Makara
Wellington
Popular places to visit
Te Papa
See, smell and touch the exhibits at New Zealand’s hi-tech and interactive free national museum.
Cuba Street Mall
Enjoy artisan coffees, sample specialty foods, browse through vintage shops or hunt for retro bargains in Wellington's bohemian heart.
Wellington Central Business District
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.
Lambton Quay
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.
Courtenay Place
Shop, wine and dine in this culinary hot spot on one of Wellington's most fashionable streets.
The Weta Cave
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.
Things to do
Wellington: Return Cable Car Ticket
Seal Coast Safari - Exclusive access to Wellington's secret coast
Wellington's Original HD LOTR Experience - includes Weta Tour
Craft beers & car museum - Half Day Tour incl beverage samples
Remutaka Rail Trail Mountain Bike Explorer Cycle Tour
Top hotels in Makara
James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
Convenient central location, helpful staff
Reviewed on 11 Jan 2026
Rydges Wellington Airport
Comfortable stay for an early morning flight the next day. Staff were great.
Reviewed on 15 Jan 2026
Gilmer Apartment Hotel
Great clean and close to everything
Reviewed on 12 Jan 2026
Rydges Wellington
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Reviewed on 14 Jan 2026
ibis Wellington
Only parking let this down. Everything else was fine.
Reviewed on 9 Jan 2026
Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman
The room was clean, reception staff and cleaning staff were pleasant and helpful. It had everything I needed and was a great central location.
Reviewed on 8 Jan 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Makara
Karori
While Karori isn't home to many top sights, Zealandia and Botanic Gardens are some notable places to visit nearby.
Kelburn
While visiting Kelburn, you might make a stop by sights like Botanic Gardens and Zealandia.
Brooklyn
Though Brooklyn may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Basin Reserve and Central Park.
Wellington CBD
If you're spending some time in Wellington CBD, Wellington Cable Car and Museum of Wellington City and Sea are top sights worth seeing.
Thorndon
If you're spending some time in Thorndon, Lambton Quay and National Library are top sights worth seeing.
Mount Cook
If you're spending some time in Mount Cook, Basin Reserve and Central Park are top sights worth seeing.
