Things to Do in Wellington – Sightseeing Tours, Trips & Attractions

Discover the best things to do in Wellington, New Zealand’s vibrant capital city. From sightseeing tours and cultural attractions to foodie spots, wildlife, and scenic adventures, Wellington has experiences to suit every traveller.

Why Visit Wellington?

Wellington is a scenic harbour city at the southern tip of New Zealand’s North Island, where rolling hills meet a dramatic coastline. As the country’s capital, it offers visitors a unique mix of history, creativity, and natural beauty — all packed into a compact, walkable city. Wellington is home to New Zealand’s Parliament and Te Papa, the national museum, where interactive exhibits showcase the country’s Maori heritage, pioneering history, and striking landscapes.

Often described as New Zealand’s cultural and creative capital, Wellington is renowned for its vibrant food scene, lively nightlife, and welcoming atmosphere. The city boasts an impressive number of cafés, bars, and restaurants for its size, making it a favourite stop for international travellers who enjoy great food, craft beer, and locally roasted coffee. From casual waterfront dining to award-winning restaurants, Wellington delivers memorable culinary experiences day and night.

Despite its urban energy, Wellington is surrounded by nature. Visitors can enjoy coastal walks, wildlife encounters, panoramic lookout points, and outdoor adventures just minutes from the city centre. Whether you’re exploring famous film locations, joining guided sightseeing tours, discovering native wildlife, or experiencing the harbour by land, sea, or air, Wellington offers a wide range of activities to suit all travel styles, budgets, and timeframes — making it an essential stop on any New Zealand journey.

What To Do In  Wellington – Activities & Attractions

Getting to know Wellington is easy, you can just walk to the many attractions or just hop on a city bus tour and hop off and on again at any of the points of interest.

Some of the top attractions and one of the most visited is ‘Te Papa’, telling the story of New Zealand through its collection of arts, innovative displays and interactive exhibits that the whole family can enjoy.

Take a ride on the Wellingtons Cable Car that takes you from Lambton Quay in the CBD to Kelburn lookout where you will find the Cable Car museum (free entry) and the entrance to the Carter Observatory and Wellingtons Botanical Gardens.

There are a number of interesting downhill walks back to the city. A regular free bus service also operates from here to Zealandia a sanctuary in the city with some of New Zealands rarest birds, reptiles and insects, here you can wander at your leisure along its many tracks or join the guides for a walk and talk through this sanctuary full of bird song.

Get up close to wildlife at Wellington Zoo, enjoying a truly unique animal experience meeting some of most vivacious, loveable and quirky creatures, along with Lion’s, giraffes, elephants and a host of other animals.

Free Things to Do in Wellington

Wellington offers plenty of memorable experiences that won’t cost a thing. From museums and gardens to waterfront walks and scenic viewpoints, these free attractions are perfect for first-time visitors and budget-friendly travellers.

• Te Papa Museum – Free entry to New Zealand’s national museum with interactive exhibits for all ages.

• Wellington Waterfront Walk – Scenic harbour walk with public art, cafés, and city views.

• Wellington Botanic Garden – Beautiful gardens and walking tracks near the Cable Car terminus.

• Mount Victoria Lookout – One of the best free panoramic views over Wellington city and harbour.

• Cuba Street – Lively pedestrian street known for cafés, street performers, and shopping.

• City to Sea Bridge & Civic Square – A central spot connecting the waterfront with the CBD.

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