Wellington

Travel Guide
Antrim House showing heritage architecture and a house

Wellington Travel Guide Video

New Zealand’s capital city relishes the good life with its natural beauty, arts, culture and thriving movie industry.

Wellington is the planet’s southernmost capital city. It lies on the shores of a large harbor and is surrounded by wooded hills.

According to Māori legend the explorer Kupe discovered Wellington Harbor in A.D. 925. The first European settlers arrived in 1840 and named the settlement after the first Duke of Wellington. It became New Zealand’s capital city in 1865.

For many years Wellington was off the tourist radar. Overshadowed by Auckland, the city served merely as a gateway for those taking a ferry to South Island. But that has changed and Wellington has been called the "coolest little capital in the world." This reputation comes from, among other things, the city’s diverse arts and cultural activities, and its global reputation as a movie-making powerhouse. Sometimes referred to as “Wellywood,” Wellington’s multimillion-dollar sound stages, studios and special effects houses have attracted big-budget movies such as The Lord of the Rings trilogy and Avatar.

Get acquainted with the city at the waterfront area where there are a number of star attractions, including Te Papa. This is New Zealand’s national museum and an excellent introduction to Wellington and the country. Nearby is the Museum of Wellington City and Sea, which covers the city’s development and maritime traditions.

Wellington benefits from having both the ocean and the countryside on its doorstep. Go on walking trails in the hills or take it easy at Oriental Bay Beach, the closest beach to the city.

One of the city’s oldest and most popular attractions is the Wellington Cable Car. Hop aboard a car for the eight-minute ride up the hill to Wellington Botanic Garden and the lookout at Kelburn. From there, take a free shuttle bus to Zealandia. This unique conservation project is trying to restore parts of the countryside to its pre-human state.

When it comes to nightlife Wellington has a plenty of restaurants, cafés, theaters and nightclubs. Being a compact city, many places are within an easy walking distance of each other.

Where to stay in Wellington

Wellington which includes kayaking or canoeing and interior views

Wellington CBD

While visiting Wellington CBD, you might make a stop by sights like Wellington Cable Car and New Zealand Portrait Gallery.

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

Te Aro

4.5/5(150 area reviews)

Travelers to Te Aro praise its popular shops. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to make a stop by St James Theatre and Cuba Street Mall.

Te Aro
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Petone

4/5(14 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
Wellington showing a sunset, a bridge and a bay or harbor

Wellington Waterfront

The ample dining options and fascinating 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 cuddly or friendly animals and zoo 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

While visiting Mount Cook, you might make a stop by sights like Basin Reserve and Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre.

Mount Cook
James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
4.5 out of 5
147 The Terrace, Wellington
The price is ¥10,629 per night from May 25 to May 26
¥10,629
per night
May 25 - May 26
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! (1,039 reviews)
"I’m pleased the coffee etc was hidden away."

Reviewed on May 20, 2024

James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
Copthorne Hotel Wellington, Oriental Bay
Copthorne Hotel Wellington, Oriental Bay
4 out of 5
100 Oriental Parade, Oriental Bay, Wellington
The price is ¥14,323 per night from Jun 24 to Jun 25
¥14,323
per night
Jun 24 - Jun 25
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Wellington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Handy to Wellington airport for an early morning international flight"

Reviewed on May 19, 2024

Copthorne Hotel Wellington, Oriental Bay
Naumi Studio Wellington
Naumi Studio Wellington
4 out of 5
223 Cuba Street, Wellington, Wellington
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥11,147 per night from May 26 to May 27
¥11,147
per night
May 26 - May 27
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Wellington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (476 reviews)
"Very bright and colourful hotel! Rooms were a bit noisy but overall a great place to stay,"

Reviewed on May 20, 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, laundry facilities, and cable TV channels. Popular attractions Te Papa and Cuba Street Mall are located ...
7.6/10 Good! (104 reviews)
"Nice and clean helpful staff"

Reviewed on May 20, 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, parking (surcharge), and dry cleaning or laundry services. Our guests praise ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,088 reviews)
"Great property at a great price"

Reviewed on May 22, 2024

Boulcott Suites
Gilmer Apartment Hotel
Gilmer Apartment Hotel
3.5 out of 5
10 Gilmer Terrace, Wellington
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Wellington. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,089 reviews)
"Apartment small but entirely functional for our needs as were out and about most of the 6 days we stayed there. It got easier once we found out how to avoid climbing up the steep Plimmer Steps ( by judicious use of nearby elevators and lift). Some small improvements would include glassware, crockery ..."

Reviewed on May 11, 2024

Gilmer Apartment Hotel
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
177
" "5 - Excellent 63.44086021505376%
4 - Good
82
" "4 - Good 29.39068100358423%
3 - Okay
15
" "3 - Okay 5.376344086021505%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 0.35842293906810035%
1 - Terrible
4
" "1 - Terrible 1.4336917562724014%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 15, 2020

Te Papa Museum and its Gallipoli Exhibition are must sees.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 6, 2020

really nice city and worth a 1.5 days visit

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 6, 2020

We utilized the Uber scooters. These were a EXCELLENT way to see a lot of the city in a short period of time. We had 1 free day in Wellington and used them the entire day. Had we walked that, we would have been exhausted before dinner.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Feb 14, 2020

Very lively harbor area that has been revamped. Lots of music, bars, food.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jan 29, 2020

Liked the museums and cable car and gardens

5/5 - Excellent

Becca
Jan 22, 2020

Super city, especially in the sunshine.

Cities near Wellington