Wellington is the planet’s southernmost capital city. It lies on the shores of a large harbor and is surrounded by wooded hills. According to Māori legend the explorer Kupe discovered Wellington Harbor in A.D. 925. The first European settlers arrived in 1840 and named the settlement after the first Duke of Wellington. It became New Zealand’s capital city in 1865.For many years Wellington was off the tourist radar. Overshadowed by Auckland, the city served merely as a gateway for those taking a ferry to South Island. But that has changed and Wellington has been called the "coolest little capital in the world." This reputation comes from, among other things, the city’s diverse arts and cultural activities, and its global reputation as a movie-making powerhouse. Sometimes referred to as “Wellywood,” Wellington’s multimillion-dollar sound stages, studios and special effects houses have attracted big-budget movies such as The Lord of the Rings trilogy and Avatar.Get acquainted with the city at the waterfront area where there are a number of star attractions, including Te Papa. This is New Zealand’s national museum and an excellent introduction to Wellington and the country. Nearby is the Museum of Wellington City and Sea, which covers the city’s development and maritime traditions. Wellington benefits from having both the ocean and the countryside on its doorstep. Go on walking trails in the hills or take it easy at Oriental Bay Beach, the closest beach to the city.One of the city’s oldest and most popular attractions is the Wellington Cable Car. Hop aboard a car for the eight-minute ride up the hill to Wellington Botanic Garden and the lookout at Kelburn. From there, take a free shuttle bus to Zealandia. This unique conservation project is trying to restore parts of the countryside to its pre-human state.When it comes to nightlife Wellington has a plenty of restaurants, cafés, theaters and nightclubs. Being a compact city, many places are within an easy walking distance of each other.
Wellington
![Antrim House showing heritage architecture and a house](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/335000/335362-Wellington.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)
Wellington Travel Guide Video
Where to stay in Wellington
![Wellington which includes kayaking or canoeing and interior views](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/58000/58755-Wellington.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)
Wellington CBD
Inner-city suburb boasting high-rise buildings and the financial heart of the region, Wellington Central offers access to Civic Square, Town Hall, Central Library, and the Wellington Cable Car.
![Courtenay Place featuring a bar and interior views as well as a small group of people](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/58000/58668-Courtenay-Place.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)
Te Aro
Discover New Zealand's largest entertainment district, bustling with bars, clubs, theaters, and galleries. Explore Te Aro Park, the waterfront area, and Cuba Street's vibrant shops, cafes, and restaurants.
![Default Image](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/9/3154ecbf00eb2265477bd982f346c48b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)
Petone
Nestled between the Hutt River and Wellington Harbour, Petone boasts a sandy beach for family swimming and a historic main street with unique businesses. Explore the Petone Settlers Museum or stroll along the Hutt River.
![Wellington showing a sunset, a bridge and a bay or harbor](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/180000/180651-Wellington-Waterfront.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)
Wellington Waterfront
The ample dining options and fascinating museums are top of the list for many visitors to Wellington Waterfront. A stop by Te Papa or TSB Bank Arena might round out your trip.
![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)
Mount Cook
While visiting Mount Cook, you might make a stop by sights like Basin Reserve and Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre.
![Wellington Zoo showing cuddly or friendly animals and zoo animals](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/44000/44100-Wellington-Zoo.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)
Newtown
Experience a distinct character in this southern Wellington suburb, where you can visit Wellington Zoo or enjoy athletics and football at Newtown Park.
![James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/30000/24900/24850/f3d33d05_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
Reviewed on Jul 22, 2024
![Copthorne Hotel Wellington, Oriental Bay](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/10000/1300/1275/da0ded4a_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
Reviewed on Jul 25, 2024
![TRYP by Wyndham Wellington, Tory Street](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/90000000/89060000/89052800/89052757/f1be6c83_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
Reviewed on Jul 24, 2024
![Park Hotel Lambton Quay](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/93000000/92970000/92965700/92965673/f3953fbf_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
Reviewed on Jul 2, 2024
![Gilmer Apartment Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1640000/1633900/1633802/b3599059_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
Reviewed on Jul 21, 2024
![Tory Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/93000000/92970000/92962900/92962887/cef6acf4_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
Reviewed on Jul 21, 2024
Getting around Wellington
It’s easy to get around Wellington on foot and by public transportation. The city center is walkable, and the Metlink public transportation network takes in railway lines, buses, ferries and even a cable car that offers beautiful views of the city. Rent a car only if you plan on spending a lot of time exploring the countryside that surrounds the city. Cars can be rented downtown or at the airport. Visit the Metlink website.Browse Wellington rental cars.
Best time to visit
Wellington is busiest during the summer months: December through February. The weather at this time of year will be mild but sunny, perfect for getting involved in the outdoor activities available close to the city. You can avoid the summer crowds by visiting in spring (September to November) or in fall (March to May), when the weather will be slightly cooler but still pleasant.
Popular places to visit
Te Papa
See, smell and touch the exhibits at New Zealand’s hi-tech and interactive free national museum.
Wellington Central Business District
Wellington Central Business District is just one of the places to see in Wellington, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Experience the acclaimed art scene and fascinating museums in this walkable area.
Cuba Street Mall
Enjoy artisan coffees, sample specialty foods, browse through vintage shops or hunt for retro bargains in Wellington's bohemian heart.
Courtenay Place
Shop, wine and dine in this culinary hot spot on one of Wellington's most fashionable streets.
Michael Fowler Centre
Wellington’s main stage for conferences and indoor events features award-winning architecture and a year-round calendar of music and arts events.
Wellington Zoo
Spend some quality time with big cats, giraffes, red pandas and white-cheeked gibbons at New Zealand’s oldest zoo.
Things to do
4-Day Wellington to Auckland via Rotorua Tour
Wellington's Half Day Lord of the Rings Tour(including Weta Tour)
Wētā Workshop Experience in Wellington
Wellington: Lord of the Rings Tour with Weta Workshop
Reviews of Wellington
5/5 - Excellent
Te Papa Museum and its Gallipoli Exhibition are must sees.
5/5 - Excellent
really nice city and worth a 1.5 days visit
5/5 - Excellent
We utilized the Uber scooters. These were a EXCELLENT way to see a lot of the city in a short period of time. We had 1 free day in Wellington and used them the entire day. Had we walked that, we would have been exhausted before dinner.
5/5 - Excellent
Very lively harbor area that has been revamped. Lots of music, bars, food.
5/5 - Excellent
Liked the museums and cable car and gardens
5/5 - Excellent
Super city, especially in the sunshine.
Other places like Wellington
- Interislander Ferry Terminal
- Te Papa
- Wellington Central Business District
- Cuba Street Mall
- Courtenay Place
- Wellington Hospital
- Wellington Zoo
- The Weta Cave
- Wellington Cable Car
- Zealandia
- TSB Bank Arena
- Oriental Bay Beach
- Beehive
- New Zealand Parliament Buildings
- Newtown Park
- Mount Victoria Lookout
- Oriental Parade
- St James Theatre
- Museum of Wellington City and Sea