay) to the suburb of Kelburn. Popular with locals as well as tourists, the cable car departs every 10 minutes and along the way, one travels under the corporate towers of The Terrace, past Kelburn Park and Vic...Read more
  3. Wellington Botanical Garden

    4.6 (1713 Votes)
    Wellington Botanical Garden

    Outdoors, Garden, Park, Botanical Garden

    Classified as a ‘Garden of National Significance’ by the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture, the Wellington Botanical Garden is also a ‘Historic Places Trust Heritage Area’. Spread across 25 hectares, the garden is popular with locals as well as tourists. Established in 1868, the Wellington Botanical Garden comprises of a unique landscape, protected native fores...Read more
  4. Mount Victoria Lookout

    4.6 (1631 Votes)
    Mount Victoria Lookout

    Outdoors, View Point, Adventure, Hill

    Situated at 196 metres above the city of Wellington, the Mount Victoria Lookout is a Wellington must-do. Located near the central business district, one can drive up to the lookout point or one can trek up Mount Victoria. The lookout gives stunning panoramic views of Wellington city and harbour. Near the viewing platform is a memorial of Richard Byrd, the American aviator. This place is also on...Read more
  5. Zealandia

    4.7 (1131 Votes)
    Zealandia

    Outdoors, Wildlife Sanctuary , Entertainment, Adventure

    Situated just a few minutes away from downtown Wellington, Zealandia is home to some of New Zealand's most rare and extraordinary wildlife. Formerly known as Karori Wildlife Sanctuary, Zealandia is a protected wild region set around a picturesque reservoir. It is a community driven eco- restoration project. Since the formation of Zealandia, birds on the brink of extinction such as tuatara, hihi...Read more
  6. Weta Cave

    4.5 (1220 Votes)
    Weta Cave

    Outdoors, Cave, Historical Site, Entertainment

    Weta is an Oscar winning visual effects company based in Wellington. At the Weta Cave, you get a guided tour to see behind-the-scenes action happening at Weta Workshop and the impressive work created by them. You get to see some of the props and models they have created over the years and also get to learn about the processes they use to make all the spellbinding stuff! They also have a mini mu...Read more
  7. Cuba Street

    Outdoors, Landmark, Food And Drinks, Entertainment

    Dubbed as Wellington’s coolest street, the Cuba Street is a place with a culinary and creative soul. Head over here and you’ll be able to do everything, hangout, shop, dine and party! The street has been a registered Historic Area under the Historic Places Act since 1995. The Cuba Street is considered as the best place for vintage shopping in New Zealand thanks to a trail of second ...Read more
  8. Beehive

    Landmark, Educational Site, Architecture

    The Parliament Buildings are one of Wellington’s best known landmarks. And the Executive Wing, popularly known as the Beehive, is the most recognisable building in the parliamentary complex. It got its token name ‘Beehive’ from the way it has been architecturally designed. The building was built between 1969 and 1981. It features murals and artworks by noted New Zealand artist...Read more
  9. Wellington Zoo

    4.5 (1102 Votes)
    Wellington Zoo

    Outdoors, Wildlife Park, Zoo, Adventure

    The Wellington Zoo was New Zealand’s first zoo when it was opened in the year 1906. A century later, the zoo is spread across13 hectares and is home to over 500 animals, comprising over 100 species. The collection comprises animals like the Sumatran Tiger, Cotton Top Tamarin, Malayan Sun Bear, White-Cheeked Gibbon and Australian Pelican. One can have close encounters with cheetahs, lions,...Read more
  10. Museum Of Wellington City And Sea

    Museum, Waterfront, Educational Site, Entertainment

    Housed in a heritage building along the waterfront, the Museum of Wellington City and Sea is ranked as one of the 50 Best Museums in the World by The Times UK. It is a popular museum and offers an insight into the rich history of Wellington. Kids as well as adults enjoy the interactive exhibitions. Along with traditional exhibits, the museum also uses holographic special effects to tell the sto...Read more
  11. Old St. Pauls

    4.6 (1279 Votes)
    Old St. Pauls

    Church, Religious Site, Historical Site, Architecture

    Beautiful beyond words, the Old St. Paul’s church is an iconic building of Wellington. And it is one of New Zealand's greatest heritage places. The church proves to be one of the best examples of timber Gothic Revival architecture. A must visit while on your tour of Wellington. Constructed in 1866 entirely from native timbers, the glowing interior is enhanced by stunning stained glass. Th...Read more
  12. Oriental Bay

    Outdoors, Beach, Waterfront, Adventure

    One of Wellington’s most popular beach, the Oriental Bay is a nice little beach where you can head over for a swim, some sunbathing, maybe a game of volleyball and a jog along Oriental Parade. There is a walkway along the beach. You will find many joggers here in the early morning and in the evening. There is a kids’ playground near the beach along with seats for visitors. Definitel...Read more
  13. Carter Observatory

    4.6 (1099 Votes)
    Carter Observatory

    Outdoors, Landmark, Botanical Garden, Observatory

    Carter Observatory has been a Wellington icon since 1941. On offer are state of the art, interactive experiences of the Southern Skies. As their tagline reads, “It is New Zealand's Place for Space!” Situated at the top of the Wellington Botanic Gardens, the observatory features a full-dome planetarium and some of New Zealand’s finest telescopes. They also offer regular shows l...Read more
  14. Sacred Heart Cathedral

    4.5 (1194 Votes)
    Sacred Heart Cathedral

    Church, Religious Site, Historical Site, Architecture

    An architectural gem, the Sacred Heart Cathedral is also known as the Roman Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Wellington. Located in the parliamentary precinct, the cathedral is an integral part of the lives of people of Wellington. Head over to the cathedral for spiritual enrichment.
  15. Staglands Wildlife Reserve

    4.7 (380 Votes)
    Staglands Wildlife Reserve

    Outdoors, Wildlife Sanctuary , Wildlife Park, Zoo

    Searching for a unique experience while in Wellington? Head over to the Staglands Wildlife reserve. It is a man made ecosystem created and developed over the past 40 years consisting of streams, ponds, hills and gullies. Enjoy the wonders of the natural world in a protective and fun environment. At Staglands, visitors can feed and freely interact with wildlife in beautiful surroundings. You wil...Read more