Things to do in Wellington

Activities, attractions and tours

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A cityscape with a prominent church, residential buildings, and a hill in the background.
A marina with various boats docked, surrounded by buildings and hills.
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Things to do

Wellington Remutaka Rail Trail eBike Cycle Tour

Remutaka Rail Trail eBike Explorer

HK$1,076
per adult
Remutaka Rail Trail eBike Explorer
Wellington: Guided City Tour with Cable Car Ticket

Wellington: Guided City Tour with Cable Car Ticket

HK$493
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Wellington: Guided City Tour with Cable Car Ticket
Auckland Maori Tour hongi

Auckland Māori Cultural Tour with Indigenous Guide & West Coast

HK$2,220
per adult
Auckland Māori Cultural Tour with Indigenous Guide & West Coast
Remutaka Rail Trail Mountain Bike Explorer Cycle Tour

Remutaka Rail Trail Mountain Bike Explorer

HK$987
per adult
Remutaka Rail Trail Mountain Bike Explorer
Plenty of photo stops

Wellington city heights shared sightseeing tour

HK$830
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Wellington city heights shared sightseeing tour
Private Guided Tour to Wellington

Private Self-Guided Tour to Wellington

HK$27
per adult
Private Self-Guided Tour to Wellington
Full Day Tour of Wellington

Full Day Tour of Wellington

HK$1,390
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Full Day Tour of Wellington
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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.”
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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.
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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.
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4. 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.
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5. 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.
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What to do in Wellington

Stay near popular Wellington attractions

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Te Papa

9.4/10 (3,522 reviews)
Te Papa showcases New Zealand's natural environment and Māori culture through immersive storytelling. Explore the renowned Gallipoli exhibition with its life-sized figures.
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Where to stay in Wellington

Find the best Wellington areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Wellington
Learn more about Wellington
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Wellington CBD

If you're spending some time in Wellington CBD, Wellington Cable Car and New Zealand Portrait Gallery are top sights worth seeing.

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Te Aro

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.

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Thorndon

If you're spending some time in Thorndon, Lambton Quay and National Library are top sights worth seeing.

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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.

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.

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