Things to see & do in Wellington
There is so much to see and do in the coolest little capital, so to get you started, here's our list of the top attractions.
Wellington Book Scene
Wellington is a city that truly embraces all things of cultural value. Bookstores are very much a part of this scene, and each retailer you stumble across will have something unique to share.
Te Papa Tongarewa
The Papa is New Zealand's bold and innovative national museum and a recognised world leader in interactive and visitor focused museum experiences.
The exhibits tell stories of New Zealand's unique geological, biological, cultural and social history in new and exciting ways. By the way - general admission is free!
Open 10:00 am - 6:00 pm daily
For more information, visit their website here
Wellington Cable Car
One of Wellington's most iconic attractions, the Wellington Cable Car runs from Downtown Wellington to the picturesque suburb of Kelburn and the Wellington Botanic Garden.
Monday to Friday 7:00 am - 10:00 pm
Saturday 8:30 am - 10:00 pm
Sunday 8:30 am - 9:00 pm
For more information, visit their website here
Zealandia
Zealandia is the world's first fully-fenced urban ecosanctuary and has helped reintroduce over 20 species of native wildlife back into the area.
Just minutes from downtown Wellington and set around a picturesque reservoir, Zealandia is home to some of New Zealand's most rare and extraordinary wildlife and is well worth a visit.
Open 9:00 am - 5:00 pm daily
For more information, visit their website here
Weta Workshop
From Middle-earth to Tracy Island & beyond, Weta Workshop is your gateway to immersive filmmaking experiences and the famous Weta Cave.
Get up close to incredible miniatures, props, weapons, creatures, vehicles and models. Learn the secrets behind film making here on the Miramar Peninsula in Wellington.
Open 9:00 am - 5:00 pm daily
For more information, visit their website here
The Wellington Connection
If you’ve visited Wellington previously and enjoyed the impressive range of tourist attractions on offer then you might be keen to explore a little more with a professional local guide who has designed itineraries that connect you to local people, places and experiences.
The Tour Connection offers small group experiences with innovative itineraries themed around areas of interest so you can experience the local lifestyle, coast and city and discover places many locals might not even know about.
They provide friendly service, expertise and quality itineraries and will even collect and return you to your Karori conference venue as they’re based just a few minutes away!
For more information and bookings click here
Parliament Buildings
A visit to the capital city would not be complete without a visit to New Zealand's beautifully refurbished Parliament Buildings.
Located in the historic suburb of Thorndon, the complex is made up of three architecturally distinctive buildings.
Daily guided tours of Parliament are available seven days a week, on the hour from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. Check their calendar for their daily tour schedule.
For more information, click here
Cuba Street
One of Wellington's best loved and best known streets, Cuba Street is one of those places where everyone is welcome and feels at home.
It's the home of high and low dining options, from $10 dumplings to divine degustation, there is something for everyone.
See the Bucket Fountain, street art or cutting edge contemporary art at one of the street's galleries. Wellington's home of the unexpected, the quirky, the alternative and the fun - there's always something new to discover on Cuba Street
For more information, visit their website here
Wellington Botanic Garden
Visit Wellington Botanic Garden and enjoy hectares of specialised plant collections, colourful botanical displays, unique landscape, protected native forest and views over the city.
Check out Wellington Botanic Garden's Sculpture Trail. There are seven major works by some of New Zealand's foremost sculptors.
For more information, click here
Wellington Waterfront
Once the centre of Wellington's bustling port, the Wellington Waterfront is one of the city's most distinctive and attractive precincts. Separating central city from sea, the waterfront is home to a vibrant, ever changing atmosphere with unique features and attractions.
Whether you like to ride bikes, roller skate or simply wander, the waterfront is the perfect spot for it. You'll also find a number of artistic and inspiring artworks dotted along the waterfront. Follow the trail of sculptures and keep an eye out for the poetic slabs of concrete that form the Writers Walk.
© Copyright 2018 School Library Association of New Zealand Aotearoa