Visit Wellington - WellingtonNZ

Two people walk along Wellington's waterfront on a sunny winter day. The city centre is visible in the background.

Your guide to winter in Wellington

It’s cold? Well, the winter season in Wellington is hot. Rug up warm and head out the door to enjoy some huge music, sports, and food events.

A plate with waffles, chocolate sauce and oranges on a table with a fork and knife on the right and a lunch menu on the left.

New and notable places in Wellington

Treat your taste buds at one of these new cafés, restaurants, and bars in Wellington.

A moody and dark hotel room inside The Intrepid Hotel on Ghuznee Street. A beige brick wall is surrounded by rustic accents and a double bed.

Have a laidback, luxurious stay

Wellington is a great place to treat yourself. Throughout the region, these hotels and hosted stays offer beautiful and immersive experiences that are distinctly Wellington.

Two people play Super Mario racing arcade game machines in Holey Moley, the mini golf course and bar at Willis Lane located in the Central Business District of Wellington.

Things to do when you want to have fun

If you want to have a fun day or night out in Wellington there are plenty of options in the city. Why not think outside the box and try something different.

A group of people in Cuba Mall, looking at the Bucket Fountain, an iconic kinetic sculpture.

Top 10 Wellington must-dos

There’s so much to see and do in the capital. To get you started, here are the top 10 things to do when you visit.

Inside a busy Chinese restaurant with red lanterns suspended from the ceiling.

Bring your own: BYO restaurants in Wellington worth the corkage

You bring the friends and the wine, and these restaurants will take care of the rest. Wellington has a wide variety of BYO spots. Head out, enjoy some great food, and sip on your favourite drop at the same time.

Two people stand in the middle of a bird themed exhibition in Te Papa Museum in Wellington with bird skeletons visible in the background.

Fun activities for the whole family

Whether you’re a family that likes to get outdoors or prefers art and culture, there are plenty of things to do in Wellington. Here are eight things that kids and adults alike will love.

A family of four sitting together sharing some takeaway food outside.

Where to eat with kids

Here’s the scoop on some family-friendly spots within Wellington’s vibrant foodie scene. From cosy cafés to beach breweries, you and your children can enjoy a tasty meal together.

The exterior of Rita in Te Aro valley at sunset with their yellow lighting shining through the glass.

Cosy restaurants for winter dining

Think roaring fireplaces, candles, warm service, and hearty soul food. Just add a glass of local Martinborough pinot noir, and you have a perfect winter’s evening.

Puffin

A dark, art-filled corridor off Ghuznee Street leads to a stylish bar you can relax in.

Salty Pidgin

Housed in a prominent heritage building, Salty Pidgin provides bistro food and a local gathering point in Brooklyn Village.

Dragons

Experience yum cha and community at this award-winning family-run restaurant.

The Oatery

Level up your breakfast at this hidden gem dedicated to the humble bowl of porridge.

A variety of delicious-looking sandwiches on the front counter at Shelly Bay Baker, a bakery in Te Aro, Wellington.

The best thing since sliced bread — your Wellington sandwich list

Sometimes all it takes to change your day is a really good sandwich. Luckily, Wellington has you covered with a range of dedicated shops and specialist bakeries providing the goods. Focaccia, sourdough, baguettes and buns, whatever way you like it, here’s where to get two slices and fillings galore.

Three types of coffee, in different vessels, sit on the counter in Black Coffee in Newtown. Framed pictures are blurred on the walls in the background.

Your essential guide to coffee in Wellington

The capital takes its coffee seriously. Whether you’re after a creamy flat white, a jet-fuelled long black, or something in between, Wellington has plenty of places to keep you caffeinated. These standout roasters and award-winning baristas are here to kick-start your morning.

Five Asian-fusion dishes, a pink cocktail, dishes and utensils on a table at a restaurant.

Beyond the central city, great food awaits

The quality of Wellington’s cafés, restaurants, and bars is not confined to the inner city. There’s a raft of great options hidden away in neighbourhoods and suburbs beyond the city lights.

3 people outside Wētā workshops, poking swords at a hill troll from Lord of the Rings.

Wētā Workshop Tours & Wētā Cave

Visit the home of movie-making magic in the heart of Wellywood, and see behind the scenes of world-renowned films and television.

Wellington’s boutique cinemas

The capital is a film lover’s dream destination. It has a thriving movie industry, is a UNESCO City of Film, and is home to many independent cinemas. Sit back in a plush chair and view a movie in style.

The interior of Te Whanganui a Tara exhibition at the Wellington Museum with two people admiring the colourful artwork displayed.

Travel back in time with these unique Wellington experiences

The heritage and history of a place helps ground us as we look to the future. Te Whanganui a Tara has a wealth of institutions dedicated to preserving and presenting the history of the city, region, and country.