Wellington must-dos
Discover more of Wellington by visiting some of the city's top attractions while you're here for a business event or conference
Wētā Workshop Movie Magic
1 Weka Street, Miramar, Wellington
Be welcomed by Wētā Workshop crew and inspired by the creative journey of how Wellington became known as Wellywood before exploring the workshop and getting captivated into a world of creativity, craftsmanship, and movie-making magic.
Step into the art and magic of film-making with Wētā Workshop. Learn more about the spirit of our makers by combining guided tours, story-telling, and hands-on workshops that bring imaginary worlds to life with activities such as blood-making, prosthetics, sculpting, leatherwork, and chainmaille.
Explore Wellington's nightlife
Embrace that distinct “Wellington feel” by venturing out and experiencing the capital’s vibrant night scene for yourself.
There is an abundance of bars and local clubs to catch some great tunes, to party or simply catch up with friends and colleagues, all a short walk within the CBD.
Wellington is spoilt for choice when it comes to cafés and restaurants too – known as the coffee capital of NZ and with more eateries per capita than New York City, your tastebuds will definitely be tantalised.
Te Papa Tours
55 Cable Street, Te Aro, Wellington
The perfect way to get an overview of Te Papa’s highlights, Māori taonga and New Zealand history. Ideal for visitors with limited time or wanting an introduction for an extended visit. Take an in-depth journey to discover Te Papa’s taonga and hear their stories for insights into Māori culture. From historic, artistic, and contemporary perspectives, this tour will enrich your understanding of what makes New Zealand’s Māori culture unique.
Hannahs Laneway
Hannah Factory Laneway, Te Aro, Wellington
Wellington's original laneway, Hannahs Laneway is the home to some of Wellington's favourite artisan products. If your idea of a good Instagram feed is food shots, then take a wander down this street art speckled laneway to find Fix & Fogg, makers of the best peanut butter you've ever tired, Leeds Street Bakery, makers of the best salted caramel cookie you'll ever eat and Pizza Pomodoro, makers of pizza certified by Associazione Vera Pizza Napoletana - the Michelin star of the pizza world.
Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne
53 Waiapu Road, Karori, Wellington
Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne is the world’s first fully-fenced urban ecosanctuary, with an extraordinary 500-year vision to restore a Wellington valley’s forest and freshwater ecosystems as closely as possible to their pre-human state. The 225-hectare ecosanctuary is a groundbreaking conservation project that has reintroduced over 20 species of native wildlife back into the area, some of which were previously absent from mainland New Zealand for over 100 years.
The ultimate way to experience New Zealand's rare and amazing wildlife! Join one of Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne's experienced guides on an engaging and informative walk through the picturesque sanctuary to witness the native wildlife that is once again living on the mainland.
Wander the Wellington waterfront
For a city perched on the harbour’s edge, it's not surprising that locals flock to the waterfront any chance they get. With a wide footpath that stretches from the Railway Station around to Oriental Bay and beyond, it's a perfect trail for walking, jogging or cycling. Along the way you’ll find sculptures to admire, spots to sit and places to dine. On sunny days, stop by Taranaki Wharf for a gelato and to watch as swimmers jump off a specially-designed eight-metre-high dive platform.
If you’d like to try a different walk, look at Wellington Regional Trails for more walks in the region.
Art and culture aplenty
Wellington boasts a vibrant art scene that is packed full of rich culture and history.
The capital is home to major national arts companies, including the Royal New Zealand Ballet and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, with each performing regularly in the city.
And with award-winning museums, world-class performing arts, thought provoking street art and more than 50 galleries and a trail of colour street art and sculptures to boot, if it’s a culture fix you’re after, you’re in the right place.
Enjoy 360-degree views from the top of Mount Victoria
Mount Victoria, Hataitai, Wellington
The best way to get your bearings of the city is by checking out the picture-perfect views from the top of Mount Victoria, or Mt Vic, as the locals call it.
Rising 196m above the city, the Mount Victoria Lookout has stunning panoramic views of Wellington city, harbour, and hills. You can drive to the top of Mt Vic or walk there via one of the many trails in the Town Belt. Mt Vic is also one of the best spots in the city for taking in a sunrise or sunset.
Cuba Street
Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington
One of Wellington's best-loved and best-known streets, Cuba Street is one of those places where everyone is welcome and feels at home. It's the home of the high/low: dine out on delicious $10 dumplings or a divine degustation at renowned restaurant, Logan Brown; see the Bucket Fountain and street art or cutting-edge contemporary art at one of the street's art galleries. Wellington's home of the unexpected, the quirky, the alternative and the fun – there's always something new to discover on Cuba Street.
Wellington Zoo close encounter
200 Daniell Street, Newtown, Wellington
A Close Encounter at Wellington Zoo is more than just meeting an amazing animal close-up. You're joined by a Zoo Keeper who works with the animals you are meeting. They will introduce you to your encounter animals and answer any of your questions about them. Close Encounter experiences include Cheetahs, Lemurs, Giraffes, Meercats, Red Pandas and Capybaras.