Wellington

Travel Guide

Mount Victoria Lookout showing a city, a bay or harbour and night scenes
Wellington
Wellington
Wellington featuring a marina, a bay or harbour and a coastal town
Wellington which includes food

Wellington Travel Guide Video

Referred to as the “coolest little capital in the world”, the capital city of New Zealand is rich in arts and culture, as well as a thriving movie scene.

According to Maori legend, Wellington Harbour was discovered by the explorer Kupe way back in AD 925. It was a further nine centuries before the earliest European visitors arrived to settle here, and from 1840, they started to arrive in large numbers. They named the settlement after the first Duke of Wellington and it was made the capital city of New Zealand in 1865. Today, it’s the southernmost capital on the planet. When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by its large harbour set in a beautiful wooded landscape.

It has taken Wellington a while to fully establish itself as a tourist destination in its own right. In the past, the city was very much in the shadow of its bigger rival, Auckland, and was mostly used as a stopping point en route to the ferry to the South Island.

Today, visitors come to the city for its rich artistic and cultural scene, as well as its global reputation for movie making. Dubbed “Wellywood” by some visitors, Wellington is home to incredible sound stages, studios and special effects houses, which have made the city a major player in the international film industry. International blockbusters like The Lord of the Rings trilogy and Avatar have been produced here.

When you arrive, head to the waterfront area and spend some time exploring the national museum of Te Papa, and the Museum of Wellington City and Sea.

If the hustle and bustle of the town isn’t for you, or you want some quiet time, the ocean and the beautiful countryside are right on Wellington’s doorstep. Wander along some of the walking trails that take you through the hills, or relax at Oriental Bay Beach close to the town centre.

Another great way to take in the views is on the short eight-minute ride on the famous Wellington Cable Car. At the top of the hill, enjoy the Wellington Botanic Garden and the lookout at Kelburn, before boarding the free shuttle bus, which will whisk you off to Zealandia where you can explore the country as it once was prior to the arrival of settlers.

Wellington also boasts plenty of good restaurants, cafés, theatres and nightclubs. You’ll never be far away from your next adventure in this compact city.

Where to stay in Wellington

Wellington featuring interior views and kayaking or canoeing

Wellington CBD

If you're spending some time in Wellington CBD, Wellington Cable Car and Museum of Wellington City and Sea are top sights worth seeing.

Wellington CBD
Wellington which includes a city, a sunset and a bridge

Wellington Waterfront

The abundant dining options and interesting museums are top of the list for many visitors to Wellington Waterfront. A stop by Te Papa or TSB Bank Arena might round out your trip.

Wellington Waterfront
Courtenay Place featuring interior views and a bar as well as a small group of people

Te Aro

4.5/5(47 area reviews)

Te Aro is known for its popular shops, and with sights like St James Theatre and Cuba Street Mall, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Wellington.

Te Aro
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Petone

4/5(7 area reviews)

Seaside views, cafes and waterfront views highlight some of the notable features of Petone. Make a stop by Petone Foreshore while you're exploring.

Petone
Mount Victoria Lookout which includes a bay or harbour, a marina and a city

Mount Victoria

If you're spending some time in Mount Victoria, Mount Victoria Lookout and Oriental Parade are top sights worth seeing.

Mount Victoria
Wellington Zoo showing zoo animals and cuddly or friendly animals

Newtown

If you're spending some time in Newtown, Newtown Park and Wellington Zoo are top sights worth seeing.

Newtown
James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
4.5 out of 5
147 The Terrace, Wellington
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$90 per night from 30 Apr to 1 May
S$90
includes taxes & fees
30 Apr - 1 May
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Wellington. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,390 reviews)
"Location"

Reviewed on 30 Mar,2025

James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
Rydges Wellington Airport
Rydges Wellington Airport
4.5 out of 5
28 Stewart Duff Drive, Rongotai, Wellington
The price is S$161 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
S$161
includes taxes & fees
7 Apr - 8 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Wellington. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
A very quiet airport hotel.
"Convent, comfortable, clean and most importantly QUIET, especially for an airport hotel. I would definitely stay here again."

Reviewed on 28 Mar,2025

Rydges Wellington Airport
Rydges Wellington
Rydges Wellington
4.5 out of 5
75 Featherston St, Wellington
The price is S$137 per night from 16 Apr to 17 Apr
S$137
includes taxes & fees
16 Apr - 17 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Wellington. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
"Everything was great"

Reviewed on 29 Mar,2025

Rydges Wellington
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Gilmer Apartment Hotel
Gilmer Apartment Hotel
3.5 out of 5
10 Gilmer Terrace, Wellington
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Wellington. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,263 reviews)
"Staff were excellent and helpful. Comfortable beds. Clean rooms. Central location for all shopping and restaurants. Will stay there again."

Reviewed on 19 Mar,2025

Gilmer Apartment Hotel
Ramada by Wyndham Wellington Taranaki Street
Ramada by Wyndham Wellington Taranaki Street
4 out of 5
123 Taranaki Street, Wellington CBD, Wellington
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Wellington. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (373 reviews)
"Great location"

Reviewed on 28 Mar,2025

Ramada by Wyndham Wellington Taranaki Street
Liberty Apartment Hotel
Liberty Apartment Hotel
3 out of 5
79 Taranaki St, Wellington, Wellington
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Wellington. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and in-room washers/dryers. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (84 reviews)
"Firstly, the staff were awesome, welcoming smiling and very helpful. The location of hotel was perfect and easy walking to Te Papa, waterfront, and public bus transport. We found a couple disappointing cleaning details, which we will make hotel aware of. However would certainly stay again. Especially ..."

Reviewed on 21 Mar,2025

Liberty Apartment Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Wellington

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
54
5 - Excellent 60%
4 - Good
26
4 - Good 29%
3 - Okay
10
3 - Okay 11%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Nice waterfront city and easily wakeable around town and waterfront

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

We loved it

5/5 - Excellent

Penny

Great place to visit if you love waterfront scenery, activities and city vibes at the same time

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

The Te Papa museum is a must when visiting Wellington with a trip up the cable car (a return ticket 9 dollars) but the views are fantastic. Cuba street have independent shops and a vibrant night life.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Would liked to have more time here

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Fantastic capital, small, quirky, interesting, excellent museums and restaurants