Wellington

Travel Guide
Wellington

Wellington Travel Guide Video

Referred to as the “coolest little capital in the world”, the capital city of New Zealand is rich in arts and culture, as well as a thriving movie scene.

According to Maori legend, Wellington Harbour was discovered by the explorer Kupe way back in AD 925. It was a further nine centuries before the earliest European visitors arrived to settle here, and from 1840, they started to arrive in large numbers. They named the settlement after the first Duke of Wellington and it was made the capital city of New Zealand in 1865. Today, it’s the southernmost capital on the planet. When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by its large harbour set in a beautiful wooded landscape.

It has taken Wellington a while to fully establish itself as a tourist destination in its own right. In the past, the city was very much in the shadow of its bigger rival, Auckland, and was mostly used as a stopping point en route to the ferry to the South Island.

Today, visitors come to the city for its rich artistic and cultural scene, as well as its global reputation for movie making. Dubbed “Wellywood” by some visitors, Wellington is home to incredible sound stages, studios and special effects houses, which have made the city a major player in the international film industry. International blockbusters like The Lord of the Rings trilogy and Avatar have been produced here.

When you arrive, head to the waterfront area and spend some time exploring the national museum of Te Papa, and the Museum of Wellington City and Sea.

If the hustle and bustle of the town isn’t for you, or you want some quiet time, the ocean and the beautiful countryside are right on Wellington’s doorstep. Wander along some of the walking trails that take you through the hills, or relax at Oriental Bay Beach close to the town centre.

Another great way to take in the views is on the short eight-minute ride on the famous Wellington Cable Car. At the top of the hill, enjoy the Wellington Botanic Garden and the lookout at Kelburn, before boarding the free shuttle bus, which will whisk you off to Zealandia where you can explore the country as it once was prior to the arrival of settlers.

Wellington also boasts plenty of good restaurants, cafés, theatres and nightclubs. You’ll never be far away from your next adventure in this compact city.

Where to stay in Wellington

Wellington featuring interior views and kayaking or canoeing

Wellington CBD

If you're spending some time in Wellington CBD, Wellington Cable Car and TSB Bank Arena are top sights worth seeing.

Wellington CBD
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Petone

4/5(7 area reviews)

Seaside views, cafes and waterfront views highlight some of the notable features of Petone. Make a stop by Petone Foreshore while you're exploring.

Petone
Courtenay Place featuring interior views and a bar as well as a small group of people

Te Aro

4.5/5(47 area reviews)

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.

Te Aro
Wellington which includes a city, a sunset and a bridge

Wellington Waterfront

The abundant dining options and interesting museums are top of the list for many visitors to Wellington Waterfront. A stop by Te Papa or TSB Bank Arena might round out your trip.

Wellington Waterfront
Wellington Zoo showing zoo animals and cuddly or friendly animals

Newtown

If you're spending some time in Newtown, Newtown Park and Wellington Zoo are top sights worth seeing.

Newtown
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Mount Cook

If you're spending some time in Mount Cook, Basin Reserve and Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre are top sights worth seeing.

Mount Cook
ibis Wellington
ibis Wellington
3.5 out of 5
153 Featherston St, Wellington
The price is RM290 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
RM290
per night
21 Apr - 22 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Wellington. Enjoy breakfast, WiFi, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,007 reviews)
March 2024
"Couldn't fault the stay in Wellington. Breakfast was amazing with plenty of variety. Beds super comfy. Lots of movie and sport channels in room. Bar and Tvs in lobby/bar"

Reviewed on 22 Mar 2024

ibis Wellington
James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
4.5 out of 5
147 The Terrace, Wellington
The price is RM383 per night from 28 Apr to 29 Apr
RM383
per night
28 Apr - 29 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Wellington. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,019 reviews)
"The only thing I have to say James Cook hotel is very conveniently located, easy access to pier, restaurants, transportation."

Reviewed on 28 Mar 2024

James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
Naumi Studio Wellington
Naumi Studio Wellington
4 out of 5
223 Cuba Street, Wellington, Wellington
The price is RM394 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
RM394
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Wellington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (430 reviews)
"Great location in funky cuba street , fantastic in house bar Lola Rouge… best fresh ‘ fish n chips ‘ across the road for a lunchtime snack. Around the corner from the boutique movie theatre … and only steps away from great vintage shopping , great restaurants and local beer / gin brewing / distilling ..."

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2024

Naumi Studio Wellington
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Park Hotel Lambton Quay
Park Hotel Lambton Quay
2.5 out of 5
101 The Terrace, Wellington, Wellington
Stay at this aparthotel in Wellington. Enjoy free WiFi, an onsite convenience store, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Lambton Quay and Wellington ...
7.2/10 Good! (80 reviews)
Good Value on Lambton Quay
"Great location and good price for 4 day stay. Shame the Sterling restaurant has closed. Did have a kitchen with stove top and microwave but needs to be better equipped with cutlery/utensils. No forks and one wine glass. Good value and very central."

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

Park Hotel Lambton Quay
Boulcott Suites
Boulcott Suites
4 out of 5
5 O'Reily Ave, Wellington
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Wellington. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and dry cleaning or laundry services. Our guests praise the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,060 reviews)
10/10 Highly Recommend
"This was our second stay at Boulcott Suites and we will be back. Staff are super friendly and very helpful, most obliging especially front desk on arrival and departure. Great location and good parking though access not easy."

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2024

Boulcott Suites
Sojourn Apartment Hotel - Ghuznee
Sojourn Apartment Hotel - Ghuznee
4.5 out of 5
75 Ghuznee St, Wellington, Wellington
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Wellington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (108 reviews)
"Very friendly accommodating staff, great location near Cuba Street and other venues, well designed, modern room. Would definitely recommend."

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

Sojourn Apartment Hotel - Ghuznee
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Wellington

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
54
" "5 - Excellent 60%
4 - Good
26
" "4 - Good 28.88888888888889%
3 - Okay
10
" "3 - Okay 11.11111111111111%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
27 Mar 2020

Nice waterfront city and easily wakeable around town and waterfront

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
8 Mar 2020

We loved it

5/5 - Excellent

Penny
17 Jan 2020

Great place to visit if you love waterfront scenery, activities and city vibes at the same time

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
8 Jan 2020

The Te Papa museum is a must when visiting Wellington with a trip up the cable car (a return ticket 9 dollars) but the views are fantastic. Cuba street have independent shops and a vibrant night life.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
6 Jan 2020

Would liked to have more time here

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
1 Jan 2020

Fantastic capital, small, quirky, interesting, excellent museums and restaurants