Things to do in Wellington

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Mount Victoria Lookout showing night scenes, a bay or harbor and mountains
Antrim House showing heritage architecture and a house
St Paul\'s Cathedral showing landscape views and a city
Wellington which includes a coastal town, boating and a marina
Wellington which includes food

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Most popular activities in Wellington

Tours & day trips

See all 60 activities
Wellington's Original LOTR Experience - includes Weta and Lunch

Wellington's Original LOTR Experience - includes Weta and Lunch

Activity duration is 8 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 4 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥28,175 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 13 activities
Wellington Scenic Full Day Tour

Wellington Scenic Full Day Tour

Activity duration is 7 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥82,965 per adult*
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Food, drink & nightlife

See all 12 activities
Full Day Martinborough Wine Tour

Full Day Martinborough Wine Tour

Activity duration is 6 hours and 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥25,141 per adult
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Classes & workshops

See all 3 activities
Private Lord of the Rings Tour Wellington with Lunch

Private Lord of the Rings Tour Wellington with Lunch

Activity duration is 7 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥52,016 per adult*
Private Lord of the Rings Tour Wellington with LunchOpens in new tab

What to do in Wellington

Discover the most popular places to visit in Wellington

Te Papa

Te Papa

4.5/5(160 reviews)

See, smell and touch the exhibits at New Zealand’s hi-tech and interactive free national museum.

Te Papa
Wellington which includes kayaking or canoeing and interior views

Wellington Central Business District

4/5(81 reviews)

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 scene in this walkable area.

Wellington Central Business District
Cuba Street Mall featuring cafe scenes and outdoor eating as well as a large group of people

Cuba Street Mall

4/5(130 reviews)

Enjoy artisan coffees, sample specialty foods, browse through vintage shops or hunt for retro bargains in Wellington's bohemian heart.

Cuba Street Mall
Courtenay Place featuring a bar and interior views as well as a small group of people

Courtenay Place

4/5(61 reviews)

Shop, wine and dine in this culinary hot spot on one of Wellington's most fashionable streets.

Courtenay Place
TSB Arena showing modern architecture

TSB Bank Arena

4/5(4 reviews)

Located on Wellington’s picturesque waterfront, this multipurpose venue hosts many events, including concerts, trade shows, art exhibitions and more.

TSB Bank Arena
Michael Fowler Centre showing a city, night scenes and a bay or harbor

Michael Fowler Centre

4.5/5(5 reviews)

Wellington’s main stage for conferences and indoor events features award-winning architecture and a year-round calendar of music and arts events.

Michael Fowler Centre
Lambton Quay

Lambton Quay

4.5/5(36 reviews)

During your visit to Wellington, you can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Lambton Quay. Stroll along this family-friendly area's waterfront, or simply enjoy its restaurants.

Lambton Quay
Weta Workshop which includes interior views and a statue or sculpture

The Weta Cave

4.5/5(30 reviews)

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.

The Weta Cave
Zealandia

Zealandia

4.5/5(26 reviews)

Your best chance of seeing rare native species in the wild, this eco-attraction is a fenced valley that protects many native bird species.

Zealandia

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Wellington

Wellington which includes kayaking or canoeing and interior views

Wellington CBD

Inner-city suburb boasting high-rise buildings and the financial heart of the region, Wellington Central offers access to Civic Square, Town Hall, Central Library, and the Wellington Cable Car.

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)

Discover New Zealand's largest entertainment district, bustling with bars, clubs, theaters, and galleries. Explore Te Aro Park, the waterfront area, and Cuba Street's vibrant shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Te Aro
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
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Petone

4/5(14 area reviews)

Nestled between the Hutt River and Wellington Harbour, Petone boasts a sandy beach for family swimming and a historic main street with unique businesses. Explore the Petone Settlers Museum or stroll along the Hutt River.

Petone
Mount Victoria Lookout which includes a city, a bay or harbor and night scenes

Mount Victoria

If you're spending some time in Mount Victoria, Mount Victoria Lookout and Oriental Parade are top sights worth seeing.

Mount Victoria
Wellington Zoo showing cuddly or friendly animals and zoo animals

Newtown

Experience a distinct character in this southern Wellington suburb, where you can visit Wellington Zoo or enjoy athletics and football at Newtown Park.

Newtown

Popular day trips from Wellington

Lower Hutt

Lower Hutt

Photo by Paul Billaney

Makara Beach

Frequently asked questions

Is Wellington worth visiting?
Famous for its nature and dining, discovering cool things to do in Wellington is a breeze. Don't forget to add Lambton Quay to your trip itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Wellington?
Once you've checked off popular attractions like Lambton Quay and Petone Foreshore, spend some time discovering Wellington's shopping and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Wellington?
You can't go home without visiting Lambton Quay, rated the top tourist attraction in Wellington.
Is three days enough to stay in Wellington?
Three days will give you plenty of time to check out the leading city highlights, such as Lambton Quay, The Opera House and Eastbourne Beach. The average stay in Wellington is two days. If you feel the urge to extend your trip, Lower Hutt isn't far away.
Is Wellington a walkable city?
It all depends on what you want to do and see in Wellington. Several top attractions, like Lambton Quay and The Opera House, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander around some of Wellington's neighborhoods, Wellington CBD is 0.16 kilometers away from downtown, while Te Aro is 2 kilometers away from the center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Wellington with kids?
Planning what to do in Wellington with kids has never been so easy. Whether you're vacationing with little ones or teenagers, there are lots of family-friendly sights and activities to keep them busy here.

What to do in Wellington for adults?
There are loads of things to do in Wellington, with experiences for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to Parliament House or Wellington Cenotaph.
Are there free things to do in Wellington?
From visiting parks to strolling around exciting neighborhoods, it's simple to discover free things to do in Wellington. If you're in need of ideas, ask for tips from a local tour guide. Lambton Quay is a top spot for anyone wishing to save on their sightseeing activities.