Things to do in Paekakariki Hill

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.