Self-drive itinerary: Two to three nights in Wellington

Day one — arriving in Wellington

Allow at least half a day for your clients to travel to Wellington. Those travelling on State Highway 1 from Taupō, may like to stop on the stunning Kāpiti Coast to enjoy lunch by the sea. Those travelling from Hawke’s Bay, along the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail on State Highway 2, may wish to enjoy lunch among the vines in Wairarapa.

In the afternoon, your clients can check in to their central city accommodation, leave their car behind and explore Wellington city on foot. Let them get their bearings by riding the iconic Wellington Cable Car to a lookout overlooking the city. From here, they can wander down through the beautiful Wellington Botanic Garden to Parliament Buildings and the city.

In the evening, after an early dinner, your clients can head off in search of a little spotted kiwi in the wild on a Zealandia by Night tour.

Wide look at the Cable Car driving up the tracks with Wellington city and harbour in the background

The Executive Wing of New Zealand Parliament Buildings, commonly known as The Beehive.

People enjoying a Zealandia twilight tour, surrounded by bush and led by a tour guide.

Day two — a full day to sightsee

If your clients want to discover the magic of moviemaking in Wellington, they can drive 15 minutes to Miramar and visit Wētā Cave. Book them on a Wētā Workshop Experience Tour to go behind-the-scenes and learn about movie effects, costumes, props and more. They can pop next door to The Larder for lunch, before checking out the panoramic views at Mt Victoria Lookout on the way back to the city.

A visit to New Zealand’s national museum, Te Papa is a must for any visit to Wellington. Start your clients’ visit with a Te Papa Highlights Tour followed by free time to explore the six storeys of interactive exhibitions.

To finish a big day of exploring, your clients can relax over dinner and drinks at one of New Zealand’s top restaurants before heading to a show at one of the city’s top venues.

2 people airbrushing a large gorilla mask in the SFX area of the Wētā cave workshop tour.

A café with pale green walls and a wooden counter. A barista wearing black shirt is making a coffee.

A tour guide in a blue shirt explains facts about a statue to a group at a museum.

Day three — explore beyond the city

If your clients have time to stay for an additional night, we highly recommend they explore the wider Wellington region.

They can drive to the Kāpiti Coast and catch a ferry to Kapiti Island, one of New Zealand’s oldest and most important nature reserves, and a place rich in Māori history. Book them on an Overnight Kiwi Spotting Tour with Kapiti Island Nature Tours and they can enjoy a night on the island.

Alternatively, they could drive an hour to the Wairarapa region and join a tour of the boutique wineries with Green Jersey Cycle Tours. If they are planning to drink, book them to stay in Martinborough so they don’t have to drive; there is a wide range of accommodation options to choose from.

2 poeple sit outside in the sun, on thre balcony of their tent cabin, on Kapiti Island.

3 cyclists look at a map outside Green Jersey Cycle Tours.

3 customers at a bar in Luna Estate Winery and Restuarant, being served wine by the bartender.

Day four — safe travels

Whether your clients have spent the night on Kapiti Island or in the Wairarapa region, let them enjoy a relaxed morning before they drive to their next New Zealand destination.

Do they want to stay in Wellington longer?

If your clients would like to extend their stay in the city, there are plenty more things to see and do. Here are some additional products you could include in their itinerary:

The view of Wellington city from Mount Victoria at sunset.

Introducing Wellington

Wellington is a compact city with a compelling mix of culture, history, nature and cuisine, making it the perfect addition to your client’s New Zealand itinerary.

Two children and two adults are in a Māori exhibition in Te Papa Museum in Wellington admiring the woodwork that's displayed.

City break itinerary: Two to three nights in Wellington

With plenty to see and do, Wellington is an excellent place for a city break. The city is compact, so your clients can fly in and explore without needing a car, and with a wide range of accommodation options, you will be able to find the perfect spot to meet their needs.

Close up of meals served at Geat India, with vibrant colours.

Asian restaurants for FITs and groups

Find information about a range of Asian restaurants in Wellington including their address, phone number, and website.

Waiter setting a table inside Ortega Fish Shack. A large Marlin is mounted on one wall and a very large painting of a lake is on the other.

Restaurant suggestions for groups

Looking for a restaurant suitable for a group? Wellington has a number of dining options that can cater to your client’s needs.

A helicopter flying over the Wellington Harbour with the city centre visible in the background.

Transport and accommodation product updates

Find out what transport and accommodation has changed for the 2024/2025 tourism trade season.

Inside Puffin wine bar on Ghuznee Street in Te Aro, Wellington. Round velvet booths line the walls of exposed concrete. There are patrons enjoying drinks in the dimly lit space.

Iconic Wellington dining experiences

A foodie paradise, Wellington has plenty of high-quality places to eat. If you’re looking for some of the most iconic, quintessential ‘Wellington’ hospitality experiences, then add these must-do spots to your list.