Awarded by Lonely Planet as “the coolest little capital in the world” Te Whanganui Tara Wellington definitely is living up to its name.
With hills surrounding it and a sparkling harbor, Wellington provides its visitors with an exciting cultural scene, breathtaking natural experiences, and top-quality food.
We’ve put together a list of Wellington’s top experiences, restaurants and lodging recommendations for a brief stay.
Must Eat
breakfast Every Wellingtonian is aware that the capital city is home to the top food and coffee around the globe, and is there a better way to begin your trip than with a visit to Fidel’s? It is located on the the upper part of Cuba Street, Fidel’s is an iconic Wellington landmark, renowned for its famous hash browns and excellent coffee. It’s essential to visit.
If you’re in town on Sunday then you should visit the Harbourside Market is definitely worth a visit. It is the oldest of markets in Wellington and the surrounding area, this market was established in 1920. Today it is a place to buy fresh dairy products, coffee, and cheese and a variety of food items for lunch and breakfast.
Lunch Take a stroll along the shores in Oriental Parade to retro-inspired Beach Babylon for an indulgence in cheese or a juicy hamburger for lunch. Relax on the road and enjoy the sun’s rays while taking admiring the stunning views of Wellington’s beautiful Oriental Bay. There is nothing that compares to Wellington when it’s a good day!
Hannah’s Laneway is a great alternative for lunch. It is located in an old industrial zone, this food spot offers everything from pizza to craft beers, to tacos and chocolates made by artisan chocolatiers.
Hiakai
Dinner Enjoy a delicious dinner at Hiakai, a multi-award winning restaurant an eatery that blends the traditional Maori with Polynesian ingredients to produce contemporary dining at its finest. Explore the world of food through the experience of traditional cooking techniques and the ingredients you use through techniques passed through the tangatafrom Aotearoa over the centuries.
MUST EXPLORE
Museums With a wealth of national treasures The museums of Wellington tell tales about Aotearoa New Zealand’s history. The museum is located right on the waterfront the museum is called Te Papa Tongarewa. It’s Maori meaning “Container of Treasures”. With a variety of exhibits that highlight the diversity of New Zealand’s visual and art culture The museum is worth a visit.
Te Papa MuseumTe Papa Cultural toursCuba Street, Wellington
In a stunning 1892 historic construction can be found Te Waka Huia o Nga Taonga Tuku Iho, Wellington Museum in which it is possible to travel back in time along the river of Poneke in the latter part of the 1800s.
If you’re a film buff go to The Weta Cave & Workshop – for everything Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, King Kong, The Chronicles of Narnia and Avatar.
Maori Cultural Discover Wellington’s rich and varied Maori heritage through an indigenous Maori cultural experience in Te Wharewaka o Poneke.
Explore some of Wellington’s most treasured Maori treasures when you visit important Maori places during the Cultural Walking Tour, or select the Waka Tour to learn the traditional way to paddle, salutes, and singing on a traditionally-carved the waka.
Nature & Wildlife Just off the coast lies Kapiti Island, which is renowned internationally as a sanctuary for the most stunning and threatened birds.
Kapiti Island
Plan a day trip to the one of New Zealand’s most ancient and most renowned nature reserves, where you’ll be able to learn the amazing story of the heroic Maori warriors, as well as some of the first dedicated conservationists in the world and the best ways to identify the species of flora and fauna that inhabit the island.
Nearer to the city centre Experience the dawning of Zealandia by taking the special dawn-guided excursion that will show the sanctuary’s residents settling into the day while sipping a delightful hot cup of Kawakawa tea.
Cable Car
Get on the famous Wellington Cable Car for a scenic way to arrive and complete two Wellington things to do in one trip. There is also The Botanic Garden, a state-of-the-art space museum Space Place, and Cable Car Museum.
Must Stay
QT Wellington. The hotel is situated in the new capital of culture in New Zealand’s South, QT Wellington is a welcoming opportunity to explore and identify one of New Zealand’s largest collections of culture and art.
Naumi Studio Hotel Wellington: A landmark of the past located in the heart of Cuba St precinct, the four-star Naumi Studio Hotel Wellington, a 4 star hotel Naumi Studio Hotel Wellington was renovated to create a stunning visual delight for the senses with classic furniture.
