Wellington Cable Car
One of the city’s most iconic experiences, Wellington Cable Car leads to some of the best views of the capital.
You’ll need energy to tackle the city’s sights so start the day with breakfast at one of Wellington’s top cafés. The coffee in Wellington is legendary. Many local roasteries keep cafés well supplied so a quality brew is never far away. If you want an ocean view while you plan your day, try the cafés around the harbour and along the southern coastline. Travelling for a view to accompany your eggs is worth it. If you don’t have a car for your weekend odyssey don’t fret. When you feel peckish it’s likely there will be a great café or restaurant around the corner. On Cuba Street, you could grab a seat in the window at Midnight Espresso or Fidels and watch the street life walk by. Alternatively, you can settle into the plush surroundings at Loretta’s or Floriditas. Cuba Street is well known for the bohemian style of its residents. It helps that a collection of secondhand and retro stores have set up shop there. You can get your thrift on by searching for a vintage gem or pre-loved treasure.
Unable to render element
After breakfast and a spot of browsing you should take in the sea air. Wellington’s waterfront is magnificent, and a visit is obligatory for any weekend vacationer. Take a stroll and explore the water’s edge. There’s public art along the way, and galleries and museums to visit. Take a deep dive into history at Te Papa. The largest museum in the country takes pride of place on the waterfront. At 36,000 square metres and six stories high, it contains a vast repository of over 800,000 artworks, objects, and specimens.
Just beyond Te Papa’s doorstep is Oriental Bay. If it’s not warm enough for a swim, you can walk along the sandy beach. The promenade leads to the Carter Fountain, play areas, and more cafés. If you want to roam further around the coastline then hire an electric bike from Switched on Bikes. You can catch the sites around the many bays beyond Oriental Bay.
Unable to render element
Wellington’s historic Cable Car has been trundling up and down the hill from Lambton Quay to Kelburn for over 120 years. It serves many commuters and students needing a convenient way to avoid a steep walk home. There are several stops on the way, but you’ll want to stay on until the end where you’ll experience panoramic views of the city and harbour.
The adventure doesn’t stop at the top. From there you can explore the 25 hectares of Wellington Botanic Gardens (the final stop on the Cable Car leaves you on its boundary), or you can catch a free shuttle to Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne. The fully-fenced predator-free ecosanctuary is a world-first conservation project. It has a 500-year vision to restore a Wellington city valley to a pre-human state.
After a day enjoying Wellington’s great outdoors, it’s time to head inside to enjoy its hospitality. It’s often the side streets and laneways that hold great options for food and drinks in the central city. There’s a clutch of great places within a few hundred metres of each other off Dixon Street. Leeds Street has brewpub Fortune Favours and Hannah’s Laneway has Pizza Pomodoro serving up authentic Italian takeaway pizza. Egmont Street Eatery is an award-winning restaurant. Its chic interior and well-considered menu deliver a wonderful dining experience. If you’re looking for a smoky mocktail then head to the bar inside Naumi Studio Hotel. More great bars can be found if you head one block over to Ghuznee Street. Puffin is hidden down the back of the Intrepid Hotel entrance. Across the road, Ascot rises three stories above the street. More culinary gems are found at Concord on Victoria Street, Mabel’s on Tory Street and the laidback luxury of Ortega Fish Shack on Marjoribanks Street. As the name would suggest, fish is big at this long-standing restaurant.
After dinner, it’s time to check out the capital’s cultural venues. St James Theatre, The Opera House, and Michael Fowler Centre have a steady lineup of live performances and events. You can see everything from classical music and ballet to touring singers and bands. There’s plenty of live theatre at Circa Theatre, Hannah Playhouse, or Bats. Or if you prefer a more intimate setting then listen to bands at San Fran or Meow.
Unable to render element
You can’t leave Wellington without a visit to Wētā Workshop. Travel 15 minutes out of the central city to Miramar and visit the Wētā Cave. The behind-the-scenes tour will show you how props, costumes, sets, and special effects have brought many blockbusters to life. From ‘The Lord of the Rings’ to ‘Narnia’, ‘Avatar’, and more. Explore 25 years of award-winning creativity.
Before you catch a plane, the nearby suburb of Lyall Bay has an excellent selection of eateries. From fish and chips at Fresko to vegan brunch at The Botanist. Whole food salads at Queen Sally’s Diamond Deli to fabulous sea views at Maranui. Have a local craft beer at Parrotdog in a 70s-style pub. Savour all the tastes of Wellington as you fly home.
One of the city’s most iconic experiences, Wellington Cable Car leads to some of the best views of the capital.
Hearty breakfasts come with a side of incredible views and retro décor at this quintessential Wellington experience.
With world-class gigs, captivating performances, and adrenaline-fuelled games, there’s always something happening in Wellington.
New Zealand’s national museum reflects the country’s identity, history, and culture.
Pedal through the streets with the greatest of ease. The hills are no problem with a Switched on Bike.
You’ll find manicured rose gardens, winding pathways and spectacular views over more than 25 hectares.
Fresh fish, steak fries, and sherry are all on offer at Wellington’s favourite seafood restaurant.
Visit the home of movie-making magic in the heart of Wellywood, and see behind the scenes of world-renowned films and television.
Hot dogs and wine are the combination you didn’t know you needed at this relaxed rooftop bar.
This pest-proof ‘urban island’ is the closest thing you’ll find to experiencing what New Zealand was like before humans.
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.
From dawn until dusk Porirua has you covered. Spending a day in the city will give you your fill of beautiful walking tracks, outdoor activities, and great food.
Come late September, you’ll want to be in the capital for an ultimate weekend of fun. With world-class sports, top-quality eats, a theatrical spectacular, and more shopping than you can fit in your wardrobe, here’s how you can make the most of three days
How much hospitality, arts, culture, nature, and wildlife can you fit into three days? Come to Wellington to find out.
Lights, camera, and action. With special effect tours, huge production studios, and boutique cinemas, get a taste of movie magic in Wellington.
The autumn leaves are numerous and so are the gigs, sports events, and festivals in Wellington. Head out into the crisp air and enjoy the buzz.
Visit an island, scream in a stadium, or indulge in ice cream. Here's how to enjoy some of Wellington's best summer days.
If you only have a day to spend in the Kāpiti Coast then you’ll need to get cracking. The sunny coast has a great selection of things to see, do, and eat.
In spring, Wellington bounces to life with nature in bloom, fun activities, and plenty of unforgettable events.
Located in the middle of New Zealand, it’s easy to get to Wellington. By plane, train, car, or boat, here’s how you can cruise into the capital.
If you’ve only got a day in Wellington and want to get a feel of what the city is like – get ready for a whirlwind tour of tastes, sights, and sounds. If you don’t fit everything in, you can always come back for more.
The Wellington isite Visitor Information Centre is your first stop for travel advice and bookings for tours, activities, and accommodation.
Wairarapa has plenty of reasons to visit. Make it a day trip — there are some great champions of food, art, and experiences on offer around the region.
The hills of Berhampore overlook the suburbs of Island Bay and Newtown. There’s plenty to do in these southern suburbs, so head out to one of these neighbouring places.
Plan your visit to and from Wellington with handy maps and guides.