A guide to Wellington’s street art

The mural of June Jackson by Graham Hoete (Mr G) on Wellington's waterfront.

June Jackson portrait by artist Graeme Hoete (Mr G)

A movable feast for the eyes

Kick off your arty tour on the waterfront. You’ll find a portrait of Dame Temuranga Batley-Jackson from world-renowned artist Graeme Hoete (Mr G). Displayed on the side of Shed 1, the work commemorates a pillar of public service who has become a Wellington icon. It’s found beside the East by West Ferry, so hop on a trip and see Dame Jackson in all her glory from the water.

Cable Car Rainbow mural by artist Gina Kiel

Continue the transport theme with a trip on the Wellington Cable Car. Start your journey at the Lambton terminal and you’ll find the red cars aren’t the only splash of colour. Creative whizz Gina Kiel has added her magical touch with a rainbow mural. The kaleidoscope of colour sees you off as you’re whisked away up the hill.

A modernist master

Likely taking the crown for Wellington’s largest mural is Willis Street’s Rita Angus portrait. The enormous mural took artist Elliot O’Donnell (Askew One) a week and a half to complete. Rita Angus is one of New Zealand’s most important painters and the mural is based on a self-portrait she completed in 1937. Fittingly, the mural overlooks the spot that used to house her old coffee haunt, Suzy’s Coffee Lounge. While Suzy’s is no longer there, you can grab a drink from Amador on Willis Street and take in the modernist master from the balcony.

Rita Angus portrait by artist Elliot O’Donnell (Askew One)

To the theatre

If you walk along Ghuznee Street, you’ll likely pass a flock of unusually large birds. Kiran Parbhu’s Bird of the Year mural celebrates the country’s beautiful manu and the annual competition that puts them head to head. Look closely and you might spot comedian John Oliver giving the pūteketeke/crested grebe a little nudge onto the winner’s podium.

Across the road, you’ll spot the equally striking and brilliant Ziggy Stardust. This mural by local artist Xoë Hall has turned David Bowie into a larger-than-life presence in the city. Grab a coffee from Customs for the perfect view of Bowie.

From modern saint to old. St James Theatre on Courtenay Place features a mesmerising mural by artists Keri Mei Zagrobelna and Tina Rae Carter. Stand in the alleyway and look up at the collision of earth and sky, taniwha and cherub. This liquid, flowing piece draws you in and pulls you upwards.

With countless other works decorating the city, your eyes will be busy. The Wellington City Council has a full list of artworks:

View the map of Wellington’s street art

Wide of the cable car driving up the tracks with the sun setting over Wellington city and harbour in the background.

Wellington Cable Car

One of the city’s most iconic experiences, Wellington Cable Car leads to some of the best views of the capital.

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

Wellington takes its coffee seriously. Whether you’re after a creamy flat white, a jet-fuelled long black, or something in between, there are plenty of places to keep you caffeinated.