I’ve had an ongoing love affair with the town of Wellington, New Zealand, for almost all of my life. I first visited in 2005 (proper after I graduated highschool), and instantly instructed my dad and mom I used to be going to maneuver to the New Zealand capital. I did simply that three years later throughout college with a semester overseas in Wellington, falling in love with the quirky, inventive, windy metropolis much more.
I’ve since been again to Wellington a number of extra occasions, and it stays one in every of my favourite cities wherever on this planet – and that is saying one thing, contemplating what number of superior cities I’ve visited!
Wellington is a metropolis that is filled with character. It’s the political capital of New Zealand, sure, nevertheless it’s additionally the nation’s cultural and artistic capital. At occasions it feels extra like a small city than a significant metropolis, which has helped or not it’s named the “coolest little capital in the world.”
Fun details about Wellington
First, let’s get to know Wellington a bit higher:
- Wellington is situated on the south-western tip of the North Island, close to the Cook Strait that separates the North and South islands of New Zealand.
- Legend tells that the Polynesian explorer Kupe first found and explored the area that might grow to be New Zealand within the tenth century. The Wellington space was inhabited by indigenous Māori peoples earlier than European colonization within the 1800s (and its identify to them is Te Whanganui-a-Tara).
- Wellington was named in 1840 after Arthur Wellesley, the primary Duke of Wellington (who by no means visited New Zealand).
- Wellington is the southernmost capital metropolis on this planet, sitting at 41.2924° S. (It wasn’t the nation’s first capital, although; Old Russell/Okiato was the primary capital from 1840-41, and Auckland was the capital up till 1865.)
- The inhabitants of the Wellington metro space is round 420,000.
- Wellington is without doubt one of the windiest cities on this planet, incomes it the nickname “Windy Welly.” Winds right here common 16 mph (7.15 m/s).
- Wellington is reported to have extra cafes per capita than New York City!
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The finest issues to do in Wellington
As somebody who’s visited Wellington many occasions – and even lived there briefly! – listed here are my private picks for the perfect issues to do in your first go to to Wellington.
1. Have a seashore day at Oriental Bay
Oriental Bay is the identify of each a Wellington neighborhood and the town’s solely true seashore. On a sunny day, the water right here turns a stupendous deep turquoise colour, and the colourful homes climbing up Wellington’s hills make for an amazing backdrop.
Oriental Bay is the spot the place the primary stirrings of my emotions for Wellington have been born. On a pleasant day, that is, hands-down, my favourite place to be in Wellington. And I’m not alone in feeling this fashion — locals and guests alike gravitate towards Oriental Bay on weekends and sunny days.
2. Visit Te Papa
New Zealand’s nationwide museum, Te Papa Tongarewa, is situated in downtown Wellington, proper on the finish of Taranaki Street close to the waterfront. Not solely are you able to study all about New Zealand’s historical past right here, however entry into the smooth, fashionable museum is free.
I could also be a bit biased, however that is one in every of my favourite museums on this planet due to its format, shows, interactive options, and wide selection of reveals. Popular issues to see at Te Papa embrace reveals on New Zealand nature and Māori and Pacific tradition; the one Colossal Squid on show on this planet; and an unbelievable, groundbreaking exhibit in regards to the Gallipoli marketing campaign in World War I.
Te Papa makes for an amazing wet day exercise in Wellington (which you might very effectively want!). They additionally supply a guided museum tour in case you’re into that.
3. Wellington Waterfront Walk
There’s a complete strolling and biking route alongside your complete Te Whanganui-a-tara (Wellington harbor) known as The Great Harbour Way / Te Aranui o Pōneke. An important part of that is the Wellington Waterfront Walk that stretches from Te Papa to Frank Kitts Park.
This is all the time a vigorous space, with individuals strolling, biking, skating, and even rowing when the climate is nice, together with bars and eating places spilling over into outside terraces crammed with bean bag chairs. If locals aren’t on the seashore on a sunny day, they’re most likely on this space.
The Wellington Writers Walk additionally follows this route, and options giant carvings of various literary quotes you may look out for.
(And, in case you’re touring to Wellington with youngsters, Frank Kits Park has a pleasant play space with an enormous slide formed like a lighthouse.)
4. City to Sea Bridge to Civic Square
When you are strolling alongside this part of waterfront, you may ultimately see the City to Sea Bridge, a pedestrian bridge and public art work that connects the Whairepo Lagoon to Civic Square. The bridge is roofed in wood sculptures carved by Maori artist Paratene Matchitt, and is admittedly an attraction in its personal proper.
At the opposite finish of the bridge lies Te Ngākau Civic Square, which is house to the well-known “fern ball” sculpture suspended within the air.
The authentic “Ferns” sculpture by artist Neil Dawson was eliminated in 2015 as a result of security issues, and a alternative was lastly put up on 2020.
In Civic Square, you may additionally discover the doorway to the City Gallery Wellington. Entry to this artwork museum and gallery can also be free!
5. Ride the historic cable automotive
From Civic Square, it is a quick stroll into Wellington Central to the decrease station of the Wellington Cable Car, which is certainly a must-do in Wellington.
The historic Wellington cable automotive is a funicular railway that has been operating between Lambton Quay (the town’s fundamental buying avenue) and Kelburn for greater than 100 years, carrying each locals going about their day-to-day lives and vacationers on the lookout for some nice views. (I like this about Wellington – nothing is solely for locals or just for vacationers.)
A experience as much as the highest takes simply 5 minutes, with one cease within the center. Once at Kelburn Station, there is a small (and free) cable automotive museum you may go to, plus a viewing space that gives up a few of the best views of Wellington. It additionally principally places you proper within the Wellington Botanic Garden.
(You can technically pre-book your cable automotive tickets if you need, however you do not have to. It’s straightforward to buy them on the station.)
6. Wellington Botanic Garden
Covering 64 acres, the Wellington Botanic Garden is a stupendous place to discover with 150+ years of historical past within the metropolis. The backyard itself contains varied floral shows and deliberate gardens (the Lady Norwood Rose Garden is especially well-known), and is free to go to!
You’ll additionally discover sculptures, a duck pond, and a restaurant inside the gardens.
Space Place at Carter Observatory can also be inside the backyard grounds, and is a science museum that covers stars, planets, constellations, and New Zealand’s contribution to astronomy. This is a paid museum.
7. See The Beehive
Wellington is New Zealand’s political capital, and is house to all the same old authorities buildings. One that is not so “usual” is the Executive Wing of New Zealand’s Parliament Buildings, which is colloquially known as “The Beehive” due to its attention-grabbing form.
The well-known constructing was constructed between 1969 and 1981, and in the present day homes the workplaces of presidency ministers.
You can take a tour of NZ Parliament (which incorporates The Beehive) you probably have time. I did it whereas I used to be residing in Wellington, and located it attention-grabbing. Tours are supplied a number of occasions per day, 7 days every week, and are free! But you do want to order tour spots prematurely, as group sizes are restricted. More data right here.
Wellington excursions
Want to see a few of these issues on a tour of Wellington? Here are some good choices:
8. Visit Old St. Paul’s
If attention-grabbing structure is a draw for you, then you definately’ll wish to make time to go to Old St. Paul’s in Wellington. This Gothic Revival-style church dates again to 1866 and is understood for its lovely inside arches comprised of native New Zealand woods like rimu and kauri.
It’s a beloved heritage constructing not removed from Wellington’s fundamental practice station (additionally a heritage constructing), and entry is on a donation foundation. Tours are additionally obtainable.
9. Watch a sundown from Mount Victoria
Have you actually been to Windy Welly in case you weren’t almost blown away atop Mount Victoria? Debatable.
Known regionally as “Mount Vic,” Mount Victoria is the identify of each a neighborhood and a 650-foot-tall hill simply to the east of Wellington City. From the Mount Victoria Lookout, you get unbelievable 360-degree views of Wellington. It’s a preferred sundown spot, however value seeing at any time of day.
You can both drive up Mount Vic through Alexandra Road (or take a bus!), or there are additionally a number of mountaineering and mountain biking trails that result in the highest.
BONUS: Mount Vic movie places
Mount Vic was additionally used as a filming location for the “Lord of the Rings” movies – most notably some early scenes in “Fellowship of the Ring,” together with the well-known “get off the road!” scenes with the hobbits hiding from Black Riders.
If you wish to discover these spots, comply with the “Hobbit’s Hideaway trail,” which is marked on maps and path indicators on Mount Victoria.
10. Hang out on Cuba Street
Back in central Wellington, my favourite all-weather spot within the metropolis is Cuba Street. This is the place you go once you wish to eat, seize a drink, store, or simply hang around. Cuba Street is all the time vigorous with cafes, bars, and buskers, and has a pair blocks which are car-free.
Some fashionable spots for meals alongside Cuba Street embrace:
- HELL Pizza – A pizza restaurant with pies named after issues just like the 7 Deadly Sins (and so they even have a “Mordor” pie)
- Fidel’s Cafe – A Cuban Street establishment serving up meals and Cuban espresso
- The Flying Burrito Brothers – I ate right here quite a bit in faculty!
- Midnight Espresso – It does, certainly, serve up espresso and meals till after midnight
- Olive – The serve French- and Italian-inspired meals and have a cool indoor courtyard vibe
- Floriditas – A basic New Zealand restaurant
- Kaffee Eis – My absolute favourite spot for gelato
I lived near Cuba Street after I lived in Wellington, and spent a variety of time right here! There’s all kinds of worldwide eating places, too.
11. Coffee store or brewery-hop
Wellington has an abundance of cafes of all styles and sizes – the truth is, I’ve learn that there are extra cafes per capita right here than in New York City!
Some good espresso retailers to strive embrace:
- L’affare
- The Hangar
- Customs
- Swimsuit Coffee (a number of places)
- Havana Coffee Works
- Pour and Twist
- Evil Twins Coffee
- Peoples Coffee
Another factor you may discover a variety of within the Wellington area are craft breweries, which is a change from after I lived there! Wellington is now changing into a craft beer powerhouse in New Zealand, so it is undoubtedly one thing to look out for. There’s even a “Craft Capital Beer Trail” you may comply with.
A number of fashionable spots in central Wellington embrace:
- Garage Project
- Heyday Beer Co
- Parrotdog Brewing
- The Whistling Sisters
And this half-day brewery tour takes you out to much more breweries slightly bit exterior of central Wellington.
12. Get your geek on at Weta Workshop
I’m an enormous “Lord of the Rings” fan – and sure, I imply HUGE. (I’ve even been on a Lord of the Rings tour of New Zealand.) If you’re, too, then you may’t go to Wellington with out visiting Wētā within the suburb of Miramar.
Weta Workshop is the place the place film artwork, results, and props have been created ever for the reason that Lord of the Rings trilogy put New Zealand on the movie-making map. Start with a behind-the-scenes tour of Weta Workshop (superb for any film fan), and finish within the Weta Cave, the place you should purchase all types of geeky memorabilia.
The behind-the-scenes Weta tour is tremendous attention-grabbing even when your aren’t an enormous fan of hobbits and orcs. (Book an entry ticket right here, or a ticket with transfers right here.)
BONUS: Roxy Cinema
Also in Miramar not removed from Weta, you may go to the historic Roxy Cinema. This artwork deco magnificence started its life as The Capitol Theatre in 1928, was utilized as a shopping mall after the theater closed in 1964, and ultimately grew to become vacant. The theater was saved and lovingly refurbished by a workforce from Wētā Workshop, and reopened in 2011 because the Roxy.
You can catch a movie right here on one in every of two two luxurious cinema screens, get pleasure from lunch or dinner at CoCo on the Roxy, or simply seize a espresso at The Roxy Café.
13. Visit a coastal suburb
Wellington is made up of a bunch of various neighborhoods and suburbs, every with its personal character. If you wish to get out of the town for a day, I might counsel one of many southern coastal suburbs like Lyall Bay, Houghton Bay, or Island Bay.
The suburb of Island Bay, located on a bay of the identical identify, is one in every of my private favorites. There’s a beautiful sandy seashore right here, and you can begin hikes close by, together with the Red Rocks Coastal stroll that leads out to a seal colony in the course of the winter months.
14. Learn about native wildlife at Zealandia
Just barely west of central Wellington lies Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne, the world’s first fully-fenced city eco-sanctuary. The conservation-focused sanctuary protects native species like birds, lizards, vegetation, and timber, and is certainly value a go to!
You can go to in the course of the day to look out for native birds just like the takahē and prehistoric reptiles just like the tuatara lizard. You can even go to an evening (tremendous cool!) to attempt to see glow worms and the nocturnal kiwi chook.
Guided walks/excursions are supplied every day year-round – and that is an out of doors expertise, so gown accordingly! (Book a daytime tour right here, or e-book a nighttime tour right here.)
15. Visit a close-by regional park
The Wellington Region of New Zealand is bursting with parks and forests – greater than 123,000 acres of them, the truth is. Locals typically spend their free time mountaineering (in NZ they name it “tramping”) and biking in these regional parks.
My private favourite is Kaitoke Regional Park, roughly 45 minutes from central Wellington in Upper Hutt. Located within the foothills of the Tararua Ranges, there are some good mountaineering choices on this park, together with a really cool swing bridge, a number of rivers you may swim in, AND a “Lord of the Rings” filming location. (The Rivendell set was constructed right here in Kaitoke, and there are indicators exhibiting the place sure scenes have been filmed.)
Some different nice regional parks shut near the town embrace:
- East Harbour Regional Park
- Belmont Regional Park
- Akatarawa Forest
- Baring Head/Orua-pouanui
BONUS: Trips from Wellington
If you are spending extra time within the Wellington area, it is also inside a pair hours’ drive to the next North Island spots:
- Paraparaumu and the Kāpiti Coast (Kapiti Island is superb to go to!)
- Martinborough and the Wairarapa wine area
- Cape Palliser (additionally house to a different LOTR filming location on the Putangirua Pinnacles)
- Castlepoint with its sea cliffs and lighthouse
Tours you may prefer to a few of these locations:
How many days do you want in Wellington?
Wellington is a comparatively small metropolis (the entire metro space has a inhabitants of about 420,000, however solely about half that inhabitants lives in Wellington correct). And whereas there’s lots to do, you may simply see all of the highlights in 2-3 days.
Just you should definitely pack wind- and waterproof clothes, as Windy Welly’s climate can get intense!
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How to get to Wellington
Wellington has a small worldwide airport with frequent every day home connections to different cities in New Zealand, in addition to every day flights to cities in Australia.
You can drive to Wellington from different locations on the North Island, and you may attain Wellington from the South Island through one of many ferries that crosses the Cook Strait between Picton and Wellington. (The Interislander and Bluebridge ferry firms function these.)
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Where to remain in Wellington
I like to recommend staying both within the Wellington CBD, or in Te Aro simply south of downtown. Some of my favourite inns within the metropolis (that I’ve personally stayed at) embrace:
And in case you’re doing a campervan journey round New Zealand, then the Wellington Top 10 Holiday Park in Lower Hutt is the closest good campsite.
Is Wellington NZ value visiting?
If you have learn this far, I feel you may most likely guess my reply to this: sure, after all! Wellington is certainly value visiting, and value dedicating not less than a pair days to in any New Zealand itinerary.
Wellington isn’t just one other capital metropolis – it is the Coolest Little Capital within the World!
Have you ever been to Wellington? If not, is it a metropolis you want to go to?