Wellington

Travel Guide

Mount Victoria Lookout showing night scenes, a bay or harbor and mountains
Antrim House showing heritage architecture and a house
St Paul\'s Cathedral showing landscape views and a city
Wellington which includes a coastal town, boating and a marina
Wellington which includes food

Wellington Travel Guide Video

New Zealand’s capital city relishes the good life with its natural beauty, arts, culture and thriving movie industry.

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.

Where to stay in Wellington

Wellington which includes kayaking or canoeing and interior views

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.

Wellington CBD
Courtenay Place featuring a bar and interior views as well as a small group of people

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.

Te Aro
Wellington showing a sunset, a bridge and a bay or harbor

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.

Wellington Waterfront
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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.

Petone
Wellington Zoo showing cuddly or friendly animals and zoo animals

Newtown

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

Newtown
Mount Victoria Lookout which includes a city, a bay or harbor and night scenes

Mount Victoria

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

Mount Victoria
James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
4.5 out of 5
147 The Terrace, Wellington
The price is $77 per night from May 16 to May 17
$77
includes taxes & fees
$67 per night
May 16 - May 17
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Wellington. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,434 reviews)
"Clean and tidy. Very helpful staff"

Reviewed on Apr 24, 2025

James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
Rydges Wellington
Rydges Wellington
4.5 out of 5
75 Featherston St, Wellington
The price is $114 per night from Apr 26 to Apr 27
$114
includes taxes & fees
$99 per night
Apr 26 - Apr 27
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Wellington. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Standard Rydges hotel, just didn’t like the view out of the room"

Reviewed on Apr 21, 2025

Rydges Wellington
Rydges Wellington Airport
Rydges Wellington Airport
4.5 out of 5
28 Stewart Duff Drive, Rongotai, Wellington
The price is $125 per night from Apr 26 to Apr 27
$125
includes taxes & fees
$109 per night
Apr 26 - Apr 27
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Wellington. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
"very convenient for unexpected flight disruption main complaint was meal at Peloton was cold - probably not suprising as was not prepared in site and carried through hotel lobby - not a good look"

Reviewed on Apr 21, 2025

Rydges Wellington Airport
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Gilmer Apartment Hotel
Gilmer Apartment Hotel
3.5 out of 5
10 Gilmer Terrace, Wellington
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Wellington. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,274 reviews)
"We had an excellent stay here. The staff were kind and friendly. The apartment was nice, and fully equipped with all that we needed. Great spot within walking distance to shopping, dining, and activities."

Reviewed on Apr 22, 2025

Gilmer Apartment Hotel
Quest on Johnston
Quest on Johnston
4.5 out of 5
35 Johnston Street, Wellington
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Wellington. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,250 reviews)
"Always a pleasure, lovely staff, nice quiet place conveniently located and comfortable. Being able to book parking in nearby building through the hotel is a real bonus. See you next time!"

Reviewed on Apr 18, 2025

Quest on Johnston
Ramada by Wyndham Wellington Taranaki Street
Ramada by Wyndham Wellington Taranaki Street
4 out of 5
123 Taranaki Street, Wellington CBD, Wellington
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Wellington. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (397 reviews)
"Handy location, good size room and one of the best beds we have slept in!"

Reviewed on Apr 20, 2025

Ramada by Wyndham Wellington Taranaki Street
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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

Things to do

Reviews of Wellington

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
177
5 - Excellent 63%
4 - Good
82
4 - Good 29%
3 - Okay
15
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
4
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Te Papa Museum and its Gallipoli Exhibition are must sees.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

really nice city and worth a 1.5 days visit

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

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

Verified traveler

Very lively harbor area that has been revamped. Lots of music, bars, food.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked the museums and cable car and gardens

5/5 - Excellent

Becca

Super city, especially in the sunshine.

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