Suggested Itineraries - Wellington Highlights

If you have very limited time in Wellington, here are some of the must-sees and must-dos you can achieve in a day or two. 


Day 1

  • You can’t say you’ve been to Wellington unless you’ve visited Te Papa, New Zealand's well loved national museum!
  • Wellingtonians love their coffee and have a vibrant café culture. Partake in Wellington’s café culture for lunch today. Cuba Street has a great selection of good cafes.   
  • Take a short drive to the top of Mount Victoria for a panoramic view of this gorgeous city.   
  • Wellington also offers great shopping, from famous New Zealand designers like Karen Walker and Zambesi, to successful local designers like Mandatory, Starfish, Andrea Moore and Voon.   
  • Whilst shopping in the Lambton quarter, be sure to ride the Wellington Cable Car. Take the cable car to the very end and you will be rewarded with a stunning view of Wellington city.   
  • For dinner, choose from the many quality restaurants in the Courtenay and Cuba quarters such as Logan Brown, Matterhorn, Floriditas and Olive Cafe.   
  • After dinner, check out Wellington’s vibrant nightlife in the surrounding bars and clubs.   
  • Wellington also boasts a full calendar of events – be sure to catch check what’s on when you’re in town.   


Day 2

  • If there is something you are particularly interested in e.g. Maori culture, arts, food and wine, shopping, mountain biking, etc, chances are there is a Wellington tour operator who can create an experience for you.

    * Try Zest Food Tours for a gastronomic experience, 
    * Wild About Wellington for beer and shopping, 
    * Wellington Rover Tours for Lord of the Rings, adventure or golf, 
    * Flat Earth NZ Experience for arts and culture, or even 
    * Unbelievable Times for seeing Wellington on a scooter or bike.
  • Also be sure to check out the Karori Sanctuary. The Sanctuary by Night Tour is especially popular with those wanting to kiwi spot.



Other things to check out include:

  • Parliament Tours which run on the hour, every hour, free of charge. 
  • A stroll along Wellington’s stunning waterfront. 
  • A drive along Wellington’s South Coast to spot New Zealand fur seals. 
  • Museum of Wellington, if you are particularly interested in Wellington’s history which has strong associations with the sea.