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Welcome to Wellington

There’s so much to see and do in the capital. To get you started, here are the top things to do when you visit.

For more information along with helpful guides check out https://www.wellingtonnz.com/wlg

Here’s a selection of active and passive activities for all event attendees to enjoy:

·       Where to eat, drink?, For many, Cuba Street captures the spirit of Wellington. It’s quirky, bustling, and full of creative life. Wellington considers itself the coffee capital — the number of local roasteries and the public’s expectation for quality have created a rich café environment. Around every corner in the central city, you’ll find experienced baristas, excellent food, ambience, and great service. You’ll be full of beans in no time.

·       When it’s hot out (and even when it’s not), cool down with your frozen treat of choice. Whether you prefer a scoop, soft serve, gelato, or sorbet, Wellington has it all.

·       Part of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail, Wellington is the perfect place to sample a local drop (or two).

·       Experience an unforgettable Close Encounter with some of Wellington Zoo’s endangered animals. Pat a lemur or feed a meerkat, see the sun bears up close, hang out with a capybara or tiger. There are multiple encounters that allow you to learn from experienced zoo keepers. The staff always have the animal’s best interests at heart.

·       Discover iconic landmarks, learn about the city, and explore founding civic moments that have defined New Zealand’s history with this free self-guided tour. https://www.wellingtonnz.com/visit/see-and-do/footsteps-of-change

·       One of the city’s most iconic experiences, Wellington Cable Car leads to some of the best views of the capital.

·       The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa dominates the beautiful Wellington Waterfront. Its 36,000 square metres of space spread across six floors contain over 800,000 artworks, cultural artefacts, historical archives, and scientific specimens. The sheer scale and scope of its collections mean you could spend hours there exploring.

·       See native wildlife at Zealandia. This world-first, fully fenced, predator-free urban sanctuary lies on the outskirts of the city centre. A 10-minute drive from Lambton Quay and you’re in the wilderness seeing native birds and wildlife thrive in a safe environment. This conservation project has enabled native bird populations to flourish.

·       The best way to get your bearings in Wellington is by heading to the top of Mount Victoria. Mt Vic, as the locals call it, rises 196m above the city. The lookout has panoramic views of Wellington City, its harbour, and the hills beyond. It’s part of the Southern Walkway track so it’s possible to get there walking. It’s also part of the network of trails in the Town Belt so there are multiple walks to explore once you get there. Take a picnic with you, settle in on the hillside, and relax while watching ferries and cruise ships sail into the harbour and planes fly in and out of the airport.

·       With its heritage buildings and bohemian inhabitants, Cuba Street has many treasures to discover. Eclectic shops and a wide selection of hospitality offerings mean you could easily spend a day exploring. Start with a classic café, pop by a delicious takeaway, and indulge at a fine dining establishment. Make sure you pay a visit to Cuba Street’s iconic Bucket Fountain. An unofficial symbol of the capital, the quirky, interactive sculpture has splashed many visitors snapping a picture in front of it.

·       Wētā Workshops Wētā Cave houses exhibits props for "Lord of the Rings" & other Oscar-winning props, costumes, and creature effects. Tours take you on a magical trip through some of the biggest Hollywood blockbusters.

·       Wellington Botanic Garden ki Paekākā encompasses 25 hectares of specialised plant collections, colourful botanical displays, a protected native forest, and views over Wellington City. It is a vast tract of land that has offered relaxation, playtime, shade, and education about flora and fauna for more than 150 years.