Wellington

Travel Guide

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
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

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
Default Image

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
James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor

James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor

4.5 out of 5
147 The Terrace, Wellington
The price is ¥10,015 per night from Oct 19 to Oct 20
¥10,015
¥11,648 total
Oct 19 - Oct 20
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Wellington. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,616 reviews)
"Yes Yes"

Reviewed on Oct 14, 2025

James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
Rydges Wellington Airport

Rydges Wellington Airport

4.5 out of 5
28 Stewart Duff Drive, Rongotai, Wellington
The price is ¥15,405 per night from Oct 20 to Oct 21
¥15,405
¥17,716 total
Oct 20 - Oct 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Wellington. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,009 reviews)
"Clean and spacious room, perfect for staying at after arriving on a late flight"

Reviewed on Oct 9, 2025

Rydges Wellington Airport
Rydges Wellington

Rydges Wellington

4.5 out of 5
75 Featherston St, Wellington
The price is ¥14,932 per night from Oct 19 to Oct 20
¥14,932
¥17,172 total
Oct 19 - Oct 20
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Wellington. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,008 reviews)
"Room was clean. Hotel is centrally located ."

Reviewed on Oct 11, 2025

Rydges 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.
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,373 reviews)
"I liked that there was a comfy chair to sit in after a days walking around town. The room had all that is necessary for a short stay.The front desk staff were very pleasant."

Reviewed on Oct 13, 2025

Gilmer Apartment Hotel
Adina CityLife Wellington

Adina CityLife Wellington

4 out of 5
300 Lambton Quay, (Vehicle access 14 Gilmer Terrace), Wellington
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified aparthotel in Wellington. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,025 reviews)
"Room had full amenities and was very spacious. Location was excellent everything we needed/wanted to see was in walking distance. Would definitely stay again"

Reviewed on Oct 14, 2025

Adina CityLife Wellington
Ramada by Wyndham Wellington Taranaki Street

Ramada by Wyndham Wellington Taranaki Street

4 out of 5
123 Taranaki Street, Wellington CBD, Wellington
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Wellington. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (469 reviews)
"The rooms were clean and neat! But best were the staff. Thry looked after us nothing was too much trouble. Zoe was great helping me with my email. And Tino was friendly and helpful."

Reviewed on Oct 3, 2025

Ramada by Wyndham Wellington Taranaki Street
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%
4 - Good
82
4 - Good 29%
3 - Okay
15
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
4
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Te Papa Museum and its Gallipoli Exhibition are must sees.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

really nice city and worth a 1.5 days visit

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

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

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

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked the museums and cable car and gardens

5/5 - Excellent

Becca

Super city, especially in the sunshine.

Cities near Wellington