Top 10 Wellington must-dos

The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa dominates the beautiful Wellington Waterfront. Its 36,000 square metres of space spread across six floors contain over 800,000 artworks, cultural artefacts, historical archives, and scientific specimens. The sheer scale and scope of its collections mean you could spend hours there exploring.

The red cable cars have trundled up the hill between Wellington’s bustling city centre and Kelburn Village for 120 years. They are synonymous with Wellington and a ride in one is a rite of passage for any local or tourist. Hop on, head to the top and enjoy the panoramic views of Wellington.

This world-first, fully fenced, predator-free urban sanctuary lies on the outskirts of the city centre. A 10-minute drive from Lambton Quay and you’re in the wilderness seeing native birds and wildlife thrive in a safe environment. This conservation project has enabled native bird populations to flourish.

Wellington considers itself the coffee capital — the number of local roasteries and the public’s expectation for quality have created a rich café environment. Around every corner in the central city, you’ll find experienced baristas, excellent food, ambience, and great service. You’ll be full of beans in no time.

Experience an unforgettable Close Encounter with some of Wellington Zoo’s endangered animals. Pat a lemur or feed a meerkat, see the sun bears up close, hang out with a capybara or tiger. There are multiple encounters that allow you to learn from experienced zoo keepers. The staff always have the animal’s best interests at heart.

The best way to get your bearings in Wellington is by heading to the top of Mount Victoria. Mt Vic, as the locals call it, rises 196m above the city. The lookout has panoramic views of Wellington City, its harbour, and the hills beyond. It’s part of the Southern Walkway track so it’s possible to get there walking. It’s also part of the network of trails in the Town Belt so there are multiple walks to explore once you get there. Take a picnic with you, settle in on the hillside, and relax while watching ferries and cruise ships sail into the harbour and planes fly in and out of the airport.

With its heritage buildings and bohemian inhabitants, Cuba Street has many treasures to discover. Eclectic shops and a wide selection of hospitality offerings mean you could easily spend a day exploring. Start with a classic café, pop by a delicious takeaway, and indulge at a fine dining establishment. Make sure you pay a visit to Cuba Street’s iconic Bucket Fountain. An unofficial symbol of the capital, the quirky, interactive sculpture has splashed many visitors snapping a picture in front of it.

The design and manufacturing facility combines cutting-edge technology with hand-crafted artistry to serve up Oscar-winning props, costumes, and creature effects. Tours take you on a magical trip through some of the biggest Hollywood blockbusters.

Wellington Botanic Garden ki Paekākā encompasses 25 hectares of specialised plant collections, colourful botanical displays, a protected native forest, and views over Wellington City. It is a vast tract of land that has offered relaxation, playtime, shade, and education about flora and fauna for more than 150 years.

Ringed with a lush town belt and regenerating forest beyond, Wellington is fortunate to have a huge backyard. The extensive network of trails can cater to walkers, runners, off-road bikers, or horse riders. There’s a trail to suit every adventurer.