Wellington

Travel Guide

Mount Victoria Lookout featuring a bay or harbor, mountains and night scenes
Wellington
Wellington
Wellington featuring boating, a marina and a bay or harbor
Wellington featuring 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 which includes kayaking or canoeing and interior views

Wellington CBD

While visiting Wellington CBD, you might make a stop by sights like Wellington Cable Car and New Zealand Portrait Gallery.

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

Te Aro

Travelers to Te Aro praise its popular shops. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to make a stop by St James Theatre and Cuba Street Mall.

Te Aro
Wellington showing a sunset, a bridge and a bay or harbor

Wellington Waterfront

The ample dining options and fascinating 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
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Petone

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
Wellington Zoo showing cuddly or friendly animals and zoo animals

Newtown

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

Newtown
Mount Victoria Lookout which includes a city, a bay or harbor and night scenes

Mount Victoria

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

Mount Victoria
James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
4.5 out of 5
147 The Terrace, Wellington
The price is P3,778 per night from 16 May to 17 May
P3,778
P4,345 total
includes taxes & fees
May 16 - May 17
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! (1,418 reviews)
"Having easy elevator access to Lampton Quay."

Reviewed on Apr 17, 2025

James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
Rydges Wellington
Rydges Wellington
4.5 out of 5
75 Featherston St, Wellington
The price is P5,624 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
P5,624
P6,467 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 21 - Apr 22
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! (1,002 reviews)
"Excellent location for us incoming on the train and leaving on the Blue ridge Ferry."

Reviewed on Apr 16, 2025

Rydges Wellington
Rydges Wellington Airport
Rydges Wellington Airport
4.5 out of 5
28 Stewart Duff Drive, Rongotai, Wellington
The price is P6,149 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
P6,149
P7,072 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 21 - Apr 22
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! (1,011 reviews)
"Great location"

Reviewed on Apr 17, 2025

Rydges Wellington Airport
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! (1,271 reviews)
"Easy walking distance to the shopping area. Clean and tidy"

Reviewed on Apr 15, 2025

Gilmer Apartment Hotel
Quest on Johnston
Quest on Johnston
4.5 out of 5
35 Johnston Street, Wellington
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Wellington. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,257 reviews)
"Always a pleasure, lovely staff, nice quiet place conveniently located and comfortable. Being able to book parking in nearby building through the hotel is a real bonus. See you next time!"

Reviewed on Apr 18, 2025

Quest on Johnston
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! (396 reviews)
"Nice place, convenient and well located. Good value for the price"

Reviewed on Apr 9, 2025

Ramada by Wyndham Wellington Taranaki Street
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.

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