Things To Do
in Wellington
Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand, is known for its vibrant arts and cultural scene. It is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, with harbor views and hills providing picturesque backdrops. The city is home to a diverse population and offers a wide range of dining options, from street food markets to fine dining restaurants.
Wellington is also a hub for government activities and has a thriving creative and tech industry.
- "Kia ora" - Hello
- "Haere mai" - Welcome
- "Ka kite" - See you
- "Tēnā koe" - Thank you
- "Māori ora" - Be well
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $80 - $250
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $4 - $6
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $4
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $70 - $130
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $40 - $90
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Wellington Botanic Garden. Enjoy the stunning views and lush greenery as you stroll through the vibrant flower beds.
Take a ride on the famous Wellington Cable Car to the Kelburn Lookout. Afterward, explore the nearby Zealandia eco-sanctuary and discover native wildlife.
Dine at a local restaurant in the vibrant Cuba Street area. Enjoy the lively atmosphere and taste Wellington's diverse culinary offerings.
Visit Te Papa, New Zealand's national museum, to immerse yourself in the country's history and culture. Engage with interactive exhibits and learn about Maori heritage.
Wander through the galleries of the City Gallery Wellington, featuring contemporary art. Take a moment to appreciate the local and international artists.
Enjoy a performance at the Opera House or another theater in the city. Check the schedule for shows and immerse yourself in Wellington's vibrant arts scene.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful natural scenery and coastal views
- Vibrant arts and culture scene
- Compact city with a walkable layout
- Rich history and diverse communities
- Strong coffee culture and excellent dining options
- Mild climate with relatively low humidity
- Proximity to stunning outdoor activities, including hiking and beaches
- Strong wind conditions, often referred to as 'Windy Wellington'
- High cost of living, particularly in housing
- Public transport can be limited in some areas
- Occasional earthquakes due to its location on a tectonic plate boundary
- Job market can be competitive, especially in certain industries
- Limited nightlife options compared to larger cities
- Transportation can be affected by weather conditions
Best Activities in Wellington
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the gorgeous landscapes and trails of Wellington on a mountain bike, with options for all skill levels.
Discover the stunning natural beauty of Wellington by hiking its various trails, including the popular Te Araroa trail.
Enjoy the picturesque coastal views of Wellington by going on a sailing adventure in its surrounding waters.
Experience the thrill of rock climbing in Wellington, with options for both indoor and outdoor climbing.
Tours
Uncover the best of Wellington with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Wellington
Visit one of these nice places.
A popular spot offering panoramic views of Wellington city, harbour, and surrounding areas.
Provides stunning views of the city and harbour as it travels up to the Kelburn Lookout.
A lesser-known location with beautiful views of the city, harbour, and South Island on a clear day.
Located just outside Wellington, this historic lighthouse offers scenic coastal views and a chance to spot wildlife.
Food in Wellington
Wellington Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional Maori method of cooking using heated rocks buried in a pit oven, resulting in deliciously smoky and tender meat and vegetables. Find authentic Hangi at community events or specialized Maori restaurants.
Must-Try!
Wellington is renowned for its fresh seafood, and the green-lipped mussels are a must-try. Look for them at waterfront restaurants and seafood markets for a truly local experience.
New Zealand is known for its high-quality lamb, and a lamb burger is a popular local specialty. Try it at gourmet burger joints or gastropubs around the city.
A classic New Zealand flavor featuring vanilla ice cream studded with crunchy, caramelized honeycomb toffee. Look for it at local ice cream parlors or dessert spots.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Wellington better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This vibrant market offers a wide range of fresh produce, artisanal products, and ready-to-eat street food. Don't miss the diverse selection of international cuisines and gourmet treats.
Explore Cuba Street for a diverse range of street food options including food trucks, hole-in-the-wall eateries, and lively cafes. This is a hub for culinary adventures in Wellington.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Wellington, it is important to be punctual for social engagements and business meetings as a sign of respect for others' time.
Politeness and respect for others are highly valued in Wellington. It is common to say 'please' and 'thank you' in social interactions.
Showing respect for the Māori culture, traditions, and language is important in Wellington. Learning about and understanding Māori customs and practices is appreciated.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Wellington with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Wellington
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in Wellington, New Zealand. It is not expected or required to tip at restaurants, bars, or for services.
Payment in Wellington, New Zealand is commonly made using debit or credit cards. Cash is also widely accepted. Contactless payment methods are increasingly popular, and most businesses and services accept major credit cards.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Wellington.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to see cherry blossoms and enjoy mild weather with average temperatures around 12-18°C.
Ideal for outdoor activities with warm temperatures ranging from 20-24°C, perfect for beaches and festivals.
Great for wine enthusiasts with harvest festivals and beautiful foliage, with temperatures between 12-18°C.
Good for skiing and snowboarding in nearby mountains, with cooler temperatures averaging 6-12°C.
Wellington at Night
Hiking in Wellington
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular walking destination with stunning panoramic views of Wellington city and the harbor.
An enclosed sanctuary featuring walking tracks surrounded by lush native forest and diverse wildlife.
A hike offering rewarding views of Wellington and the surrounding districts, accessible via well-maintained trails.
A scenic coastal walk that showcases unique red rock formations and chances to see seals and marine life.
A scenic trail following the old railway route with views of lush landscapes and historical features.
Features a rugged coastline with a mix of easy and challenging tracks, along with historical lighthouses.
A delightful area with tracks winding through beautiful bush and along the coast, ideal for a family hike.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Wellington through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Wellington by plane.
The primary airport serving Wellington, New Zealand's capital city, providing both domestic and international flights.
New Zealand's largest and busiest airport, located approximately 640 kilometers north of Wellington, serving as a major hub for international flights.
The main airport in the South Island of New Zealand, located around 300 kilometers south of Wellington, offering a range of international connections.
An international airport located about 500 kilometers north of Wellington, serving international and domestic flights, primarily for the Waikato region.
Approximately 600 kilometers north of Wellington, this airport provides limited international services alongside domestic flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in Wellington, primarily of European descent, including those with British ancestry.
A significant and growing demographic, including people of Chinese, Indian, and other Asian ancestries.
The indigenous population of New Zealand, with a notable presence in Wellington.
Includes communities from various Pacific Island nations, contributing to Wellington's cultural diversity.
A mix of various smaller ethnic groups, including African, Middle Eastern, and others.
The Soul of Wellington
Discover the essence of Wellington through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Rugby is one of the most popular sports in Wellington, with a strong following and numerous clubs. The city is home to the Wellington Lions, a professional rugby team that competes in the National Provincial Championship.
Cricket enjoys significant popularity in Wellington, with the Wellington Firebirds representing the region in domestic competitions. The sport is well-supported at both club and school levels.
Football is widely played in Wellington, with various clubs and leagues catering to different age groups and skill levels. Wellington Phoenix is the city's professional football club competing in the A-League.
Netball has a strong following among women in Wellington. The region has many clubs and teams, and there is a significant grassroots presence.
Basketball is becoming increasingly popular in Wellington, with a variety of leagues and school competitions. The Wellington Saints are the city's representative team in the National Basketball League.
Rugby league has a growing presence in Wellington, with several clubs offering opportunities for participation and competition at various levels.
Cycling is a popular recreational activity in Wellington, with many scenic routes and trails. The city hosts various cycling events and competitions throughout the year.
Athletics is actively promoted in Wellington, with several clubs and events attracting participants of all ages. The city has facilities for running, jumping, and throwing events.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Wellington.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Wellington is very accommodating to vegetarians and vegans, with many eateries offering dedicated plant-based menus. Look for specialized vegetarian and vegan restaurants as well as diverse options at mainstream establishments.
Visitors with gluten restrictions will find numerous gluten-free options across the city. From gluten-free bakeries to restaurants with clearly labeled menus, navigating gluten-free dining is relatively easy in Wellington.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Wellington with these cultural adventures.
