Day 1: Art, Culture and Scenic Views
Morning: Start your Wellington adventure in the heart of the city at Te Papa Tongarewa, New Zealand’s national museum. This world-class museum is a treasure trove of New Zealand’s history, culture, and natural heritage. Spend a few hours exploring its immersive exhibits, including the iconic Gallipoli: The Scale of Our War exhibition, which brings history to life with life-sized figures and interactive displays. There’s something for everyone here, from Māori culture to the nation’s natural history.
Afterward, take a short walk to Cuba Street, Wellington’s eclectic and vibrant street filled with quirky shops, cafes, and art spaces. It’s a perfect spot for a coffee break or a stroll through galleries and boutique stores. Don’t forget to snap a photo with Cuba Street’s bucket fountain, an iconic Wellington landmark.
Afternoon: Make your way to Wellington Botanic Garden for a relaxing afternoon surrounded by lush greenery. Take the Cable Car from Lambton Quay to the garden entrance at the top of the hill. The ride itself offers stunning views of the city and harbor. Once at the top, enjoy wandering through the themed gardens, including the rose garden, native bush, and herb garden. It’s a peaceful retreat right in the city’s heart.
Continue your day by heading down the hill to visit The Beehive, the distinctive building housing New Zealand’s Parliament. Take a free guided tour to learn about New Zealand’s political system and explore the stunning architecture. If you’re interested in art, The New Zealand Portrait Gallery is also nearby and worth a quick visit.
Evening: For dinner, head to Wellington Waterfront and enjoy stunning views over the harbor. The area is dotted with a variety of dining options, ranging from upscale eateries to casual fish and chips stalls. Afterward, take a stroll along the waterfront to see the city come to life at night, with the glow of lights reflecting off the water.
Save Tip:
Visit Te Papa on a weekday to avoid crowds and enjoy the exhibits at your own pace. Admission is free, but donations are welcome.
Splurge Tip:
Book a guided tour of the Parliament Buildings, including the Beehive, to get an in-depth understanding of New Zealand’s government and architecture.
Day 2: Nature and Wildlife
Morning: Begin your day with a visit to Mount Victoria, one of Wellington’s most popular viewpoints. You can either drive or take a 20-minute walk up to the summit for spectacular panoramic views of the city, harbor, and surrounding hills. On a clear day, the view is breathtaking and provides a great photo opportunity.
After enjoying the views, head to the Wellington Zoo, just a short drive away. The zoo is home to a variety of native and exotic animals, including the iconic kiwi bird. It’s an ideal place to learn more about New Zealand’s unique wildlife while also supporting conservation efforts. Make sure to check out the Kaka aviary, home to the native forest parrot, and the Kiwi House, where you can get an up-close look at this nocturnal, flightless bird.
Afternoon: For lunch, head to the Wellington Waterfront and enjoy a meal with a view. Afterward, you can walk along the Scenic Waterfront Walkway, a beautiful pathway that stretches along the harbor. Stop by Frank Kitts Park for a relaxing moment or simply take in the impressive public art displays along the waterfront.
Next, explore Zealandia, a groundbreaking wildlife sanctuary just a short drive from the city center. Zealandia offers a unique opportunity to walk through a protected forest environment where you can spot rare native species, such as the Takahe and Kaka. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the elusive Kiwi in the wild. Zealandia’s walking tracks are easy to navigate and provide an excellent opportunity to connect with nature.
Evening: Finish your day by indulging in Wellington’s culinary scene. Head to Courtenay Place or Cuba Street, where you’ll find a variety of restaurants, ranging from casual eateries to fine dining establishments. If you’re a fan of craft beer, Wellington is known for its vibrant beer scene, so be sure to visit one of the many local breweries or pubs.
Save Tip:
Explore Zealandia on a self-guided tour to save money on a guided tour. The signage is excellent, and you’ll still get a lot of insight into the wildlife.
Splurge Tip:
Treat yourself to a private wildlife tour at Zealandia, where an expert guide will show you the best spots to see rare species and provide fascinating insights about the sanctuary’s efforts to protect New Zealand’s native wildlife.
Day 3: Wairarapa
Morning: Today, take a scenic day trip to Wairarapa, a picturesque region just over an hour’s drive from Wellington. The area is known for its vineyards, rolling hills, and charming small towns. Start your journey by visiting the Martinborough Wine Village, one of New Zealand’s top wine regions. Martinborough is famous for its Pinot Noir, and you can visit several boutique wineries to taste the local wines. Take a guided wine tour to learn about the region’s history and wine-making processes.
After a relaxing wine tasting, head to the charming town of Greytown, known for its Victorian architecture and boutique shops. Stroll along the main street and browse the local artisan stores. Greytown is also home to some fantastic cafes, perfect for enjoying a leisurely lunch.
Afternoon: After lunch, continue your journey to Palliser Bay, where you can visit the Putangirua Pinnacles. These dramatic rock formations, which appear in movies like The Lord of the Rings, are located within the Aorangi Forest Park. You can hike to the Pinnacles along a short, scenic trail that offers great views of the surrounding landscape. The area is also home to a variety of birdlife, making it a peaceful and nature-filled stop.
If time permits, stop by Cape Palliser to see the Palliser Bay Lighthouse. The lighthouse stands on a rugged stretch of coastline, offering spectacular views and a serene atmosphere. You may even encounter some playful sea lions basking on the rocks.
Evening: Head back to Wellington in the evening, making sure to stop at some of the scenic lookouts along the way. For dinner, relax at a waterfront restaurant and enjoy your final evening in the city.
Save Tip:
Rent a car and explore Wairarapa on your own for a more flexible and cost-effective day trip. Many of the wineries offer free tastings or discounted rates for visitors.
Splurge Tip:
Book a guided wine tour of Wairarapa to visit the best wineries, with transportation included. This allows you to enjoy the wine tasting experience without worrying about driving.
Day 4: Beehive and Chill
Morning: On your final day in Wellington, visit Te Papa Tongarewa again if you missed anything on your first day or head straight to the Wellington Cable Car for a morning adventure. The cable car ride is a classic Wellington experience, taking you from Lambton Quay up to Kelburn. At the top, you can explore Wellington Botanic Garden or visit the nearby Space Place at the Carter Observatory.
Afternoon: For lunch, visit one of Wellington’s cozy cafes along Cuba Street or Lambton Quay. Afterward, visit The Beehive, New Zealand’s famous parliamentary building. Take a free guided tour to learn about New Zealand’s government and enjoy a look at the unique architecture. If you’re interested in local history and art, visit the Wellington Museum on the waterfront.ure.
Evening: End your Wellington trip with a relaxed dinner along the Wellington Waterfront or Lambton Quay. Enjoy a delicious meal with views of the harbor, reflecting on your adventures.
Save Tip:
Take a self-guided tour of the Beehive and Parliament Buildings to save on the cost of a private tour.
Splurge Tip:
Treat yourself to a special farewell dinner at one of Wellington’s upscale waterfront restaurants for a memorable last meal in the city.
Wellington is known for its vibrant food truck scene and affordable local eateries. Instead of dining at pricier tourist spots, head to food trucks around the city, especially near Cuba Street or the Waterfront. You’ll find delicious, high-quality meals at a fraction of the cost.