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
Travel Guide





Visit Wellington
Wellington Travel Guide Video
Where to stay in Wellington

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.

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.

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.

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.

Newtown
Experience a distinct character in this southern Wellington suburb, where you can visit Wellington Zoo or enjoy athletics and football at Newtown Park.

Mount Victoria
If you're spending some time in Mount Victoria, Mount Victoria Lookout and Oriental Parade are top sights worth seeing.

Reviewed on Apr 17, 2025

Reviewed on Apr 16, 2025

Reviewed on Apr 12, 2025

Reviewed on Apr 15, 2025

Reviewed on Apr 14, 2025

Reviewed on Apr 9, 2025
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 MetlinkOpens in a new window 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.

TSB Bank Arena
Located on Wellington’s picturesque waterfront, this multipurpose venue hosts many events, including concerts, trade shows, art exhibitions and more.

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.
Things to do

Seal Coast Safari - Exclusive access to Wellington's secret coast

Discover Wellington 3 hour City Tour

Wētā Workshop Experiences Tour - Wellington

Wellington's Original HD LOTR Experience - includes Weta Tour
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
Explore a world of travel with Expedia
Lodging
- Hotels near Wellington Central Business District
- Family Hotels in Greater Wellington
- Resorts & Hotels with Spas in Greater Wellington
- Hotels with Connecting Rooms in Greater Wellington
- RV Parks in Greater Wellington
- Cheap Hotels in Greater Wellington
- Greater Wellington Hotels
- Hotels with Tennis Courts in Greater Wellington
- Hotels with Laundry Facilities in Greater Wellington
- Romantic Hotels in Greater Wellington
- Beach Hotels in Greater Wellington
- Cabin Rentals in Greater Wellington
- Hotels near City-to-Sea Bridge
- Hotels near Michael Fowler Centre
- Hotels near Wellington Waterfront
- Luxury Hotels near Wellington Waterfront
- Hotels near Lambton Quay
- Hotels near Te Papa
- Hotels near Victoria University of Wellington
- Hotels near St Andrew's on the Terrace
- Hotels near St James Theatre
- Hotels near Wellington Cenotaph
- Hotels near Courtenay Place
- Hotels near Beehive
- Hotels near Te Aro
- Boutique Hotels in Te Aro
- Cheap Hotels in Te Aro
- Hotel Wedding Venues Hotels in Te Aro
- Hotels with Kitchenettes near Te Aro
- Hotels with Free Parking in Te Aro
- Hotels near Thorndon
- Hotels near Pipitea
- Hotels near Oriental Bay Beach
- Hotels near Oriental Bay
- Hotels near Aro Valley
- Romantic Hotels near Aro Valley
- Hotels with Room Service near Aro Valley
- Hotels near Basin Reserve
- Hotels near Oriental Parade
- Hotels near Massey University
- Hotels near Mount Victoria Lookout
- Hotels near Mount Cook
- Hotels near Zealandia
- Hotels near Brooklyn
- Hotels near Hataitai
- Hotels near Southern Cross Hospital
- Hotels near Wellington Hospital
- Hotels near Interislander Ferry Terminal
- Hotels near Wadestown
- Hotels near Karori
- Hotels near Wellington Crofton Downs Station
- Motels in Wellington Crofton Downs Station
- Cheap Hotels near Kilbirnie
- Hotels near Kilbirnie
- Hotels with a Pool in Kilbirnie
- B&B in Wellington Ngaio Station
- Hotels near Berhampore
- Hotels near Maupuia
Packages
- Visit Greater Wellington
- Wellington Central Business District
- Antrim House
- TSB Bank Arena
- Wellington Cable Car
- Te Papa
- Cuba Street Mall
- Bucket Fountain
- St James Theatre
- Visit Te Aro
- Turnbull House
- Courtenay Place
- New Zealand Parliament Buildings
- Ascot Street
- National Library
- St Paul's Cathedral
- Visit Pipitea
- Old St Paul's
- Beth El Synagogue
- Visit Aro Valley
- Oriental Bay Beach
- Katherine Mansfield Memorial Park
- Oriental Parade
- Mount Victoria Lookout
- Zealandia
- Visit Wadestown
- Wellington Hospital
- Visit Vogeltown
- Visit Crofton Downs
- Visit Kilbirnie
- Visit Berhampore
- Wellington Wind Turbine
- Wellington Zoo
- Visit Lyall Bay