Wellington is windy, very windy. That said, it’s a beautiful city I fell in love with from the start. I spent Christmas 2020 here with friends, wandering the city, going to the beach, visiting museums, and of course, exploring the nightlife.
This city, which you’ll definitely visit if you travel to New Zealand, has so much to offer. Honestly, I left wanting to explore it even more. So today, I make up for that by sharing this complete guide to Wellington.
Wellington is the capital of New Zealand and home to just over 540,000 people, making it the country’s second-largest city. Located at the southern tip of the North Island, it acts as a link between the North and South Islands. That position also means it gets hit with all the winds that pass between the islands—hence the constant breeze.
The city is considered New Zealand’s cultural and creative capital, with the National Museum Te Papa Tongarewa (which we’ll talk about later) serving as a perfect example. Wellington also boasts award-winning restaurants, cafés, wineries, and craft beer venues—not to mention its beautiful beaches and numerous attractions.
With such a wide range of activities, excellent services, beautiful parks, and the surrounding nature, it’s no surprise Wellington is ranked among the most liveable cities in the world.
The best time to visit Wellington, believe it or not, is in the autumn months (March, April, and May). Why? Because the city is less crowded than in summer, and the wind isn’t as bitterly cold as in winter.
Believe me when I say, even during the COVID when the country was closed off, the beaches in December were packed. A heads-up: if you’re visiting in summer, prepare for the crowds. (Reminder: you’re in the Southern Hemisphere—December is summer!)
It’s essential to travel to New Zealand with comprehensive insurance. We were among the first to offer the popular IATI discount, and you can now get it with Heymondo Travel Insurance as well.
You can find more information about both companies through the links provided above, or you can access the discount directly using the buttons below (in both cases, you’ll see the reduced final price on their website):
Internet is mandatory for getting around and using metservice, the country’s weather service. Keeping up to date with the weather is necessary if you don’t want to have any problems. It can also be very useful when translating if you don’t understand English very well.
To do this, we will tell you how to get a New Zealand SIM card with the internet and take advantage of its affordable prices. And now we also have information about the New Zealand eSIM with unlimited data.
As New Zealand’s capital and the gateway to the South Island, Wellington is very well connected to the rest of the country. For instance, you can drive from Auckland to Wellington in just 7.5 hours—crossing the entire North Island!
Prefer the bus? The InterCity Bus offers multiple departures daily, and the trip takes about 11 hours.
If you’re coming from the South Island by car, you’ll head to Picton, then catch a ferry to Wellington. The same goes for bus travelers—InterCity to Picton, then the ferry to New Zealand’s capital.
Flying is, of course, an option. Wellington International Airport connects to all major New Zealand cities and international destinations. From the airport, the Airport Express Bus gets you to the city center (CBD) in about 30 minutes.
Located at 55 Cable Street, this museum truly has it all. Its Māori name, meaning “treasure box,” gives you a hint of what to expect—history, nature, culture, botany, geology… Knowledge is a treasure, and this museum guards it well. (That sounded surprisingly philosophical, haha.)
Without a doubt, this is the best museum I’ve ever visited. What I loved most were the interactive experiences. You can even simulate an earthquake! It’s the perfect place to learn about New Zealand without leaving Wellington.
Entry is free, and the museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Plan to spend 3–4 hours there if you want to explore all six floors, a great way to spend the afternoon and get shelter from the wind. Some rotating exhibitions require paid entry.
Located east of the CBD, this lookout offers incredible views over the city and harbor. You can drive or walk there—just a 20-minute uphill stroll.
At only 196 meters high, it’s not a huge mountain, but it’s the best spot to catch a sunrise or sunset in Wellington. It’s so scenic, it was used twice in The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
The Wellington Botanic Garden spans 25 hectares between Kelburn and Thorndon. Of great importance to New Zealanders, it’s a National Heritage Site, and with good reason—this park is stunning.
The visit is free and self-guided. Don’t miss the Victorian-style Begonia House, the Lady Norwood Rose Garden, the Treehouse Visitor Centre, the Duck Pond, and even a planetarium.
Whether you’re into exotic plants, wandering among sculptures, or simply escaping the city noise, the gardens are a perfect place to relax. Bring a picnic if you can!
Ah, the memories—sitting on the grass enjoying cheese. It was exactly the energy recharge I needed.
Start your ride from the CBD and head uphill to the Botanic Garden. This five-minute ride costs NZ$5 and is worth every cent.
You’ll pass hidden corners of Wellington, see the lovely terraces of Kelburn, and arrive at a great viewing platform overlooking the city and Mt Victoria—all while skipping a steep walk!
Once there, don’t miss the Cable Car Museum. It’s full of interesting facts and quirky exhibits. Definitely worth a visit!
The most charming street in all of Wellington. Known for its vintage cafés, antique shops, art galleries, and clothing boutiques, it’s the heart of the city’s bohemian vibe. What I loved most was the color, it’s everywhere.
Just keep in mind that it can get very busy, especially around Boxing Day (trust me on this one).
Without a doubt, this street brings together the best of Wellington. It’s perfect for buying New Zealand souvenirs or discovering a new style. I’ll talk more about the cafés later, but for now, just know that you can find a bit of everything on this street.
A historic gem, the Embassy Theatre was built in 1924 and still operates today. It’s the only cinema from that era still in use in New Zealand.
Located at the eastern end of Courtenay Place, under Mt Victoria, it’s now owned by Wellington City Council.
The theatre is both historically and culturally significant—its architecture is incredible, and it regularly hosts top performances. Combine a visit here with your Mt Victoria hike for a perfect day out. The best performances in the country are held in this theatre/cinema.
This museum, located in Wellington’s CBD, is ranked among the 50 best museums in the world according to The Times magazine. Housed in the exuberantly designed Bond Store building. Entry is free, although donations are appreciated.
The museum spans four floors and tells the story of Wellington and its people. It explores Māori origins, with a special focus on their deep connection to the sea, as well as the arrival of the first European settlers and how Wellington became New Zealand’s capital in 1865.
It also covers the city’s modern history—its cultural evolution, heritage, and development. In short, everything you might want to know about Wellington is here.
St. Paul’s Cathedral, located in Thorndon, serves as a place of worship for the Anglican community. It’s an impressive structure, 18 meters high and 88 meters long, made from reinforced concrete. Completed in 1998, the cathedral features many architectural details worth seeing.
Highlights include stunning stained-glass windows, crystal sculptures, and the War Memorial. If you enjoy visiting churches, this is one you shouldn’t miss while in Wellington.
This scenic promenade stretches from Queens Wharf to Clyde Wharf, offering a couple of charming kilometers along Wellington Harbour. The walk is incredibly pleasant—I especially fell in love with the sculptures and statues along the way, which beautifully introduce you to the spirit of the city. It’s a perfect stroll to combine with a visit to the Wellington Museum.
In my opinion, this is the best beach in Wellington—and it even has its own riviera! That’s impressive considering it’s just 1.3 km from the city center. The beach is especially busy in summer (I can personally vouch for that), but it’s still well worth the visit to enjoy the sun and sand.
A bonus: dogs are welcome here, making it the perfect place for a seaside walk with your furry friend.
Nights in Wellington are something special. Maybe it’s because it’s the capital, or perhaps it’s the vibrant culture in its streets. Whatever the reason, if you’re up for a night of partying and fun, “Welly” (as the locals call it) won’t disappoint.
The city’s most popular club is Red Square Bar—and for good reason. Top DJs from around the country and even international artists perform here. There’s also a unique way to “leave your mark” at this club, but I won’t spoil the surprise—you’ll have to discover it for yourself.
Now, let’s get into some more specific spots in Welly:
If you like craft beer, you can’t leave Wellington without going to The Residence. A great bar and restaurant offering craft beer and quality food. It’s the perfect place to start the night.
Techno lovers, this one is for you! San Fran is a spacious venue with a great dance floor and top-notch music.
Danger Danger. A retro ’80s-style bar that’s ideal for karaoke fans.
Ivy Bar and Cabaret is Wellington’s top LGBT+ bar, known for its creative cocktails and fantastic live performances.
One of the most iconic scenic walks in Wellington. This 7 km route runs along the southern coast of the New Zealand and takes about three hours on foot. You can access it on foot, by bike, or 4×4 from Owhiro Bay—just 30 minutes by car from the city.
The star of this walk is the Red Rocks—ancient formations created millions of years ago by underwater volcanic eruptions. These remnants of the past were revealed after the ocean receded, and their reddish color comes from the oxidized iron they contain.
While you’re here, don’t miss the local seal colony—the best spot in Wellington, to see these charming creatures. You’ll know you’ve reached it when you spot a cluster of large, jagged rocks. Note: seals are usually only visible from May to October.
This 9 km one-way hike is part of the famous Te Araroa Trail that spans the entire country. This shorter section takes you along the ridgelines of the Kapiti Coast, full of ups and downs.
Don’t be discouraged by the steep inclines—the view from the top is worth it. The coast’s dramatic curves stretch beneath your feet in a truly breathtaking landscape.
Located in Wellington Harbour, this island offers a peaceful retreat from city life—pure nature with historical importance. It’s a wildlife reserve where you can spot penguins, native birds like the tuatara, and explore old military defense sites overlooking the Wellington bay.
The island is just a 20-minute ferry ride from Queens Wharf, making it an easy day trip. While there, you can walk the trails, have a picnic, or visit the historical spots. It’s a truly charming destination—if you have time, don’t miss it.
This half-day tour takes you through the city’s most iconic sites. Starting at Mt. Victoria, you’ll visit the famous Weta Cave (home to The Lord of the Rings film magic), and finish with a stop at the Botanic Gardens or St. Paul’s Cathedral.
The Zealandia Bird Sanctuary is one-of-a-kind in New Zealand. It could easily be included in the ‘Things to see and do in Wellington’ section. You can visit it on your own, but I highly recommend joining a guided tour—unless you’re an experienced birdwatcher.
Going with a guide enhances the experience: they’ll explain the sanctuary’s history, help you identify bird calls, and point out New Zealand’s rarest native birds like the intelligent kākā, the vibrant kākāriki, and the curious tūī.
Oh—and did I mention you can even visit at night?
An easy tour, lasting less than 2 hours, that will immerse you in the world of cinema. Here, you’ll discover—and I quote— “how special effects and props for film and television are designed and manufactured on a guided tour of the Wētā Cave.” This studio is responsible for the creation of incredible films such as Avatar, District 9, and of course, The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.
For wine lovers, this is a must-do excursion if you’re in Wellington. For starters, the drive through the Remutaka Mountains is worth it in itself. Add to that visit to three of the best wineries in the area—with wine and food tastings—and the experience becomes hard to beat.
But there’s more. The visit isn’t just about wine—you’ll also stop at a cheese factory where you can sample local cheeses and some from around the world. Sounds good, doesn’t it?
Wellington connects the North Island to the South Island via a ferry system that runs throughout the day. As such, most accommodations are located near the harbor, which in Wellington’s case is the city center.
The first time I stayed in Wellington with friends, we chose Nomads Capital Backpackers, located near the ferry terminal. To be honest, the experience wasn’t particularly charming.
The hostel was packed, the kitchen even more so, and while the staff were friendly, they always seemed rushed. The dorm room was okay, nothing more.
The second time, during Christmas and with a larger group, we thought twice and booked The Marion Hostel. This time we got it right! Perfect location, a very comfortable and spacious dormitory that accommodated up to 8 people.
It also has a large kitchen and a big dining room where we enjoyed our Christmas dinner. Plus, the hostel was clean and well maintained, always a bonus.
If you’re looking for private and spacious accommodation, consider Wellington City Cottage. This property offers small private cottages with a kitchen, dining area, and television. You can also park your car here, which is a real plus in a big city.
It’s located close to Cuba Street and just a 10-minute walk from the Te Papa Museum.
Other options in Wellington worth mentioning:
If you’re after a five-star experience, Bolton Hotel is the place to be. This welcoming hotel has a relaxing atmosphere and food worthy of a Michelin restaurant. It offers a range of rooms, from suites to spacious studios.
The hotel includes a spa, gym, and valet parking. The only downside is that it’s a bit further from the city center, but spending a magical night here is still well worth it.
Continuing with the five-star line, here are two more hotels you should check out on Booking.com to see everything they offer.
Wellington’s gastronomy is something to savour slowly and with curiosity. Cafés, restaurants, and breweries are a highlight in New Zealand’s capital. And if you decide to step outside the city for a wine experience, don’t miss the tour I mentioned earlier 🙂
Now, let’s explore the city’s best food spots.
Oak and Vine Wellington is your go-to if you want to sample Kiwi national cuisine with a twist. This well-known restaurant also offers custom cocktails, top wines, and craft beers. It features vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Located on Courtenay Place in the CBD.
Next, try Wellingtonians’ favorite dishes at the elegant Boulcott Street Bistro. If you stop by, don’t miss the delicious beef with Béarnaise sauce and wine juice. A real treat.
Prefer seafood? Ortega Fish Shack is your spot. This seaside restaurant serves up fresh, high-quality seafood and fish, next to the beach.
In my opinion, Loretta is the best café in Wellington. A minimalist venue with simple yet stylish décor, it offers classic dishes made with local ingredients.
Another classy choice is Fidel’s Café, of course. This spot serves the best Cuban coffee, along with homemade meals, burgers, and even pizza. A Cuba Street icon.
I personally love Midnight Espresso for its chilled, relaxed vibe. This popular café offers brunch with high-quality coffee. Their cakes are among the best in the capital. It’s open from 7:30 am to 1:00 am—so you can drop in any time.
Heyday on Cuba Street is a one-of-a-kind place where you can actually watch your beer being brewed. It’s amazing! Their motto, “fresh is better,” applies not only to the beer but to the whole menu. I almost forgot to mention that you can choose from up to 50 different craft beers a year.
Next up is Mean Doses on Tory Street, close to Wellington CBD. This brewery offers beers that are hard to find elsewhere in New Zealand. Plus, you can refill your glass from up to 10 different taps.
Lastly, Boylands Brewery is a must-visit for those wanting to break away from traditional beer. They aim to redefine beer culture and serve unique, one-of-a-kind brews.
Getting around Wellington is easy, thanks to its small size compared to other cities. I dare say, as long as you stay within Wellington, you can walk almost everywhere.
However, the hills might make you think twice. So, what’s the solution? Don’t worry! Here are some options:
As in any major city, you can take a taxi or Uber. But as I said about Auckland, taxi fares are quite high. If you’re on a budget, go for Uber or use the options below.
One of the best ways to explore Wellington while getting some exercise. There are plenty of rental bikes available—just find a rack, rent a bike through the app, and return it to another rack near your destination.
Getting around by bus is easy. Look for the yellow GoWellington buses that circulate through the city and surrounding areas. There are different cards you can use, but I recommend the Metlink card—it works on both buses and tram.
Trans Metro is the electric tram that connects Wellington CBD with the suburbs. Most trains stop at Bunny Street, and from there everything is within walking distance. It’s not too complex, just a few lines.
Wellington is a charming city—despite the wind! Spending three or four days here is ideal for seeing everything; two days are enough to catch the essentials. If you’re planning to explore all of New Zealand, you’ll likely pass through Wellington at some point. Personally, I visited the city six times during my trips between the North and South Islands.
Here are a few final tips:
Just like I said about Auckland: Wellington is a great place to relax and explore a few sights, but it shouldn’t be the main attraction—especially if you’re coming from Spain.
New Zealand’s real treasures are its incredible landscapes and breathtaking mountains. Cities, though beautiful and modern, are more like stopovers. Even so, Wellington definitely deserves two or three days of your trip.
Click on the image and it will take you to a new Google Maps window with all the points of interest to travel around Wellington.
