Things to do in Greater Wellington

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Mount Victoria Lookout featuring a marina, night scenes and a bay or harbor
Wellington Botanic Garden showing hiking or walking and a park
Frank Kitts Park showing a bay or harbor as well as a small group of people
Wellington showing street scenes
Oriental Bay Beach which includes a beach, swimming and general coastal views

Wellington Region Attractions

It's easy to find fun things to do in Wellington Region. Familiarize yourself with the area's history and check out the best attractions in this charming city. Map out your travel itinerary now so you're ready and raring to go when you arrive.

If you're ready to explore Wellington Region, join a few of the top tours & day trips on offer, and have a friendly guide show you the most popular sights. Offering free cancellations and no added fees, our top {111 fun activities in Wellington Region fun activities in Wellington Region} are also worth looking into.

Greater Wellington must see attractions

1. Te Papa

Embrace New Zealand’s culture, history, flora and fauna with six floors of exhibitions and interactive experiences at Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand). Its full Māori name is “Te Papa Tongarewa,” which means “container of treasures.”
Learn more
Te Papa

2. Cuba Street Mall

Cuba Street Mall is one of Wellington’s trendiest areas. Its historic buildings, funky shops, café culture and eclectic mix of residents make it a magnet for visitors and locals alike.
Learn more
Cuba Street Mall featuring cafe scenes and outdoor eating as well as a large group of people

3. Courtenay Place

It is said that Wellington has more bars and restaurants per capita than New York City. “The Windy City” is renowned for its appreciation of fine dining, excellent cheap eats, specialty coffee, superb wine and craft beer. Courtenay Place is where you will find the heart of Wellington’s culinary culture. It is also the entertainment hub with bars, clubs, theatres and cinemas.
Learn more
Courtenay Place featuring a bar and interior views as well as a small group of people

4. Michael Fowler Centre

Michael Fowler Centre is a convention centre and concert hall in Wellington’s cultural precinct. The centre, home of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, hosts international opera, theatre, music events and conferences. Attend a classical music performance or visit the centre to admire its striking architecture.
Learn more
Michael Fowler Centre showing a city, night scenes and a bay or harbor

5. Zealandia

Immerse yourself in primeval New Zealand inside a walled wildlife sanctuary. Zealandia’s 500-year vision is to restore its 555 acres (225 hectares) to how it was before humans arrived on the mainland. The eco-attraction, formerly known as Karori Wildlife Sanctuary, is home to some of the nation’s rarest insects, birds and reptiles, including the prehistoric lizard-like tuatara, the little spotted kiwi and the saddleback bird.
Learn more
Zealandia

Black Friday Sale

Limited-time deals: Save up to 50% on select hotels.
Book now

What to do in Greater Wellington

Free Things to Do in Wellington Region

Leave your purse in the hotel room. It's possible to have a blast in Wellington Region without paying a cent.

Museum of Wellington City and Sea - No matter your age, this gallery will excite your imagination and capture your mind.

City-to-Sea Bridge - Architecture fans will enjoy admiring the modern design of this local landmark.

Spinks Cottage - Stop at this historic attraction and learn a bit about the area's cultural heritage.

Wellington Central Business District - Learn why locals and travelers alike are in love with the vibe of this place.

Central Library - Introduce yourself to a local and find out why many sightseers visit this place.

Saint Mary of the Angels - Get an understanding of the local beliefs at this spiritual sanctuary.

Oriental Bay Beach - Dive into your favorite magazine or enjoy a podcast while you're catching those rays.

Te Aro Pa - Be prepared for views that'll render you speechless at this natural marvel.

Frank Kitts Park - Work on your green thumb and admire the glorious plants on show.

Things to Do in Wellington Region with Kids

There's fun for all the family wherever you wander in Wellington Region. Here are a few family friendly experiences to try together that are sure to make your break a blast:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Greater Wellington? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Greater Wellington

Te Papa

Te Papa

4.5/5(160 reviews)

See, smell and touch the exhibits at New Zealand’s hi-tech and interactive free national museum.

Te Papa
Wellington which includes kayaking or canoeing and interior views

Wellington Central Business District

4/5(81 reviews)

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 fascinating museums and acclaimed art scene in this walkable area.

Wellington Central Business District
Cuba Street Mall featuring cafe scenes and outdoor eating as well as a large group of people

Cuba Street Mall

4/5(130 reviews)

Enjoy artisan coffees, sample specialty foods, browse through vintage shops or hunt for retro bargains in Wellington's bohemian heart.

Cuba Street Mall
Courtenay Place featuring a bar and interior views as well as a small group of people

Courtenay Place

4/5(61 reviews)

Shop, wine and dine in this culinary hot spot on one of Wellington's most fashionable streets.

Courtenay Place
Lovely pit stop on the way to Welly!

Waikanae Beach

4.5/5(4 reviews)

Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Waikanae Beach during your travels in Waikanae? Amble around the area's riverfront or experience its entertainment venues.

Waikanae Beach
Michael Fowler Centre showing a city, night scenes and a bay or harbor

Michael Fowler Centre

4.5/5(5 reviews)

Wellington’s main stage for conferences and indoor events features award-winning architecture and a year-round calendar of music and arts events.

Michael Fowler Centre
TSB Arena showing modern architecture

TSB Bank Arena

4/5(4 reviews)

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

TSB Bank Arena
Zealandia

Zealandia

4.5/5(26 reviews)

Your best chance of seeing rare native species in the wild, this eco-attraction is a fenced valley that protects many native bird species.

Zealandia
Weta Workshop which includes interior views and a statue or sculpture

The Weta Cave

4.5/5(30 reviews)

Learn the special effects secrets behind films such as The Lord of the Rings and Avatar with a tour through this Academy Award-winning studio.

The Weta Cave

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Greater 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

4.5/5(150 area reviews)

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

Boat rentals, green parks and a range of museums make this a fun and enlightening setting in the waterside zone at Wellington’s core.

Wellington Waterfront
Default Image

Petone

4/5(14 area reviews)

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
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
Default Image

Otaki Beach

If you're spending some time in Otaki Beach, Otaki Beach and Worser Bay are top sights worth seeing.

Otaki Beach

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Greater Wellington

Masterton

Masterton

Photo by Rajesh Rathod

Paraparaumu

Mount Victoria Lookout showing night scenes, a bay or harbor and mountains

Wellington

Lower Hutt

Lower Hutt

Photo by Kelly Reed

Martinborough

Photo by Adele Billaney

Tararua Forest Park

Photo by Kyrstan Hubbel

Kapiti Island

Photo by Paula Norton

Waikanae

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Wellington Region on a sunny day?
What should I not miss in Wellington Region?
You'll want to put these attractions at the top of your to-do list to make the most of your visit:

  • Te Papa
  • Westpac Stadium
  • Cuba Street Mall
  • Wellington Zoo

Are there cheap things to do in Wellington Region?
What can you do in Wellington Region for free?
You could even leave your money in the hotel safe for the day, because these excellent attractions won't cost you a cent:

  • Cuba Street Mall
  • Botanic Gardens
  • Courtenay Place
  • Mount Victoria Lookout

Explore a world of travel with Expedia