Wellington

Travel Guide

A red cable car on a track, a cityscape with buildings, a green park, and mountains in the background.
A cityscape at night with illuminated buildings, a marina with boats, and a river.
A large, circular building with multiple floors and a dome-like top, surrounded by trees and a staircase leading up to it.
A historic building with classical architecture, surrounded by a well-maintained garden with various flowering plants.
A coastal cityscape with a marina, buildings, and a mountainous backdrop.

Travel to Wellington for unique neighborhoods, cultural landmarks, and engaging activities that showcase the city's rich character.

Wellington is an ideal destination for family and outdoor travelers. You can explore attractions like the Cuba Street Mall and the Central Business District, which are popular for shopping and urban experiences. For cultural and historical insights, visit Te Papa, the national museum. If you're interested in sports, check out venues such as Hnry Stadium and Basin Reserve. For a unique experience, ride the Wellington Cable Car or catch a performance at the St James Theatre or The Opera House. Nearby, you can also visit Mana Island and the Rimutaka Rail Trail for natural excursions.

Spend some time exploring the different neighborhoods of Wellington. The Wellington Waterfront is known for its family-friendly experiences and scenic beaches, including Oriental Bay Beach and Freyberg Beach. Newtown offers a vibrant atmosphere with attractions like Newtown Park, which is great for sports. Similarly, the Wellington CBD features historical sites such as the Wellington Town Hall, along with cultural spots like the City Gallery Wellington and the Museum of Wellington City and Sea. Each area provides its own unique charm and activities to enjoy.

The best time to visit Wellington is from December to March, when the weather is mild and mostly dry, with temperatures ranging from 60 to 63°F. During these months, you'll find the city often sunny, making it ideal for outdoor activities. However, be aware that this period may also attract more visitors, leading to busier attractions. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting during the off-peak months, when you might enjoy the sights with fewer crowds.

Wellington Travel Guide Video

Where to stay in Wellington

Find the best Wellington areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Wellington
Learn more about Wellington
A red cable car moving along a track, a body of water, and a cityscape with buildings and greenery.

Wellington CBD

While visiting Wellington CBD, you might make a stop by sights like Wellington Cable Car and New Zealand Portrait Gallery.

A street with a rainbow-colored bike lane, storefronts, and a Cuba St sign.

Te Aro

Travelers to Te Aro praise its popular shops. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to make a stop by St James Theatre and Cuba Street Mall.

A church with a tall tower and a cross on top.

Thorndon

While visiting Thorndon, you might make a stop by sights like Lambton Quay and National Library.

A coastal town with a clear blue sea, a sandy beach, a fountain, and buildings on a hillside.

Oriental Bay

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

A coastal city with a marina, dense urban area, and surrounding hills.
Photo by WanderingFunk009
Open Photo by WanderingFunk009

Mount Victoria

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

Rydges Wellington Airport

Rydges Wellington Airport

4.5 out of 5
28 Stewart Duff Drive, Rongotai Wellington
$99 nightly
The price is $114 total per night from Dec 8 to Dec 9
$114 total
Dec 8 - Dec 9
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Wellington. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"Good and handy for traveling"

Reviewed on Nov 12, 2026

Rydges Wellington Airport
James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor

James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor

4.5 out of 5
147 The Terrace Wellington
$70 nightly
The price is $81 total per night from Dec 13 to Dec 14
$81 total
Dec 13 - Dec 14
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Wellington. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
Naumi Studio Wellington

Naumi Studio Wellington

4 out of 5
213 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington Wellington
$59 nightly
The price is $68 total per night from Dec 12 to Dec 13
$68 total
Dec 12 - Dec 13
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Wellington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
Naumi Studio Wellington
See all 549 properties in Wellington
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 aparthotel in Wellington. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,648 reviews)
"Helpful to be told of the shortcut to Lambton Quay."

Reviewed on Nov 11, 2026

Gilmer Apartment Hotel
Adina CityLife Wellington

Adina CityLife Wellington

4 out of 5
300 Lambton Quay Wellington
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Wellington. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,189 reviews)
"Fantastic location! Was wonderful to walk out of the building & be in the middle of some great shopping & only a few doors down from a supermarket! So close to the Cable car & within walking distance to lots of other Wellington attractions!"

Reviewed on Nov 10, 2026

Adina CityLife Wellington
Liberty Apartment Hotel

Liberty Apartment Hotel

4 out of 5
79 Taranaki St Wellington Wellington
Stay at this apartment in Wellington. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and in-room washers/dryers. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
Liberty Apartment Hotel
See all properties in Wellington
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.

Stay near popular Wellington attractions

A modern building with a large illuminated sign and a prominent lion statue.

Te Papa

9.4/10 (3,522 reviews)
See, smell and touch the exhibits at New Zealand’s hi-tech and interactive free national museum.
See properties

Things to do

The way is guarded

Wellington's Original HD LOTR Experience - includes Weta Tour

$99
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Wellington's Original HD LOTR Experience - includes Weta Tour
Wellington: Guided City Tour with Cable Car Ticket

Wellington: Guided City Tour with Cable Car Ticket

$62
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Wellington: Guided City Tour with Cable Car Ticket
Plenty of photo stops

Wellington city heights shared sightseeing tour

$105
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Wellington city heights shared sightseeing tour
Wellington: Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

Wellington: Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

$20
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Wellington: Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
Half Day Lord of the Rings Tour

Half Day Lord of the Rings Tour

$110
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Half Day Lord of the Rings Tour
Don't forget to grab a photo by our iconic Cave Trolls.

Wellington: Wētā Workshop 90-minute Tour

$33
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Wellington: Wētā Workshop 90-minute Tour
See all activities in Wellington

Frequently asked questions

Is Wellington worth visiting?
Wellington is worth visiting for its standout attractions like the Wellington Waterfront and Hnry Stadium. Travelers can also enjoy a diverse food scene with Asian and Italian cuisine, and explore distinct neighborhoods such as Te Aro and Wellington CBD.
Where are the best neighborhoods to explore in Wellington?
The best neighborhoods to explore in Wellington depend on what you want to see:

  • Te Aro offers the Wellington Central Business District, Te Papa museum, and the bustling Cuba Street Mall.
  • Wellington CBD is home to cultural sites like the New Zealand Portrait Gallery, City Gallery Wellington, and the Museum of Wellington City and Sea.
  • Pipitea features Hnry Stadium, the Beehive (Parliament building), and Archives New Zealand.
  • Mount Victoria provides landmarks such as the Wellington Buddhist Centre, Elliott House, and Saint Gerard's Catholic Church and Monastery.
  • Mount Cook includes Central Park, the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, and the Basin Reserve.

What is Wellington known for?
Wellington is known for its Wellington Waterfront, Hnry Stadium, and Cuba Street Mall. Travelers can explore areas like Te Aro and Wellington CBD, and the city offers a strong Asian food presence. It provides a variety of experiences, from waterfront activities to exploring its unique urban districts.
What is a good itinerary length for Wellington?
A good itinerary length for Wellington is two to three days to explore highlights like the Wellington Waterfront, Cuba Street Mall, and take a Weta Cave Workshop Tour. For an extended stay of four to five days, travelers can delve deeper into neighborhoods like Te Aro and Pipitea, and enjoy an Otari Eco-Trek Tour. See Wellington Activities.
How do you get around Wellington?
Travelers in Wellington can get around using the train system, with key stops including Wellington Station, Lower Hutt Petone Station, and Johnsonville Raroa Station. For more flexibility, rental cars are available in neighborhoods like Wellington CBD, Te Aro, and Petone, making it easy to explore the wider area at your own pace.
What are the top things to do in and around Wellington?
Wellington offers a mix of cultural experiences, outdoor exploration, and urban attractions for travelers:

  • Tour the Weta Cave Workshop.
  • Take an Otari Eco-Trek Tour.
  • Visit Te Papa.
  • Stroll along the Wellington Waterfront.
  • Explore Cuba Street Mall.

How do I plan a trip to Wellington?
To plan your Wellington trip, search for hotels in areas like Te Aro, Wellington CBD, or Pipitea. Book your flights and consider activities such as the Weta Cave Workshop Tour: There & Back Again or an Otari Eco-Trek Tour. Public transit, including trains, is available for getting around.
What cuisines can you find in Wellington?
In Wellington you can find Malay cuisine, with dishes like Nasi Lemak, Laksa, and Satay. Travelers can also enjoy a wide range of Asian options including Chinese, Indian, Japanese, and Thai, alongside Italian and Latin American fare like Mexican tacos. The city also offers various coffee shops, dessert shops, and tea houses.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Wellington?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Wellington by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Wellington with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Wellington trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Wellington?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Wellington can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Wellington trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Wellington trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Wellington trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Wellington trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Wellington?
If it's your first trip to Wellington, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Wellington hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Wellington hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near Wellington

A coastal mountain range with a rugged coastline.

Lower Hutt

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