Things To Do In Wellington

1. Te Papa

If you haven't yet, you must visit the Museum of New Zealand; Te Papa Tongarewa. With six floors of beautiful, cultural and interactive displays encased in an architectural marvel of a building, this national museum is a top-priority must see.

If the words "national museum" bring up visions of dusty artifacts in glass cases, you haven't seen Te Papa. Te Papa's innovative, modern, and bicultural approach distinguishes it from other museums, and unlike many others, general admission is free and the museum is open every day.

2. Wētā Workshop Cave

The Wētā Workshop Cave, located in Miramar, a short distance from Wellington's city center, creates physical effects for some of the world's most well-known films and television series, including Lord of the Rings!

To create Oscar-winning props, costumes, and monster effects, the design and manufacturing factory blends cutting-edge technology with hand-crafted craftsmanship. And, most of all, they welcome visitors who want to observe how the magic is created.

3. Mount Victoria Lookout

Take a leisurely bike through our gorgeous countryside and stop for lunch at the Matatoki Cheese Barn, which has won several awards. This is a great tour for the whole family because there are many animals to feed and pet all throughout the site. The pathway is quite easy to follow and is completely off the beaten path. Take a leisurely bike through our gorgeous countryside and stop by the Matatoki Cheese Barn Cafe for lunch. There are also farm animals nearby that enjoy being fed and handled, making this a fun activity for the entire family.

4. Wellington waterfront

The waterfront in Wellington is like the city's backyard, where everyone congregates to relax and engage in leisure activities. A large pathway goes from the Railway Station to Oriental Bay and beyond, making it a fantastic spot to stroll, jog, or cycle.

Many public sculptures, park seats, and places to stop for coffee or gelato may be found along the road. On bright days, head to the Taranaki Wharf to witness swimmers leap from an eight-meter-high diving platform.

5. Wellington Museum

One of New Zealand's most architecturally noteworthy structures may be found walking along Wellington's shoreline.

Wellington Museum in London, ranked one of the best 50 museums in the world by The Times, is housed in a former freight warehouse. The plaudits are well-deserved: four levels of information about the city affectionately known as 'The Coolest Little Capital in the World' are housed behind this beautiful facade.

6. Parliament’s free guided tours

A guided tour of the New Zealand Parliament has something for everyone, whether you're a New Zealander, an ex-pat, or a guest. Learn key information and anecdotes about our government while walking through the halls of power, where our laws and policies are debated, discussed, drafted, and passed.

There are a variety of free guided tours available every day of the week that take you around various Parliament buildings and provide insight into the parliamentary process. The Introducing Parliament Tour provides a comprehensive introduction and runs every day for an hour. While the precise sections you'll see may change based on what's available to the public on any given day, you'll be sure to get a good look at the structures and learn some intriguing facts.

7. Wellington Botanic Garden ki Paekākā

There's something to be said about flat, tidy gardens with rows of trees and manicured flower beds extending out in all directions - but Wellington isn't one of them. Like the city itself, Wellington Botanic Garden at Park is a little wilder, a little more unexpected, able to surprise and enchant you whether it's your first or hundredth visit.

The whole 25-hectare central-city park is a labyrinth of meandering walkways and spectacular views, alive with bird and insect life. A flowing waterfall, a magnificent orchid, a prickly succulent right out of Dr. Seuss: there's something to make you gasp around every turn.

8. Wellington Regional Trails

Discover your inner Wild and experience Wellington's regional trails in your own unique manner. There's a quiet, hair-raising, or gorgeous pathway to fit your next excursion, from stunning coastline walks with panoramic views to challenging mountain bike paths, leisurely rambles through native woods, and bumpy riverside tracks.

9. Old St Paul's

Internationally recognised, this impressive piece of New Zealand history is filled with interesting stories and tranquility.

One of New Zealand's most stunning heritage structures is the Old St Paul's Cathedral. The dark timber walls, stained glass windows, and ancient furnishings create a tranquil and historic ambience, making a visit to the cathedral feel like stepping back in time. Pass beneath soaring arches, observe the elaborate embellishments, learn about a variety of stories, and relax for a while.

The Anglican Church constructed the church between 1865 and 1866 on the site of Pipitea P, a Maori hamlet on Wellington's waterfront that existed at the time. The structure was recognised as a one-of-a-kind wooden Gothic Revival structure on a global scale. It was used as an Anglican Church until 1964, when it was shuttered and demolished.

10. Watch Fire Dancers on Tuesday nights

Every Tuesday at dusk (weather permitting of course), fire dancers have permission to practise in Frank Kitt's Park.