Wellington is the capital and second-largest city in New Zealand, the main population centre of the southern North Island, and the administrative centre of the region. Named by Lonely Planet as “the world’s coolest small capital city” and “the world’s coolest pocket capital for filmmaking.” The city effortlessly blends natural beauty with rich culture. For travellers looking for an authentic experience, experiencing the best things to do in Wellington will give you a taste of the essence of New Zealanders’ lives. Here’s how to make the most of this vibrant city.
Is Wellington Worth Visiting?
Wellington is located at the southern tip of the North Island, across Cook Strait from the South Island. With a latitude of up to 41 degrees, it is the southernmost capital in the world, and on a clear day, it is possible to see the snowy peaks of the Kaikoura Range on the South Island across the channel. Wellington is backed by rolling green hills facing a vast blue sky and sea expanse. It is famous for its beautiful natural harbour, green hillsides, and tiled houses that were left over from the colonial period. The city’s central business district is located near the harbour. Due to the limited availability of land between the port and the surrounding mountains, it is more densely populated than other New Zealand cities.
Wellington joins Sydney and Melbourne as the cultural centre of Oceania. Many artists live or operate here, and art cafes and lively nightlife. Tourists can visit museums, art galleries, theatres or historic places, feel the cultural atmosphere, or participate in various outdoor adventures. The evening’s entertainment includes professional theatre, live music, comedy and dance performances.
Best Things to Do in Wellington
Te Papa Tongarewa
The National Museum of New Zealand at Tipapa, located on Wellington’s waterfront harbour, is the largest in the southern hemisphere; its predecessor was the Colonial Museum, founded in 1865. The New Zealand government then initiated plans for a new museum. In 1992, Parliament passed the New National Museum Act, which opened the museum in 1998. The museum is often referred to as Te Papa from the Maori word. Te Papa Museum is New Zealand’s national museum and art gallery, filled with many precious historical relics; the museum uses advanced technology and lively and exciting methods to show visitors New Zealand’s unique geography, history and culture; it is the world’s best interactive museum. Visitors can see New Zealand’s natural environment, flora and fauna, and Marine geology overview. The museum’s collection of Maori culture is vibrant, and it truly reproduces the process of Maori and European development of New Zealand.
The museum is divided into six floors; the first-floor hall is lined with museum shops and cafes, and the second to sixth floors display different themes such as geology and biology, landform changes, Maori survival and culture, folk customs and art, and outdoor sculpture balconies. There are many interesting interactive displays in the museum; tourists can feel the shock of the earth-shaking in the earthquake house and face to-face with the King’s squid and watch 3D animation to understand its life mystery, it’s a really cool things to do in Wellington. Facilities such as the “Discovery Center” are also built for children. In addition to these permanent exhibitions, the museum often hosts events such as short-term contemporary art and culture exhibitions, which require separate tickets to visit.
- Location: Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, 55 Cable St, Wellington 6011.
- Admission: NZ$20.
National Library of New Zealand
The National Library of New Zealand was formed in 1965 by merging the Alexander Turnbull Library, the Parliamentary Library, and the National Library Service, established in 1920. It is the most extensive in New Zealand and is opposite Parliament House. It contains many valuable documents. Whether locals or visitors from outside with a keen interest in history, this is the things to do in Wellington for free.
- Location: Corner Molesworth and Aitken streets, Wellington.
- Admission: Free.
Museum of Wellington City And
Sea
The Wellington City and Sea Museum, located near Wellington Harbour, was established in 1972 to commemorate Wellington’s social, cultural and maritime history. Neither comprehensive nor thematic, the museum combines Wellington’s social and maritime history in an imaginative, interactive experience that uses dramatic special effects techniques to present the history of the city and the sea. For visitors who love maritime culture, this will be the best things to do in Wellington. When touists step into the museum, they will be immersed in Wellington’s history, with outstanding exhibitions including the 1968 shipwreck, 101 stories from Wellington’s 20th century. There are also films showing early powered galleys, allowing visitors to see the inner structure and working principles of early galleys.
- Location: Jervois Quay, Wellington 6011.
- Admission: Free.
City Gallery Wellington
The Wellington City Art Gallery, located near Municipal Square, opened in 1980 and is New Zealand’s art centre. The City Gallery is New Zealand’s oldest art gallery, famous for its innovation. For art lovers, this would be the top things to do in Wellington. It has no fixed collection and is renowned for regularly hosting various creative exhibitions; each time, the exhibits are unique, unexpected, inspiring and challenging to the audience’s creativity and aesthetics. With a focus on contemporary visual art and architecture, but also in collaboration with museums worldwide, the exhibition is never repeated and is always innovative and eye-opening.
- Location: 11Wakefield St | Civic Square, wellington.
- Admission: Free.
Victoria University of Wellington
Victoria University of Wellington, founded in 1899, is one of New Zealand’s oldest and most prestigious universities. Wellington is backed by rolling green hills and faces vast expanses of blue water. Unique geographical conditions make the campus everywhere picturesque scenery; natural scenery is the standard of the school. The University operates four campuses, three located in the centre of Wellington. Each campus is located in a beautiful environment close to the government centre. The Kelburn campus is designed in an idyllic style, with students enjoying views of the harbour from a commanding cluster of buildings. In addition, a large number of student apartments also ensure a carefree quality of life for international students. If you need accommodation for study or travel, please consider uhomes.com, where you will enjoy comprehensive professional rental services.
National War Memorial
New Zealand’s National War Memorial, this magnificent building invites visitors to remember fallen heroes and heroes. The memorial is 50 meters high and consists of a Hall of Memories, a glockenspiel (a large bell instrument) and the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior. The glockenspiel is the third largest in the world and the only glockenspiel in New Zealand. The cast brass bell comprises 74 bells, ranging in weight from 13 kg to 12.5 tons, with a total weight of 70.5 tons. His vocal range spans six octaves, and he performs more than 200 hours of live performances each year. The bell harp is beautifully tuned. When the bell rang, the music was beautiful, and the sound was lingering.
- Location: Taranaki St, Mount Cook, Wellington 6021.
Fun Things to Do in Wellington
Cuba Street
New Zealand has the most coffee shops per capita, with Cuba Street accounting for half of them. This most famous of New Zealand’s landmarks is a fireworks art walk, with record studios, art galleries, second-hand bookshops, vintage clothing and alternative furniture on the street. Most of visitors can enjoy the fun things to do in Wellington. Cuba Street is lively, and many performance artists are on both sides. Occasionally, there are charity sales, creating a solid atmosphere of life.
Lambton Quay
Lambton Quay Wellington’s veritable CBD is almost parallel to the winding coastline. To the north, Parliament House to the south, Municipal Square, the gathering point of New Zealand’s political, diplomatic and financial institutions, and Willis Street, Manna Street, and Courtney Street from Wellington’s prime shopping district, of which Courtney Street is the local nightlife hub. Extending southeast to CambrldgeTce, it is full of historic sites and is home to embassies. If you are a first time traveller to New Zealand, this is one of the top 10 things to do in Wellington.
The Beehive
Located at the intersection of Molesworth Street and Lambton Quay in Wellington, the Beehive takes its name from its exterior. Since this building is remarkably similar to a beehive, the British architect Bath designed it. Designed by Spence, it is said that Mr. Bass’s original inspiration was drawn on a napkin. The hive is 72 meters high and has 14 floors, ten above and four below. With stainless steel wire mesh walls and translucent glass ceilings, it was named one of the top 10 ugliest buildings in the world by Virtualtourist. The Beehive is one of Wellington’s most famous buildings: the Gothic Library of Congress, the stately grey-cream Council House, and the most eye-catching beehive design office block. The distinct architectural styles make these three buildings both independent of each other and form an exciting whole.
- Location: Intersection of Molesworth St. and Lamton Quay, Central Wellington.
- Admission: Free.
Unique Things to Do in Wellington
Cultural Capital
In addition to a plethora of theatres, galleries and museums, Wellington hosts a plethora of cultural events, shows and international arts festivals every year. The most typical is the Wellington Street Art Festival CubaDupa, the World of Wearable Art Competition, and the International Arts Festival, which deeply attracts every cultural scholar to visit here, it would be unique things to do in Wellington.
Film Capital
“Wellywood” is not called for nothing, as the headquarters of global film and television giant Weta Studios, Wellington has produced “The Lord of the Rings”, “Avatar”, “The Hobbit”, and other screen masterpieces out of three Oscar winners, including the famous director Peter Jackson. It is worth noting that Weta Studios can also be visited by appointment, and film lovers can feast their eyes on it.
Culinary Capital
Coffee, seafood, oktoberfest, gelato, chocolate desserts, and restaurants exist. As a a food lover, you’ll be surprised daily in Wellington. There’s also Visa Wellington on a Plate, New Zealand’s annual food extravaganza that lasts three weeks and features more than 200 dishes. It’s an absolute food lover’s paradise.
Conclusion
Wellington’s charm lies not only in its attractions but also in its ability to make every visitor feel part of the community. Engage with locals, participate in activities and immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant atmosphere. Every day is an opportunity to experience the best things to do in Wellington, and create lasting memories and be inspired by the city’s endless possibilities. Packing bags and embark on an enlightening and fun-filled adventure. Wellington awaits you with open arms, ready to share its magic and inspire your journey.
FAQ
How do I spend a day in Wellington?
The first things to visit are the National War Memorial and Te Papa Tongarewa of New Zealand. Secondly, if you are interested in art, City Gallery Wellingtontois worth visiting. If you have enough time, you can see Cuba Street to enjoy coffee and food.
What is Wellington most known for?
Wellington is famous for its coffee, which is unforgettable once you have tasted it. Elegant and flavourful cafes in Wellington can be found all over the city.
Why do tourists visit Wellington?
Wellington is loved by travellers for its sense of history, security, modernity, humanity, European flair and greenery.
