New Zealand

Wellington

A compact harbour capital where wind, coffee and culture collide.

Local time: UTC+12
Population: 0.4M
Safety

Cost of a day

$$$$$

Expensive

Food$$$$$About $53 a day: light breakfast, cheap lunch, mid-range dinner
Stay$$$$$3-star hotel about $112 a night for two
Transport$$$$$About $11.3 a day: 4 public transit rides

Exchange rate

🇳🇿 NZD =

Rates from 2026-10-23, refreshed monthly.

Getting in

WLGWellington International AirportMain airport, about 5 km southeast of the centre at Rongotai.

How	Cost	Time
Metlink Route 2 busCBD	$4	30-40 min
Cheapest; board on Hobart Street, a 700 m walk from the terminal.
Airport Express busCBD	$8.95 with Snapper	20-30 min
Stops next to the arrivals hall.
UberCBD	$20-25	15-25 min
Use the app-based pickup zone; turn right out of the terminal.
TaxiCBD	$25-40	15-25 min
Ranks are right outside the terminal.

Estimates, checked October 2026. Wikivoyage: Wellington

Getting around

Walk the compact centre; use Metlink buses for hills and suburbs.

MetroNo metro or tram in the city. Don't plan around rail inside Wellington.
Bus ★Metlink buses and suburban trains cover the city. Pay with a Snapper card or contactless card. Cash fares are about $3–6 by zone; card is cheaper. Day passes cost about $13–30 by zones, after 9AM weekdays and all day weekends.
TrainSuburban trains run under Metlink with the same Snapper or contactless payment. Useful for trips out of the centre.
Taxi / ride appsUber and DiDi work in Wellington. Taxis include Combined, Corporate, Green and Kiwi.
Rental carHandy for day trips out of the city. The compact centre is easier on foot, so pick up a car only when leaving town.
FerryFerries cross the harbour and to Picton. Check times on the day.
Cable car
Walking ★The central city is compact and best on foot. The Golden Mile links the station to Courtenay Place.

Recommended stay★ 1 night (2 days)

One night suits you: half a day at Te Papa, then the cable car, botanic garden and waterfront make a full day, with food and Cuba Street walks included.

Best for

CultureTe Papa, the cable car and the old Cuba Street quarter.
NatureBotanic Gardens, the wild south coast and harbour views.
FoodCoffee, craft beer and Cuba Street eating.

Weather by month

20°15°Jan🌧 7d

20°15°Feb🌧 7d

18°14°Mar🌧 10d

17°13°Apr🌧 10d

15°11°May🌧 12d

13°9°Jun🌧 12d

12°8°Jul🌧 14d

12°9°Aug🌧 14d

13°9°Sep🌧 12d

15°10°Oct🌧 12d

16°12°Nov🌧 11d

18°14°Dec🌧 11d

Average daily high / low (°C), sea temperature and rainy days. Typical figures, not a forecast.

Climate

Cool, windy maritime climate: mild summers, cool winters and rain in every month. Wind is the constant.

Best time: December to FebruaryWarmest and driest, highs around 18–20°C with about 7 rain days a month. Best for the coast and gardens.
Rain all yearEvery month has rain days, peaking around 14 in July and August. Carry a small umbrella or rain jacket daily.
Windy cityWellington is known for strong wind. A windproof layer matters more than an umbrella on exposed waterfront walks.
Cool winters (June to August)Highs near 12–13°C and lows around 8–9°C. Bring a warm coat, especially for evening ferries and the south coast.
Mild, not hot, summersEven in January highs stay near 20°C. Layers work better than summer beachwear for most days.
What to packWaterproof jacket, warm mid-layer, comfortable walking shoes and sunglasses. Add a hat and sunscreen for summer.

Landmarks 8

Must-see · 6

1
Te Papa Tongarewa
New Zealand's national museum and the city's headline attraction, with strong Maori and Pacific collections plus natural history and art. Entry to the main exhibitions is free, so go early in the day to beat the school groups, and allow at least half a day.
2
Wellington Botanic Garden
A large hillside garden reached by the historic cable car from Lambton Quay, with views over the city and harbour. It is free to enter; ride up and walk back down through the gardens for the best value.
3
Mount Victoria Lookout
The classic viewpoint over the city and harbour, a short drive or a steady walk up from the central city. Go on a clear morning for the sharpest views, and bring a windproof layer as it is exposed.
4
Zealandia
A predator-fenced valley sanctuary where native birds such as tui and kaka are easy to see close to the city. Book a daytime entry ticket online and wear walking shoes; the trails take a few hours.
5
Wellington Waterfront
A flat, lively promenade linking the harbour, Te Papa and the city's cafes, good for an easy stroll any time of day. Walk it in the late afternoon when the light is best and the wind is usually calmer.
6
The Beehive
The distinctive round building of New Zealand's Parliament, a quick photo stop in the government district. Free guided tours of Parliament run on weekdays, so check times and book ahead.

Cultural

Museum 1

Modern Architecture 1

Garden 1

Harbor 1

Park 1

Natural

Mountain 1

Activities

Food 1

Filming Location 1

Day trips from Wellington

Upper Hutt · 45 min by train

★★☆☆☆ · Half day · 32 km from Wellington

Best way: The Hutt Valley Line train runs direct from Wellington Station in about 45 minutes with no changes, faster and simpler than the bus.

Take a Hutt Valley Line (Tranz Metro) train from Wellington Station directly to Upper Hutt, roughly 45 minutes with no changes.

Train ★45 min · from $13-$17
Bus52 min · from $14-$42
Car32 min · taxi ≈ 100 NZD

What to see

Kaitoke Regional Park (Rivendell filming location)
Tunnel Gully walking tracks
Hutt River trail
Downtown Upper Hutt cafes

Good to know

Trentham Station is the stop for the Trentham area, not Upper Hutt Station itself
Trains run frequently on the Hutt Valley Line, so no need to book ahead
A straightforward suburban trip rather than a classic sightseeing day out

Times and prices are typical one-way estimates (train and bus: Omio / Rome2Rio route data; taxi: local tariff × road distance, tolls extra). Exact prices are on the booking page.

Plans

Wellington packs museums, cafes and a dramatic waterfront into a walkable core. Pick how long you have and what you enjoy most. Prices checked October 2026; ≈ marks estimates.

How long?

What do you enjoy most?

Day trip · Culture

A one-day culture hit: national museum, cable car views and the old Cuba Street quarter.

Stay: CBD Golden Mile. Steps from the station, shops and the cable car base; easiest base without a car.

Tickets & tours: ≈ NZD 0
Taxis: ≈ NZD 50

Day 1

Museum, cable car and Cuba Street

Tickets ≈ NZD 0 pp · taxis ≈ NZD 50

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 847 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ NZD 10
1

10:00–13:00 · Free entry · some short-term exhibitions charge

Te Papa Tongarewa Landmark quest

Start at opening. Free entry, some exhibitions cost extra.

Open Daily 10:00–18:00 · check on the day for late nights · Source
Taxi · 841 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ NZD 10
2

13:15–14:15 · Free entry

Wellington Museum

Short walk along the waterfront. Good rainy-day backup.

Open Daily roughly 10:00–17:00 · check on the day · Source
Taxi · 1173 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ NZD 10
3

14:45–15:15 · Return fare roughly NZD 10–12 · check on the day

Wellington Cable Car

Ride up from Lambton Quay. Check times on the day.

Open Roughly 07:30–22:00, longer in summer · check on the day · Source
4

15:20–15:50 · Free entry

Cable Car Museum

At the top of the cable car, same trip.

Open Daily roughly 10:00–17:00 · check on the day
Taxi · 1398 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ NZD 10
5

16:30–18:00 · Free

Cuba Street walk

Walk down through the Botanic Garden or take the cable car back. Shops close around 18:00.

Open Shops roughly 10:00–18:00 · bars later
Taxi back to your hotel · 853 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ NZD 10

Day trip · Nature

Harbour views, native bush and the wild south coast in one day.

Stay: CBD Golden Mile. Steps from the station, shops and the cable car base; easiest base without a car.

Tickets & tours: ≈ NZD 0
Taxis: ≈ NZD 60

Day 1

Gardens, cable car and the coast

Tickets ≈ NZD 0 pp · taxis ≈ NZD 60

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 1041 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ NZD 10
1

09:30–11:00 · Free · cable car fare extra

Wellington Botanic Garden Landmark quest

Enter from the top of the cable car or walk up from Tinakori Road.

Open Garden open daily daylight hours · visitor centre shorter hours · Source
Taxi · 361 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ NZD 10
2

11:15–11:45 · Return fare roughly NZD 10–12 · check on the day

Wellington Cable Car

Ride down to Lambton Quay. Check times on the day.

Open Roughly 07:30–22:00, longer in summer · check on the day · Source
Taxi · 1130 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ NZD 10
3

12:00–13:00 · Free

Wellington Waterfront Landmark quest

Lunch stop nearby, then walk the harbour edge.

Open Always open · Source
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 10 min · ≈ NZD 10
4

14:00–15:00 · Free

Mount Victoria lookout

Bus or taxi to the lookout. Clear days give the best views.

Open Always open
Taxi · 636 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ NZD 10
5

15:30–16:30 · Free

Oriental Bay Beach

Walk down to the beach. Swim only in summer and when patrolled.

Open Always open
Taxi back to your hotel · 2 km · ≈ 10 min · ≈ NZD 10

1 night · Culture ★ Recommended length

First-timers who want the museum, the cable car and the old streets in one easy day.

Stay: CBD Golden Mile. Steps from the station, shops and the cable car base; easiest base without a car.

Tickets & tours: ≈ NZD 0
Taxis: ≈ NZD 80
Hotel: NZD 180–380

Day 1

Waterfront museums and the cable car

Tickets ≈ NZD 0 pp · taxis ≈ NZD 40

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 847 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ NZD 10
1

10:00–13:00 · Free entry · some short-term exhibitions charge

Te Papa Tongarewa Landmark quest

Start early. Entry is free, donations welcome. Check on the day for late nights.

Open Daily 10:00–18:00 · check on the day for late nights · Source
Taxi · 841 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ NZD 10
2

13:15–14:15 · Free entry

Wellington Museum

Short walk along the waterfront. Good rainy-day backup.

Open Daily roughly 10:00–17:00 · check on the day · Source
Taxi · 1173 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ NZD 10
3

14:45–15:15 · Return fare roughly NZD 10–12 · check on the day

Wellington Cable Car

Ride up from Lambton Quay. Roughly 07:30–22:00, longer in summer. Check on the day.

Open Roughly 07:30–22:00, longer in summer · check on the day · Source
4

15:30–16:00 · Free entry

Cable Car Museum

At the top of the cable car. Roughly 10:00–17:00. Check on the day.

Open Daily roughly 10:00–17:00 · check on the day
Taxi · 953 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ NZD 10
5

16:30–17:00 · Cafe slice roughly NZD 8–15 · check on the day

Pavlova Landmark quest

Afternoon tea on the way back down. Cafe hours vary.

Open Varies by cafe

Day 2

Government quarter and Cuba Street

Tickets ≈ NZD 0 pp · taxis ≈ NZD 40

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 1172 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ NZD 10
1

09:30–10:00 · Free to view outside · free guided tours when Parliament sits, book ahead

The Beehive Landmark quest

Exterior always visible. Tours run on sitting days only. Check on the day.

Open Exterior always visible · tours on sitting days, check on the day · Source
2

10:15–11:15 · Free · book ahead

Parliament guided tour

Book ahead. Sitting days only. Check on the day.

Open Sitting days only · check on the day · Source
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 10 min · ≈ NZD 10
3

12:00–13:30 · Free

Cuba Street walk

Lunch and a wander. Shops roughly 10:00–18:00.

Open Shops roughly 10:00–18:00 · bars later
Taxi · 1417 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ NZD 10
4

14:00–15:30 · Guided tour roughly NZD 30–50 · check on the day

Wētā Workshop Experience

Book ahead. Tour times vary.

Open Daily, tour times vary · book ahead · Source
Taxi back to your hotel · 2 km · ≈ 10 min · ≈ NZD 10

1 night · Nature ★ Recommended length

A green day: gardens, a hilltop view and the wild south coast.

Stay: CBD Golden Mile. Steps from the station, shops and the cable car base; easiest base without a car.

Tickets & tours: ≈ NZD 0
Taxis: ≈ NZD 157
Hotel: NZD 180–380

Day 1

Gardens, cable car and the hill

Tickets ≈ NZD 0 pp · taxis ≈ NZD 60

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 915 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ NZD 10
1

09:30–10:00 · Return fare roughly NZD 10–12 · check on the day

Wellington Cable Car

Ride up on a clear morning. Check on the day for hours.

Open Roughly 07:30–22:00, longer in summer · check on the day · Source
Taxi · 361 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ NZD 10
2

10:15–11:45 · Free · cable car fare extra

Wellington Botanic Garden Landmark quest

Walk down through the garden. Open daylight hours. Spring is best for flowers.

Open Garden open daily daylight hours · visitor centre shorter hours · Source
Taxi · 1041 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ NZD 10
3

12:00–12:30 · Cafe slice roughly NZD 8–15 · check on the day

Pavlova Landmark quest

Lunch or afternoon tea in the city. Cafe hours vary.

Open Varies by cafe
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 11 min · ≈ NZD 10
4

13:30–14:30 · Free

Mount Victoria lookout

Bus or short taxi from the centre. Best on a clear day.

Open Always open
Taxi · 636 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ NZD 10
5

15:00–16:00 · Free

Oriental Bay Beach

Walk down to the beach. Best on a sunny afternoon.

Open Always open
Taxi back to your hotel · 2 km · ≈ 10 min · ≈ NZD 10

Day 2

Sanctuary and waterfront

Tickets ≈ NZD 0 pp · taxis ≈ NZD 97

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 3 km · ≈ 11 min · ≈ NZD 11
1

09:00–11:30 · Entry roughly NZD 20–25 adult · check on the day

Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne

Go early for birds. Roughly 09:00–17:00, later in summer. Check on the day.

Open Daily roughly 09:00–17:00, later in summer · check on the day · Source
Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 12 min · ≈ NZD 11
2

12:30–13:30 · Free

Wellington Waterfront Landmark quest

Lunch and a harbour walk. Always open.

Open Always open · Source
Taxi · 11 km · ≈ 32 min · ≈ NZD 37
3

14:30–16:30 · Free · check bus or car access

Red Rocks walk

Best at low tide on a calm day. Check the tide table.

Open Always open · best at low tide
Taxi back to your hotel · 12 km · ≈ 33 min · ≈ NZD 38

1 night · Food ★ Recommended length

Coffee, market food and an evening on Courtenay Place.

Stay: Te Aro and Cuba Street. Cafés, bars and galleries on the doorstep; walk to Courtenay Place at night.

Tickets & tours: ≈ NZD 0
Taxis: ≈ NZD 110
Hotel: NZD 160–340

Day 1

Market morning and Cuba Street

Tickets ≈ NZD 0 pp · taxis ≈ NZD 60

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 1401 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ NZD 10
1

09:30–10:30 · Free entry · bring cash for stalls

Harbourside Market

Sunday mornings only. Check on the day. Go early for the best stalls.

Open Sunday mornings only · check on the day
Taxi · 674 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ NZD 10
2

10:45–11:45 · Free

Wellington Waterfront Landmark quest

Walk off breakfast along the harbour. Always open.

Open Always open · Source
Taxi · 350 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ NZD 10
3

12:15–13:00 · Lunch roughly NZD 12–20 · check on the day

Hannahs Laneway food stop

Weekday lunch hours mostly. Check on the day.

Open Weekday lunch hours mostly · check on the day
Taxi · 220 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ NZD 10
4

14:00–15:30 · Free

Cuba Street walk

Coffee and browsing. Shops roughly 10:00–18:00.

Open Shops roughly 10:00–18:00 · bars later
Taxi · 301 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ NZD 10
5

18:30–19:30 · Free to walk · food and drinks extra

Courtenay Place evening walk

Dinner and a drink. Busiest Thursday to Saturday.

Open Bars and restaurants busiest from evening
Taxi back to your hotel · 457 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ NZD 10

Day 2

Museum, then a slow lunch

Tickets ≈ NZD 0 pp · taxis ≈ NZD 50

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 913 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ NZD 10
1

10:00–13:00 · Free entry · some short-term exhibitions charge

Te Papa Tongarewa Landmark quest

Free entry. Check on the day for late nights.

Open Daily 10:00–18:00 · check on the day for late nights · Source
Taxi · 847 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ NZD 10
2

13:15–13:45 · Cafe slice roughly NZD 8–15 · check on the day

Pavlova Landmark quest

Afternoon tea. Cafe hours vary.

Open Varies by cafe
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 10 min · ≈ NZD 10
3

14:30–16:00 · Guided tour roughly NZD 30–50 · check on the day

Wētā Workshop Experience

Book ahead. Tour times vary.

Open Daily, tour times vary · book ahead · Source
Taxi · 1245 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ NZD 10
4

18:00–19:00 · Free to walk · food and drinks extra

Courtenay Place evening walk

Evening walk and dinner.

Open Bars and restaurants busiest from evening
Taxi back to your hotel · 457 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ NZD 10

2 nights · Culture

First-timers who want the museum, the cable car and the old streets without rushing.

Stay: CBD Golden Mile. Steps from the station, shops and the cable car base; easiest base without a car.

Tickets & tours: ≈ NZD 0
Taxis: ≈ NZD 100
Hotel: NZD 360–760

Day 1

Waterfront museums and the cable car

Tickets ≈ NZD 0 pp · taxis ≈ NZD 50

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 847 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ NZD 10
1

10:00–13:00 · Free entry · some short-term exhibitions charge

Te Papa Tongarewa Landmark quest

Free entry. Start here on a weekday morning to beat the crowds.

Open Daily 10:00–18:00 · check on the day for late nights · Source
Taxi · 841 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ NZD 10
2

13:30–14:30 · Free entry

Wellington Museum

Short walk along the waterfront. Good rainy-day backup.

Open Daily roughly 10:00–17:00 · check on the day · Source
Taxi · 1173 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ NZD 10
3

15:00–15:30 · Return fare roughly NZD 10–12 · check on the day

Wellington Cable Car

Ride up from Lambton Quay. Check times on the day.

Open Roughly 07:30–22:00, longer in summer · check on the day · Source
4

15:45–16:15 · Free entry

Cable Car Museum

At the top of the cable car, same trip.

Open Daily roughly 10:00–17:00 · check on the day
Taxi · 1398 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ NZD 10
5

17:30–19:00 · Free

Cuba Street walk

Walk down through the old quarter. Shops close around 18:00, bars stay open.

Open Shops roughly 10:00–18:00 · bars later
Taxi back to your hotel · 853 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ NZD 10

Day 2

Parliament, laneway lunch and Wētā

Tickets ≈ NZD 0 pp · taxis ≈ NZD 50

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 1172 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ NZD 10
1

09:30–10:00 · Free to view outside · free guided tours when Parliament sits, book ahead

The Beehive Landmark quest

Look at the exterior any time. Tours only on sitting days, check on the day.

Open Exterior always visible · tours on sitting days, check on the day · Source
2

10:15–11:15 · Free · book ahead

Parliament guided tour

Weekdays only. Book ahead if you can.

Open Sitting days only · check on the day · Source
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 9 min · ≈ NZD 10
3

12:00–12:45 · Lunch roughly NZD 12–20 · check on the day

Hannahs Laneway food stop

Weekday lunch spot. Check on the day.

Open Weekday lunch hours mostly · check on the day
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 9 min · ≈ NZD 10
4

13:30–15:00 · Guided tour roughly NZD 30–50 · check on the day

Wētā Workshop Experience

Book ahead, tour times vary.

Open Daily, tour times vary · book ahead · Source
Taxi · 1245 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ NZD 10
5

18:00–19:00 · Free to walk · food and drinks extra

Courtenay Place evening walk

Evening walk for dinner and a drink.

Open Bars and restaurants busiest from evening
Taxi back to your hotel · 1020 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ NZD 10

2 nights · Nature

Visitors who want gardens, harbour views and the wild south coast.

Stay: CBD Golden Mile. Steps from the station, shops and the cable car base; easiest base without a car.

Tickets & tours: ≈ NZD 0
Taxis: ≈ NZD 238
Hotel: NZD 360–760

Day 1

Botanic Garden and the cable car

Tickets ≈ NZD 0 pp · taxis ≈ NZD 60

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 915 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ NZD 10
1

09:30–10:00 · Return fare roughly NZD 10–12 · check on the day

Wellington Cable Car

Ride up on a clear morning. Check times on the day.

Open Roughly 07:30–22:00, longer in summer · check on the day · Source
Taxi · 361 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ NZD 10
2

10:15–11:45 · Free · cable car fare extra

Wellington Botanic Garden Landmark quest

Garden open daylight hours. Walk down through it afterwards.

Open Garden open daily daylight hours · visitor centre shorter hours · Source
Taxi · 1331 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ NZD 10
3

13:00–14:00 · Free

Wellington Waterfront Landmark quest

Lunch then a harbour stroll.

Open Always open · Source
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 10 min · ≈ NZD 10
4

15:00–16:00 · Free

Mount Victoria lookout

Clear-day lookout. Best late afternoon.

Open Always open
Taxi · 636 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ NZD 10
5

16:30–17:30 · Free

Oriental Bay Beach

Beach at the foot of the hill. Sunny afternoons in summer.

Open Always open
Taxi back to your hotel · 2 km · ≈ 10 min · ≈ NZD 10

Day 2

Sanctuary and the south coast

Tickets ≈ NZD 0 pp · taxis ≈ NZD 178

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 3 km · ≈ 11 min · ≈ NZD 11
1

09:00–11:30 · Entry roughly NZD 20–25 adult · check on the day

Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne

Morning is best for birds. Check hours on the day.

Open Daily roughly 09:00–17:00, later in summer · check on the day · Source
Taxi · 10 km · ≈ 29 min · ≈ NZD 33
2

13:30–15:30 · Free · check bus or car access

Red Rocks walk

Go at low tide on a calm day. Check the tide table first.

Open Always open · best at low tide
Taxi · 23 km · ≈ 1 h · ≈ NZD 72
3

16:30–18:00 · Free · you need a car or taxi

Makara Beach walk

Wild coast walk. Only on a dry, calm day.

Open Always open
Taxi back to your hotel · 19 km · ≈ 52 min · ≈ NZD 61

2 nights · Food

Eaters and coffee drinkers who want markets, laneways and an evening out.

Stay: Te Aro and Cuba Street. Cafés, bars and galleries on the doorstep; walk to Courtenay Place at night.

Tickets & tours: ≈ NZD 0
Taxis: ≈ NZD 100
Hotel: NZD 320–680

Day 1

Cuba Street and the laneways

Tickets ≈ NZD 0 pp · taxis ≈ NZD 50

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 244 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ NZD 10
1

10:30–12:00 · Free

Cuba Street walk

Coffee first, then browse. Shops roughly 10:00–18:00.

Open Shops roughly 10:00–18:00 · bars later
Taxi · 220 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ NZD 10
2

12:30–13:15 · Lunch roughly NZD 12–20 · check on the day

Hannahs Laneway food stop

Weekday lunch stop. Check on the day.

Open Weekday lunch hours mostly · check on the day
Taxi · 710 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ NZD 10
3

15:00–15:30 · Cafe slice roughly NZD 8–15 · check on the day

Pavlova Landmark quest

Afternoon tea. Cafes vary, check on the day.

Open Varies by cafe
Taxi · 1020 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ NZD 10
4

18:30–19:30 · Free to walk · food and drinks extra

Courtenay Place evening walk

Dinner and bars. Busiest Thursday to Saturday.

Open Bars and restaurants busiest from evening
Taxi back to your hotel · 457 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ NZD 10

Day 2

Market morning and waterfront

Tickets ≈ NZD 0 pp · taxis ≈ NZD 50

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 1401 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ NZD 10
1

09:30–10:30 · Free entry · bring cash for stalls

Harbourside Market

Sunday mornings only. Check on the day.

Open Sunday mornings only · check on the day
Taxi · 674 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ NZD 10
2

11:00–12:00 · Free

Wellington Waterfront Landmark quest

Walk off breakfast along the harbour.

Open Always open · Source
Taxi · 560 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ NZD 10
3

13:00–16:00 · Free entry · some short-term exhibitions charge

Te Papa Tongarewa Landmark quest

Free entry. Good rainy-day plan.

Open Daily 10:00–18:00 · check on the day for late nights · Source
Taxi · 847 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ NZD 10
4

16:30–17:00 · Cafe slice roughly NZD 8–15 · check on the day

Pavlova Landmark quest

One last sweet stop before you go.

Open Varies by cafe
Taxi back to your hotel · 1029 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ NZD 10

Swap in instead

Ride the ferry across the harbour to Days Bay or Eastbourne for a half-day walk and a swim in summer.
Take a bus or drive over to the Wairarapa for a day of vineyards and small towns; check timetables first.
Add a night for Zealandia wildlife sanctuary at dusk, when the native birds are most active.

Getting around

Buses and suburban trains run under Metlink; pay with Snapper card or contactless card.
Cash single bus fares are about $3-6 by zone; Snapper and contactless cost less.
Day passes cost about $13-30 depending on zones; after 9AM weekdays and all day weekends.
Uber and DiDi work in Wellington; taxis include Combined, Corporate, Green and Kiwi.
The central city is compact and best on foot; the Golden Mile links the station to Courtenay Place.
The Kelburn cable car climbs from Lambton Quay to the Botanic Gardens; ferries cross to Picton.

Where to stay

CBD Golden Mile · ≈ NZD 180–380 a night
Steps from the station, shops and the cable car base; easiest base without a car.
Te Aro and Cuba Street · ≈ NZD 160–340 a night
Cafés, bars and galleries on the doorstep; walk to Courtenay Place at night.
Waterfront · ≈ NZD 220–480 a night
Te Papa, the harbour and the ferry terminal nearby; flat walks along the quay.
Oriental Bay · ≈ NZD 240–520 a night
Beach and promenade views, 20–25 minutes on foot from the centre; quieter nights.

Food & drink

Order a flat white: Wellington is the self-styled coffee capital, and most cafés roast their own beans.
Eat on Cuba Street: cheap noodles, bakeries and small restaurants, roughly NZD 15–30 a main.
Try a craft beer at a Courtenay Place or Te Aro taproom; ask for a tasting paddle to sample several.
Seafood is local and good: green-lipped mussels, kaimoana and fish and chips near the waterfront.
Book dinner ahead on Friday and Saturday nights; popular small places fill up. Check opening days on the day.

Tips

Known as 'Windy Welly' because the wind whipping through the Cook Strait is constant and strong
Take the Cable Car to the top of the botanical gardens for great city views
The city has a massive, world-class cafe and craft beer scene
Visit Te Papa, the national museum, which is world-renowned and free
The city center is compact enough to walk almost everywhere

Sources for prices and hours

Taxi costs are estimates from straight-line distance and the metered fare. Map positions are approximate.

Tours & activities

Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

Weta Workshop

Behind-the-scenes look at film-effects creativity
See props and creatures from famous productions
1,178 reviews · 4.8 rating

Entry includedGuided tour

Wētā Workshop Guided Tour Ticket

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.8 (1,178)

$34View tour

Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

Wellington Botanic Garden

Ride the historic cable car up the hill
Easy access to the Botanic Garden at the top
842 reviews · 4.6 rating

Great valueFamily friendly

Return Cable Car Ticket

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.6 (842)

$7View tour

Take this tour to unlock 2 landmark quests

Mount Victoria Lookout

Wellington Waterfront

See the main city sights with a local guide
Panoramic views from Mount Victoria Lookout
838 reviews · 4.8 rating

Cable car includedCity highlights

Guided City Tour with Cable Car Ticket

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.8 (838)

$63View tour

Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

Weta Workshop

Lord of the Rings locations around the region
Guided visit to Weta Workshop
602 reviews · 4.9 rating

Lunch includedFull day

Original LOTR Full-Day Tour with Weta & Lunch

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.9 (602)

$185View tour

Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

Zealandia

Spot rare native birds in the sanctuary
Guided walk through the valley
336 reviews · 4.8 rating

Wildlife focusSmall group

Zealandia Day Tour to Spot Rare Wildlife

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.8 (336)

$40View tour

Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

Te Papa Tongarewa

General admission to the national museum
Explore Māori and natural history exhibits
207 reviews · 4.7 rating

Entry includedFlexible timing

Museum of NZ General Admission

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.7 (207)

$20View tour

Souvenirs

Weta Workshop Miniature

NZD 45–1001 small figure · shop prices

A small figure from Wellington's film-making culture, made under licence and sold as Mini Epics. It reflects the city's role as a home of movie special effects.

Where: Wētā Cave, Miramar

Mini Epics are small licensed figures, so check the box says Weta before buying.

Wellington Chocolate Factory Bar

NZD 22–282 bars, 75g each · shop prices

Bean-to-bar chocolate made in Wellington. Flavours can include New Zealand tastes such as kawakawa, a native plant.

Where: Wellington Chocolate Factory, Eva Street

Pick a New Zealand flavour such as kawakawa to try something local.

Flights

Hotels

Search all Wellington hotelsHotels.com

Popular hotels

eSIM

Get an eSIM for WellingtonStay connected in New Zealand from day one · Airalo

1 GB3 days$4 USDSelect plan →5 GB30 days$14.5 USDSelect plan →10 GB30 days$25 USDSelect plan →

Compare all 5 plans · choose data and duration

Check that your phone supports eSIM and is carrier-unlocked. Data-use estimates are a guide; verify coverage, activation rules and the final price on Airalo.

Luggage storage

Store your bags in WellingtonDrop luggage at nearby shops and hotels · Bounce

Cost of a day

Exchange rate

Getting in

Getting around

Weather by month

Climate

Landmarks 8

Must-see · 6

Te Papa Tongarewa

Wellington Botanic Garden

Mount Victoria Lookout

Zealandia

Wellington Waterfront

The Beehive

Cultural

Museum 1

Modern Architecture 1

Garden 1

Harbor 1

Park 1

Natural

Mountain 1

Activities

Food 1

Filming Location 1

Day trips from Wellington

Upper Hutt · 45 min by train

What to see

Good to know

Plans

Te Papa Tongarewa Landmark quest

Wellington Museum

Wellington Cable Car

Cable Car Museum

Cuba Street walk

Wellington Botanic Garden Landmark quest

Wellington Cable Car

Wellington Waterfront Landmark quest

Mount Victoria lookout

Oriental Bay Beach

Harbourside Market

Wellington Waterfront Landmark quest

Hannahs Laneway food stop

Cuba Street walk

Courtenay Place evening walk

Te Papa Tongarewa Landmark quest

Wellington Museum

Wellington Cable Car

Cable Car Museum

Pavlova Landmark quest

The Beehive Landmark quest

Parliament guided tour

Cuba Street walk

Wētā Workshop Experience

Wellington Cable Car

Wellington Botanic Garden Landmark quest

Pavlova Landmark quest

Mount Victoria lookout

Oriental Bay Beach

Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne

Wellington Waterfront Landmark quest

Red Rocks walk

Harbourside Market

Wellington Waterfront Landmark quest

Hannahs Laneway food stop

Cuba Street walk

Courtenay Place evening walk

Te Papa Tongarewa Landmark quest

Pavlova Landmark quest

Wētā Workshop Experience

Courtenay Place evening walk

Te Papa Tongarewa Landmark quest

Wellington Museum

Wellington Cable Car

Cable Car Museum

Cuba Street walk

The Beehive Landmark quest

Parliament guided tour

Hannahs Laneway food stop

Wētā Workshop Experience