Things to do in Wellington

Activities, attractions and tours

Mount Victoria Lookout which includes a city, night scenes and a bay or harbour
Wellington
Wellington
Wellington which includes a marina, boating and a bay or harbour
Wellington showing food
  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

Top places to visit

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 featuring night scenes, theatre scenes and modern architecture

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 which includes café 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 interior views and a bar as well as a small group of people

4. The Weta Cave

Weta Workshop is an Academy Award-winning design studio and one of the world’s most-lauded special effects film companies. It is named after New Zealand’s largest insect, the grasshopper-like weta. Experience the magic of what happens at Weta on the guided tour during which you will see life-size models, listen to interviews with the team and watch the Weta team at work.
Learn more
Weta Workshop which includes art and interior views

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 which includes a river or creek and forest scenes

6. 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 modern architecture, night scenes and a city

7. TSB Bank Arena

Visit TSB Bank Arena for international art shows, sports events and expositions. The arena is one of Wellington’s most versatile spaces, making it perfect for large-scale music performances. Check the TSB Bank Arena calendar for upcoming events or admire the grand structure, located on the scenic Wellington Waterfront.
Learn more
TSB Bank Arena showing modern architecture

What to do in Wellington

Popular places to visit

Te Papa featuring night scenes, theatre scenes and modern architecture

Te Papa

5/5(34 reviews)

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

Te Papa
Wellington featuring kayaking or canoeing and interior views

Wellington Central Business District

4.5/5(15 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 galleries in this walkable area.

Wellington Central Business District
Cuba Street Mall which includes café scenes and outdoor eating as well as a large group of people

Cuba Street Mall

4.5/5(30 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 interior views and a bar as well as a small group of people

Courtenay Place

4.5/5(8 reviews)

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

Courtenay Place
Weta Workshop featuring interior views and a statue or sculpture

The Weta Cave

4.5/5(5 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
Zealandia which includes flowers and bird life

Zealandia

5/5(4 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
Michael Fowler Centre showing modern architecture, night scenes and a city

Michael Fowler Centre

4/5(1 review)

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 Bank Arena showing modern architecture

TSB Bank Arena

4.5/5(2 reviews)

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

TSB Bank Arena
Lambton Quay

Lambton Quay

4.5/5(16 reviews)

During your visit to Wellington, you can do some window-shopping at Lambton Quay. Stroll along this family-friendly area's waterfront or simply enjoy its restaurants.

Lambton Quay

Areas of Wellington

Wellington featuring kayaking or canoeing and interior views

Wellington CBD

If you're spending some time in Wellington CBD, Wellington Cable Car and TSB Bank Arena are top sights worth seeing.

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

Te Aro

4.5/5(47 area reviews)

Te Aro is known for its popular shops, and with sights like St James Theatre and Cuba Street Mall, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Wellington.

Te Aro
Wellington which includes a bridge, a bay or harbour and a city

Wellington Waterfront

The abundant dining options and interesting 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
Default Image

Petone

4/5(7 area reviews)

Seaside views, cafes and waterfront views highlight some of the notable features of Petone. Make a stop by Petone Foreshore while you're exploring.

Petone
Mount Victoria Lookout showing a marina, a bay or harbour 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

Oriental Bay

5/5(8 area reviews)

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

Oriental Bay

Frequently asked questions

Is Wellington worth visiting?
Famous for its nature and dining, discovering cool things to do in Wellington is a breeze. Don't forget to add Lambton Quay to your trip itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Wellington?
Once you've checked off popular attractions like Lambton Quay and Petone Foreshore, spend some time discovering Wellington's shopping and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Wellington?
You can't go home without visiting Lambton Quay, rated the top tourist attraction in Wellington.
Is three days enough to stay in Wellington?
Three days will give you plenty of time to check out the leading city highlights, such as Lambton Quay, The Opera House and Eastbourne Beach. The average stay in Wellington is two days. If you feel the urge to extend your trip, Lower Hutt isn't far away.
Is Wellington a walkable city?
It all depends on what you want to do and see in Wellington. Several top attractions, like Lambton Quay and The Opera House, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander around some of Wellington's neighbourhoods, Wellington CBD is 0.16 kilometres away from downtown, while Te Aro is 2 kilometres away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Wellington with kids?
Planning what to do in Wellington with kids has never been so easy. Whether you're holidaying with little ones or teenagers, there are lots of family-friendly sights and activities to keep them busy here.

What to do in Wellington for adults?
There are loads of things to do in Wellington, with experiences for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to Parliament House or Wellington Cenotaph.
Are there free things to do in Wellington?
From visiting parks to strolling around exciting neighbourhoods, it's simple to discover free things to do in Wellington. If you're in need of ideas, ask for tips from a local tour guide. Lambton Quay is a top spot for anyone wishing to save on their sightseeing activities.