Wellington

Best arrival airport

Wellington Airport (WLG) — domestic & international

Getting around

Walkable centre with Metlink buses and trains; no car needed for central sights

Typical transfer

WLG to city centre: usually 15–25 min

Wellington Waterfront

From the centre: 0.2 km • about 3 min walk from central Wellington

Visit information: Public waterfront open at all times; individual venues set their own hours

A walkable harbour-edge route connecting museums, public art, parks, cafés and Oriental Bay.

Te Papa

From the centre: 0.5 km • about 6 min walk from central Wellington

Visit information: Open daily 10 AM–6 PM; closed Christmas Day

New Zealand’s national museum presents Māori and Pacific culture, natural history, art and contemporary stories on the waterfront.

City Gallery Wellington

From the centre: 0.6 km • about 7 min walk from central Wellington

Visit information: Exhibition access depends on the gallery’s current venue and programme; check before visiting

A contemporary art gallery in Te Ngākau Civic Square with changing New Zealand and international exhibitions.

Cuba Street

From the centre: 0.7 km • about 8–10 min walk from central Wellington

Visit information: Public street open at all times; businesses set their own hours

A central pedestrian precinct known for cafés, independent shops, street art and nightlife.

Wellington Museum

From the centre: 0.7 km • about 8–10 min walk from central Wellington

Visit information: Open daily 10 AM–5 PM; closed Christmas Day

A waterfront museum telling Wellington’s maritime, social and city stories inside the historic Bond Store.

Botanic Garden

From the centre: 1 km • about 8 min drive or cable-car connection

Visit information: Main garden open daily from dawn to dusk; glasshouse and facilities have shorter hours

A hillside garden of native bush, formal collections and walking paths linked to the Cable Car.

Wellington Cable Car

From the centre: 0.8 km • about 10 min walk from central Wellington

Visit information: Mon–Thu 7:30 AM–8 PM; Fri 7:30 AM–9 PM; Sat 8:30 AM–9 PM; Sun/public holidays 8:30 AM–7 PM. Every 10 minutes; closed Christmas Day

A short historic funicular ride links Lambton Quay with Kelburn, the Botanic Garden and city viewpoints.

Space Place

From the centre: 2 km • about 10 min drive from central Wellington

Visit information: Open on published daytime and evening sessions; planetarium shows require a timed booking

A planetarium and astronomy attraction beside the Botanic Garden, offering scheduled shows and telescope sessions.

Parliament Buildings

From the centre: 1 km • about 12 min walk from central Wellington

Visit information: Grounds accessible daily; free guided tours run at scheduled booked times

New Zealand’s parliamentary complex includes the Beehive, Parliament House and booked public tours.

Zealandia

From the centre: 3 km • about 10–15 min drive from central Wellington

Visit information: Open daily 9 AM–4:30 PM; last entry 4 PM. Closed Christmas Day

A fenced urban ecosanctuary protecting native birds, reptiles and forest around a former reservoir.

Mount Victoria Lookout

From the centre: 3 km • about 10–15 min drive from central Wellington

Visit information: Public lookout open at all times; daylight or sunset recommended

A hilltop lookout with broad views over central Wellington, the harbour, airport and surrounding hills.

Wētā Workshop

From the centre: 7 km • about 15 min drive from central Wellington

Visit information: Open daily 8:45 AM–4:45 PM; tours operate within these hours. Closed Christmas Day

Booked guided tours in Miramar reveal film effects, props, costumes and creative workshop techniques.

Brooklyn Wind Turbine

From the centre: 4 km • about 15 min drive from central Wellington

Visit information: Public viewpoint open during daylight; access can be exposed in strong wind

A hilltop wind turbine and viewpoint reached by road or walking and mountain-bike trails.

Otari-Wilton’s Bush

From the centre: 6 km • about 15 min drive from central Wellington

Visit information: Reserve open daily sunrise–sunset; visitor centre hours are shorter

New Zealand’s only public botanic garden devoted solely to native plants, with forest walks and canopy walkway.

Oriental Bay

From the centre: 1.5 km • about 18–20 min walk from central Wellington

Visit information: Public beach open at all times; swim in daylight and suitable conditions

A central-city beach and promenade popular for harbour walks, swimming and relaxed waterfront stops.

Red Rocks Reserve

From the centre: 12 km • about 20 min drive from central Wellington

Visit information: Open during daylight; vehicle access and seal-season restrictions vary

A rugged south-coast walk featuring red rock formations, seal habitat and exposed Cook Strait scenery.

Petone Foreshore

From the centre: 13 km • about 20–25 min drive from central Wellington

Visit information: Public foreshore open at all times; daylight recommended

A broad harbour beach and promenade with views toward Wellington city and access to Petone’s heritage streets.

Scorching Bay

From the centre: 8 km • about 20 min drive from central Wellington

Visit information: Public beach open at all times; visit in daylight for swimming

A sheltered harbour beach on the Miramar Peninsula, popular for swimming and picnics.

Makara Peak

From the centre: 14 km • about 25–30 min drive from central Wellington

Visit information: Open during daylight; trail closures can apply after poor weather or maintenance

A purpose-built mountain-bike park with shared climbing routes, technical trails and coastal viewpoints.

Matiu Somes Island

From the centre: About 25 min ferry from Queens Wharf, plus boarding time

Visit information: Access follows booked ferry sailings and may be cancelled for weather

A predator-free harbour island with wildlife, quarantine history and walking tracks, reached by scheduled ferry.

Ortega Fish Shack

A characterful inner-city restaurant known for seafood, seasonal New Zealand produce and warm service.

Charley Noble

A central wood-fired restaurant serving seafood, meat and seasonal produce near the waterfront.

Boulcott Street Bistro

A long-established Wellington bistro in a historic cottage, serving classic and contemporary dishes.

Koji

A modern Asian-inspired restaurant centred on sharing plates, local produce and charcoal cooking.

Havana Bar

A colourful bar and restaurant in two heritage cottages, known for tapas, cocktails and live atmosphere.

Wellington TOP 10 Holiday Park

A full-service holiday park in Lower Hutt with powered sites and cabins, within driving distance of central Wellington.

Camp Elsdon

A budget campground and accommodation complex in Porirua, useful for travellers approaching Wellington from the north.

Paekākāriki Holiday Park

A useful paekākāriki holiday park option to include while planning your visit.

Catchpool Valley Campsite

A DOC campground in Remutaka Forest Park with basic facilities and access to forest walks.