Going on a road trip to see all the best things and places New Zealand’s North Island has to offer? Make sure you jot down the seaside city of Wellington too!
Scenic cable car rides, mountain walks, sipping on cups of joe, and discovering movie magic - there are tons of fun things to do in Wellington. And the best bit? You don’t have to spend more than $100 on any of these! Yes, you get to enjoy a fine day out in New Zealand’s capital city with these best things to do in Wellington that won’t blow your budget.
Find out why the city is the world’s “coolest little capital” by Lonely Planet with these fun things to do in Wellington - all below $100:
- Mount Victoria Lookout - FREE
- Wellington Botanic Garden - FREE
- Frank Kitts Park - FREE
- Red Rocks - FREE
- Mt. Kaukau - FREE
- Wellington museums - FREE
- The Wharf - FREE
- Flight Coffee’s The Hangar - from $4.5
- Hannahs Laneway - from $4.5
- Wellington Cable Car - $9
- Te Papa Museum - from $14.29
- ZEALANDIA - from $53.29
- Bluebridge Ferry - $60
- Weta Studio Tour - from $64.75
- Weta Hands-on Workshop - from $64.75
While we’re on the topic of road trips, make sure to check out our ultimate 10-day North Island itinerary. This takes you from Auckland to Wellington if you want to see more Kiwi goodness.
1. Mount Victoria Lookout - FREE
Experience amazing views at Mount Victoria Lookout! Image credits: @flamingpeanut
It would be a mistake to leave Wellington without checking out Mount Victoria Lookout. For those searching for outdoor and active things to do in Wellington, we suggest going for a walk on the Mount Victoria Lookout Walkway. Walking tracks have two starting points: Oriental Parade and Majoribanks Street. If you have limited time or don’t want to spend too much time on the trek, you can drive to the car park at the summit instead.
Either way, you get the most remarkable 360-degree view of the capital city and the harbour. If the sky is clear, you might even catch a peek of the South Island!
2. Wellington Botanic Gardens - FREE
Wander along the rose garden at Wellington Botanic Gardens! Image credits: @m181211
Planning to take the Wellington Cable Car? Make sure to stop by the Wellington Botanic Gardens and wander through the 25-hectare historic garden and its collection of native flora. From sprawling rose beds and dainty begonias to vibrant seasonal plants, there’s always something blooming in the gardens. It is one of the perfect things to do in Wellington, especially if you’re with children.
3. Frank Kitts Park - FREE
Slide down the lighthouse at Frank Kitts Park! Image credits: @mama_ks_diary
Another Wellington landmark that kids will enjoy is Frank Kitts Park by the Wellington waterfront. It has plenty of grassy areas, perfect for little ones who love to run around, and a play area in the form of a lighthouse.
Frank Kitts Park also holds several artworks such as the Albatross sculpture and Sundial and has an amphitheatre-style area perfect for outdoor events.
4. Red Rocks Reserve - FREE
Hear different stories on why the rocks are red in colour when you visit the reserve! Image credits: @culture.travel.groove
See a different side of Wellington when you go on a walk along the Red Rocks Reserve. Aside from watching fur seals from April to October, the coastal walk from Owhiro Bay to the Red Rocks shows off Wellington’s rugged coastline adorned with red-coloured rocks.
If you walk further along the coast, you’ll see gun emplacements and lookouts built and used during the 1900s wars.
5. Mt. Kaukau - FREE
The view atop Mount Kaukau is worth it! Image credits: @nly.jn
If you’re looking for another outdoor thing to do in Wellington, you should head to Mount Kaukau. From the Wellington skyline, it is the most visible high point and the most recognisable since it is also where Welly’s main TV tower is located.
There are plenty of walkways that lead to the summit. The shorter ones start from Woodmancote Road or Simla Crescent, while there are also entrance points at Sirsi Terrace in Broadmeadows and Truscott Avenue in Johnsonville. The summit is part of the Northern Walkway that starts in Johnsonville to the Botanic Gardens.
6. Wellington museums - FREE
Discover Wellington one museum at a time! Image credits: @museumswellington
Can’t get enough of Te Papa and want to see more museums? Good news because there are tonnes of museums around Wellington, and most of them have free admission!
If you want to listen to fascinating stories on Wellington’s history, a visit to Wellington Museum should be on your list. The Cable Car Museum takes you back in time to see how this iconic transport system was developed in the city. Another “time travel” opportunity is at Nairn Street Cottage as you move from room to room and watch generations of technological and societal changes. At Space Place, you have the privilege to go above and beyond New Zealand’s skies through exhibits and galleries.
7. Queens Wharf - FREE
Fun things to do in Wellington don’t have to cost a lot - like spending your time at Queens Wharf, Welly’s first public wharf. Several hip bars surround the area, and you can even enjoy a sip of your favourite bevvie by the bean bags. Every Sunday, a farmers’ market opens up in the area where you can buy artisan and local products.
8. Flight Coffee’s The Hangar - from $4.5
Find coffee heaven in Wellington! Image credits: @liss_dunn
Looking for a place to have a cuppa after a long day exploring the city? Lucky for you, Wellington is known as New Zealand’s coffee capital, and the city definitely knows its share of beans. In fact, Wellington has a vibrant coffee scene, and you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to cafes. We suggest starting at The Hangar, where you can enjoy a cup of flat white amidst a relaxing atmosphere.
9. Hannahs Laneway - from $4.5
How can you resist delicious, freshly-baked bread at Hannahs Laneway? Image credits: @leedsstreetbakery
Calling all foodies - indulge yourself in the world’s “tastiest laneway!”
Dubbed a food haven, Hannahs Laneway on Leeds Street boasts the city’s local flavours thanks to its tasty treats such as pies, cookies, pizza, peanut butter sold window-side. They also have chocolate that’s so good you might soon find yourself in a food coma! If you consider yourself a gourmet, exploring Hannahs Laneway would be the best thing to do in Wellington.
10. Wellington Cable Car - $9
Enjoy the Tunnel Lights Display aboard the Wellington Cable Car. Image credits: @rosa.stuff from @wellingtonnz
Make sure you’ve packed your camera with you when you ride on this historic cable car! The Wellington Cable Car is New Zealand’s only operating funicular railroad running for 100 years now.
Hop aboard from Wellington CBD and let it take you past terraced houses at Kelburn Lookout, up to Te Whanganui-a-Tara, where you can soak in the city skyline and surrounding harbour. You’ll even get to see the magical Tunnel Lights Display that opens all day during the weekends and at 9 am during the weekdays.
11. Te Papa Museum - from $14.29
Great exhibitions await at Te Papa. Image credits: @david_zebedee
If there is one unmissable thing to do in Wellington, it’s a visit to Te Papa Museum. Here you can learn about New Zealand’s geography and vibrant culture, as well as the colourful history of the Maori people.
With your ticket, you’ll experience a one-hour tour filled with stories of wildlife, survival, and resilience of the Maori people. Afterwards, you have the freedom to explore the museum and check out other exhibits at your own pace. You can also book an early bird access to Gallipoli: The Scale of our War. It’s a groundbreaking exhibit that tells the story of the Gallipoli campaign during World War I through the eyes of 8 New Zealanders.
12. ZEALANDIA - from $53.29
Visit ZEALANDIA Ecosanctuary and meet the famed Kiwi bird! Image credits: @visit_zealandia
Where can you explore 225 hectares of native flora and fauna? One of the fun things to do in Wellington is to venture into ZEALANDIA, where you can immerse in nature and discover more about unique birds, especially the iconic kiwi bird!
With Klook, you can explore the urban ecosanctuary by day with a 2-hour guided tour and bike around forest paths. You can also book a ZEALANDIA tour at night, where you can trek by torchlight and spot endemic birds and glow worms. You can even hear the evening birdsong, which is now saved from extinction. Come November to February, the ZEALANDIA tour at twilight becomes available.
13. Bluebridge Ferry - $60
Enjoy your time at the Bluebridge Ferry.
Did you know that you can get to Picton Town from Wellington? If you plan to see the Queen Charlotte Sound and Marlborough Sounds, book this Bluebridge Ferry that conveniently transfers you from Welly to the seafront town.
Experience warm Kiwi hospitality aboard this comfortable ferry. It also has free WiFi onboard, so there’s no need to worry about missing anything during your trip. You can also go out on the deck to enjoy the stunning ocean views and breathe in the fresh air. Level up your comfort level when you upgrade to a private cabin that comes with an ensuite so you can lie down and rest or take a hot shower!
14. Weta Studio Tour - from $64.75
Don’t forget to greet the giant troll at the entrance! Image credits: @vitoriadsn
If you’re a fan of the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, this Weta Studio Tour should be the first on your list of things to do in Wellington! Witness how movie magic is made and see authentic props, armours, and vehicles from well-loved movie franchises.
This tour starts at Wellington CBD and takes you to famous film locations around the city before heading to the Academy Award-winning Weta Studios. See amazing artists at work on their current projects on the 45-minute tour of Weta Workshop, and learn more about the makings of this film studio during the Weta documentary. If you want to take home souvenirs, head to the Weta Cave shop for collectables!
15. Weta Hands-on Workshop - from $64.75
Learn about special effects make-up on a Weta Workshop!
If a tour isn’t enough, you can even try your hand at SFX make-up, sculpting, or chainmaille-making! You’ll definitely have a ball on this interactive Weta Hands-On Workshop where you’ll even get to take home your creation.
There are three classes available to book-with on the Weta costume crew, you can try making fake blood and realistic wounds and bruises from silicone gels. In the Intro to Sculpting class, you’ll sculpt modelling clay and breathe life into fantastical creatures. If you want to create your own keyring and keychain using Weta’s tried and tested crafting techniques, you should enrol for the Leather & Chainmaille class.
Intro to SFX Make-up | Intro to Sculpting | Intro to Leather & Chainmaille | |
Package | Learn how to mix your own fake blood and how to craft convincing bruises and wounds. | Roll up your sleeves and create your own 3D fantastical character from modelling clay. | Learn techniques used by the Weta Costume Crew as you create your own keyring from leather & Chainmaille |
Inclusions | 90-minute special effects make-up hands-on workshop Optional: 45-minute Weta Cave Workshop Tour | 90-minute hands-on introduction to sculpting Optional: 45-minute Weta Cave Workshop Tour | 90-minute hands-on introduction to leather & chainmaille Optional: 45-minute Weta Cave Workshop Tour |
Price | Workshop only: $66.09 Workshop + Tour: $85.25 | Workshop only: $66.09 Workshop + Tour: $85.25 | Workshop only: $66.09 Workshop + Tour: $85.25 |
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