wellington places to visit at night

14 best things to do in Wellington at night – Have an epic evening out

Join us as we share our favourite things to do in Wellington at night.

When the sun goes down, our capital city comes to life.

Whether you’re looking to kick up your heels and dance the night away, or relax with a more family-friendly pursuit, we’ve got something you’ll enjoy.

Plan your next evening out in Welly with our tried-and-tested recommendations.

Table of contents

The Top Things to Do in Wellington at Night

1. the obvious one – dance the night away.

Perhaps one of the most obvious things to do when the sun comes down in our capital city is to head out for a party!

Being one of our largest cities , you’ll find a huge variety of bars and clubs where you can spend the evening. Some of the most popular spots include Red Square Bar , S&M’s Cocktail Bar , and Hawthorn Lounge . We also love Minibar , Havana Bar , and Mishmosh .

There are plenty of happening places to choose from, and as many of them are close to one another it’s easy to create your own ‘bar crawl’ whilst in the city.

2. Have Some Fun at Counter Culture Board Game Cafe & Bar

If you’re not up for partying and would prefer something quieter after dark then we’ve got the perfect spot for you…

Counter Culture Board Game Cafe & Bar is one of the best spots in Wellington to spend a wholesome evening. It’s open until 10 pm or 11 pm (depending on the day you visit) and offers quite the experience.

There are over 1,100 board games to play, and they also have an extensive food and drinks menu. If you plan to eat and drink there, the games are free. If not, you can purchase a game pass for just $10 each, lasting last 3 hours.

What more could you need for a fun, relaxed evening?

211 Victoria Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011

3. Scope Out Wildlife on a Night Tour of Zealandia

If you’re a fan of native wildlife like us then Zealandia should be top of your list – even after sunset!

Although you can visit during the day, Zealandia also offers two night-time experiences; Zealandia by Night and Twilight Tours .

Not only will you get the chance to appreciate this incredible sanctuary without the crowds, but you’ve also got a decent chance of spotting the native kiwi (although sightings are never guaranteed).

Don’t worry if you don’t see a kiwi though, you’ll catch a variety of other wildlife regardless.

Both tours last for 2.5 hours and will depart either at dusk or around sunset.

53 Waiapu Road, Karori, Wellington 6012

4. Visit Space Place Planetarium and Stargaze

We recommend you head to Space Place for the best stargazing in Welly.

This state-of-the-art planetarium will teach you all about the night sky through multimedia exhibits and interactive galleries.

There’s also a digital domed planetarium where you can learn about other planets, stars, constellations, and galaxies – including ours, the Milky Way.

As amazing as all that is though, the highlight of visiting this planetarium is getting to look through the iconic Thomas Cooke Telescope.

Seeing New Zealand’s starry skies this way is a magical experience so be sure to include it on your itinerary.

40 Salamanca Road, Kelburn, Wellington 6012

5. Scare Yourself at Fear Factory

If you’re a thrill seeker then why not head to the Fear Factory ?

Before we go any further, we want to stress that this activity isn’t for the faint-hearted, so if you’re easily spooked you may want to skip over this one.

Fear Factory offers scary experiences in both Wellington and Queenstown . The Welly one will take you on a haunted adventure of the HMS Wayfarer – expect to be scared witless!

It’s scary enough that they have a ‘safe word’ you can use if it becomes too much for you! And people do use it – over 3,000 people have said it in just under a year.

We think that speaks volumes…

2/120 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011

6. Look Out for Glow Worms

This is one of the coolest things to do in Wellington at night and it doesn’t cost a cent! We recommend you head along to one of the city’s Botanic Gardens to spot glow worms in their natural habitat.

Wellington Botanic Gardens is open 24/7 but to see glow worms, you’ll need to visit when it’s dark.

These creatures are a wonder to behold – they’re just so beautiful.

Another great place to spot glowworms in Wellington is Otari-Wilton’s Bush Botanic Garden . As an added bonus, it’s the only botanic garden in the country that’s dedicated solely to native plants and is also home to around 11 km of walking tracks.

7. Watch a Sports Game at Sky Stadium

Sky Stadium (formally known as Westpac Stadium) is a major sporting venue and a great place to watch both regional and international rugby.

Football games and cricket matches are also held here, with several teams calling this stadium home. That includes the Wellington Lions and the Wellington Phoenix Women’s Club among others. The All Blacks also frequently play here.

If sport isn’t your thing then this stadium has plenty more to offer!

Depending on when you visit, it also hosts a variety of concerts throughout the year, as well as exhibitions, and local events. Just check before your trip so you can book tickets in advance.

105 Waterloo Quay, Pipitea, Wellington 6140

8. Have a Go at Mini-Golf

If you’re looking for fun things to do in our capital after sundown, then why not head for a game of mini-golf?

There are plenty of options in the city but for the best experience, we’d recommend heading to Carlucci Land or The Witching Hour .

Carlucci Land offers an 18-hole mini-golf course with a junkyard theme, so it’s really unique! As an outdoor course, it’s best suited to the warmer seasons .

If you’re looking for something a bit scarier then check out The Witching Hour. It’s an indoor 13-hole mini-golf course, including fog, strobe lights, ghouls and clowns. Plus they serve drinks from their bar if you’re looking for an extra-good time.

Both courses are open until late, so are the perfect late-night activity.

9. Laugh the Night Away at a Comedy Show

In our opinion, there’s no better way to spend an evening than at a comedy night – and Wellington has plenty of options!

Whether you’re looking for open-mic nights, pun battles, or improvised comedy, this city has something for everyone.

One of the most popular spots for comedy is The Fringe Bar as they often have stand-up showcases. Not to mention, this bar also has some tasty snacks and boozy cocktails.

Another great spot is the Scruffy Bunny Improv Theatre . They serve up lots of off-the-cuff giggles.

No matter which one you choose, make sure you ahead to see what’s on beforehand.

10. Catch a Show or Performance at the Theatre

If you’re a fan of the arts then we’d recommend heading to one of the capital’s fantastic theatres!

Whether you’re after a local show, pantomime performances or a musical, Wellington has a number of options. It’s considered the artsiest city in New Zealand for good reason.

Some of the best spots in the city include Circa Theatre , BATS Theatre and St James Theatre . Depending on your preference, you’ve also got The Opera House which is a stunning venue in its own right.

With so many amazing theatres to choose from you’re guaranteed to find a show of your liking during your trip to Wellington.

Some of the more popular productions will require you to book in advance though so just keep that in mind.

11. Try Your Hand at Axe Throwing!

Now, this has to be one of the most unique evening activities in the windy city!

Although you can head to Sweet Axe at any time of day, there’s something cool about heading here in the evening. Just make sure you’ve not had a drink because you won’t be allowed to participate otherwise.

There are four axe-throwing lanes here, and the experts will teach you the ultimate technique before letting you loose. So don’t worry if you’ve never wielded an axe before – they’ve got you covered.

60 Cambridge Terrace, Te Aro, Wellington 6011

12. Bowl the Night Away at the Lanes

As you might have guessed The Lanes is the perfect place to go bowling, but it has much more to offer than just that, making it perfect for an evening of fun.

Boasting four pool tables, pinball, foosball, and shuffleboard, there are plenty of other awesome games that you can get involved with. The activities here will keep you and your crew occupied for hours.

The Lanes even has a great bar on-site, and they serve tasty food including burgers and pizzas!

What more could you need?

234/238 Wakefield Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011

13. Catch a Live Music Gig

Wellington has a great live music scene so make sure you leave at least one night free during your trip.

This city has every type of music you could ask for from jazz to rock ‘n’ roll, so you’ll find something to suit everyone’s tastes.

There are plenty of awesome venues to choose from but some of the most popular places include Meow , The Library , and Rogue and Vagabond .

Each one of these venues offers a fantastic experience. Plus, Meow and the Library both offer snacks as well as an extensive drinks menu, while Rogue and Vagabond is more tailored towards craft beers.

14. Spend a Night at the Wellington Zoo

Last but not least on our list, a sleepover at the Wellington Zoo is one of our favourite recommendations. It’s a massive hit with kids , though it’ll appeal to all animal lovers.

Many people haven’t even heard of this activity, but we will warn you – it’s not a cheap experience. We think having the zoo all to yourself makes it worth the cost though!

During your time there, you can feed the animals a late-night snack, and make them a special treat for their morning before the zoo opens to the public.

Too much fun!

200 Daniell Street, Newtown, Wellington 6021

With so many amazing evening activities on offer, don’t tuck yourself up in your hotel – get out and see what makes our capital city so special…

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The Best Things to Do in Wellington at Night

Day or night, there’s always something cool happening in Wellington . New Zealand’s capital is the place to try new things, get immersed in the alternative and unleash your curiosity. If you want to get the most out of the city’s nightly attractions, here are 10 activities you should definitely add to your must-dos.

Browse the eclectic night markets.

Wellington locals and visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to weekly markets . Every Friday and Saturday, from 5 p.m. until 11 p.m., Cuba Street is transformed into a multicultural street food and performance haven thanks to its iconic Wellington Night Market. If you’re in the city before the night looms, go take a quick peek at the Underground Markets – these are open every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and bring and assortment of locally-produced arts, crafts and artisan goodies to the forefront.

Have a late-night board gaming session

This one’s great if you’re wanting a fun, casual place to chill out with friends or are looking for a unique date night idea. With more than 600 games on its shelves, Wellington ‘s Counter Culture Board Game Cafe and Bar is sure set to keep all visiting board game geeks entertained. There are discounts on gaming sessions if you order food or drinks and the venue is open until 10 p.m. most nights — or 11 p.m. if you come by on Thursday, Friday or Saturday.

Head on night tour of Zealandia

Zealandia is a one-of-a-kind wildlife sanctuary that sets out to protect New Zealand’s endangered species as well as helping preserve Wellington ‘s rivers and forests. The fully enclosed reserve hosts regular nighttime tours , starting before or after dusk, that are limited to 12 people at a time. These will introduce visitors to a variety of resident nocturnal critters like the kiwi bird, glowworms, longfin eels and native tuatara .

Alternatively, try a zoo sleepover

Whether you’ve got kids in tow or you’re travelling with a group of like-minded animal lovers, spending the night at Wellington Zoo is going to be an absolute treat. Have some dinner before you arrive, and don’t forget to bring a sleeping bag and your camera — you’ll want to take some snaps of those critters before they ease into a peaceful slumber. Zoo Sleepover tours start at 7 p.m., and include breakfast in the morning as well as free admission to the zoo for those wanting to explore during daylight hours.

Stargaze at Space Place

Head to Space Place’s Planetarium on a Tuesday, Friday or Saturday night to get the most out of its late-night starlit experiences. An ever-changing lineup of interactive shows, which typically run for approximately 45 minutes, means that no visit to the planetarium is quite like the next — though a live presentation of New Zealand’s night skies is always a given.

Go glowworm-spotting

The great thing about the Botanic Gardens is that they’re open 24/7; what’s even better is that if you time your visit right, you might be able to spot the glowworms that hide among the verdant plants and flowering blooms. Otari-Wilton’s Bush is another popular place in Wellington to spot these luminescent creatures — keep an eye on local events listings to find out when the next guided tours are taking place.Laugh the night silly

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If you love all things comedy, Wellington ‘s got a bit of everything: open-mic stand-up gigs, pun battles, improv, among many other humorous acts. Head to The Fringe Bar on a Wednesday night to watch the established and emerging comedians that hit the stages during its weekly The Medicine stand-up showcase. Local production company Scruffy Bunny Improv Theatre also has regular shows throughout the year, while the NZ International Comedy Festival brings an array of local and international acts to both Auckland and Wellington annually.

Catch some local theatre

Wellington is traditionally the heart of all things cultural in New Zealand — it’s not uncommon to hear it being called the country’s culture capital. Theatre aficionados have quite a few choices at their fingertips: BATS Theatre is the go-to for contemporary New Zealand productions with an alternative flair; Circa hosts a wide range of local shows from musicals and dance to stand-up comedy and pantomime performances; St James Theatre is the ultimate venue for major international productions; and The Opera House hosts musicals, opera and the cabaret shows as well as being the home base for the NZ International Comedy Festival.

Listen to some smooth sounds

Theatre is not the only area in which the culture capital thrives. Local musical acts, emerging or establishing, grace the stages of many of the city’s bars, clubs and dedicated music venues. Hit up The Rogue and Vagabond for some live jazz, blues and rock and roll, or head to Valhalla to catch some up-and-coming New Zealand artists before they become world-famous.

Watch a sports match at the iconic ‘Cake Tin’

Affectionately known by locals as The Cake Tin because of its unique bowl shape, the Westpac Stadium is where the avid sports fans head to support regional and national rugby, cricket and football teams. The iconic circular stadium also hosts an array of international concerts throughout the year, as well as local exhibitions and community events like the annual Beervana craft beer festival.

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12 fun things to do in wellington at night.

Date Modefied: November 9, 2022

Summary: The Top 12 Things To Do In Wellington at Night

• Craft Beer Trail
• Maori cuisine at Hiakai Restaurant
• Sleepover at Wellington Zoo
• Space Place at Carter Observatory
• Mount Victoria Sunset
• Wellington Night Market
• Time Cinema Nostalgic Film
• Counter Culture Board Game Cafe
• Comedy Clubs
• Live Music Gig
• Zealandia by Night
• Glow Worm Tunnel at Botanic Gardens

12 Fun Things to do in Wellington at Night (Full Breakdown)

When it comes to travelling to New Zealand and visiting Wellington, the days are pretty easy to fill with outdoor adventure, road trips , street art, trendy cafes and cultural experiences. But, Wellington is known as the Craft beer Capital of New Zealand so you know the nightlife is going to be good. You can find some unique things to do in Wellington after dark, from exciting events for the whole family to venues just for the adults to enjoy; New Zealand’s Capital has something for everyone.

Let’s get GOing with the best things to do in Wellington at night!

1. Hop around the Craft Beer Capital

Craft beers have grown in popularity, so much so that you can do a beer trail through the city centre. You can get yourself a map, collect a stamp from every craft beer brewery and score free stuff like a certificate and t-shirt at the end to show all your mates you completed it. With 32 tap houses on the list, you are sure to fill your night tour with delicious fun and even take some craft beers home from the cellar doors. Be sure to check out these breweries even if you don’t do the full trail:

Whistling Sisters in Te Aro

Set up in memory of the owners’ sister who passed away from breast cancer, Whistling Sisters encompasses the family tradition of sharing food and drink. Taste one of their amazing beers and know that some of the profits will go directly to a breast cancer charity.

Heyday Beer Co in Te Aro

Brewing over 50 different beers each year, from spiced orange ale to tiramisu stout, you are sure to find something you like at Heyday. Pair all this with a cheese and charcuterie board and you will have yourself an awesome day!

Parrotdog Brewery in Lyall Bay

Finish your beach day with a cold one at Parrotdog Brewery, also conveniently located close to Wellington airport for a pre-flight beer. Founded and run by three friends called Matt, Parrotdog hones their expertise to create delicious award-winning craft beers.

Fork and Brewer in Te Aro

One of the first breweries on the craft beer scene, Fork & Brewer aim to brew the most diverse range of beers to suit any taste preference. Grab yourself a tasting paddle and sample some of their mouth-watering creations

2. Experience a night of Maori food

Hiakai Restaurant (which means hungry in Maori) is showcasing Māori and Pasifika ingredients in innovative dishes. The 30-seat fine dining restaurant serves only a degustation ( the careful, appreciative tasting of various food) menu that is revealed once you sit down to eat, all developed around a Maori story or myth and each dish builds on the narrative. What better way to learn about the indigenous culture than through a memorable dining experience in the Capital city?

3. Have an exciting sleepover at the Zoo

As a child, sleepovers are pretty exciting and it doesn’t get much cooler than staying in Wellington Zoo! You can bring your sleeping bag and snooze in many areas in the zoo near monkeys or critters, feed them after dark and even join in with the morning routine before Wellington Zoo opens to the public. Available for 5-year-olds and up, this is a wild night the whole family can enjoy.

4. Stare into Space at Carter Observatory

New Zealand has a rich culture in astronomy, Polynesian ancestors of Māori used the stars to navigate their voyage to New Zealand and the Matariki star cluster marks the Māori new year. Today, New Zealand astronomers contribute to space science and you can learn all about it in Space Place at Carter Observatory. With planetarium showings until 9 pm, Space Place is a magical way to spend an evening learning the constellations and looking through the heritage Thomas Cook telescope for a close-up view of the Galaxy.

5. Hike Mount Victoria for a Sunset view

For the best view of Wellington landmarks, the harbour and out along the Southern coast towards the South Island, you must explore Mount Victoria. The sunset here is simply stunning, offering you panoramic views as the night sky turns pink and orange. So pack a picnic, grab your friends, partner or family and either hike or drive up to the Mount Victoria summit for a relaxing evening.

Sunsets are the best free things you can do and we may be biased, but New Zealand sunsets are spectacular. So make sure you grab yourself a Wellington hire car to catch the best sunset viewpoints at Mt Victoria, Wellington waterfront, Scorching Bay, Red Rocks and further.

6. Explore the Wellington Night Markets

The night market, located on lower Cuba Street, is an awesome way to spend a Friday or Saturday night. Showcasing International food stalls, local entertainers and artists, the Wellington night market is one of the best things to do in the Capital city. Tasting delicious authentic food and watching performers for a few hours? Sounds great, get yourself there!

7. Have a Nostalgic Film Night at Time Cinema

Wellington is home to a cute private cinema and mini museum which is still family-run after 40 years. You can privately book this 39-seat cinema, catering and snuggle down to watch a nostalgic classic feature film or an array of New Zealand comedies, short films or pictorials. Take a look at the historic film equipment and memorabilia in the mini museum, mostly donated by film lovers, making this cinema a much-loved community hub. There are not many places in the world you can hire a private historic cinema, so visit Wellington for unique experiences like this.

8. Get Competitive at a Board Gaming Night

Conveniently located close to the city centre, Counter Culture cafe has over 900 board games so you can play well into the night. From cards, multi-player, retro to fantasy, and different sections for families and adults only, this late-night cafe has board games everyone can get stuck into. All of this with a delicious food menu and coffee on offer, you won’t be bored after dark in Wellington.

9. Belly laugh at Comedy Clubs

Kiwi humour is loved internationally from critically acclaimed comedy films and series to stand-up comedy shows. There’s no better way to experience the humour than at one of the many stand-up comedy clubs in Wellington, and on Friday and Saturday nights, you can watch a schedule dedicated to local Kiwi comedians at The Fringe Bar in Te Aro. Not only that, many international comedians visit Wellington city on their tours so you can laugh the house down any day of the week.

10. Dance the night away at a live music gig

Wellington boasts many vibrant live music venues and funky bars so you can dance, not only Saturday night but any night of the week to:

• Folk music at San Fran on Cuba Street
• Jazz in The Library at Courtenay Place
• Metal at the Viking-themed Valhalla Tavern in Te Aro
• Cuban DJ’s at Havana Bar in Te Aro
• Local rock bands at Moon in Newtown
• Funk and Jazz at Rogue and Vegabond in Te Aro
• Rock gigs at Meow in Te Aro
• Rock’n’roll at the Cavern Club Bar in Te Aro

11. Explore Zealandia by Night

Zealandia wildlife sanctuary, just outside Central Wellington, is home to unique New Zealand species like the Kiwi bird, Weta and Tuatara. Explore Zealandia by torchlight and be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the Kiwi bird and learn about the natural history and Māori Cultural link to the wildlife.

This Ecosanctuary also features in our Full Wellington Guide , check it out for the best accommodation, restaurants, free things to do and fun attractions to fill your days.

12. Go hunting for glow worms in the Botanic Gardens

Seeing the Botanic Gardens lit up by glow worms after dark is one of the most magical walking Wellington tours you can do. Their light glows as a trap to catch their dinner and they live in colonies, which is awesome for us humans to see. Catch the Wellington cable car from Lambton Quay up to the Botanical Gardens in time for nightfall to appreciate the views across Wellington harbour and the city, then enjoy one of the best free things you can do in Wellington.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the drinking age in new zealand.

The legal drinking age is 18 years old or older to be served in any licensed venue and you must provide IDs such as a driver’s licence, passport or a Hospitality New Zealand card.

Is there public transport at night?

Certain train lines in Wellington can run until 11 pm. On Friday and Saturday nights, some Metlink bus lines will run from 12 am to 4:30 am.

Driving around Wellington at night

Taking advantage of all Wellington, and further, has to offer is best explored by car. Pick up a hire car at Wellington Airport and the team will be able to give you all the best tips and advice so you can get GOing on your Wellington adventure. 

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Nightlife In Wellington

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• Meow- Located on Edward Street, it offers modern New Zealand food & beverages accompanied by live music.
• The Malthouse- Located at Courtenay Place, it offers a world-class selection of beers.
• The Library- Located on Tory Street, this lounge offers a cozy vibe and serves craft cocktails and café bites.
• Hawthorn Lounge- Located on Tory Street, it is a classic cocktail bar and restaurant.
• Havana Bar- Located on Wigan Street, this bar has a Latin vibe and it serves top-notch wines and cocktails.
• Red Square Bar- Located on Blair Street, this plush club is perfect for all-night dancing.
• Scotty & Mal’s Cocktail and Lounge Bar- Located on Cuba Street, this place has a classy cocktail bar and a bustling nightclub with live music spun by DJs on weekends.
• The Establishment- Located on Blair Street, it is Wellington’s most popular nightclub.
• Minibar- Located at Courtenay Place, it is the hippest nightclub in the city.
• San Fran- Located on Cuba Street, this is the place for catching up on a variety of live music from the best DJs, rock music by local bands, and techno music by jammers.
• The Green Man- Located on Willis Street, it is an Irish cum Kiwi gastro bar.
• D4- Located on Featherston Street, this is a casual dining spot with an Irish bar and serves Kiwi dishes.
• J.J. Murphy & Co.- Located on Cuba Street, they are an Irish cum British bar serving the highest quality of beer.
• Sprig & Fern Tavern- Located on Tinakori Road, it is the best place to enjoy local craft beer.
• The Rogue & Vagabond- Located on Garrett Street, this laid back bar serves craft beer and plays live music.

This post was published by Akancha Tripathi

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Things to do in Wellington

Fun things to do in Wellington New Zealand

Thing to do in Wellington at night

Wellington is the capital of New Zealand. It is a destination for travelers who want to visit far places and see different things than usual.

As a rather big capital, it has many activities to do: zoos, interesting museums, fun events, great nightlife, tasty food .

Below you will find the best 10 things to do in Wellington in order to learn and enjoy the city and the culture of New Zealand.

1. Go to space

No, unfortunately not literally. But at the top of the Wellington Cable Car route, you can visit the Space Palace, where you can learn all about space, planets, galaxies, stars.

You will find out about the Southern Hemisphere constellations as well, such as the Capricornus and Scorpius. Moreover, besides the classic planetarium shows, there are also interactive exhibitions.

The Space Palace stays open until late at night, so you can also watch the night sky with the Thomas Cooke historic telescope and observe the stars by yourself! It is truly a unique experience.

2. Go on a glowworm quest

Wellington is famous for its beautiful and colorful parks.

Wellington’s Central Park, the Botanic Garden, Truby King Park, Mount Victoria are only a few that are just a pure pleasure to the eyes with their wonderful plants, trees, bushes, flowers.

However, at night, something magical happens.

Glowworms come out! Make sure to keep an eye for guided tours at these parks, because you will be able to track easier these little creatures!

3. Have a sleepover at the zoo

A sleepover at the zoo is not something you are able to often do, so definitely take advantage of it.

Wellington Zoo offers this great experience. The sleepover starts at 7.00 p.m.

Just bring your sleeping bag and a camera, and you are good to go! You’ll observe the crazy nightlife of the animals!

In the morning, the zoo offers breakfast and free admission tickets to those that want to check the zoo during day hours as well.

4. Visit the night market

Wellington’s Night Market is located at Cuba Street, and it has many different cuisines from around the world. There are also live jams in different bars and restaurants.

It is the go-place for everyone who wants to see the nightlife of the city. It is not a destination for tourists, as the locals spend their weekends there as well!

If you want to have a chilled evening, visit the left side of Cuba Street on a Friday night, and you will enjoy the most relaxed evening with good music and great food.

If you are looking for parties, make sure to go to the lower part of the street on a Saturday night. You will not be disappointed.

5. Catch a stand-up comedy or a theatre show

Wellington is widely considered the cultural capital of New Zealand and with good reason. There is always an event happening. Regarding theatre, there are so many theatrical productions and interesting shows in general.

From contemporary and alternative theatre shows to stand-up comedies, dance, and music shows, Wellington has it all.

Make sure to find more information on the stages the shows take place, such as the BATS Theatre, Circa, The Opera House, and others, and book your ticket.

6. Play board games

There is a café in New Zealand, Counter Culture Board Game Cafe and Bar, that has more than 600 board games available on the shelves.

So, if you want to spend some quality time with friends or family, or even go on a geeky date, this place is definitely the best!

It offers great discounts if you order food or drinks and usually stays open until late, especially on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

7. Do the Zealandia tour

The Zealandia night tour is different from the zoo sleepover.

First of all, Zealandia is a sanctuary that protects New Zealand’s endangered species, as well as the forests and the rivers.

It organizes regular night tours, where you can learn a lot about many nocturnal animals and see them in their natural habitat.

The tour groups consist only of 12 persons at a time, so make sure to book your place in advance!

8. Watch a sports match at the ‘Cake Tin’

The Cake Tin is Wellington’s sports stadium, the Westpac stadium. The locals call it Cake Tin because it has the shape of a bawl. There, you can watch a good rugby game, cricket, or football.

But the Westpac stadium does not host only sports games. It hosts international concerts of widely popular artists, art fairs, and even community events, such as the Beervana craft beer festival that happens every year.

9. Enjoy a cocktail at Hawthorn Lounge

Hawthorn Lounge is not a regular cocktail bar. It makes cocktails that suit the tastes of the customers. That is you go to the bar and the staff will figure out your taste and make you the perfect cocktail for your taste!

The atmosphere is very cozy and lounge-like (hence the name!). You will feel relaxed and you’ll enjoy probably the best cocktail you’ve ever had!

10. Stroll at Wellington Waterfront

The Wellington Waterfront is simply magical at nighttime. You can stroll around and watch the calm sea and the city from the opposite side.

There are art installations that narrate the history of the city and a playground for children, and several shops. It is a different way to enjoy the city but without its busyness.

11. (Bonus) Online casinos

Playing casino is a great pleasure in New Zealand, however, a casino is not always open.

At night, for example, it is more popular to play at online casinos .

At online casinos, you can play around the clock and also get help around the clock at most casinos.

It’s just a matter of keeping track of who is safe and good for Kiwis.

As a matter of fact, New Zealand casinos are a really good job of keeping track of these safe gaming sites for us.

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The 10 Best Things to Do in Wellington at Night

Discover some of the great nightly activities that new zealand's capital city wellington has in store..

Day or night, there’s always something cool happening in Wellington. New Zealand’s capital is the place to try new things, get immersed in the alternative and unleash your curiosity. If you want to get the most out of the city’s nightly attractions, here are 10 activities you should definitely add to your must-dos.

Wellington locals and visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to weekly markets . Every Friday and Saturday, from 5 p.m. until 11 p.m., Cuba Street is transformed into a multicultural street food and performance haven thanks to its iconic Wellington Night Market . If you’re in the city before the night looms, go take a quick peek at the Underground Markets – these are open every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and bring and assortment of locally-produced arts, crafts and artisan goodies to the forefront.

This one’s great if you’re wanting a fun, casual place to chill out with friends or are looking for a unique date night idea. With more than 600 games on its shelves, Wellington’s Counter Culture Board Game Cafe and Bar is sure set to keep all visiting board game geeks entertained. There are discounts on gaming sessions if you order food or drinks and the venue is open until 10 p.m. most nights — or 11 p.m. if you come by on Thursday, Friday or Saturday.

Zealandia is a one-of-a-kind wildlife sanctuary that sets out to protect New Zealand’s endangered species as well as helping preserve Wellington’s rivers and forests. The fully enclosed reserve hosts regular nighttime tours , starting before or after dusk, that are limited to 12 people at a time. These will introduce visitors to a variety of resident nocturnal critters like the kiwi bird, glowworms, longfin eels and native tuatara .

Whether you’ve got kids in tow or you’re travelling with a group of like-minded animal lovers, spending the night at Wellington Zoo is going to be an absolute treat. Have some dinner before you arrive, and don’t forget to bring a sleeping bag and your camera — you’ll want to take some snaps of those critters before they ease into a peaceful slumber. Zoo Sleepover tours start at 7 p.m., and include breakfast in the morning as well as free admission to the zoo for those wanting to explore during daylight hours.

Head to Space Place’s Planetarium on a Tuesday, Friday or Saturday night to get the most out of its late-night starlit experiences. An ever-changing lineup of interactive shows, which typically run for approximately 45 minutes, means that no visit to the planetarium is quite like the next — though a live presentation of New Zealand’s night skies is always a given.

The great thing about the Botanic Gardens is that they’re open 24/7; what’s even better is that if you time your visit right, you might be able to spot the glowworms that hide among the verdant plants and flowering blooms. Otari-Wilton’s Bush is another popular place in Wellington to spot these luminescent creatures — keep an eye on local events listings to find out when the next guided tours are taking place.

If you love all things comedy, Wellington’s got a bit of everything: open-mic stand-up gigs, pun battles, improv, among many other humorous acts. Head to The Fringe Bar on a Wednesday night to watch the established and emerging comedians that hit the stages during its weekly The Medicine stand-up showcase. Local production company Scruffy Bunny Improv Theatre also has regular shows throughout the year, while the NZ International Comedy Festival brings an array of local and international acts to both Auckland and Wellington annually.

Wellington is traditionally the heart of all things cultural in New Zealand — it’s not uncommon to hear it being called the country’s culture capital. Theatre aficionados have quite a few choices at their fingertips: BATS Theatre is the go-to for contemporary New Zealand productions with an alternative flair; Circa hosts a wide range of local shows from musicals and dance to stand-up comedy and pantomime performances; St James Theatre is the ultimate venue for major international productions; and The Opera House hosts musicals, opera and the cabaret shows as well as being the home base for the NZ International Comedy Festival.

Theatre is not the only area in which the culture capital thrives. Local musical acts, emerging or establishing, grace the stages of many of the city’s bars, clubs and dedicated music venues. Hit up The Rogue and Vagabond for some live jazz, blues and rock and roll, or head to Valhalla to catch some up-and-coming New Zealand artists before they become world-famous.

Affectionately known by locals as The Cake Tin because of its unique bowl shape, the Westpac Stadium is where the avid sports fans head to support regional and national rugby, cricket and football teams. The iconic circular stadium also hosts an array of international concerts throughout the year, as well as local exhibitions and community events like the annual Beervana craft beer festival.

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Best Things to do at Night in Wellington

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On 30 Things To Do in Wellington

by Jub | Apr 4, 2019

Having grown up less than one hour away from Wellington in Waikanae and studying in the city for four years it’s about time I put together a post of things to do in Wellington, New Zealand.

If you’re undecided about visiting Wellington, do it . It’s a great city to visit while you’re travelling NZ. If I didn’t have such itchy feet (and wasn’t so cheap), I’d be way more inclined to live here at this point in my life.

There’s no order to this list, I’ll simply keep adding things after each time I return home. If you have any questions about the best things to do in Wellington for your particular tastes, send me an email to jub (at)tikitouringkiwi (dot)com

1. Visit The Seal Colony At Sinclair Head Via Red Rocks

You can find seal colonies throughout New Zealand, and Wellington is lucky enough to have one where they hang out in varying numbers year round. To see the seals, you’ll need to take the Red Rocks Walkway (you can drive or walk) to Sinclair Head on the southern coast. You’ll pass the Red Rocks on your way, so you get to hit up two attractions at once, win.

FULL POST: ON THE RED ROCKS WALKWAY

2. Get 360° Views From The Mt. Victoria Summit

Oh hey there Wellington!

If you look east from the CBD, you’ll see Mt. Victoria. While it might look like a bit of a mission to get up to the top of, it really isn’t. As part of the town belt, there are plenty of walking tracks to take you to the summit (or you can take the bus). When you get there, you’ll have one of the best views in Wellington over the harbour, CBD, airport , burbs, and more. It is also where a couple of the scenes were shot for Lord of the Rings.

FULL POST: ON THE MOUNT VICTORIA LOOKOUT

3. Visit The Peanut Butter Factory

It’s tucked away at 5 Eva Street, but once you know about it, you can’t not pay a quick visit

Yup, you read that correctly, this is one of the new places to visit in Wellington. Some of you might be wishing this was a Marmite factory though? Or not. Anyway, this peanut butter factory is the home of Fix & Fogg , a great Kiwi entrepreneurial story in the making. There’s no tour of the factory per se, as it’s more of a window, but you can talk to some staff, try some PB on toast and good luck trying to walk away without buying a jar or two.

4. Browse The Underground Market

Who woulda thunk a market with 40+ stalls would be under there!

Every Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm you can find a predominantly artisan market with stalls from some of Wellington’s most creative people. You can find the market under Frank Kitts Park and when you enter the space is sneaky big and doesn’t feel claustrophobic. With the foals of helping small businesses thrive in the countries ‘Creative Capital’ they’ve done really well to attract an ongoing crowd with a location that sees visitors to the city who walk by the entrance and can’t help but take a look at what’s inside. if you’re looking for a unique gift to take home, this is your place! You can find out more about the market here .

5. Take The Ferry To Days Bay

Days Bay Beach, right by where the wharf the ferry lands at

If you’re not sure what to do in Wellington on a nice day but do want to get out of the city, visiting Days Bay is a good idea. This could be made into a day trip, but you can do it in less than that without rushing. Catch the ferry from Queens Wharf to Days Bay (25-40 minutes ride), spend a couple hours at Days Bay visiting a cafe, chilling/playing on the beach, or hiking up to a nearby viewpoint and return on the next sailing. To plan your trip, you can see the prices and the ferry timetable on the East by West website .

6. Watch The Bucket Fountains

You’ll be bound to pass Cuba Street Bucket Fountain, one of the most famous Wellington attractions. The buckets were installed in 1969. The iconic site has splashed many an unwary passerby with not all the water at the top making it through to the next bucket. On a windy day, the water can travel a few metres which is a laugh for those with their head looking down at their phone as they walk past. Watch it at least once! As you’d expect, there has been plenty of dishwashing liquid added to the fountain over the years to create an epic bubble bath.

7. Walk The Length Of Cuba Street

A new pedestrian crossing on Cuba Street

Cuba Street is Wellington’s most popular walking streets with the terracotta bricks stretching the length of four blocks. Along the way, you’ll see the bucket fountain (mentioned above), but lots of shops that cover up Wellington in a nutshell. There’s high-quality coffee, restaurants, second-hand book, and record stores, funky bars, nightclubs, and thrift stores. One of the newest features to the street is the crossing above, again capturing the culture of Wellington perfectly.

8. Visit Te Papa – The National Museum of New Zealand

A Sculpture From Te Papa’s Gallipoli: The Scale of our War exhibit

A visit to the National Museum of New New Zealand has to be your Wellington things to do list. Open every day (except Christmas), it’s free to enter and you could comfortably spend all day visiting all of the exhibitions. The best (free one) exhibition has to be the Gallipoli: The Scale Of Our War with lots of information, pictures, and incredible sculptures created by Weta Workshop. At this stage, the exhibit is scheduled to closes in April 2019. For all the latest information, head to the Te Papa Website .

9. Visit Some Of The Breweries

Golding’s Free Dive.

Since leaving University in 2010, this is the biggest change to the Wellington scene. The city has stolen Craft Beer Capital of New Zealand too. There are breweries all over the city now, and some of them make a great drop. Some of the ones I’ve visited and liked are Black Dog Brewery , Rogue And Vagabond and Golding’s Free Dive . In fairness, it’s hard not to like any of them.

10. Jump Off The Diving Board

This isn’t something that I’ll do, but for the cliff diving enthusiasts, this is a golden activity (in the summer). It surprises me OSH haven’t banned this, but that’s a good thing. The jump isn’t too high, but give the waterfront location it can draw a crowd. You can find the diving board here .

11. There Are Lots Of Cool Wellington Walks

Looking over Wellington Harbour from Mt. Kaukau

I’ve already highlighted two popular walks in this post, and I could go on listing them all, but that’s a little bit pointless. Instead, I’ll list a few and you can consider:

• City to Sea Walkway
• Southern Walkway
• Mount Kaukau Walkway

FULL POST: LIST OF WELLINGTON WALKS (in progress)

12. Ride The Cable Car

I never left the country until I was halfway through my first University, so having ridden the Wellington Cable Car on the way to University most days for six months it was always weird seeing tourists clamoring to the front seats to get their photos. Nevertheless, it’s an iconic attraction in Wellington and the 5-minute ride takes you 120 metres up to Kelburn (612 metres long) where there’s the Cable Car Museum, and Botanical Gardens.

13. Relax At The Basin (even if there’s no cricket on)

It’s a great place to chill out, read a book, or have a picnic.

The Basin Reserve is one of New Zealand’s many beautiful cricket grounds. And unlike many professional sports grounds around the world, you’ll find people walking around the grounds every day as while walking from Newtown/Mount Cook towards the CBD & Te Aro. If you need some quiet time at the Basin, it’s a great place to be on a sunny day. Alternatively, if there’s cricket on, join the locals at a game, a Kiwi summer tradition.

14. Beach Time At Oriental Parade (on a good day)

A popular saying locally is “You can’t beat Wellington on a good day”, and it’s so true. Wellington is known as the windy city, but on a nice sunny day without the wind about, Wellington is a phenomanal spot and the locals will embrace all the good days they can get. That includes heading on down to Oriental Parade, a short walk from the city, where you’ll see people relaxing on the beach, swimming & jumping off the platoon, riding crocodile bikes, and enjoying one of the restaurants and cafes bordering the beach. If you get a perfect day in Wellington, this is a must visit given it’s a short walk from the city centre.

15. Join The Free Walking Tour Of Parliament

The Beehive in all its glory

Wellingtons Beehive is well known around the world and you are able to visit the Beehive, and connected Parliament Buildings, and library on a free walking tour. There are different kinds of tours, and while you don’t need to book too far in advance, I’d recommend checking the tour calendar and ringing them an hour or two before you attend to reserve a spot.

16. Find All Of The Street Art

You’ll find this piece at >a href=”https://goo.gl/maps/qbgj3YLcDxw” target=”_blank”>220 Willis Street

Wellington makes sure to hold it’s own on the street art scene. There are lots of pieces to be found, particularly in the smaller streets around Cuba Street. Looking for street art has become one of the more fun Wellington activities and lots of other cities in the world, a trend I find fascinating.

17. Visit The Cable Car Museum

Found inside the Cable Car Museum

Assuming you took the Wellington Cable Car from Lambton Quay up to the top of the hill, you’ll be exiting right by the Museum which is a free museum in Wellington and is worth a stop before going to exploring the Botanical Gardens. The museum is spread across two small levels, with a replica car to get more token tourist photo. Read all of the info boards to, you’ll learn about the origins of the cable car and Wellington as a whole.

18. See Native Birds (& Tuatara’s) At Zealandia

On the suspension bridge at Zealandia

Zealandia is not far from the main road connecting Karori to the CBD, but when you enter you feel a million miles away, surrounded by greenery and various birds singing away. I highly suggest joining one of the daily tours (no additional fees), otherwise you might walk along some of the trails for an hour an not see anything out of the ordinary. There’s 33km of trails so you could feasibly. On my recent two hour visit, I saw tuatara, weta, kaka, kakariki, hihi, robins, bluebells, and more thanks to the guide Andrew. If you’re not sure what to do in Wellington at night this is a good idea. Especially if you really want to do it but have lots of other activities planned. Do note it is more expensive than going during the day.

19. Visit Two Historic Cemeteries – One Of The Unusual Things To Do In Wellington?

The Cemetery, it’s not as creepy as it looks. Promise!

The two cemeteries are Mount Street Cemetery and Bolton Street Cemetery . The Mount Street Cemetery was Wellington’s first Roman Catholic cemetery opened in 1841. Closed to new burial sites in 1891, there are ~200 headstones existing today and you can nab a view of the city too.

The Bolton Street Cemetery was the cities first cemetery opening in 1840. It’s actually three separate cemeteries attached to each other, with the storyboards throughout the cemetery giving you a good understanding. This is also the starting point of the City to Sea Walkway .

20. See The Glowworms In The Botanical Gardens

The Waitomo Caves are likely to be the most popular place in the country to see the glowworms, but a Caves tour costs a pretty penny. One of the best free things to do in Wellington at night is to go see the glow worms. I wouldn’t do this solo however, as it gets very dark in the botanic gardens and you’ll definitely want a light of some description. If you take the left-hand path from this entrance , you don’t need to walk more than 100 metres until you start to see them. Given it’s kind of a long way from the heart of downtown, I’d consider this one of the best things to do in Wellington in winter but maybe not summer. In winter you could go at 6pm and it’ll be dark enough. You can also combine it with a visit to the Space Conservatory .

It goes without saying, the Botanic Gardens are beautiful in the day time too!

21. Watch Rugby Or Cricket At The Cake Tin

Wellington’s biggest stadium plays host to both the Wellington Phoenix and Wellington Hurricanes. The Cake Tin is conveniently located close to the Wellington Train Station and while NZ doesn’t attract the biggest crowds (unless it’s the All Blacks), The Wellington Phoenix play from October to April and the Hurricanes from February to June/July. There are also international matches (among other events) played at the stadium from time to time. There are plenty of food, drinks, and booze options, though it isn’t the cheapest so you may won’t to pre-load.

22. Visit Somes Island In The Middle Of The Harbour

Looking back to Wellington CBD from the loop track on Somes Island

Somes Island is known to be as the former leper colony. Fortunately, times have changed and now the island is a nature reserve you can visit for a few hours (or even stay overnight). There isn’t a whole lot to do on the island, though you can swim along the shore near the pier, walk the loop track around the island, and see some old gun emplacements on top of the island. It’s definitely something unique to do in Wellington and a nice way to spend a few hours out of the city.

READ NEXT: MY GUIDE TO VISITING SOMES ISLAND

23. Look At Portraits At The Portrait Gallery

Inside one of the rooms at the gallery

I never knew The New Zealand Portrait Gallery was hanging out in Shed 11 along the Wellington Waterfront. Since 2010 the gallery has slowly expanded its collection of portraits and when you enter, you’ll definitely be bemused, confused, perplexed, and intrigued by the various pieces. It’s free to enter the gallery and definitely worth popping your head into for even a few minutes if you’re on the way someplace else.

24. Explore The Rugged Belmont Park

Views for days at Belmont Regional Park!

Looking for something in Wellington off the beaten path? I’d rank this well up there. Given its proximity to the city, and considering there are waterfalls and epic views all around the park it’s really underrated! It is rugged with some of the hiking trails tricky to follow. The other activities that people love doing here are horse riding, mountain biking, and running. If you’re wanting an adventure, check this place out for sure!

25. Try Out Some Of The Vegan Restaurants

A yummy burger from Plant Blazed!

In 2014 vegan food was hard (like really hard) to find in New Zealand. Fast forward to my most recent visit and the country has started to provide options for most dietary requirements out there. It has to be said though, Wellington is the capital of vegan food in Wellington. There are some chains out there that are offering vegan options such as Lord of the Fries and Burger Fuel, but try out one of the 100% vegan small businesses like Plant Blazed and Laundry . They’re genuinely cool places to eat…vegan or not.

And if you happen to be in Wellington on the first Saturday night of the month, then your eating plans are sorted. The Vegan Vault is a night market where all the vegan businesses area come together for an evening. Such a good concept!

26. Find The Writer Tributes

One of the tributes found along the waterfront

If you’re a fan of deep quotes, then you may well want to spend your time on Wellington’s Waterfront trying to find all 23 of the plaques. These all make up the Wellington Writers Walk and while it’s easy enough to look them all up online, there’s something to be said about taking in a quote from a real life structure given the amount we see on a daily basis on the likes of Instagram. Even if you don’t look for them, by reading this point in this post, at least you’ll know why these random quotes keep appearing in front of you!

27. Play Mini Golf At A Scrap Yard

Affordable mini golf!

Carlucci Land is Wellington in a nutshell! Located near the tip, when you’re driving past Carlucci Land, unless you know there’s a mini putt golf course there you’d be mistaken for thinking it’s a funky creator with too much junk on his hands. But, once you enter the grounds, you’ll start to admire the details of the place. The golf course is equally as creative with some nice skills needed to master the course. The feeling of the place is very relaxed and while the course shows some wear and tear, you can’t help but walk away with a smile.

28. Learn About The Underwater World

Note: if you’re planning to come, the visiting hours are narrow, so be sure to check before you arrive that it’ll be open.

If you find yourself on the southern coast of the city Coast, pop your head into Bait House Aquarium where you can learn about the sea life that’s on the Wellington’s coastline. There are some open water tanks, with some animals coming in from outside the area, but most are retrieved straight from the reserve on the doorstep. I gotta say though, I don’t like how they let you touch the sea life!

29. Plane Spotting At Wellington Airport

The wind and Wellington has been mentioned plenty of times by me already in this article. If it’s a windy day, consider hopping on down towards the airport ( easy to reach from the city ) and watch the planes come into land from the various viewing points. Wholly shit, it gets hectic sometimes with gnarly winds squeezing in and around Cook Strait throwing planes in all directions. Add in the fact they land just beyond the waters, it’s nerve-wracking enough watching from afar…let along being on the plane. In saying that, maybe don’t do this if you’re due to fly out from Wellington City in the next 48 hours.

30. Take A Day Trip Elsewhere

The sunset over Kapiti Island as seen from Waikanae Beaxh

There are lots of things to do near Wellington you can consider. We mentioned the ferry earlier to Days Bay, that could easily be made into a day trip if you spent time at the beach, 2-3 hours hiking along the Main Ridge & or Butterfly Creek, and a trip down to Pencarrow Lighthouse. Add in time for lunch and you’ve got a highly active day out with Days Bay as your base.

A few other day trips to consider:

Kapiti Coast: You could start by walking the Paekakariki Escarpment Track, and then heading down to Waikanae and explore (or Paraparaumu) and finishing up with New Zealand’s favourite, fish n chips, while watching the sunset on the beach. Alternatively, you could use a day trip to Kapiti Island to take up the majority of your day.

Picton (South Island): This is ambitious, but it does appear possible that you can fit in a day trip to Picton by catching the ferry early in the morning and returning on the late ferry. There are two services, the Blue Bridge & The Interislander.

Martinborough: The wineries are the main drawcard to Martinborough, and if that’s going to be your focus then you’ll be glad to know that the public transport can get you out there comfortably. But, there’s more to see outside of the wineries with Cape Palliser, famous for the lighthouse and as a popular place for seals to hang out. Add in a visit to Lake Ferry, and an obligatory visit to the wineries, and you’ve got an awesome day trip in the books.

READ MORE: 6 DIY DAY TRIPS FROM WELLINGTON

Enjoy your trip to Wellington. If you’ve got any questions, I’m always happy to take questions. Of course, I haven’t included Weta Cave here as I want to add it when I finally see some of the behind the scenes work of Lord of the Rings.

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So much to do and see Jub. Peanut butter factory would be high on my list. I love a good entrepreneur story. And peanut butter. Awesome walking city too. Busing through Wellington you can walk from end to end in a day, easy. Kinda like each of the boroughs in NYC. Excellent post buddy.

Hey Mate, nice list! You did not include the Weta Cave and Weta Digital tour… 🙂

Hey Himadri,

Will go and visit those in the next week to add 😉

Cheers, Jub

Going to Visit Wellington next week as I don’t know much about it so I was looking for a blog to know the best things to there thanks for this information. As Know I know What to do there.

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Heyya, Jub here.

I hope Tiki Touring Kiwi isn't making your day too miserable.

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22 Fun Things to Do in Wellington, New Zealand

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Wellington may be New Zealand’s capital, but it’s a compact, relaxed, and walkable city.

It has a stunning location between the hills and sea with easily accessible nature—you can bike through native forest, hike the rugged coastline, or swim from sandy beaches.

There’s delicious food, coffee, and craft beer, and plenty of creativity.

It’s a city that grows on you, as we found after spending many months in the region.

Here are our picks for the best things to do in Wellington including fun outdoor activities, where to hide on a rainy day, what to do at night, and all our favourite places to eat and drink.

At the end of the post you’ll find a map of these Wellington attractions.

Where to Stay in Wellington

Best things to do in wellington new zealand, 1) walk along the wellington waterfront, 2) browse the harbourside market, 3) visit te papa museum, 4) ride the cable car, 5) stroll through the botanic gardens, 6) shop and eat on cuba street, 7) drink coffee, 8) spot native birds at zealandia, 9) brunch by the beach in lyall bay, 10) relax at scorching bay beach, 11) snorkel at island bay, 12) hike the city’s trails, 13) play junkyard mini golf at carlucci land, 14) watch the sunset at mount victoria lookout, 15) enjoy delicious vegan food, 16) buy local art at welly collective on courtenay, 17) play games at counter culture board game cafe, 18) go cocktail bar hopping, 19) work your way through the wine list at noble rot, 20) sample local craft beer, 21) kapiti coast for hikes and beaches, 22) martinborough for wineries, wellington activities map, more new zealand posts.

Many of these places in Wellington are free, but I’ve included costs when applicable. All prices are in New Zealand dollars. The current exchange rate is NZD $1 = USD $0.70, GBP £0.53, and EUR €0.62.

If you only have a few days in Wellington, I recommend staying in the CBD (Central Business District), where you’ll be able to walk to many of these Wellington activities.

Parking can be expensive, though—hotels usually charge $30-40 a night. Taranaki Street Parking is a cheaper alternative.

I prefer Te Aro, in the southern part of the centre, where you’ll find many of the best places to visit in Wellington including Te Papa, Cuba Street, and excellent restaurants and bars.

The northern section of the CBD is more business orientated, although it’s convenient for the train station, parliament, and shopping at the bigger stores on Lambton Quay.

It’s a 25-minute walk from Wellington Station to Cuba Street in Te Aro.

Here are my Wellington hotel picks, all of which we’ve stayed at.

• Budget: Mercure Wellington Central City – Simple, affordable rooms and apartments close to the action in Te Aro.
• Midrange: Rydges Wellington – Not my favourite area for sightseeing, but it’s close to the train station, Bluebridge ferry, and waterfront. Rooms are comfortable and the hotel has a pool, gym, and restaurant.
• Luxury: – QT Wellington – My favourite hotel in the perfect location overlooking the waterfront opposite Te Papa. Rooms are stylish, comfortable, and some feature unique artwork by local artists. Splurge on a Harbourview Gallery King room if you can. There’s a pool, gym, restaurant, and fun artwork in common areas.

If you are staying longer and have a car, consider a holiday rental in one of the surrounding coastal suburbs.

Places like Lyall Bay, Island Bay, and Seatoun are only a 15-minute drive from the CBD, but they have a village feel and lovely beaches. Options include:

• Stunning hillside retreat with harbour views – A comfortable two-bedroom house on a hillside above Seatoun with a hot tub on the terrace.
• Relaxing seaside haven – Two-bedroom apartment next to Seatoun beach.
• The Penthouse on Evans Bay – Stylish three-bedroom apartment with sea views and a large deck with BBQ.

Kelburn or Thorndon near the Botanic Gardens are also worth looking into as they are walkable into the centre (about 30 minutes but uphill on the way back). Check out rooms in this Thorndon Heritage Listed Villa .

Back to Contents

I’ve divided our top things to do in Wellington into three areas: the city centre, the outskirts, and further afield locations which are great for day trips. I’ve also included suggestions of what to do in Wellington at night.

Central Wellington

All these Wellington activities are walkable if you are staying in the CBD. Traffic and parking can be a pain, so it’s best to leave your car in the car park and explore on foot.

The best introduction to Wellington, especially on a sunny day, is walking along the waterfront. There’s a beautiful pedestrian walkway from Queens Wharf to Clyde Quay Wharf.

On the way you’ll have views of yachts and Wellington’s hills and will pass Wellington Museum and Te Papa Museum, sculptures like Len Lye’s Water Whirler and the iconic Solace in the Wind, and the colourful boat sheds of Clyde Quay.

You can even rent a kayak or paddleboard at Ferg’s Kayaks.

Karaka Cafe is the perfect place to take a break—relax on the bean bag chairs on the grass overlooking the water.

You can continue to Freyburg Beach in Oriental Bay, the closest sandy beach to the centre, and if you are feeling energetic, head up to the Mount Victoria Lookout for wonderful views.

One of the most fun things to do in Wellington is Clue Zealand’s The Search for the Lost Human . For $39 per group, you’ll receive clues on your phone on a quest to find a dog’s missing owner.

It’s a great way to explore the waterfront as it makes you pay attention to historical plaques and sculptures as part of your mission. It took us an hour but can take up to two hours.

I think Wellington looks most beautiful from above. If you aren’t taking a flight to the South Island, you can enjoy the view on this scenic harbour helicopter flight .

A top Wellington attraction is the outdoor Harbourside Market. It takes place overlooking the harbour next to Te Papa and can be incorporated into the waterfront walk on Sundays.

You can buy fruit and vegetables at reasonable prices as well as locally made bread, cheese, honey, and crafts.

The highlight for us is the many cooked food stalls—Indian dosa followed by Dutch pancakes is a winning combo, but you’ll also find Italian, Indonesian, Thai, Cambodian, Syrian, Greek, Mexican, Moroccan, Chilean and more.

When the sun is shining and live music is playing, there’s no better spot in Wellington.

Harbourside Market is at the corner of Cable Street and Barnett Street in Te Aro. It operates on Sunday mornings from 7.30am to 2pm (1pm in winter). Go early to avoid the crowds.

Te Papa is a Wellington must do and the ideal activity on a rainy day. New Zealand’s national museum is located on the waterfront and has free entry (except for some special exhibitions).

The permanent exhibits explore Māori culture and New Zealand’s history and natural world.

There are also contemporary art installations and temporary shows like the powerful Gallipoli (until April 2022), where you learn about the war through the eyes and words of eight New Zealanders. The oversized, incredibly life-like figures were created by Weta Workshop, who made the props for Lord of the Rings .

Te Papa is at 55 Cable Street in Te Aro. It’s open every day from 10am to 6pm. Entrance is free.

One of the most popular Wellington tourist attractions, as well as a mode of transport for locals, is the Wellington Cable Car, which has been running since 1902.

A five-minute ride on the distinctive bright red car takes you from Lambton Quay, the main shopping street in the CBD, up to the Botanic Gardens for beautiful views of the city. There are fun light shows as you go through the tunnel.

At the top there’s the Cable Car Museum and a free shuttle bus to Zealandia.

Wellington Cable Car operates from 7.30am (8.30am on weekends) until 8 or 9pm. It costs $5 each way for adults and $2.50 for kids.

Once you’ve ridden the cable car, wander through the Wellington Botanic Gardens, one of the best free things to do in Wellington, especially on a sunny day.

The extensive gardens date back to 1868. Trails through native bush wind up the hillside and make you feel far away from the city.

There’s also a rose garden, impressive spring tulip display, duck pond, treehouse, herb garden, cafe, and various sculptures.

At night you can see glowworms along the banks.

Wellington Botanic Gardens are free and open every day from dawn to dusk. You can walk there from the CBD or take the cable car.

Recommended Reading: 25 Most Beautiful Places in New Zealand

Cuba Street is the heart of Wellington’s CBD. This lively pedestrian street is colourful and creative with independent shops (think vintage and artsy), cafes, buskers, and the splashy Bucket Fountain.

These are our favourite places to eat on Cuba Street, all of which have good vegan options (except Ombra).

• 1154 Pastaria – Delicious fresh pasta in a casual setting.
• Scopa – After pasta, pop into this Italian restaurant across the road for the most decadent, thick hot chocolate. Order a large!
• Nolita – Vegan Italian with delicious sourdough pizza (I love the patatine) and hearty pasta.
• Fidel’s – A Wellington institution that’s great for brunch or an afternoon sweet treat.
• Olive – Creative brunch and dinner. It’s always busy so booking is a good idea.
• Laundry – Tasty burgers and a grungy bar vibe with live music later on.
• Zelati – The best ice cream we’ve had in Wellington with some interesting flavours.
• Aunty Mena’s – Cheap and cheerful vegan Asian food like BBQ steam buns, curry noodles, and laksa.
• Ombra – Aperitivo drinks from 3-6pm are a good deal at this Italian restaurant as they come with a complimentary snack.

After exploring Cuba Street, take a short detour to the hidden Hannahs Laneway for the Fix and Fogg peanut butter booth and Leeds Street Bakery, which makes the most delicious salted caramel cookies.

For pies and bagels, head to NYC-style deli Pickle and Pie just a few minutes away on Lombard Street.

Wellingtonians take their coffee seriously and you are spoilt for choice with quality roasters and cafes in the city.

Peoples Coffee is Simon’s favourite (he buys their Don Wilfredo beans to use at home)—it’s organic and fair trade. The Lukes Lane branch is central and, conveniently, they sell salted caramel cookies from Leeds Street Bakery.

The Hangar is another excellent coffee spot where they roast Flight Coffee. You can even do a tasting flight to compare different beans—as it’s three full cups, it’s best to share. Their food is tasty too.

You can also expect a quality brew at Customs, which is just off Cuba Street.

Wellington Outskirts

Some of the best things to see in Wellington are a 10-20 minute drive from the centre—you’ll soon feel far away from the city’s bustle.

Zealandia is a fantastic place to visit in Wellington, especially at the beginning of your New Zealand trip so you can learn more about the country’s native birds.

This fenced ecosanctuary protects the birds, many of which are endangered, from imported predators. There are 32km of forest trails with options for all fitness levels, and you are sure to see plenty of wildlife. Allow at least a few hours to explore.

We saw kaka (a large parrot), tui, saddlebacks, robins, fantails, and a nest of baby shags in the water.

If you visit on a guided tour at night , you have the chance to see the rare kiwi as well as glowworms.

Zealandia is a 10-minute drive from the CBD. If you don’t have a car, there’s a free shuttle bus from the i-Site and top of the Cable Car. It’s open from 9am to 5pm every day. Entrance is $23 for adults and $10 for children (under 5s are free).

I adore Wellington’s beautiful coastline and you only have to drive 15 minutes from the centre for lovely bays, beaches, and coastal hikes.

I recommend driving around the Miramar Peninsula and along the southern coast through Lyall Bay, Island Bay and out to Red Rocks.

You’ll find more activities below, but start your day with a delicious brunch at Lyall Bay, a surfer beach next to the airport, which has three of our favourite cafes in Wellington.

The Botanist – This vegetarian (mostly vegan) cafe is our favourite place to eat in Wellington. It’s a lovely space with hanging plants across the road from the beach.

The Veganise Me vegan breakfast will set you up for the day—it features avo toast, hash browns, black beans, veggie sausage and facon, and battered jalapeños. Yum! It’s also open for dinner.

Maranui Cafe – For the best sea views, head to the iconic Maranui right on the beach inside the Surf Life Saving Club. It’s very popular so try to go on a weekday and arrive early.

It’s worth the wait for the view as well as the food and coffee (with some vegan choices). I adore their (huge) green smoothies.

Queen Sally’s Diamond Deli – Maranui’s sister cafe is just around the corner. It’s a tiny place with mostly vegetarian and vegan cabinet food—sandwiches, salads, samosas, cakes, and scones.

The food is always exceptionally good. My personal favourites are the vegan cheese scone and the three cheese and pumpkin sourdough toastie (one of my favourite sandwiches anywhere).

This is the best place to pick up a packed lunch for a hike or beach trip.

My perfect day in this area is eating breakfast in Lyall Bay, walking the Eastern Walkway , relaxing on Scorching Bay Beach (with lunch or a drink at Scorch-O-Rama), and then continuing on a loop around the Miramar Peninsula’s rugged coastline.

Simon would add—ending with a beer at Parrotdog Brewery back in Lyall Bay.

Scorching Bay on the Miramar Peninsula is my favourite beach in Wellington. It’s a lovely curve of golden sand between a grassy lawn and calm green sea—perfect for swimming if you can stand the chilly temperature.

There are good facilities including toilets, showers, and some oversized benches for lounging. It can be very busy in summer, but we’ve only visited on sunny spring days when it wasn’t crowded at all.

The quirky Scorch-O-Rama cafe overlooks the beach and its terrace is one of the best places to go in Wellington for a waterfront meal.

The food is tasty, portions are generous, and there are vegan options. It’s a Wellington highlight for sure.

One of the coolest things to do in Wellington on a calm summer day is go snorkelling—it just feels so unexpected in a capital city!

Taputeranga Marine Reserve is just around the headland from Lyall Bay. There are multiple entry points—near the public toilets at Princess Bay is a popular entry point or I’ve gone in just past Island Bay beach.

You can rent snorkelling gear and wetsuits (which you’ll need) at Island Bay Divers and check the latest conditions on their Facebook page.

I was amazed by how much we saw so close to the shore—an octopus, a huge eagle ray, crayfish, blue moki, sea cucumbers, starfish, triplefins, and more. Magical!

I love how much nature is so close to the centre of Wellington with some fantastic hikes (or bike rides).

My favourites are the Red Rocks Walkway to see seals, the Eastern Walkway for sea views, the Skyline Track for sweeping views across the whole region, and Makara Beach for remote coastal scenery.

See my guide to the best Wellington walks for more details.

If you are looking for fun things to do in Wellington with kids or adults, head to Carlucci Land, one of the most unique mini golf courses we’ve played.

There’s a junkyard vibe with 18 holes on the hillside amongst quirky sculptures. Some of the holes are pretty challenging as the ball goes through hidden passageways and down ramps and spirals.

We usually head here after brunch in Lyall Bay and you could also combine it with a visit to nearby Red Rocks.

Carlucci Land is located at 281 Happy Valley Road. It’s open from 9.30am until late every day. It costs $12 per person (payable by honesty box midweek). The only facilities are toilets so take your own drinks and snacks.

Top Things to Do in Wellington at Night

In addition to these Wellington activities at night, Zealandia has night tours , and you can see glowworms for free in the Botanic Gardens after dark.

The Mount Victoria Lookout is one of the top Wellington attractions for its 360º views of the city, harbour, and surrounding bays.

You can walk up the steep hill from Oriental Bay or drive up. There’s a grassy area for picnics.

Mt Vic is great to visit at any time of day, but sunset is my favourite time. Stick around long enough to see the city lights switch on.

Wellington has some fantastic food with plenty of choice for vegans. These are our top picks, all of which are open in the evening. There are many more options on Cuba Street and in Lyall Bay—see above.

Hillside Kitchen – This friendly, fine-dining vegetarian restaurant is perfect for special occasions.

The five or seven course tasting menus feature creative dishes using local ingredients, some of which are foraged or from their garden. You can request a vegan menu.

Allow plenty of time—we usually spend four hours when dining with friends.

They are usually based in Thorndon but are currently on Victoria Street in the CBD. Check the Hillside website for updates and to make a booking (essential).

Mockingbird – Mockingbird is the place to come for plant-based junk food and international street food. Their burgers feature “beef” or “chicken” patties and their new pies are tasty. My favourites are the enchilada loaded fries and sangria.

Other vegan-friendly restaurants we like include Mr Go’s (Asian tapas), Seize (healthy lunch bowls), Southern Cross (bar snacks), and The Ramen Shop in Newtown.

The Welly Collective is a cool space featuring artwork, jewellery, clothes, and gifts made by local artists. Check out the Cara Rose Art table run by our friend who paints beautiful Wellington scenes.

Welly Collective is at 100 Courtenay Place in Te Aro. It’s open from 10.30am to 6.30pm every day and until 10.30pm on Fridays and Saturdays—perfect for post-dinner shopping.

If you are looking for rainy day activities in Wellington, the Counter Culture Board Game Cafe is ideal. We have whiled away many hours here.

They have a vast collection of board games—ask the helpful staff for advice. Some of our favourites are Marrying Mr Darcy, Cockroach Poker, Dixit, Pictures, and Coup.

Their food is also good—I love the brownie with salted caramel ice cream. There’s plenty for vegans and they have tasty craft beers.

Counter Culture is at 211 Victoria Street in Te Aro. It’s open from midday until late (from 4pm on Mondays and Wednesdays). They are closed Tuesdays. Bookings are highly recommended, especially on weekends. A three-hour slot costs $5 per person with a food or drink purchase.

Wellington has an extraordinary number of craft cocktail bars, and as they are all in Te Aro, it’s easy to put together a classy bar crawl. Here are our picks (roughly in order of preference):

• Night Flower – There’s no menu at this speakeasy style bar with a hidden entrance. Instead, tell the staff what flavours you like and they’ll craft the perfect drink for you, with a focus on old-fashioned cocktails in keeping with their classic decor.
• Poquito – An unpretentious, friendly bar where they can create a custom cocktail for you. The espresso martinis are superb.
• CGR Merchant & Co – A beautiful bar decorated with hanging plants and big jars of their homemade gins and rums in interesting infusions. The gingerbread gin is glorious.
• Hawthorn Lounge – This intimate cocktail bar feels exclusive and is one of the few places open until 3am on weeknights.
• R Bar – The cocktails may not be as good as at the other bars, but the pirate-themed decor and drinks are fun. It feels like Disney!
• Library Bar – Tasty drinks with walls lined with books.

If you prefer wine to cocktails, Noble Rot is the absolute best place to drink in Wellington.

They have a huge list of wines by the glass from New Zealand and all over the world (I enjoyed an excellent Syrah from Syria!). The knowledgeable staff helped us make great choices.

You can pop in for a drink, but I recommend booking a table for dinner and making a night of it (we were there for hours).

There’s only one vegan choice per course, but the menu changes seasonally and it’s always delicious.

Noble Rot is at 6 Swan Lane in Te Aro. It’s open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 4pm until late. Closed Sundays and Mondays.

Craft breweries and brewpubs are everywhere in Wellington. These are Simon’s favourites:

• Garage Project in Aro Valley – The best beer in Wellington with flavours for all tastes including lots of creative brews.
• Parrotdog Brewery in Lyall Ba y – Excellent beer and a great setting to drink it by the beach with good food and a pool table.
• Panhead Tory Street – Central brewpub with a cosy fireplace, exclusive brews, and a great gin and tonic menu for the non-beer drinkers.
• Little Beer Quarter in Te Aro – A relaxed bar with lots of craft beer and tasty snacks.

If you’d rather explore Wellington’s breweries with a local expert, check out this Wellington Craft Beer Brewery Tour .

Wellington Day Trips

If you are in Wellington for a longer stay, it’s well worth exploring the wider Wellington region.

The Kapiti Coast is a stretch of black sand beaches starting about 40 minutes north of Wellington. We’ve spent many months based there and it also makes a good day trip from Wellington.

Paekākāriki is the best stop, especially if you are coming by train. This tiny creative village has a few excellent cafes and a quiet stretch of sand.

It’s also the starting point for the stunning Escarpment Track hike to Pukerua Bay (10km/3 hours), which is one of the best walks in Wellington .

In Paekākāriki I recommend coffee at The Perching Parrot, delicious pizza (on Friday nights and weekends) at Beach Road Deli, and a real fruit Paekākāriki Pop from the Village Grocery Store.

Sunday Cantina in Raumati South is another favourite cafe and can be combined with a walk in Queen Elizabeth Park.

15 minutes further up the coast is Paraparaumu, which doesn’t have Paekākāriki’s charm, but it is the launching point for boat trips to the Kapiti Island nature reserve .

Kapiti Island is well worth visiting, especially if you like hiking and birds. Visitor numbers are limited so you must visit as part of a boat trip, but you are free to explore the island once you get there.

As the island is predator-free, native birds thrive so you can see rare ones like the hihi and kokako and hear a chorus of birdsong. There’s a beautiful hike through the forest to the highest point on the island.

Book a Kapiti Island boat trip here .

For food in Paraparaumu, we like Tom Thumb Cafe (takeaway cabinet food) and Passo for Italian.

Even further north (one hour from Wellington) is Waikanae Beach with lovely beach and river walks and tasty pies at Olde Beach Bakery.

See my Wellington hikes post for details on the beautiful walks on the Kapiti Coast.

Martinborough is a pretty town, about 1 hr 20 mins from Wellington, surrounded by wineries and known for its superb pinot noir.

It’s a flat, compact area so it’s easy to explore by bike (Green Jersey rents them for $40 a day). In one afternoon we cycled about 6.5km to four wineries.

Poppies is our favourite winery—the lunch platters and rosé are delicious (book ahead).

We’ve also enjoyed tastings at Palliser (for excellent pinot noir and chardonnay), Escarpment (where you can pair wine with canapés), Schubert (for the unusual Tribianco and sweet Dolce), and tiny Muirlea Rise (try the dessert wines). For unusual natural wines, head to Cambridge Road.

If you want to stay overnight, we love historic Martinborough Hotel (originally built in 1882), which has beautiful rooms on the picturesque village square.

To visit Martinborough as a day trip from Wellington, it’s best to take a tour so that someone else can do the driving. Check out this highly-rated Martinborough Winery Tour , which includes tastings at three wineries.

Just bear in mind that the drive back to Wellington involves crossing over the steep, winding Remutaka Hill!

On the way to or from Martinborough it’s worth stopping at Kaitoke Regional Park to hike the 2km Swingbridge Track through beautiful forest, swim in the river, and see where Rivendell in Lord of the Rings was filmed.

It might be a cliche that “you can’t beat Wellington on a good day”, but it’s also true! When the sun is shining and the wind has died down, it’s glorious to explore the city’s parks, waterfront, gardens, nature trails, and beaches.

You can hike, bike, sail, snorkel, kayak and still be within 10 minutes of delicious food, coffee, and adult beverages.

Even when the winds are roaring, there are enough indoor activities in Wellington to keep you busy. Or just keep eating and drinking.

I hope this post has given you some ideas on what to do in Wellington (rain or shine). For more New Zealand tips, you’ll find links to lots more posts below.

A big thank you to Ru, Ian, Dunstan, Lydia, and Cara, our wonderful friends and local guides who have made our many trips to Wellington so special.

Read more of our tips for exploring beautiful New Zealand .

North Island

• The Ultimate North Island Road Trip Itinerary
• 15 Best Things to Do in New Plymouth and Taranaki
• Visiting the Magical Hobbiton Movie Set
• 15 Unforgettable Things to Do in Bay of Islands

South Island

• 25 Unmissable Things to Do in South Island New Zealand
• 24 Best Things to Do in Nelson
• 17 Relaxing Things to Do in Queenstown
• 20 Best Things to Do in Wanaka

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23 BEST Things to Do in Wellington – Ultimate 2024 Guide

By Author Delilah

Posted on Last updated: January 11, 2024

New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington, is a vibrantly cultured, compact city packed with loads of epic ‘must-dos’.

Nicknamed the ‘coolest little capital in the world’ by Lonely Planet, Wellington certainly lives up to the hype.  Expect to find a city teeming with trendy bars, world-class restaurants and quirky attractions.  There’s quite literally no shortage of cool things to do in Wellington.

We’ve summarised our favourites to help you decide what to do, so read on to find out our top picks!

Table of Contents

Things to Do in Wellington

Wellington is filled to the brim with great activities, despite having such a small city centre.  The beauty of this is that Wellington is such a walkable city.  If you’re flying in, then there’s really no need for a car – just walk from place to place and book tours for the places further afield.

1. Peruse the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa For Free

Certainly one of the best free things to do in Wellington, Te Papa is arguably the best museum in New Zealand – and one of our favourite in the world, but being Kiwis we’re biased.

Te Papa Museum is New Zealand’s national museum and contains numerous, extremely informative exhibitions.  The long term ones tend to have a strong focus on New Zealand history, Maori culture and New Zealand’s natural world.  

When we last visited, the Gallipoli exhibition was on and it was one of the most poignant displays we’ve ever seen.  We walked around Wellington museum immersed for around 2-hours with barely a word spoken between us.  2,779 Kiwis lost their lives on Gallipoli with many more scarred forever.

Te Papa is free to visit, however if you prefer a guided experience you can book the official 1-hour guided tour offered by Te Papa itself.

2. Go on an Adventure at Zealandia Eco Sanctuary

Zealandia wildlife sanctuary is the world’s first fully-fenced urban sanctuary.  In other words, this is a massive 225 hectare wildlife park located right in the middle of Wellington city.  

Zealandia offers a Day Tour and a Night Tour which cost $55 and $85 respectively.  Both tours are guided for 2-hours and take you through the native bush to see New Zealand’s wildlife.  

The night tour, in particular, is one of the most unique things to do in Wellington.  You’ll most likely get the opportunity to see New Zealand’s native birds and the highly endangered Kiwi – a once in a lifetime experience.

You can easily get to Zealandia via the free shuttle bus that departs regularly from town.

3. Ride the Wellington Cable Car

Another unique attraction in Wellington is to take the bright red Wellington Cable Car up to the gorgeous botanic gardens.

This is a pretty fun and unusual activity, but overall it’s a little underwhelming.  We 100% recommend doing this, especially at just $9 for a return ticket.  Just set your expectations before you go!

Tickets for the cable car can be bought in cash at the terminal in Lambton Quay, though, we’d recommend sorting it out online beforehand here.   The price is the same.

4. Stay in NZ’s Fanciest Hostel

Hostels aren’t usually considered ‘fancy, however, The Marion Hostel in Wellington is the exception to this rule.  

Priced at around $100 per night for a double room, or $70-90 for a dorm bed, The Marion is certainly on the pricey side for a hostel.  Regardless, it’s still a lot cheaper than a hotel and the experience is better than places double the price.  The only catch is you’ll have to share a bathroom.

We reckon this is a one-off opportunity that’s not worth missing.  Also, the double rooms appear to be limited and sell out quickly so if you’re after some privacy you may want to book this quickly.

You can check out The Marion Hostel and book online here.

5. Visit Weta Cave at Weta Workshop

Weta Workshop is a world renowned special effects and prop design company based in Wellington.  They are most known for creating the props for The Lord of the Rings trilogy.  Thanks to the fame of Lord of the Rings, Weta Cave has become one of the most popular things to do in Wellington.

Their workshop in Wellington can be visited for tours or to see the shop.  Weta Cave itself, which is the shop, is well worth a visit as a top indoor activity.  This must-see spot not only offers products for purchase, but also displays a wide range of prop replicas.

If you have more time, however, we’d highly recommend booking in one of the Weta Workshop guided tours.  These cost $49 and you’ll get to learn all about the props, costumes, creatures and more.

6. Hike to the Mount Victoria Lookout

The Mount Victoria Lookout is a stunning viewpoint that offers panoramic views over Wellington city and the harbour.  

The best part about this walk is its proximity to Wellington’s city centre, meaning it’s easily walkable from your accommodation.  It takes about 40-minutes through native bush to walk to the lookout from Cuba Street, which should be doable for most people.

7. Day Trip to Kapiti Island

Trips to Wellington typically revolve around the city itself, so it’s nice to have the option to escape the busy city to embrace New Zealand’s natural beauty.

Kapiti Island is a predator-free, nature reserve located just up the coast from Wellington.  

For anyone who loves nature and wildlife, Kapiti Island is a must-do.  You’ll get the opportunity to see and hear some of New Zealand’s rarest and most endangered bird species – which are thankfully thriving on the island.

We recommend booking transport (by boat) and a tour with Kapiti Island Eco Experience .  

8. Tour New Zealand Parliament House

New Zealand’s official parliamentary buildings, Parliament House and the iconic beehive, are an important part of New Zealand and well worth a visit.

Parliament offers a range of guided parliament tours which are the perfect opportunity to learn more about New Zealand politics, governance and political buildings.  These tours are entirely free and so, so worth doing.

If you are short on time, then we’d at the least recommend walking past to check out the building as it’s an intriguing piece of architecture.

9. Walk Along Oriental Parade on the Wellington Waterfront

Oriental Parade is Wellington’s gorgeous inner city beach which sprawls along the Wellington waterfront.  The road is lined with hotels on one side and a stunning beach on the other, making it feel a bit like you went on vacation to a beachfront location.

Oriental Bay is naturally a great place to stay, with awesome options here including the Copthorne (where we stayed) and Ohtel (where we wish we stayed).

But even if you aren’t staying here, we’d still recommend wandering down for a stroll.  

10. Eat Fried Chicken

The first thing we do when we visit a new place is look for the best food options (more on that below) and the most exciting thing we found were a couple of super popular fried chicken spots:  Lucky Fried Chicken and Soul Shack.

Lucky being famous for their burgers, which pair perfectly with their equally famous gravy and chips.

However, Soul Shack was, coincidentally, where I got to experience my soul momentarily leaving my body as I enjoyed some Nashville fried chicken on white bread.  Holy cluck. This was the best fried chicken I’ve ever had.  Also the hottest, so maybe avoid it if you can’t handle spice.

11. Visit Hannah’s Laneway

Hannah’s Laneway is one of those super cute alleyways that you just end up finding yourself in when you get lost.  A happy little accident I suppose.  

This former shoe factory is Wellington’s tastiest, hipsteriest little gem.  With the famous Fix and Fogg hole in the wall serving peanut butter tasting (omg) and toast.

There’s also multiple bars, a pizza spot, a bakery and the Wellington Chocolate Factory.

12. Eat Like a Foodie at the Wellington Restaurants

We reckon Wellington’s soul is found within its food and drink scene, and many Kiwis consider Wellington to be New Zealand’s culinary capital for a reason.

Cheap eats are plentiful, with top Asian picks including Pho Mo, Little Penang (amazing Malaysian food), Fisherman’s Plate, Chow Tory (good fusion) and Saigon Van Grill Bar. 

It’s also nice to be able to dine out at a nicer spot and you really can’t go wrong with any of the places on Cuba Street.  Two standouts for us are Loretta and Ombra. The former is great for a Sunday brunch, whilst Ombra is a favourite dinner spot.

13. Go on a Martinborough Vineyard Tour

The nearby Martinborough wine region is world renowned for some of the best wineries in New Zealand, with particular acclaim for its pinot noir.  It’s a bonus that the region is so close to Wellington.

We’d recommend checking out a few of the best wineries here including Te Kairanga, Ata Rangi and Palliser Wines.  

We’re also aware of just how difficult it can be to explore wineries given how rare it is to find a sober driver willing to drive you around.  

Of course, this is the best option, but if you don’t have a sober driver (or a car for that matter), then make sure to book this Martinborough Winery Tour .  It’s a full day outing lasting 5-hours and included pick up, drop off, a driver guide and all tasting fees.

14. Go Coffee Tasting

If you loooooove coffee, then Wellington will be like heaven.  The city is home to so many coffee roasters and cafes, including Raglan Roast, L’affare, Supreme, Havana and Acme.

But our favourite of all the places is Flight Coffee.  Already one of our favourite coffee roasters in New Zealand, we made sure to head here for a brew.  

Specifically, Flight Coffee’s cafe in Wellington offer a coffee tasting flight.  You can choose either espresso or filter coffee and you’ll get to taste a range of different coffees.  But expect to leave on a high.

15. Explore Cuba Street

In the heart of Wellington city, Cuba Street is where it’s all happening.  Home to some of the trendiest and best bars, restaurants and retail shops in the city, it’s the place to be both day and night.

Because a lot of the best things to do in Wellington are concentrated around here, we recommend most people opt to stay as close to Cuba Street as possible when visiting Wellington.

The best things to do around here involve trying out the restaurants (Loretta and Ombra are great) and some of the awesome bars (laundry has some bangin’ cocktails).  

Retail here is quirky and unusual.  You can expect to find vintage and one of a kind clothing shops, Iko Iko (a treasure trove for ‘things’), bookshops with floor to ceiling stacks of books and a place that sells espresso at midnight (called, unsurprisingly, Midnight Espresso).

16. Visit Harbourside Market

Wellington’s oldest and most popular market, Harbourside Market, is a pretty large market that sets up right by the water near Te Papa museum and the Wellington waterfront every Sunday morning.

The market is packed with stalls, ranging from small crafts like ceramics, art and gifts, to food and coffee.  If you need fresh fruit and veges it’s a great spot to grab some.

You’ll find all your classic market food stalls including bakery food, icecream, sausages (cooked and uncooked) and more.  Our favourites included a stall offering great coffee and another selling waffles – the perfect way to start a Sunday.

17. Enjoy Some Craft Beers

Wellington is pretty well known around New Zealand for it’s craft beers – in fact nicknamed by some as the craft beer capital of New Zealand.  

There’s a number of great breweries to try in the region including Fortune Favours, HeyDay, Whistling Sisters, Parrotdog and the popular Garage Project.  

On top of visiting breweries, most bars in Wellington Central will have at least a few craft beers on tap.

If you can make it at the right time of the year, you can try and make one of numerous beer festivals, with Beervana in August the biggest most popular.

18. Walk the Pinnacles Track

One of our favourite outdoor activities in Wellington is to walk the Pinnacles Track – and no, not the stunning Kauaeranga Kauri Trail, which coincidentally is one of our favourite things to do in the Coromandel .

The Pinnacles Track in Wellington is a 2-4 hour walk to the Putangirua Pinnacles Lookout.  The area was a set in the well-known Lord of the Rings films thanks to the ancient rock formations – it’s where Gimli, Aragorn and Legolas rode to visit the army of the dead.

This walk is relatively easy but quite long and can get extremely hot in summer, so bring water.  Otherwise, it’s an absolute must-do!

19. Walk Around the Wellington Botanical Gardens

The Wellington Botanical Gardens is a series of beautiful garden collections located on 25-hectares of land right on a mountain in the heart of Wellington.

It’s a gorgeous walk and easy for most people, especially if you opt to take the red cable car up to the top.  There’s also a really nice playground, a cable car museum and a cafe here making it a great option for families with young kids.

We enjoyed a stroll through the gardens before walking down the side of the mountain and visiting the previously mentioned parliamentary buildings before heading back into town on foot.  It’s great how conveniently located everything in Wellington is!

20. Go on a Roadie to Castlepoint Lighthouse

Castlepoint Lighthouse is one of the most instagrammable spots near Wellington, however, it’s a bit of a mission to get to.  

So we recommend turning it into a bit of a roadtrip adventure that takes you though some of New Zealand’s most beautiful towns.  Greytown quite literally won an award naming it New Zealand’s most beautiful town, though we may argue there are more beautiful towns in the South Island.  Also making sure to stop in Carterton to visit Clareville bakery for lunch.

Once you arrive in Castlepoint, you can take a 15-minute walk to the lighthouse for some epic photos.  If you’re up for it, you can even climb the 148m up Castle Rock for stunning views of the lighthouse.

21. Wander Indoors at City Gallery Art Gallery

There’s a lot of great indoor activities in Wellington making it a good winter destination for domestic travellers.  One such location is the City Gallery Art Gallery which can be found right next to Te Papa.

City Gallery is one of New Zealand’s leading art galleries with a handful of stunning exhibitions running at any given time of the year.  There’s usually a good mix of international and local art on exhibit.

Entry to the gallery is free, however, some special exhibitions may charge an entry fee but these are fully optional.  Sometimes we find them to be worth it, other times it’s a bit expensive so we give them a miss.

22. Drink Cocktails at the Trendy Wellington Bars at Night

One of our favourite things to do in Wellington at night is to go bar hopping at our favourite bars.  All along Cuba Street you’ll be spoiled for choice with bars and restaurants tucked down every side street or in plain view on the main road.  Here are a few of our favourites.

The Library

The Library is our favourite bar in Wellington, oddly set in what looks like a cross between a prohibition-esque style bar and a literal library.  The vibe here is on point.  When we visited there was a live band playing.  The highlight is the cocktails.

Dirty Little Secret

Dirty Little Secret is a fun and cheerful rooftop bar offering nice views out over Wellington.  It’s not the highest rooftop in the city and, of course being on a rooftop, it is somewhat exposed to the elements so bring a warm jacket.  

Laundry is a super hipster-y and unique bar on Cuba Street.  The decor is all of the place, which we love, and the cocktails are awesome.

23. Check Out the Wellington Zoo (Great For Kids)

The best little zoo in the world, New Zealand’s first every zoo and a 100% charitable association.  Wellington Zoo is one of the best places in New Zealand to see animals that can’t be found in the wild domestically.

With over 500 animals, a cafe and numerous playgrounds, Wellington Zoo is arguably our top thing to do in Wellington with kids.  Families won’t struggle to keep everyone entertained here.

Wellington Accommodation

Being the capital city of New Zealand, Wellington is packed with great accommodation options. Two areas stand out in particular – near Oriental Parade and near Cuba Street. Both of these spots are super conveniently located and within walking distance to everything in the CBD.

The Marion Hostel

The Marion Hostel is what we consider to be the ultimate hostel. It’s not exactly the cheapest hostel, but you get what you pay for – a lovely place to stay at an affordable price. On top of this, it’s one of the most conveniently located accommodations in Wellington for travellers who love to stay right in the heart of the city.

Check out and book the The Marion Hostel here.

Bolton Hotel

Bolton Hotel is a little further away but still within an easy walk of Cuba Street and the Wellington waterfront. Thanks to its unique decor, modern rooms, swimming pool and luxurious, 5-star amenities we reckon this is the best hotel in Wellington. It’s also surprisingly affordable so for most travellers we’d recommend booking your stay here.

Check out and book Bolton Hotel here.

Sofitel Wellington

Sofitel Hotel is another stunning, 5-star hotel located in an amazing part of Wellington’s city centre. It has unique and modern interior design – something we can’t quite say about all the hotels in Wellington (we’re looking at you Copthorne…). It’s very near the Bolton Hotel above but you forego the pool which for some may be a dealbreaker.

Check out and book Sofitel Hotel here.

How to Get to Wellington

Most people will get to Wellington by either plane, ferry or car.  The interislander ferry operates between Picton and Wellington and can be booked here for around $70.

If you’re flying in, we don’t think you’ll need a car.  You can book a shared airport transfer here , book an Uber when you arrive, or even consider walking to the bus stop if you’re on a strict budget.  

Is Wellington Worth Visiting

Yup, we think Wellington is absolutely worth visiting.  It’s great for a weekend getaway with countless eateries, bars and things to do in the city centre.  For travellers on a longer road trip, it acts as a gateway between the North and South Islands.

Best Time to Visit Wellington

Wellington is great to visit all year round.  Summer is probably the nicest time as the weather is a bit better, however, we find we usually visit during Winter as we choose beach destinations during Summer. Regardless, all the things to do in Wellington are great regardless of when you choose to visit.

Day Trips from Wellington City

There are so many epic day trips from Wellington, some of which we covered off in this list – such as the Pinnacles hike!  One of our favourite day trips is to head on a short roadie out to the Castlepoint Lighthouse.  

This takes you through a few little towns before hiking 15-minutes (each way) to the stunning lighthouse viewpoint – one of the most instagrammable spots in the region.

Technically you could also do a day trip to the South Island which is just a short boat ride across the Cook Strait, although we’d typically recommend a bit longer (mainly because we love the South Island and reckon it needs all the time you can give it!).

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Wellington Nightlife • A Complete Guide

Wellington is not just the capital of New Zealand but also a rich place when it comes to culture, history, fun, and cuisine. Located in the southern part of the North Island of New Zealand, it has a lot to offer. There are a lot of fun activities that you can perform in Wellington. Tourists often take up kayaking or mountain biking when they visit this place. If you want to relax, you can eat and go sightseeing. Apart from all of this, the nightlife of Wellington is exceptionally alluring. Since it can get a little confusing to plan a night out in a new city, here is a complete guide on experiencing the ‘Wellington Nightlife.’

What time does the nightlife start in Wellington?

Many pubs and restaurants are open throughout the day in the city. The goal of all tourists in Wellington is to have a good time and drink till the sun comes up. Thankfully, the bars are open in the city till 4 am. That means that you will have the entire day and the night to have the time of your life. There is so much that this city has to offer. The pubs and bars offer unique settings for guests in the evening, such as live performances. If you are someone who loves to party, you will love this place. Most of these parties tend to peak around midnight.  Most people like to party more from Thursday to Saturday. It is a good idea to have a few cocktails and snacks before you decide to paint the town red.

Bars in Wellington

There are a lot of good bars in Wellington where you can have a good time. The bustling energy with good music will help you to enjoy your vacation to the fullest. There are various kinds of bars in Wellington –from Irish pubs to Sports bars. If you are on a budget, don’t. Some of these bars are pocket-friendly, and you wouldn’t have to spend a lot to have fun. Here are some of the bars in Wellington that you can check out:

Goldings Free drive

If you like craft beer, this is just the right place for you. Although it looks like a man den, it is safe for women. Moreover, it is pet-friendly. GoldingsFreedrive changes its beer options every week. Hence, you will never be bored. The prices are reasonable, and you can grab a snack with your beer.

Dirty little Secret Bar

It is an establishment with a great view that lets you party all night. If you want to spend, this is the right place for you. This rooftop bar can only be accessed through the lift with the help of the doorman. There is enough room for dancing. Just sip on your favorite wine or beer and have a great time

This exotic-looking bar is a classic and is extremely crowded on weekends. It has been open for twenty years, and yet, it has not lost its charm with time. The establishment provides an ample amount of room for dancing and sipping Cuban cocktails. There is an indoor as well as an outdoor setting available. It might be slightly expensive but worth the money.

If you dig the retros vibe, this is the right place for you. It is one of the best local bars in Wellington. The whole décor is the 60s themed. This quirky yet cute place hosts indie gigs regularly. Moreover, it is quite affordable for someone on a budget.

This establishment often hosts live gigs. Both experienced as well as amateur artists are booked for events at Caroline. The entire theme is easy and bohemian. If you are looking for an artistic place to have a drink or two, this is it.

Best Nightclubs in Wellington

Although the alternative music scene is quite famous in Wellington, there are a few nightclubs where you can dance all night long. If you like to party, here are some of the best nightclubs in the capital city of New Zealand:

Red Square is the ideal nightclub if you want to paint the town red. You can dance all night long at this establishment. This nightclub is famous for all the right reasons. From leather booths to a fantastic DJ lineup – it has everything that a good nightclub needs. The signature cocktails are a rage amongst the locals. Moreover, the selling feature of this nightclub is the ice-topped bar counter. It is a local tradition to visit this bar once and leave your handprints on top of the bar counter.

Techno parties are a rage at this establishment, and it is one of the top spots in Wellington if you like to dance. Locals like to visit this place as it offers different kinds of events. Apart from the amazing techno nights, San Fran also hosts rock music gigs, comedy nights, and DJ nights. If you like to party, you should visit San Fran.

The Establishment

The Establishment is for all party animals out there. If you are planning to have a night that involves a lot of dancing and alcohol, this is the place for you. It has two bars for its guests as well as a restaurant.  If you do not like the bars’ vibe, you can check out the other one. The sound systems of each bar are different, and it is designed to keep things fresh. One of the selling features of this nightclub is that it stays open till 4 am.

Danger Danger

If you like karaoke, this is the place for you. The vibe ‘Danger Danger’ gives off is completely retro. As soon as you step inside the club, you will be able to hear music from the 80s and 90s.  Comfortable yet stylish, it is a place where you grab a few drinks and karaoke with your friends all night long. 

The LGBTQIA+ scene in Wellington

Wellington is a modern place where one shouldn’t face any discrimination. Most of the pubs and bars in the city are LGBTQIA+ friendly. But if you are looking for exclusive gay or lesbian bars in the city, you will not be disappointed. The two major gay-friendly bars in the city are:

This establishment is started by a gay couple and is an excellent place to meet people from the LGBTQIA+ community. The décor is extravagant with cedar walls and Egyptian chandeliers. There is a Basement section where all the dancing and gigs take place regularly.

Ivy Bar and Cabaret

This queer-friendly bar is ideal if you want to enjoy various kinds of gigs in town. From drag to comedy – a massive variety of gigs take place at this establishment. The cocktails at this place are highly recommended. Moreover, the alternative vibe of this place is what makes it a favorite amongst the queer community. 

Night shopping in Wellington

Apart from the bars and pubs, there is a lot more than Wellington has to offer. If you are a tourist, you can buy yourself a souvenir from the night market on Cuba street. Only open on Fridays and Saturdays, you can find a lot of things at the market. From local produce to street food- you will not get bored of it. If you are lucky, you might be able to watch one of the live street performances. 

Nocturnal Wildlife watching in Wellington

One of the unique features of the wildlife sanctuaries in Wellington is that it is the home of several nocturnal wild animals. Zealandia is a wildlife sanctuary in Wellington where you can book a sleepover tour at night. You can spot nocturnal animals such as the longfin eels, glowworms, kiwi birds, tuatara, and robins. If you like animals, this is the place you need to be. 

Live shows in Wellington

Wellington is a city that never sleeps, and you will be able to find live shows all around the year in Wellington. There are quite a few popular venues for live shows in the city. The largest indoor venue is the TSB arena, on the Queen’s Wharf. Another iconic landmark and live show venue are the Michael Fowler Centre. Located on Wakefield Street, it is the home of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. Apart from these places, there are a couple more theatres on the block, such as the St. James theatre, BATS Theatre, Scruffy Bunny theatre for improv performances, and the Opera House. However, keep in mind that the St. James theatre is closed for renovation and available to the audience from December 2021.

Stargazing in Wellington

There are enough bars in Wellington for all the party animals out there. However, if you do not like loud music, there are a lot more things that you can do while you are visiting Wellington. As the pollution level is low in this city, Wellington is one of the popular choices in New Zealand for stargazing. You can visit Space Place. It is a planetarium that has a powerful telescope and is ideal for stargazing. If you to stay close to nature, you can stargaze near the Red Rocks. If you are lucky, you can even look at the southern lights from there. Apart from these popular spots, you visit Kaitoke Regional Park, Somes Island, and Wellington Botanic Garden for stargazing. 

Wellington has a lot to offer. From Bars to parks – you need to choose the right place according to your liking. The nightlife is active around this place as it has more 20 to 34-year-olds per capita than any other place in the country. No matter when you visit the city, you will not be disappointed by the nightlife in the city.

Keep exploring!

Best Nightclubs In Wellington

Techno Clubs in Wellington

Hip Hop Clubs in Wellington

Latin Clubs in Wellington

Gay and LGBTQ Clubs in Wellington

The 11 Best Dating Apps & Sites in Wellington

22 Cool Things to Do in Wellington, New Zealand (2024 Edition)

• Last Updated: April 11, 2024

Check out our guide to the best things to do in Wellington, New Zealand!

There are definitely a lot of great things to do in Wellington, New Zealand!

So adding Wellington to your itinerary of New Zealand’s North Island is your chance to visit the “coolest little capital in the world.” 

With one day in Wellington, you will have plenty of time to visit the world-famous Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.

Staying three days in Wellington will open your eyes to a vibrant waterfront, a rugged coastline, and ideas for day trips, making your stay memorable.

And if you are travelling with children, there are lots of free and cheap things to do in Wellington.

Besides these things to do in Wellington, the city is also the hub of great coffee, craft beers, and fabulous menus. 

You can stay in high-end hotels, boutique hotels, or go quirky staying in a lighthouse or an old keep.

So let’s get started on what to do in Wellington city!

READ MORE: Make the most of your time in New Zealand with our comprehensive travel guide .

Table of Contents

1) Go Underground in Parliament

2) visit old st. paul’s church, 3) ride the cable car to wellington botanic gardens, 4) hunt for wildlife at zealandia, 5) chill out in te ngakau civic square, 6) learn more at wellington museum, 7) paddle the wellington harbour, 8) get lost in museum of new zealand te papa tongarewa, 9) visit the movie world of weta , 10) relax at oriental bay, 11) enjoy a 360-degree view of wellington on mount victoria lookout, 12) explore wellington’s boutique craft breweries, 13) shop for designer labels, 14) try sunday brunch at harbourside market, 15) eat the best fish and chips on quirky cuba street, 16) explore matiu-somes island and days bay, 17) book lunch at the vineyards of martinborough, 18) drive the southern coast, 19) walk the rugged red rocks, 20) feel the breeze at brooklyn turbine, 21) car enthusiasts flock to kapiti , 22) plan to enjoy seasonal festivals, where to dine in wellington, the best things to do in wellington.

Wellington is a gem of New Zealand’s North Island. Once you start exploring Wellington’s attractions, you’ll find it’s easy to walk to most of the landmarks.

When you book the FREE 60-minute tour of Parliament , you’ll see more than the interior of the building, debating chambers and lovely wood panels. 

This tour takes you underground to view the base isolators, designed to stabilize the main building during an earthquake.

It may sound nerdy, but it is quite remarkable.

The tour also includes the beautifully designed gothic Parliamentary Library .

And nearby Old St Paul’s is another stunning gothic building to visit.

Old St. Paul’s Church is an iconic landmark of Wellington built between 1865-1866. 

This tiny church is a heritage building in New Zealand.

When you enter, you will be captivated by the gothic interior of the native woods.

It’s simply breathtaking. 

The church is FREE to enter and is open from 10am – 4pm every day.

READ MORE: Check out our popular guide to the best things to do in Queenstown !

One of the most unique things to do in Wellington is to ride the cable car.

The Wellington Cable Car has been in the city since 1902.

It is one of the most iconic images representing Wellington as it takes students up to Victoria University, or workers down to the city. 

Look for the Wellington Cable Car sign on the busy shopping street in the city centre known as Lambton Quay .

At the top, you have a stunning vista of the harbour.

You can also visit the small cable car museum, enjoy a drink or take a hilly walk around the beautiful Wellington Botanical Gardens.

A great way to enjoy Wellington is to spend time amongst the natural wildlife and fauna of the region.

Zealandia is an enclosed area of 225 hectares full of wildlife. There are day, twilight, or night tours available where you can see New Zealand native bush and native species of birds and reptiles. 

The night tour is especially popular because you can hear the Kiwi. And during the day, try to find the ancient Tuatara or the scary-looking giant Weta.

Afterwards, take the free shuttle bus back to Wellington I-Site at Civic Square.

For a really unique experience though, it’s worth booking a tour to visit the sanctuary at night. You can organise this awesome activity right here .

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars , which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

Wellington’s Civic Square Te Ngakau (the heart) is the place to find:

• Wellington I-Site visitor information (for any questions about Wellington)
• Wellington Public Library
• Wellington City Gallery

The Wellington City Gallery is where you’ll find an exhibition of Maori and Pacific art.

You will also find Wellington-based artists in The Michael Hirschfeld Gallery .

Currently, the Wellington Public Library is closed for renovations.

So for great coffee and a bite to eat, you’ll need to cross over the quirkily designed City to Sea Bridge. 

Pull up a bean bag at Karaka Cafe end enjoy Whairepo Lagoon .

Then you can contemplate which Wellington waterfront activities you plan to do next.

Wellington Museum is one of many activities to enjoy along the waterfront.

On each floor of the old Bond Store , you’ll learn about New Zealand’s maritime history, the tragic 1968 Wahine disaster, and New Zealand becoming a nuclear-free port.

The kids will love the displays, films, and especially the attic for its captivating time travel machine. 

READ MORE: Don’t miss out on what to do in Christchurch when visiting New Zealand!

One of the more adventurous things to do in Wellington is to explore the Wellington Harbour on your own.

Ferg’s Kayaks is the place to test your skills on the water with kayaking or paddleboards. 

You have the option of hiring kayaks or booking a kayak tour.

But Ferg’s also has a rock-climbing wall to test your upper strength and inline skating hire to see more of the waterfront.

But if the harbour is a little windy, spend some time at Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.

You may not have planned it, but Te Papa will have your interest for several hours. 

You’ll become absorbed with New Zealand history displays, Māori culture, and the interactive natural environment displays. 

But the Te Papa Museum is not just a museum.

It also exhibits the national art gallery collection. 

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa is rated as one of the top places to visit in Wellington, particularly to:

• Admire the Te Hono ki Hawaiki marae with its beautiful carvings
• Experience the seismic shift of an earthquake
• Visit one of the many permanent and visiting exhibits (charges may apply)

And after you see the story exhibit of New Zealand soldiers in WW1 at Gallipoli, you’ll want to visit Weta Cave at the Te Papa Museum.

Make sure you organise the express twilight tour to really make the most of your time here. Book it online at Get Your Guide .

If you’re a fan of movies like Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, King Kong and Avatar then you will enjoy a day trip to Weta.

The Weta Cave Wellington and the Weta Workshop are where you’ll find the props used in these movies. 

You have two options:

• Book a Weta Workshop tour to get up close to the movie props
• Visit the Weta Cave shop for FREE to see the mini-museum with prop replicas, along with a short documentary 

Weta Workshop is an iconic place to visit in Wellington, which has become the ‘Wellywood’ of the New Zealand film industry. 

You can choose from 6 tours, including a hands-on workshop, to understand how these visual effects artists make a movie come to life.

And on your way back to the city centre, consider a stop along Oriental Parade.

When it’s time to relax, New Zealand’s Oriental Parade has plenty of benches on which to sit and people watch.

Enjoy an ice cream or dip your toes into the cold seawater.

With the brick monastery of St. Gerard’s looking down on you, you may be tempted to walk the many steps for the view. 

Otherwise, you can take a taxi to Mount Victoria.

Visiting Mount Victoria Lookout is another great thing to do in Wellington because of its panoramic view of the city. 

At 196 meters high, you can see:

• Down the Hutt Valley
• Across the inner harbour to Days Bay
• Miramar Peninsula
• Surfers at Lyall Bay
• Wellington business centre

The views from Mount Victoria are spectacular on a sunny day. But when the wind is blowing, be prepared for a ‘bad hair day.’

Out of interest, the pyramid-shaped monument is a memorial to Richard Byrd, an American polar explorer who used New Zealand as a base for his Antarctic expeditions.

And for the best night view of Wellington, the Mount Victoria Lookout views are spectacular.

Yes, you have to visit at least one craft brewery while in Wellington! 

And choosing a beer is made easy with a map from Craft Beer Capital .

Mac’s Brew Bar on Wellington waterfront is one of the original craft breweries.

Our favourite is Fork and Brewer or the Whistling Sisters who offer a brewery tour every Saturday.

However, if shopping is on the top of your list, you have a few options.

Lambton Quay is often referred to as the Golden Mile because of its top label brands.

You will find top stores like David Jones in the old classical building of the previous family store, Kirkcaldies.

But there’s one thing you won’t find in the centre of Wellington – a shopping mall. 

You can shop for world-class designer labels like Karen Walker and Kate Sylvester.

But for artisan stores, you’ll need to wait until Saturday.

Harbourside Market , held every Sunday from 7:30 AM, is the place to buy your fresh produce, baked bread, fresh fish, artisan goods, and brunch from a wide variety of food stalls. 

When you awake late in the morning, this market is perfect for great coffee and food.

Grabbing some fresh food here is one of the best things to do in Wellington!

A visit to Wellington has to include Cuba Street and its famous bucket fountain.

You’ll find some of the coolest shops, hip bars, trendy cafes, and stylish restaurants along this quirky street. The vibe is fantastic, especially from early evening onwards.

And a visit to Wellington has to include a plate of fish and chips.

Wellington Seamarket on Cuba Street has a selection of fresh fish every day. You get to choose the fish to complement your chips.

Or would you prefer a picnic on a Wellington one day trip?

You can either:

• Take the Dominion Ferry from the Wellington waterfront or
• Hire a car for the day

Easy to spot in the middle of the harbour, Matiu-Somes island was once used as a quarantine station. But now it is a scientific reserve.

As the native bush on the island is predator-free, bags will be searched for pests, seed, and soil before you can enjoy hiking on the island.

Bring a picnic lunch and pick a spot with views back to Wellington city.

Or you can continue your ferry ride directly to Days Bay for a restaurant lunch, a swim (weather depending), or a nature walk. 

For those keen walkers, you can walk to the next small village of Eastbourne or hike to Butterfly Creek .

If you would like to explore the nearby countryside, a drive over the Rimutaka Hill is an experience in itself. 

Your reward is wine tasting at a selection of New Zealand’s vineyards.

Or you can enjoy a lunch platter with a refreshing glass of wine at a vineyard in Martinborough.

We love Palliser Estate for wine purchases and Tirohana Estate for lunch. 

And when you need to have a shopping fix, it’s only 15 minutes from Martinborough to another small town, Greytown .

Here you can buy locally-produced olive oil, honey, and preserves while you browse the artisan shops for gifts.

But for gifts of Paua, visit the next large town, Carterton.

If you like to enjoy a glass or two of delicious wine, make sure you book a tour so you don’t have to worry about driving.

You don’t have to go too far to enjoy New Zealand’s southern coast of Wellington. 

Starting at Shelly Bay, you can browse local art in the old defence force buildings.

Dip your toes at Scorching Bay with its white sandy beach and Scorch o Rama for coffee or ice cream.

Drive along Karaka Bay and maybe see the passing interisland ferry near the settlement of Seatoun.

Breaker Bay is also worth a stop for views across to Pencarrow lighthouse before lunch at Lyall Bay Spruce Goose where you can watch the surfers trying to find a wave.

Continue your drive along Houghton Bay and Island Bay for spectacular views of the south island Kaikoura mountain range.

If you’re inspired by what you see of the south island, hop a ferry and let your adventure continue in Christchurch!

Maybe even book a quirky stay at The Keep or The Lighthouse. Or go directly to Red Rocks, Owhiro Bay.

Park the car and visit the Te Kopahou Visitor Centre for some history of this rugged area before you set off on your walk to Red Rocks.

The coastal pathway is a mix of sand and stones so you’ll need sturdy walking shoes. 

This rugged coastline has views of the south island on sunny days.

It also has a captivating marine life ecosystem and a seal colony (you’ll smell them before you see them!) 

But if you are after more views of Wellington, then take the drive to Brooklyn.

For one last aerial view of Wellington, take the narrow winding road up to the Brooklyn Wind Turbine.

The panoramic view shows you the hills and green spaces of Wellington, and also the picturesque harbour.

You may even experience ‘Windy Wellington’ at its worst!

And for a more rugged coastline, take a drive to Kapiti.

Southward Car Museum is an hour’s drive from Wellington. 

If you are a car enthusiast or love old things, this museum has a collection of over 400 cars in a 6,000 sqm exhibition area.

The drive along the rugged coastline with views of Kapiti Island is spectacular.

The alternative route is to drive over Paekakariki Hill with even more panoramic views.

And to experience more of Wellington’s wildlife, you can book a ferry or a tour of Kapiti Island .

Wellington is a city of arts, film, craft beer and coffee.

So if you plan a trip in:

• February, book tickets to the Arts Festival
• August, book tickets to the best craft beer festival
• September, book tickets to WOW (World of Wearable Art)
• November for harbourside fireworks

Regardless of when you visit, there is sure to be some festival or event to enjoy in Wellington!

But now it’s time to relax for the evening in Wellington.

What to Do in Wellington at Night

There is a wide variety of things to do in Wellington city at night, apart from eating and drinking.

Some suggestions:

• See the lights of the city from Mount Victoria
• Listen to wildlife on a Zealandia night tour
• Hunt for glow worms at the Botanical Gardens
• See the stars at Space Place at Carter Observatory
• Watch a movie at Roxy’s (art deco building)
• Sip cocktails at The Library on Courtenay Place
• Wander the buzzy Wellington waterfront

And there’s always a craft beer to be found before you leave this beautiful city.

People often ask: “What is Wellington famous for, besides Te Papa and the Flat White?’

Sure it’s known as “Windy Wellington.”

But the thing you will love about Wellington is its coffee, bars, and award-winning restaurants.

Along the Wellington waterfront, you have:

• Mojo coffee roastery 
• One Red Dog for casual dining and great pizzas
• Mac’s Brewbar for craft beer

At Wellington Lambton Quay enjoy:

• Smith the Grocer for cafe lunch
• Charley Noble for cocktails and culinary excellent
• Pravda Cafe and Grill for exquisite menu and wine selection

And along Cuba Street enjoy:

• Floriditas for New Zealand cuisine
• Fidel’s Cafe for great coffee and brunch
• Havana Bar for classic Cuban cuisine

So, now you have another fantastic city to add to the top of your itinerary of New Zealand. 

Because Wellington is a compact city, it’s easy to walk between city landmarks, hire a car for day trips or walk a rugged coastline.

Having the option to stay near the waterfront opens up so many captivating places to visit.

Not to mention visiting one of the many craft bars or excellent restaurants and cafes.

When you add these activities to your itinerary it will make you want to stop and stay longer to experience more of this beautiful capital city.

And maybe you’ll even find more unique places to visit and things to do in Wellington during your stay!

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25 Best Things to Do in Wellington

Nz pocket guide is 10 years old. thank you for trusting us with your trip for over a decade, the must-dos in wellington.

How can you possibly get bored in Wellington ? With so many sights, ways to see the city, natural attractions to escape to, awesome places to eat and more, Wellington is a city packed with amazing things to do. Whatever your budget, whatever type of activities you are into, whatever your age, you’re bound to find some fun things to do in Wellington.

The capital city of New Zealand is not just a political hub, it’s also the capital of coffee, movies, culture, craft beer and much more. Sample some of the local delicacies in between exploring the surrounding hills and gardens. Grab a few mates and head down to the local cinema/bowling alley or fuel your hobbies and passions with amazing mountain biking trails, bookstores, art galleries and more! Scroll down for more Wellington must-dos.

Plus, don’t forget to find a place to stay in The 50 Best Accommodations in Wellington .

1. See Native Wildlife at Zealandia

New Zealand is home to a fascinating array of birds and reptiles. Zealandia , easily accessible from Wellington city centre, is the perfect place to learn more about the unique ecosystem of New Zealand with a museum and walkways around this protected wildlife sanctuary. You’re bound to see a heap of amazing birds such as the takahe, kaka, tui, North Island robin and much more! Check out Zealandia on Viator and Tripadvisor . Plus, for more wildlife activities, see 6 Spots to Experience Wellington Wildlife .

Location: 53 Waiapu Road, Karori . Free shuttle services operate from the Wellington i-SITE.

2. Visit the Wellington Botanic Garden

One of the best FREE things to do in Wellington is checking out the bush walks, gardens, treehouse, duck pond and free summer gigs at the Wellington Botanic Garden . When you’re wandering through the native bush or gardens of this park, you’ll never believe you are still in the middle of Wellington! For more free activities, see 22 Free or Cheap Things to Do in Wellington .

Location: Entrances off Salamanca Road, Glen Road, Upland Road (Cable Car), Mariri Road and Glenmore Street.

3. Climb Mt Victoria

Wellington is home to many awesome walks accessible from the city centre. One of the most popular is the walk up Mt Victoria thanks to its sensational panoramic views! A walk up to the top from Oriental Bay or from Majoribanks Street will only take you about 20 minutes. However, to make a day of it, link up with the Southern Walkway for more views of the city! Get more information in our 10 Best Walks in Wellington .

Location: At the eastern end of Courtenay Place, cross Cambridge Terrace and Kent Terrace, walk along Majoribanks Street until you see the sign to the Southern Walkway. Follow the Summit Walkway to the lookout!

4. Visit the Film Locations Around Wellington

Wellington is the hub of the movie industry in New Zealand, (and yes, New Zealand has a movie industry). From the filming locations on Mt Victoria used in The Lord of the Rings to the suburb of Miramar packed with movie studios, you can spend all day finding all the noteworthy film attractions. Check out 15 Best Film Locations in Wellington for Movie Buffs to organise your own self-guided tour.

Location: See the link above for specific locations.

5. Grab a Coffee

They don’t call Wellington the “Coffee Capital” for nothing! New Zealand’s coffee culture is alive in Wellington with so many amazing cafes to try! It’s unlikely that you’ll find a “bad” coffee in Wellington, but if you need inspiration, try the 5 Cool Cafes With the Best Coffee in Wellington .

6. Ride the Cable Car

The historic Wellington Cable Car is a cheap and cheerful thing to do in Wellington! Ride the bright red Cable Car from Lambton Quay all the way up to the Botanic Gardens . At the top of the Cable Car is the free Cable Car Museum within the old wheelhouse.

Location: 280 Lambton Quay.

7. Get Active at Adrenalin Forest

This high wire obstacle course provides hours of fun just outside of Wellington city! There are seven courses that get higher and more challenging, starting from 1m (3ft) off the ground to 31m (102ft)! By taking a good few hours to complete, it’s great value for money at around NZ$45 per person. Take the bus, train or drive to Adrenalin Forest just outside of Porirua . Learn more about Adrenalin Forest on Viator and Tripadvisor . Additionally, see more experiences like this in the 10 Things to Do in Wellington with Kids .

Location: Okowai Road, Aotea, Porirua .

8. Kayak Around the Harbour

Hire a kayak or stand-up paddleboard (SUP) from Fergs Kayaks on the waterfront and see Wellington from a whole new perspective. Either freedom hire or take a guided tour to see the highlights of the Wellington Waterfront and practice your paddling skills! Kayak hire is also available at Days Bay, Lower Hutt at Wildfinder – bookable through Viator and Tripadvisor .

Location: Queens Wharf, Jervois Quay and Days Bay, Lower Hutt .

9. Grab Some Great Food!

It comes as no surprise that Wellington has some of the finest food in the country. For street food, try the fish & chips from the Wellington Trawling Market on Cuba Street or the Capital Market off Willis Street. For cheap eats, head to Chummeez Cafe on Lambton Quay. For treat-yourself New Zealand traditional food, try the Bluff oysters at the Dockside restaurant. Get more suggestions in The Foodie Guide to Wellington article.

Location: Wellington Trawling Market – 220 Cuba Street. Capital Market – 151 Willis Street. Chummeez Cafe – 134-138 Lambton Quay. Dockside – 3 Queens Wharf.

10. Take the Ferry to Matiu Somes Island

Somes Island or “ Matiu ” has a fascinating history from being an early Maori settlement to a prisoner-of-war camp to a quarantine station. Today, the island is rodent-free so the birdlife here is as colourful as the island’s history. Spend at least 2-3 hours exploring the island before getting the ferry back to Queens Wharf in the city centre of Wellington. Guided walks on the island are available on Viator and Tripadvisor .

Location: Queens Wharf.

11. Hire a Mountain Bike and Hit the Trails

It’s amazing how many mountain bike trails and scenic bike trails you can access from Wellington city centre alone! However, there are plenty of awesome bike trails further afield, where you can take your bike on the train. Take a look at our guide to Mountain Biking in Wellington for information on most of the bike trails in the region.

12. Watch a Movie at a Boutique Cinema

If the weather is not playing ball or you just want to soak in the Wellington movie scene, head to one of the many awesome neighbourhood cinemas, like The Empire in Island Bay, Penthouse Cinema & Cafe in Brooklyn, Light House Cinema in Petone or Roxy Cinema in Miramar. See more indoor activities in the  11 Things to Do in Wellington on a Rainy Day .

Location: The Empire – 214 The Parade, Island Bay. Penthouse Cinema & Cafe – 205 Ohiro Road, Brooklyn. Light House Cinema – 52 Beach Street, Petone. Roxy Cinema – 5 Park Road, Miramar.

13. Go Bookshop-Hopping

Whether you’re a bookworm or just want to pick up some good reads for the road, don’t miss Wellington’s amazing selection of bookshops. Wander the labyrinth-like rooms of Pegasus at the Cuba Mall or buy some cheap reads at Arty Bees Bookshop on Manners Street. Get a full list of bookshops and their locations over at 10 Wonderful Wellington Bookshops for Bookworms .

14. Take a Walk Through the Otari-Wilton’s Bush

This is New Zealand’s only public garden solely dedicated to New Zealand plants and trees. Otari-Wilton’s Bush is a great place to learn about the fascinating vegetation of New Zealand, as well as getting a little closer to nature. See more endearing places like this in the  10 Romantic Activities in Wellington for Couples .

Location: Wilton Road, Wilton. Take the Number 14 Wilton Bus from Lambton Quay.

15. Try Some Local Craft Beer

New Zealand, and Wellington, in particular, is crazy about making home brews! Try some of the country’s leading craft beer in the Wellington craft beer bars and breweries around the city! See 14 Breweries & Craft Beer Bars in Wellington for recommendations and locations. Plus, check out the  9 Things to Do in Wellington for Foodies for similar activities.

16. Visit Space Place (The Carter Observatory)

Get a little closer to the stars through Space Place ‘s historic Thomas Cooke telescope, planetarium and more! Learn about the stars, galaxies and planets seen from the Southern Hemisphere through interactive exhibitions and displays, as well as the planetarium shows. On clear nights, you can look through the giant telescope. Space Place is open Tuesdays, Fridays and weekends, and all week during school holidays.

Location: 40 Salamanca Road, Kelburn (Wellington Botanic Garden).

17. Visit the Te Papa Museum

New Zealand’s national museum provides hours of entertainment through interactive exhibitions and displays. Learn about many different aspects of life in New Zealand, as well as the social and natural history of this country. For more reasons to visit, see 10 Reasons Why The Te Papa Museum is Simply Unmissable .

Location: 55 Cable Street.

18. Explore the Greater Wellington Region!

Wellington is more than just the city centre, so take the bus, hop on the train, or hit the road to one of the amazing surrounding regions. Head to the Hutt Valley for great bike trails and walks along the Hutt River. Go to the Kapiti Coast for over 40km of beaches! Or head on over to the Wairarapa region known for vineyards and wineries.

Location: See the links above for recommendations on locations to visit.

19. Go to the Beach

Wellington has a good amount of beaches to feel the sand between your toes, go for a swim or even surf! Oriental Bay is a beach just a short walk from the city. Lyall Bay is a great surf spot and place for “long walks on the beach”. Scorching Bay is a good spot for a picnic! Find out more about the beaches you can visit in 10 Beaches in Wellington You Can’t Miss .

Location: See specific locations in the link above.

20. Challenge Your Mates to Bowling

Although you might find bowling in any old city, it is a great thing to do on an evening when the weather is not that great or you just want to have a good old time with your mates. The Lanes bowling and bar is right in the city centre and makes for an affordable night. Check out more activities like this in The Guide to Wellington Nightlife .

Location: 234/238 Wakefield Street.

21. Ride the Remutaka Cycle Trail

Hire a bike for 2-3 days and follow the Remutaka Cycle Trail starting in Wellington Harbour and finishing in the Turakirae Head, home to a colony of 500 fur seals! It’s worth noting that the trail is one way, so be prepared to bike it back or sort out return transportation. Find out more in our 10 Great Bike Trails on the North Island .

Location: The trail can be started from Petone Foreshore or Maymorn in Upper Hutt.

22. Experience Movie Magic at the Weta Cave and Workshop

Any Lord of the Rings tour in Wellington will include a visit to the Weta Workshop Studio amongst many other Middle-earth locations around the area. For the money-savers out there, the Weta Cave is free to visit and the Workshop Tour is under NZ$30. Find out more about the tour on Viator and Tripadvisor . Additionally, check out the Guide to The Lord of the Rings in Wellington .

Location: 1 Weka Street, Miramar.

23. Watch a Rugby Game

The Sky Stadium hosts regular rugby games the place to see the local rugby union team , the Wellington Hurricanes. Welly is also a regular host of the Sevens, a huge rugby tournament where supporters wear costumes and parties well past the end of the game.

Location: 105 Waterloo Quay.

24. Tour the Parliament Building

The beehive-shaped building houses the most ferocious animal of the country, the politician! This is where New Zealanders discuss and pass bills; this is where our country is run. Tours are free and run seven days a week, so no excuses!

Location: Molesworth Street.

25. Have a Welly Night Out!

Wellington comes alive at night! The vibrant nightlife features great live performances in many bars, along with fun-loving individuals that love meeting new people. Check out the bar scene in our “ Awesome Bars in Wellington ” article.

More Must-Dos and Things to Do in Wellington

• The Travel Guide to Wellington on a Budget
• The Travel Guide to Wellington for Families

The Luxury Travel Guide to Wellington

• The Honeymoon Guide to Wellington

That’s it for the best things to do in Wellington. Find more activities on your travels in the 51 Best Things to Do on the North Island .

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

• Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
• Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
• AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])
• Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
• NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
• Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2024])
• DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2024])
• Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
• Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2024])
• Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
• TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
• Visit Wellington (Regional tourism website)
• Destination Wairarapa (Regional tourism website)
• Wellington City Council (Local council website)
• Porirua City Council (Local council website)
• Greater Wellington Regional Council (Local council website)
• Upper Hutt City Council (Local council website)
• Hutt City Council (Local council website)
• Kāpiti Coast District Council (Local council website)
• Masterton District Council (Local council website)
• Carterton District Council (Local council website)
• South Wairarapa District Council (Local council website)

Our editorial standards : At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

This article has been reviewed and published by Laura, the editor-in-chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Laura is a first-class honours journalism graduate and a travel journalist with expertise in New Zealand and South Pacific tourism for over 10 years. She also runs travel guides for five of the top destinations in the South Pacific and is the co-host of over 250 episodes of the NZ Travel Show on YouTube.

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15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Wellington

Written by Jess Lee Updated Dec 22, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Good things certainly do come in small packages. Take Wellington, New Zealand, for example.

Wellington may be little, but this diminutive capital city is big on funky café culture and beautiful views.

Snuggled between steep, forest-clad hills and a wide sweep of bay looking out to Cook Strait , Wellington spreads out across the slopes, and a sturdy pair of walking shoes benefits visitors who want to explore outside of the central business district.

Luckily, the main tourism highlight — the magnificent Museum of New Zealand (Te Papa) — is located near the waterfront, and the quaint Wellington Cable Car provides a scenic and extremely fun alternative to puffing up the hill to the Kelburn Lookout.

Due to the city's position, capturing the blustery conditions right on Cook Strait, it has gained the nickname of "windy Wellington." But don't let that put you off. On a blue-sky summer's day, there really is no prettier city in New Zealand.

To learn more about this exciting travel destination and all of its interesting places to visit, be sure to read our list of the best tourist attractions in Wellington.

See also: Where to Stay in Wellington

1. Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

2. wellington cable car and the kelburn lookout, 3. mount victoria, 4. zealandia ecosanctuary, 5. the beehive, 6. wellington zoo, 7. weta cave workshop tour, 8. wellington museum, 9. wellington botanic garden, 10. city gallery wellington, 11. katherine mansfield house & garden, 12. wellington waterfront, 13. princess bay, 14. matiu island, 15. nairn street cottage & the colonial cottage museum, where to stay in wellington for sightseeing, map of tourist attractions in wellington, wellington, new zealand - climate chart.

New Zealand's national museum is an immersive journey into the natural forces that formed the country, the culture of the Maori people who first settled here, and the social history of both Maori and Europeans who have shaped the nation since then.

The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa (more commonly called "Te Papa" by locals) has a wealth of exhibits to explore, including the Earthquake House that simulates the experience of being in an earthquake.

You will also find the Te Taiao Nature exhibition hall, which focuses on New Zealand's landscapes, flora, and fauna, with plenty of interactive displays. The much more sedate Arts Te Papa collection has 11 galleries of artworks focused on New Zealand and Pacific Island artists.

The highlight of the museum, though, is the Mana Whenua exhibition, which traces the history of New Zealand's Maori with a fine collection of Maori art and treasures and a state-of-the-art multimedia displays.

The museum runs a variety of well-priced tours , ranging from a one-hour "Introducing Te Papa" tour, which gives museum visitors a good grounding in the cultures and landscapes of New Zealand, to more specialized tours that focus on Maori culture and heritage.

Cafés and a shop are also located on the premises and are especially handy if you're planning a long visit or are attending an educational seminar or lecture.

Address: 55 Cable Street, Te Aro, Wellington

Official site: www.tepapa.govt.nz/pages/home.aspx

Wellington's historic cable car has been climbing up the hill to the Kelburn Lookout , next door to the Botanic Gardens, since 1912.

This fun five-minute journey is a scenic (and much more relaxed) alternative to puffing your way up Wellington's steep hill from Lambton Quay in the waterfront central district.

There are excellent views across the city along the way, and keen photographers will definitely want to get snap-happy with the cityscape panoramas laid out before them once at Kelburn Lookout.

The Kelburn cable car terminal is also home to the interesting Cable Car Museum , which displays the original cable car used on the tracks.

A cable car ride is also one of the top things to do at night in Wellington. Not only do you get the chance to admire the nighttime views over the city below you, but parts of the journey, including the tunnels, are lit up with colorful displays of illuminations.

There's also a good café located at the top of the cable attraction.

Address: 280 Lambton Quay, Wellington

Official site: www.wellingtoncablecar.co.nz/English/Home.html

Immediately east of the city center is Mount Victoria. Topping out at 196 meters high, this peak offers fantastic views over the cityscape, although it can be extremely windy on top.

A narrow winding road, signposted "Lookout," runs up from Oriental Bay to the Byrd Memorial below the viewing platform.

From the terrace on the summit there is a magnificent panorama of the broad city, the harbor, and Cook Strait in one direction and Kelburn Park with the university buildings in the other.

The Byrd Memorial commemorates the American aviator, Richard Byrd, who in 1929 made the first flight over the South Pole from his base in New Zealand

The itinerary includes a visit to Mount Victoria's summit for panoramic views, a trip on the historic cable car up to Kelburn Lookout, and photo stops at the Beehive and St Paul's Church. Pick-up and drop-off from Wellington hotels is also included.

Location: Access off Kent Terrace, Wellington

Dedicated to exhibiting New Zealand's conservation efforts and its unique nature and wildlife, ZEALANDIA Ecosanctuary is a 225-hectare urban eco-sanctuary only two kilometers from the city center.

Here, many of the country's native birds — including endangered species such as the stitchbird, saddleback, and takahe — can be heard and seen, as well as more than 100 kiwi (which can be spotted on guided night tours) and New Zealand's famed reptile, the tuatara.

There are 32 kilometers of walking trails throughout the reserve for visitors to explore, plus a museum that documents the natural history of the country.

Day time and twilight tours are also available, along with a fun electric boat ride.

Address: 53 Waiapu Road, Wellington

Official site: www.visitzealandia.com

Wellington's most iconic building is The Beehive, site of New Zealand's parliament.

Designed by British architect Sir Basil Spence and built between 1964 and 1979, the building with its distinctive shape is the city's most love-it-or-hate-it piece of architecture.

Next door is the more classical looking building of Parliament House, built in 1907 in Neoclassical Edwardian style and home to The Chamber where parliamentary debates are held.

Free one-hour tours of the parliament buildings are held daily between 10am and 4pm and trace New Zealand's parliamentary history, as well as touring through the important government rooms. They leave from the visitor center on the ground floor of The Beehive.

The parliament gardens around the buildings are open to the public and contain rose gardens and a statue of Richard John Seddon who was prime minister of New Zealand between 1893 and 1906.

Address: Molesworth Street, Wellington

Official site: www.parliament.nz

Wellington Zoo is the oldest zoo in New Zealand . Established in 1906, it's well known for its conservation efforts.

If you have little ones in tow, this is an excellent place to see some of New Zealand's wildlife up close, especially shy animals such as the kiwi bird (the country's national emblem) and the tuatara reptile.

There are also plenty of well-maintained enclosures for animals from across the world, including the Malayan sun bear, along with giraffes, monkeys, chimpanzees, gibbons, meerkats, and big cats.

The zoo's animal hospital, known as The Nest, can be visited to see the work of the zoo's veterinarian staff.

Other fun things to do here include daily animal talks, feeding experiences, creature encounters , exploring the adventure playgrounds, and even zoo sleepovers.

Address: 200 Daniell Street, Newton, Wellington

Official site: https://wellingtonzoo.com/

Fans of the classic Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies won't want to miss out on Wellington's connection to Peter Jackson's successful trilogies.

Wellington is home to the director's famous Weta Workshop, where many of the props and special effects for these blockbuster movies were made.

The workshop runs a range of tours that take visitors behind-the-scenes to show how special effects are made from props; creatures and costumes were created for Lord of the Rings , Avatar , and District 9 ; and the huge miniature model used for Thunderbirds Are Go .

You'll also see up-close some of the models used to portray various characters and film sets, and there is a chance to watch the workshop's artists and creators at work on current projects.

There is a tour option including round-trip transportation from downtown Wellington. A great souvenir shop is located on-site.

Official site: https://tours.wetaworkshop.com/

Rated one of the top free things to do in Wellington , state-of-the-art multimedia displays help bring the city's history to life in the small but impressive Wellington Museum.

Housed in a preserved historic building that was once one of the city's early department stores, the museum features informative exhibits and film presentations that trace Wellington's maritime history and the city's evolution.

In particular, the exhibits on the 1968 Wahine disaster-the sinking of the Wahine ferry near Wellington harbor during a storm claimed 51 lives and is New Zealand's worst maritime disaster-are a sobering and thoughtful reminder of the power of nature and Wellington's connection to the sea.

There is also a very well presented gallery focused on Maori myths and legends.

Also worth a visit is the nearby Pukeahu National War Memorial Park , home to the country's national monument to those who have fallen during conflict. Of special interest is the War Memorial Carillon, a series of 74 bells that are regularly played in concerts and are well worth witnessing if you're visiting the city at the time.

Location: 3 Jervois Quay, Wellington

Official site: www.museumswellington.org.nz/wellington-museum/

Created in 1868, Wellington Botanic Garden is a lush 25-hectare oasis that sprawls for 25 hectares on the city hillside, full of blooming flower displays and native fauna.

A series of walking tracks meander through the gardens, from conifer forest areas to ferneries and seasonal flower beds.

The Lady Norwood Rose Gardens here are one of the botanic gardens' finest attractions, with 110 rose beds boasting a flurry of different varieties.

The Space Place at Carter Observatory, with its planetarium show, is sited in the eastern section of the gardens (near the Wellington Cable Car Kelburn Terminal), and the gardens are also home to Begonia House with tropical flower species displays.

If possible, try to time your visit to coincide with one of the frequent summer concerts hosted here.

For a fun day out, take the Wellington Cable Car, then walk back down to the city center after exploring the gardens.

And if there's time left in your day for a little more botanic garden-going, pay a visit to the interesting Otari Native Botanic Garden and Wilton's Bush Reserve , located in nearby Wilton, popular for its indigenous plant life.

Address: 101 Glenmore Street, Wellington

Official site: https://wellingtongardens.nz/our-gardens/wellington-botanic-garden/

Housed in the historic building of the old city library, City Gallery Wellington opened in 1980 and is one of the leading contemporary art spaces in New Zealand.

This bright, spacious gallery features a changing program of temporary exhibitions throughout the year, displaying artworks by both renowned and up-and-coming local, Pacific Island, and international artists.

Devoted to modern visual arts, exhibitions range from painting to photography to sculpture, multimedia work, and art installations.

The gallery is also one of Wellington's main cultural hubs with a series of talks, meet-the-artist events, tours, workshops , and live performances taking place throughout the year. A café is located on-site.

Also of interest to art-goers, the New Zealand Portrait Gallery , a 750-meter walk north from City Gallery, displays important paintings by New Zealanders, including artworks featuring its citizens; of particular interest is a specially commissioned portrait of the Queen.

Location: Te Ngakau Civic Square, Wellington

Official site: http://citygallery.org.nz/

This small wooden house in the Wellington suburb of Thorndon was the childhood home of New Zealand's most famous author.

Katherine Mansfield (1888-1923) was a short story writer whose modernist prose has been highly influential both in her home country and overseas.

Most of the writing she became famous for was completed in London, where she moved as an adult and was friends with D.H. Lawrence and Virginia Woolf.

The house where she was born and grew up has been restored to its original condition and is now a museum housing many of Mansfield's personal belongings, as well as typical furniture and fixtures of the late 19th century.

Guided tours are available, and a gift shop is located on-site.

Address: 25 Tinakori Road, Wellington

Official site: www.katherinemansfield.com

Wellington's waterfront area is an attractive district right in the hub of the central city.

Both Queen's Wharf and Frank Kitts Park are surrounded by fine buildings, including the Civic Centre and the Museum of New Zealand.

From Frank Kitts Park, there is a good view of Wellington Harbour, and the park hosts a market every Saturday.

There are plenty of cafés and restaurants in this area, so it's a great place for a pit stop while strolling the central city.

Address: Jervois Quay, Wellington

Nine kilometers south of central Wellington, in the Houghton Bay district, is the sandy cove of Princess Bay.

This sheltered sweep of sand with plenty of rock pools is a favorite swimming and picnicking spot for locals during weekends in the summer months.

On a clear day, the beach affords excellent views that can stretch across to the South Island.

A short coastal track above the beach runs to a lookout point with even better views and is popular strolling territory in the late afternoon.

Address: The Esplanade, Houghton Bay, Wellington

For nature lovers looking for a secluded getaway close to the city, Matiu Island (also known as Somes Island) in Wellington Harbour offers up a heady dose of wild New Zealand landscapes.

During the pre-European era, Matiu Island — the largest of three northern islands in Wellington Harbour — was occupied by Maori.

During the modern era, it was used as a quarantine station, internment camp, and military installation until being turned over to New Zealand's Department of Conservation as a nature reserve.

For both day-trippers and overnighters, the island has a series of short hiking trails up to its highest point, with World War II gun emplacements, and around the its perimeter, all with excellent views across to the mainland.

Regular daily ferries depart from Queens Wharf to the island, and a campsite accommodates overnighters.

Wellington's oldest surviving original home , the Nairn Street Cottage, was built by William Wallis in the 1850s as a home for his family.

It has been painstakingly preserved with many of the family's original 19th-century furniture and fixtures in place to recreate the ambience of life in New Zealand's pioneering era, while outside is an organic heritage garden.

Entry to the house is via a guided tour (four times daily) that allows visitors a taste of colonial Wellington and details the history of the Wallis family who lived here for three generations.

The garden area is open to tourists throughout the day.

Address: 68 Nairn Street, Wellington

Official site: www.museumswellington.org.nz/nairn-street-cottage/

We recommend you consider these centrally located hotels in Wellington, located near the harbor and popular museums and attractions:

Luxury Hotels :

• The luxurious InterContinental Wellington, an IHG Hotel offers 5-star accommodations in an excellent location overlooking the harbor. It boasts pillow menus, wonderful concierge staff, and valet parking.
• A good dose of luxury can also be enjoyed at the Bolton Hotel , which offers a number of larger suites with separate bedrooms, living areas, and kitchenettes, as well as an indoor pool and valet parking.
• Also check out availability at QT Wellington , a fun boutique-style location offering classy rooms and suites, a posh restaurant, plus a gym.

Mid-Range Hotels :

• The U Residence Hotel offers boutique-style contemporary apartment accommodations with kitchenettes, friendly hosts, a genuine home-away-from-home feel, plus comfortable beds.
• The Copthorne Hotel Wellington Oriental Bay is another good choice and comes with water views, an indoor pool, and 24-hour room service.
• Also worth considering is Novotel Wellington , located in the heart of the business district and featuring bright modern rooms, harbor views, and a fitness center.

Budget Hotels :

• The Cambridge Hotel is a good quality budget hotel set in an 1883 building with dorm rooms, shared bathrooms, and a communal kitchen.
• The brilliantly named The Dwellington is a great choice for those on a budget, and features hostel-style rooms spread over two historic old homes, plus a great free continental breakfast.
• The budget accommodations at The Marion Hostel are also worth looking into. It features dorm-style rooms with reading lights, privacy screens, and linens.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

NZ is for Nature Lovers : Be sure to include the magnificent Westland Region in your New Zealand travel itinerary. Home to the famous Franz Josef Glacier, this popular national park is a haven for hikers. The coastal scenery of Bay of Islands should also be included and is especially popular for the whale watching tours in its many marine parks. For more rugged beauty, head to Fiordland National Park , which features coastal scenery said to rival that of Norway.

NZ is Home to Countless Attractions : Considered New Zealand's adventure capital, Queenstown is a must-visit for skiers and those interested in outdoor pursuits. Attractions in Auckland feature everything needed by culture vultures, from museums and art galleries to the iconic Sky Tower. The town of Napier is also worth including in your NZ itinerary and is famous as the Art Deco capital of the world for its plethora of well-preserved 1930s architecture.

NZ Vacation Ideas : Your New Zealand travel itinerary should include the sights of Taupo , especially for those interested in learning more about the country's rich Maori culture. The Maoris also settled in Rotorua , an area that features volcanic topography, including thermal pools and geysers. Sightseeing in the small town of Dunedin is also worthwhile, including a chance to see a Scottish-inspired mansion, Larnach Castle.

More on New Zealand

Wellington Insider City Guide: Things to do in Wellington, New Zealand

Last Updated: March 19, 2020

*FYI - this post may contain affiliate links, which means we earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase from them. Also, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Check out our Privacy Policy and Disclosure. for more info.

Wellington, New Zealand’s capital, is a small, gorgeous gem surrounded by natural beauty. As a compact city set on a lovely harbour, Wellington offers many spots and activities to explore by foot, whether that be getting a taste of delicious food, the outdoors, or the local art and history.

Here’s an insider’s guide on the best things to do in Wellington, alongside where to stay, what to ea t and everything else you need to know.

This guide post features recommendations from sarahseestheworld.com , a kiwi travel blogger based in Wellington, New Zealand. Having lived in Wellington most of her life, she has the real inside scoop on the city’s best things to do. Read on to learn Sarah’s take and advice on this city as a local, and get access to useful insider tips on how to make your stay in Wellington an amazing one.

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Basic Facts

The best time to visit Wellington:  Spring provides a great atmosphere as the city slips out of the winter months. The Wellington Botanic Gardens are in full bloom, the weather clears up, and there are many events to check out. Read more: Why you should visit Wellington in Spring

Wellington is perfect for…  Solo travelers, couples, and families of all sizes.

The best way to get around: Wellington is a walkable city set on a harbour, so exploring the streets and waterfront by foot is the way to go. Otherwise, public transportation with a Snapper card (the Wellington equivalent of London’s Oyster) is affordable, costing $1.66 within the Central Business District. Keep in mind that fares are based on zones rather than a flat rate, so remember to tag off at your last stop to avoid being charged for the full route.

Currency: The New Zealand Dollar is the local currency. New Zealanders are heavy adopters of credit card payments, although smaller stores may only accept debit (EFTPOS) or cash.

Cool events and festivals to look out for: Wellington On a Plate – a regionwide food festival that takes place in August. This culinary experience offers special food and drinks menus put on by many participating restaurants across the city.

If you only have one day in the city, you absolutely cannot miss… Walking around Wellington’s beautiful waterfront.

Looking for some guided Wellington tours? Here are some to choose from.

Fun Things to do in Wellington, New Zealand (The Touristy Must-Dos)

Museum of Te Papa Tongarewa: the national museum and art gallery of New Zealand, well known for its array of interactive exhibitions (for adults and children alike). The Gallipoli: The Scale of Our War exhibition is free and runs until April 2018. It tells the eight month Gallipoli campaign story through the eyes of eight New Zealanders. Make sure to stop by their lovely souvenir shop.

The Cable Car: runs every 10 minutes between Lambton Quay (the major shopping street in the Central Business District), up the hill past Victoria University, then heads to the highest point in the Botanic Gardens in Thorndon (where the views of the city and harbour are fantastic!)

Parliament buildings:  Of all places to visit in Wellington, The Beehive is the city’s most famous landmark. Here, you can do a tour of the location as well as of the other parliament buildings.

Weta Workshop: if you are a fan of The Lord of The Rings or The Hobbit movies, the Weta Workshop is a must visit for behind the scenes learnings.

Wellington Botanic Gardens: includes an abundance of gardens to explore, including the begonia house, the rose gardens, the scented gardens, and the children’s playground.

  A post shared by Sarah (@sarahseestworld) on Jan 16, 2017 at 12:37am PST

What to do in Wellington (Off the Beaten Path)

Zealandia: is a section of protected forest being restored where you can go for a walk and see native birds and reptiles. This location gives you the chance to see what New Zealand was like before European Settlement.

The Roxy Cinema: take a break from exploring and catch a movie at these theatres, which were restored by Peter Jackson to have a 1920s style art and decor. One of the best fun things to do in Wellington!

Wellington Waterfront:  One of the best places to visit in Wellington; an ideal place to walk around, take in the scenery, people watch, and check out artwork along the way.

The Ferry: hop on a ferry to cross the harbour over to Days Bay. This is a great way to see a different part of Wellington and look back at the city.

The Skyline Walkway:  There are plenty of things to see in Wellington, and this walkway is among the best. It offers 12 km along ridges above the city with a variety of incredible scenery.

What to eat in Wellington, New Zealand

A Flat White Coffee: we do coffee famously with double shots of espresso and creamy milk. Grab one from a cafe on Cuba Street.

Craft Beer: Wellington has great local breweries. Check out the delicious craft beers from Baylands Brewery, Tuatara Brewery, and the Garage Project.

Salted Caramel Cookies: some of the must-try treats from Leeds Street Bakery (they also sold in a few other cafes such as the Red Rabbit and Te Kouka).

Best restaurants in Wellington to try

On the hunt for places to eat in Wellington? Don’t miss these top Wellington restaurants:

Charley Noble: Address: Huddart Parker Building 1 Post Office Square An eatery and bar offering a great selection of wood-fired, local produce.

Shepherd: Address: 1/5 Eva St, Te Aro A locally sourced dining offered on small, sharable plates with an oriental vibe.

Dragonfly: Address: 70 Courtenay Pl, Te Aro A beautifully decorated Asian dining lounge, also known for their delicious tapas and cocktails.

Crab Shack: Address: 5 Queens Wharf A casual diner specializing in seafood, while also providing a beautiful view of Wellington’s waterfront.

Burger Liquor: Address: 129 Willis St, Te Aro The perfect spot when in the mood for a burger and tasty alcoholic milkshakes.

Best cafes in Wellington to try

If you’re on the hunt for the best cafes in Wellington, here are a few you need to visit: 

Scopa Caffe Cucina: Address: 141 Cuba Street, Te Aro A vibrant Italian cafe. Stop by and try their homemade pizza, pasta, and rich hot chocolate!

Scorch O Rama: Address: 497 Karaka Bay Rd, Karaka Bays This spot offers fabulous brunch options and overlooks Wellington’s coastal scenery.

Caffe Astoria: Address: Midland Park, 159 Lambton Quay An excellent coffee house to visit while exploring Wellington’s shopping and business districts.

What to do in Wellington at night: Where to experience Wellington nightlife

Looking to embrace that Wellington New Zealand nightlife? Here are some fun places to check out.

Hanging Ditch: Address: 14 Leeds St, Te Aro Check out this pub for an intimate ambience and a wide array of tasty cocktails.

Danger Danger: Address: 132 Courtenay Place A retro-themed bar and pizzeria in the heart of Wellington’s party scene. With its live music and entertainment, it is the perfect spot to go dancing.

Dirty Little Secret: Address: 7/11 Dixon St, Te Aro A rooftop container bar with a cool vibe and near-panoramic views of the city. One of the best bars in Wellington.

Where to Stay in Wellington: the Best Neighbourhoods

Considering Wellington’s small size, staying in the central city provides the best options for comfort and exploration.

Wondering where to stay in Wellington? Click here to browse the best hotel deals for Wellington’s city centre.

Where to stay in Wellington, New Zealand

Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers Address: 1 Bunny St, Pipitea Art Deco style budget accommodation located within easy walking distance from the railway station, ferry, and bus terminals. Both dorm and private rooms available, with the option of ensuite bathrooms. Try the on-site cafe meals (located in a ballroom), or use the guest kitchen for your own cooking. Free WiFi, common room, and an in-house bar.

Compare prices on Booking.com

The Bolton Hotel

Address: 12 Bolton St Mid-range independent lodging located in Wellington’s shopping district. This stylish hotel will make you feel like you are on a ship! In-house artisan restaurant, fitness room and lap pool, and free WiFi throughout. Read my review here!

The Sofitel

Address: 11 Bolton St A luxurious hotel experience that elegantly incorporates both local and French styles and traditions. Beautifully decorated guest rooms and suites with Free WiFi. Also provides an in-house restaurant and lounge, fitness gym, and conference rooms.

Looking for affordable accommodations in Wellington? AirBNB is always a good option. Click here to save $50 on your first booking , and check out my beginner’s guide to Airbnb.

Where to get the best views of Wellington

Te Ahumairangi Hill: If you are up for a hike, this path up a hill from Thorndon provides stunning harbour views and a real sense of achievement at the top.

Mount Victoria: Located on the other side of the city, this gem offers an incredible view of the sunset over the coast. Driving up is also an option.

Best places to go shopping in Wellington

Lambton Quay is the main shopping street in Wellington, filled with department and chain retail stores. There are no malls in the city itself; just streets of shops to explore.

Best Day Trips from Wellington

The Kapiti Coast: Just over an hour away, this spot gives access to beautiful beach landscapes. From here, you can also take a ferry over to Kapiti Island , which is a great place to go bird watching for native species. Click here to browse Kapiti Coast tours from Wellington.

The Wairarapa: A similar distance away on the opposite coast, this rural area has many remarkable landscapes, wineries and quaint shops. Click here to browse Wairarapa tours from Wellington.

  A post shared by Sarah (@sarahseestworld) on Jan 11, 2016 at 3:53pm PST

Extra Safety Tips for Wellington

While Wellington tends to be safe, avoid walking through unlit parks at night.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Sarah is a kiwi travel blogger based in Wellington, New Zealand when she’s not off exploring the world. Her blog Sarah Sees The World is about balancing international travels with full time employment to get the best of both worlds with the aim to inspire others in the same position to make the most of their own limited travel time and budget. Read more at sarahseestheworld.com and follow her on Instagram or Twitter .

Thanks for reading Happy to Wander’s Wellington Insider Guide! Please note that this post does contain affiliate links that come at no extra cost to you, but helps net a small commission to keep the site running. Thanks as always for your support. 

My Go-To Travel Favourites:

🧳 Eagle Creek: My favourite packing cubes

💳 Wise: For FREE travel friendly credit cards

🍯 Airalo: My go-to eSIM

🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels

📷 Sony A7IV: My (amazing) camera

✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

3 thoughts on “Wellington Insider City Guide: Things to do in Wellington, New Zealand”

I think a New Zealand family trip is on the schedule for next year. It looks gorgeous – my Dad would love it! – Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog https://charmainenyw.com

Totally agree about where to eat in Wellington! Charley Noble, Crab Shack and Burger Liquor are all excellent. I could also add Juniper and Avida to that list – they’re pretty awesome too. I lived in Wellington for 8 months so it’s literally my second home! For Wellington nightlife, Courtenay Place in general is the place to be, so much fun. Another off-the-beaten path activity is Otari-Wilton’s Native Bush, it’s a preserved area that pre-dates European settlement and is very nice to hike around. Thanks for bringing back wonderful memories of Wellington for me!

<3 Thanks for those awesome additional recommendations!! You rock, Alyse :)

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17 most romantic dining spots in Wellington for date night

From a local, a secret guide to the most romantic dining spots in Wellington perfect to let sparks fly on date night.

Wellington, New Zealand

Wellington is a city of romance. I may be biased because I met my partner here and we’ve spent the last five years in a whirlwind of romance and adventure, nesting in central Wellington. We’re both foodies and devote our weekends to scoping out the best food in the most unique restaurants and convenient locations to continue the night afterward.

And I figured, I can’t keep all this expertise to myself. I’m keen to share the most romantic Wellington dining spots so you can charm the pants off your date… pun intended.

Wellington is a collection of small and quirky eateries, a product of limited space and creativity in spades. I will keep updating the list below since new restaurants are always popping up, one of many reasons living in Wellington never gets boring.

If you’re planning a first date (nerves!) or celebrating an anniversary, below is a local’s guide to the most romantic dining spots in Wellington. Have fun!

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I start with the iconic Shed 5, which is our go-to for double dates. Set in one of the oldest wharf stores on the waterfront, Shed 5 is an upscale venue with a menu inspired by the sea. Once a fish market, Shed 5 partners with local boats to bring the freshest catches from sea to table. 

The pale-blue heritage building wraps you in comfort and the seafood tastes indulgent. With views of the wharf and a premium drinks list, it’s the perfect romantic setting for date night. And be sure to finish off your meal with a chocolate truffle. Or several.

Queens Wharf, Wellington Central, Wellington 6011, New Zealand

One of the most acclaimed restaurants in New Zealand, Hiakai made a reputation for itself by celebrating Māori cuisine. Their use of local ingredients and indigenous cooking techniques is a mission to preserve Māori knowledge and innovate the kai (food) experience.

They offer a degustation menu alongside beverage pairings, carefully selected to ensure a cultural experience you’ll never forget.

Hiakai continues to grow its list of accolades, its tables highly sought after. So you’ll need to plan ahead. But Hiakai will make the wait worth your while. This is a venue to celebrate something truly special with your significant other.

40 Wallace Street, Mount Cook, Wellington 6021, New Zealand

Related: fine dining and casual food and drink in queenstown, 3. jano bistro.

If you walk around the Wellington CBD, you might happen across an adorable yellow cottage on Willis Street, signposted as Jano Bistro. Intrigued, you might Google the place and be prompted to book a reservation immediately.

That’s how I found Jano Bistro. With two stories and a garden out back, it’s one of the most charming and romantic dining spots in Wellington. Jano Bistro proudly claims to offer a “bistronomy” menu, a marriage of bistro and gastronomy. I can vouch for the delectable “Jano Experience”. Set aside three hours and you’ll be well-looked after, enjoying a procession of incredible dishes where every mouthful is magic exploding in your mouth.

This is another tiny restaurant so make sure you book in advance to secure a table.

270 Willis Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand

4. hippopotamus restaurant and cocktail bar.

Described as “flamboyant Parisian chic”, Hippopotamus is a popular haunt for a degustation experience surrounded by eclectic decor in multi-colour. Attached to the QT Hotel, Hippopotamus serves scrumptious eats for breakfast, dinner, and high tea.

Your stomach will be satisfied by French cuisine and your soul quenched by the surrounded art, velvet seats, and colorful textures.

Every detail is accounted for at Hippopotamus, from presentation to whiteware to decor. It’s the perfect place to impress your date with your knowledge of avant-garde venues and refined style.

90 Cable Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand

For a more casual dining experience, head up Cuba Street for the rustic chic setting at Olive. Adored by the locals, Olive offers romantic window-seating where you can observe the bustle of Cuba Street outside, or a tropical courtyard out the back. In the courtyard grows a 20-year-old olive tree, after which the establishment is named.

The seasonal menu curates contemporary New Zealand cuisine. We always enjoy the seasonal three-course meal which makes fine dining accessible to the everyday Kiwi.

Bring your date for brunch or dinner, and enjoy a wine under the olive branches with the rest of the locals finding refuge from the clamor of the city centre.

170-172 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand

Rita is on the fringes of the town centre, redefining what is means to be a “small” dining establishment. Each night, they offer two sittings only and you can watch the chefs prep your food before it arrives at your table.

It’s a highly intimate setting inside a wee cottage, perfect for a romantic dinner. And the food is outstanding. The three-course menu utilises fresh local ingredients and can cater to dietary requirements as long as you let them know beforehand.

This is a cozy venue to celebrate a special occasion with your loved one without getting pretentious, a local secret for those in the know.

89 Aro Street, Aro Valley, Wellington 6021, New Zealand

7. cicio cacio osteria.

We weren’t sure what to expect as we looked around for the entrance to Cicio Cacio Osteria. It’s not immediately obvious from the street, hence why their address is “behind Moon Bar”. The name is also a tongue-twister, adding flavour to the retellings of your night.

Cicio Cacio Osteria is a portal into Italy… a hidey-hole of brick and stone with a small menu in Italian and more wine bottles than people. The restaurant aims to offer an authentic Italian experience and I can confirm they deliver. And since the Italians are one of the most romantic people on the planet, Cicio Cacio Osteria comes in strong as one of the most romantic dining spots in Wellington.

Enjoy house-made pasta, paired with freshly baked bread, with a deep glass of vino, while admiring the rustic Italian decor. And buon appetito.

behind Moon Bar 167 Riddiford Street, Newtown, Wellington 6021, New Zealand

8. salty pidgin.

Located in the hip suburb of Brooklyn, Salty Pidgin welcomes you with its relaxed atmosphere and award-winning wine list… the drinks menu features 150 wines! If you’re looking to indulge, I highly recommend ordering a pide, a giant Turkish pizza in the shape of a boat, to carb-load while sipping glass after glass of premium wines.

And be sure to book in advance since tables fill up quickly.

Salty Pidgin is also conveniently located next to retro Penthouse Cinema , an exquisite pairing for a romantic dinner-and-a-movie. 

5 Todman Street, Brooklyn, Wellington 6021, New Zealand

9. mother of coffee.

A trailblazer on the Wellington food scene, Mother of Coffee exploded in popularity and recently relocated from Newtown to the CBD. And if you taste their food, you’ll see why.

I’ve never had Ethiopian food before trying Mother of Coffee. With a balanced blend of herbs and spices, this quickly became one of our favourite dining spots in Wellington. The vegan combo is the most popular item on the menu, with enough food to feed four (or two very hungry foodies), complemeted by a heaping pile of injera, fluffy ethiopian bread that melts in your mouth.

The setting at Mother of Coffee is charming and cozy, tucked in the back of Left Bank with outdoor couches and furnaces to keep warm during those chilly Wellington nights.

210A left bank, Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand

This Venice-inspired eatery specialises in small plates, equipped with a bar leaden with wine. If you’re feeling peckish, Ombra is the perfect stop with lovely large windows and a menu that caters to different dietary requirements. I personally love their risotto, and you can’t beat a “pizzette” with wine for a romantic date night.

Ombra is conveniently located at the heart of Cuba Street, so you can work off the carbs by meandering the liveliest part of the city, wading in and out of quirky shops and craft breweries. See a list of the best breweries in this guide to the best of the best of Wellington city .

199 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand

11. tatsushi japanese restaurant.

I’m quite pretentious about my sushi, so I was delighted when we found the well-hidden establishment of Tatsushi. We took three wrong turns before we found it, nestled across the alley from Little Beer Quarter (a romantic brewery in its own right).

Although Tatsushi is pricer than the average sushi joint, it makes up for it by using quality ingredients, hand-crafted and authentic to traditional Japanese cooking. Indeed you’ll find their menus written in Japanese, and the chef Tatsushi Mikuni worked many years in Japan, absorbing that ancient culinary knowledge.

My all-time favourite dish is agedashi tofu, and I highly recommend enjoying that while sipping on some warm sake.

19 Edward Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand

12. jardin grill.

Jardin Grill is our go-to for anniversary celebrations. Shaun introduced me to this upscale restaurant nestled beneath the grand Sofitel , for his desire to try their fancy steak and for my endless love of beautiful interiors.

Jardin Grill is a bastion for sophisticated Wellington gastronomy, serving a myriad of colourful innovative dishes. Each plate feels expertly balanced, dynamic as the environment around it. We usually tuck ourselves against the flowery wallpaper, and sink into the velvet seats with a glass of wine as dish after dish arrives to delight the senses.

11 Bolton Street, Wellington Central, Wellington 6011, New Zealand

13. dragonfly.

After three failed walk-ins due to the restaurant being full, I made reservations at Dragonfly, determined to perch myself in its elegant interior.

Dragonfly is a surprise along boisterous Courtney Place. It has an air of quietude, with dim lighting and small intimate tables despite its sprawling size. 

Dragonfly is an Asian dining lounge, serving some of the best Asian food in Wellington. We ordered a collection of dumplings and the sticky pork belly. Each bite was an explosion of flavour that embedded itself in my memory. We finished with the star anise penna cotta, which nearly knocked me off my seat from deliciousness. 

This is a stylish space for you and your partner to reconnect over a glass of Dragonfly Gin, immersed in the warm atmosphere.

70 Courtenay Place, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand

Ortega is a small diner located in the prestigious suburb of Mount Victoria. A self-proclaimed “fish shack” lined with art, it’s a romantic locale for casual date night. Their a la carte menu ranges from fish dishes to steak, with a collection of mouth-watering desserts. Slide up along the windows or curl inside a booth, and enjoy an array of complex dishes paired with beautiful cocktails.

Ortega is also around the corner from the grand Embassy Theater , convenient for dinner and a movie in style.

16 Majoribanks Street, Mount Victoria, Wellington 6011, New Zealand

15. nicolini’s.

Another bustling eatery in a tiny space, Nicolini’s is an experience of traditional Napolitan cuisine. The trattoria is lined with tightly-packed tables and wafts with the scent of garlic and cheese. The sprawling menu of comfort foods can be tailored to meet any dietary requirement, be it vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free or gluten-free.

Equally impressive is the wine selection… because you can’t pull off a romantic night at a Napolitan trattoria without a glass of vino in hand. And don’t forget dessert… the tiramisu is to die for.

26 Courtenay Place, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand

16. egmont street eatery.

Back when I lived on Egmont Street, my favourite pastime was ambling down to Egmont Street Eatery for a coffee and snack. The eatery is tucked inside an industrial red brick alleyway with outdoor seating for the limited hours that the sun hits.

Cozy and modern, Egmont Street Eatery is a hidden gem perfect for a romantic lunch or intimate dinner under the twinkling lights. The menu is always changing, bringing together thoughtful local ingredients to create gorgeous contemporary foods.

This eatery is near and dear to my heart for being a comforting neighbour during a tumultuous period in my life. I have memories of Shaun and I sipping lattes outside its doors or perusing the collection of sweets in the cabinet.

11 Egmont Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand

17. boulcott street bistro.

Boulcott Street Bistro is an upscale restaurant inside a gothic Victorian cottage. This bistro has romance written into its history since it was originally built as a wedding gift for a local Wellingtonian’s bride-to-be in the late 1870s. A story to inspire us all to step up our courting game.

The elegant space wraps its arms around you and you can enjoy a confit duck leg or butternut pumpkin parmentier with a glass of wine from their well-stocked bar. Finish with a frangipane tart and stumble home arm-in-arm with your love.

99 Boulcott Street, Wellington Central, Wellington 6011, New Zealand

More romantic dining spots in wellington for date night.

Have you tried any of the romantic spots above? Have I missed any other romantic restaurants? There are so many in Wellington, it’s hard to keep track! I hope this guide has given you some ideas to plan the perfect romantic day with your significant other. Enjoy, have heaps of wine, and let me know how it goes.

Pamela Edmondson

Pamela Edmondson is a New Zealand-based content creator. Her blog Nut Brown Rose takes you around New Zealand (and beyond) unpacking the principles of slow travel and the art of storytelling. She has lived a turbulent life and takes small steps every day toward healing and falling in love with the earth beneath her feet.

Psychedelic retreat at Boho Bach, a unique Wellington accommodation

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Your guide to winter in Wellington

It’s cold? Well, the winter season in Wellington is hot. Rug up warm and head out the door to enjoy some huge music, sports, and food events.

Exterminate! Exterminate! 

The TARDIS has landed, and the Daleks are loose. Fans of the hit television series ‘Doctor Who’ will be pleased to hear that an exclusive exhibition is being hosted at Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre over winter. Come face to face with the iconic characters and on-screen worlds from across the show’s history. Explore scientific concepts like time travel, and why the TARDIS is bigger on the inside. ‘Doctor Who’ first aired in 1963 and has been broadcast in more than 50 countries. This is the first time the exhibition has left UK shores. ‘Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder: Where Science Meets Fiction | Doctor Who Ngā Ao Mīharo: Te tūtakitanga o te Pūtaiao ki te Pakimaero’ runs until 28 October. 

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A stellar occasion to celebrate 

The reappearance of the star cluster Matariki (also known as Pleiades) is a special occasion in the New Zealand calendar. It marks the start of the Māori New Year. It heralds a time to reflect on the year that’s been and plan for the year ahead. The Wellington waterfront will be a hive of activity from 27 to 30 June with Matariki Ahi Kā. Running each night from 6 to 9pm organisers promise fire, light projections, live music, and food. 

Continuing with the star theme, this is an ideal time to visit Te Ara Whānui ki te Rangi Space Place. Located in the Wellington Botanic Garden, Space Place is home to a digital full-dome planetarium, the historic Thomas Cooke telescope, and galleries and exhibitions. You can learn more about the Matariki star cluster and many others. Find out how to spot New Zealand’s own groups of stars, like the Pot, Maui’s Fish Hook, and the Southern Cross. 

Back to Black 

Winter means rugby, and in Wellington, it means the All Blacks. The capital gets to host two massive international games between the ABs and their rivals this season. Be part of the action as they take on Argentina and Australia. Sky Stadium will be bursting at the seams with fans. The boys in black play Argentina on 10 August and Australia on 28 September. 

photosport.nz

Crazy little thing called Queen 

After the All Blacks rock Sky Stadium the Capital Theatre Trust will rock the St James Theatre. For the first time ever the blockbuster Queen musical ‘We Will Rock You’ is coming to the city. Featuring 24 of Queen’s greatest hits, the musical rivals the scale and spectacle of the band’s legendary live performances. Its 12-year run in London played to 6 million people. Mamma mia, let me go! 

After all the hub-hub of hollering at sport matches and singing along to Queen, you may want a quiet night at home with a good book. Wellington has a great selection of independent bookshops. From new to secondhand you’ll be able to find what you’re looking for. Every genre is covered and many host book launches, poetry readings, and mini-concerts. 

Food glorious food 

Did your belly just gurgle in anticipation of the largest culinary festival in the southern hemisphere? For the whole month of August, it will be wall-to-wall food as Visa Wellington On a Plate takes over. For 2024’s festival, the theme is ‘play with your food’. Expect playful dishes, fun and creative events, and a dollop of audience participation. 

Burger Wellington is part of Visa WOAP. From 5 to 25 August, you’ll need to prepare an appetite. The best hospitality kitchens in the city are producing around 200 wonderful and wacky burger creations. On top of all of this fantastic food, you also have Beervana. Hitting Sky Stadium on 23 and 24 August, the ultimate beer festival presents a huge lineup of beers, brewers, and bites to eat. 

Cosy spots for a drink 

If you need that extra bit of warmth in the form of a tipple, dram, snifter, or pint, there are plenty of cocktail bars and craft beer haunts that will happily welcome you in from the cold.

Dee’s Place is one of Wellington’s best-kept secrets — an underground whiskey bar. Head down the stairs below a stag head on Cuba Street. This is a spot you need to be in the know to find, just like Ascot and Puffin on Ghuznee Street. All three have great drinks lists and accommodating staff, making the hunt to find them worth it.

Winter warmers in Wellington

Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder

1 June – 28 October 2024 Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre

Matariki Puanga

27 – 30 June 2024 Wellington Waterfront

Te Ara Whānui ki te Rangi Space Place

Space Place is home to a digital full-dome planetarium, the historic Thomas Cooke telescope, and interactive galleries and exhibitions.

We Will Rock You

15 August – 1 September 2024 St James Theatre

Wellington’s independent bookstores

Bookworms will be in heaven where independent bookstores are around every corner. From secondhand treasures to the newest releases, there’s a title for everyone at these boutique book shops in Wellington.

Visa Wellington On a Plate

1 – 31 August 2024

23 – 24 August 2024 Sky Stadium

Dee’s Place

It’s always cosy at Dee’s Place, a neighbourhood whiskey bar hidden underground on Cuba Street.

Hot dogs and wine are the combination you didn’t know you needed at this relaxed rooftop bar.

A dark, art-filled corridor off Ghuznee Street leads to a stylish bar you can relax in.

• Indie 102.3

Make your gift by June 30 to support vital news and music in the service year ahead.

Colorado Primary Election 2024: Live blog, results and updates

12:24 am.: That's it for us tonight . A final thought on the GOP's primary races:

Tuesday's results could be seen as a rebuke to the Colorado GOP. In a break with tradition, the party endorsed primary candidates this year. And, with the exception of Lauren Boebert, all of the congressional candidates who got the party's nod were defeated soundly.

However, for the Republicans who complain that Colorado's election laws give unaffiliated voters an undue influence in the party's selection process, these results may serve as more motivation to try to close its primaries in the future.

• Jeff Hurd is the pick for Republicans in 3rd Congressional District
• Rep. Lauren Boebert wins GOP primary for Colorado’s Fourth District
• Republican Greg Lopez wins vacancy election to fill out remainder of retired Rep. Ken Buck’s term
• Jeff Crank will be the GOP candidate in Congressional District Five
• State Rep. Gabe Evans will take on first-term Congresswoman Yadira Caraveo in Congressional District 8

-Megan Verlee

12:15 a.m. A race too close to call

River Gassen and Joe Reagan were in a dead heat as of Tuesday night in the Democratic Primary in Colorado's 5th Congressional District.

As of 11:53 p.m., Joe Reagan had 49.92 percent (19,022 votes) to River Gassen’s 50.08 percent (19,080 votes). The 5th District is located in El Paso County.

Read more here.

-John Daley

11:30 p.m. George Brauchler leads in GOP primary for newly created 23rd Judicial District

George Brauchler, a former district attorney and former candidate for Colorado Attorney General, has a commanding lead in the Republican nomination to be the district attorney of a newly created judicial district.

He says his opponent, Dagny Van Der Jagt, has not conceded, but as of Tuesday night and three rounds of ballot returns, Brauchler feels confident with a 30 point advantage.

“It feels great obviously to win,” said Brauchler. “As a candidate you never feel comfortable, no matter what anybody tells you, until those ballots start rolling in.”

-Ben Markus

11:12 p.m.: Trisha Calvarese may take on Lauren Boebert this fall

Trisha Calvarese held a healthy lead Tuesday night in the Democratic Primary for Colorado's 4th Congressional District.

The winner of the contest will take on Republican Lauren Boebert, the conservative incumbent in the 3rd District who recently moved tot he eastern side of the state to run in the 4th District.

“I mean, it was pretty remarkable. We showed up. We were the last ones in this race,” Calvarese said who claimed victory during her interview with CPR News. Ike McCorkle, who is in second place with 41.02 percent of the vote, has not conceded the race.

10:54 p.m. Who's winning in the Democratic CU Regents and state Board of Education primaries

In a race marked by an extraordinary last minute infusion of money, longtime Boulder school board member and attorney Kathy Gebhardt appears to be winning the Democratic primary for the Board of Education seat representing the 2nd Congressional District.

In the 4th Congressional District, covering the Eastern Plains and portions of the Front Range, former Colorado GOP chair Kristi Burton Brown appears poised to edge out her competitor.

Elliot Hood has won the Democratic primary for the University of Colorado’s Board of Regents at-large seat, beating Charles “CJ” Johnson, with 53 percent of the votes to Johnson’s 47 percent as of 9 p.m. Tuesday evening. Hood will face Eric Rinard, a Republican, in the November election. 

This race was the only statewide contest on Coloradans’ primary ballots this year. The seat is currently held by Democrat Lesley Smith, who is running for a seat in the state House.

-Jenny Brundin

9:20 p.m. Results showing Tim Hernandez falling behind Cecelia Espenoza to defend his District 4 State House seat

Natalie, a Palestinian advocate with the Colorado Palestine Coalition who declined to give her last name, praised incumbent Tim Hernández for being the rare lawmaker who has vocally supported Palestinian rights.

“Tim has been substantial in helping us express why a free Palestine is a cause that needs to be talked about on a local level, on a city level, on the state level,” Natalie said. “And Tim has been the number one advocate for us.”

As results rolled in, some in the crowd began to worry that Hernández was losing.

Regardless of the outcome, Natalie is proud of the campaign’s work.

“Ultimately, for us, we are just proud of the people power that led us to this particular place, and this particular time, and we're proud of the community,” she said.

Hernández had spent Election Day knocking on more than 220 doors. At one of his stops, a resident was selling a green lowrider truck. He purchased it and drove it to his Election Night watch party at Convivio Cafe.

This entry was updated at 9:29 p.m.

-Kyle Harris

9:05 p.m. John Walsh wins Democratic primary for Denver's district attorney race

John Walsh, the former U.S. Attorney for Colorado who had the edge in money and endorsements, won the Democratic primary for District Attorney of Denver.

Walsh beat Leora Joseph, a longtime prosecutor in Boston and Arapahoe County. Joseph conceded the race shortly before 9 p.m. on Election Night.

Walsh led the race with 58 percent of the vote to Joseph's 42 percent.

Walsh is likely to become the next District Attorney in November, as there is no Republican candidate and time is running short for an unaffiliated candidate to submit enough petition signatures to appear on the general election ballot.

8:52 p.m. Boebert trades in cowboy boots for gold kicks

Lauren Boebert sported her gold sneakers and matched it with her gold "Make America Great Again" hat — both sold by the Trump campaign — during her election night watch party in Windsor.

-Hart Van Denburg

8:34 p.m. AP calls race for Hurd

Political newcomer Jeff Hurd appears poised to win the Republican primary for Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District, setting up a potentially tough general election battle in November against a well-funded Democrat in the race for the seat currently held by Rep. Lauren Boebert. 

The Associated Press called the race for Hurd just over an hour after polls closed. He is leading the primary field with 42 percent of the vote. The rest is split between the race’s five other candidates.

Hurd entered the race early as a challenger to Boebert and quickly racked up endorsements and donations from prominent Western Slope Republicans. The Grand Junction attorney pitched himself to voters as a dedicated but low-key public servant, in contrast to the firebrand that was Boebert. 

Hours before the results came in, Hurd told CPR News he felt the district was “hungry for a serious, hardworking Republican candidate.” 

“I think voters are tired of a kind of cynical politics that just gets them angry. And I think they're hungry for somebody that's focused on the issues that matter to them: the cost of housing, the cost of the food that they're putting on their tables, the cost of the gasoline they're putting in their cars,” Hurd said.

-Tom Hesse and Stina Sieg

8:20 p.m. Jeff Hurd leads in GOP primary for 3rd Congressional District previously held by Boebert

Early returns are looking good for Jeff Hurd in the 3rd Congressional District Republican primary. If the numbers hold, it would suggest a shift away from the firebrand conservative politics exemplified by Lauren Boebert who left Western Colorado to compete in the 4th Congressional District.

Hurd, who entered the race early as an alternative to Boebert, racked up early endorsements and contributions in the race. As of 8 p.m., Hurd had about a 10,000-vote lead on his next closest competitor, Ron Hanks. Hanks was seen as the most conservative candidate in the race.

7:59 p.m. Jeff Crank on track to be the GOP candidate in 5th Congressional District

In the closely-watched, high stakes Republican primary race for the House seat representing Colorado Springs, Republican Jeff Crank appears to be defeating controversial GOP state party chair Dave Williams .

As of 7:50 p.m. Tuesday night, Crank was up over Williams, 68 percent to 32 percent, with nearly 65,000.

Crank is well known to many conservatives in the district for his years hosting a talk radio show on KVOR AM. Crank also served as the Colorado director for Americans for Prosperity, the conservative Koch brothers-backed free market advocacy group. In that role he also hosted a podcast for the group.

-Bente Birkeland

7:54 p.m. GOP Greg Lopez well ahead in vacancy election to fill out remainder of retired Rep. Ken Buck’s term

Voters in Colorado’s 4th Congressional District appear ready to send Republican Greg Lopez to Congress to fill the rest of former Rep. Ken Buck’s term this Congress.

Colorado’s fourth is the state’s most Republican House seat and Lopez was favored to win. He faced Democrat Trisha Calvares, a former staffer at the US Science Foundation and the AFL-CIO, Libertarian Hannah Goodman and Frank Atwood with the Approval Voting Party.

As of 7:30 p.m., Lopez led with 52 percent of the vote, followed by Calvarese with 41 percent.

-Caitlyn Kim

7:46 p.m.: Gabe Evans wins GOP primary for Colorado's 8th Congressional District

State Rep. Gabe Evans opened an immediate and overwhelming lead over his Republican rival in the primary in Colorado’s 8th Congressional District. In early returns, Evans had 78 percent of the vote, to former state lawmaker Janak Joshi’s 22 percent.

The Associated Press called the race for Evans less than a half hour after the polls closed.

It could be one of the most consequential outcomes of primary night in Colorado. The 8th is one of the most competitive Congressional seats in the nation. Stretching from north of Denver out to Greeley, it covers suburbs, exurbs and rural plains country. Republicans hope that the winner of this primary will go on to unseat incumbent Democratic Rep. Yadira Caraveo.

Evans was widely expected to dominate the contest. He raised 15 times more money than Joshi and secured the endorsement of former President Donald Trump and a dozen members of Congress, as well as influential anti-Trump conservatives like Americans for Prosperity. Those figures and groups saw him as the stronger option to flip the district.

“I'm going to work as a big tent Republican, with anyone who believes in those same broad principles,” Evans said at a recent campaign event.

Evans, a former Army helicopter pilot and Arvada police officer , was elected to the state legislature in 2022, representing portions of Adams and Weld county. He grew up in Aurora and in Elbert County.His opponent, Joshi, is a retired doctor and medical practice owner who surrendered his medical license and was later elected to three terms in the state House, representing a Colorado Springs district.

-Andy Kenney

7:27 p.m.: Rep. Lauren Boebert wins GOP primary for Colorado’s 4th Congressional District

The Associated Press has called the GOP primary in Colorado’s 4th Congressional District for Rep. Lauren Boebert. As of 7:30 p.m. she had 43 percent of the vote, while none of the other five candidates had more than 17 percent.

These results mean Boebert will be a Republican candidate for Congress for a third time, this time representing the other side of the state.

Boebert is currently the congresswoman for the 3rd Congressional District, covering the Western Slope and southern Colorado. But she recently moved to the eastern side of the state and is now running in the 4th Congressional District.

On Tuesday night, she faced the biggest hurdle in that political odyssey: She had to win the Republican primary election so she could move on to the general election in November. The district leans heavily Republican, so the winner of the primary has a strong chance of moving on to the U.S. House of Representatives.

7:11 p.m. Walsh has early lead over Leora in Denver DA race

Denver City and County voters favor John Walsh for district attorney so far, according to early poll results.

Walsh is ahead with 58 percent of the Denver vote as of 7 p.m. Leora Joseph trails at 42 percent.

7:06 p.m. Three views on Lauren Boebert

Over the course of a few minutes, I heard three distinctly different perspectives from voters in Windsor — all related, one way or another, to Rep. Lauren Boebert.

Boebert is a newcomer to this stretch of eastern Colorado, having moved out of her previous district in western Colorado. But her reputation preceded her, among both supporters and detractors.

“She has a history. She's definitely a bulldog in terms of trying to get things done. She's doing the right things to help our country,” said Gene Shields, 62. He saw Boebert as the surest bet to counter the “intentional downfall” of the country.

Voter Ralph Zentz, 64, preferred Jerry Sonnenberg, the Logan County commissioner and former state lawmaker, because of his generational ties to northeastern Colorado.

“It was because of his roots in Colorado and ranching, and I think he understands the balance between urban and rural really well,” the Loveland Republican said.

Boebert also faced some opposition from outside the Republican Party. In Colorado’s primary system, unaffiliated voters can participate in party primaries. Joyce Durol, 72, of Windsor says she usually leans Democratic, but decided to return the Republican ballot in this primary because she dislikes Boebert so much.

“I think she's outrageous. She's the last thing we need. I don't have much faith in her ability to represent the interests of the people in District Four,” she said.

7 p.m.: Polls are closed! 

The polls are now closed for Colorado’s primary election. Follow our special coverage now with All Things Considered host Nathan Heffel. You can find a station in your area or listen live online here . 

You can also check out our election results page here and join us in anxiously refreshing the page for new information. 

-Steph Rivera

6:52 p.m.: CPR News reporter Tony Gorman is keeping an eye out for candidate Dave Williams

I’m in Colorado Springs to cover 5th Congressional District candidate Dave Williams’ watch party. Sources said that the party would be held at the El Paso County GOP headquarters and closed to the press. Other sources said it would be held at BRAVE Church (formerly Fervent Church) or Church at Briargate.

I attempted to contact the campaign by phone and email to confirm the location. The call dropped as I attempted to leave a voicemail message. I didn’t receive a response before I headed out.

First, I went to BRAVE Church near Carefree Circle and Academy. The doors were locked when I tried to enter. According to Marshall Zelinger of 9News, El Paso County GOP Chairwoman Vicki Tonkins was seen leaving headquarters.

Next, I went to the Church at Briargate. I walked into the facility and met with a man in a sling at the door. When asked if there’s a watch party there, the man said no. In the background, people were setting up for a patriotic gathering. Tables were draped with US flag decorations. I noticed Tonkins walking in the background. Another man approached the church saying he was there for a Bible study.

-Tony Gorman

6:01 p.m. Primary Day photos from Weld County and the Western Slope

-Photos by Tom Hesse and Hart Van Denburg

5:55 p.m. Roll call from our other Front Range reporters plus Western Slope representation!

Hi, folks! This is Western Slope reporter Stina Sieg, and I'm following the District 3 Republican primary. This district is HUGE, encompassing much of western and southern Colorado. It's currently represented by Lauren Boebert, who has packed up to compete in District 4, after only a narrow victory last election. Now, there are several Republican men vying to replace her, including far-right candidate Ron Hanks, who was at the Jan. 6 riot, and political newcomer Jeff Hurd, who's been campaigning on his more moderate, cooperative vision of working in Congress. I'm covering Hurd tonight, and I'll bring reaction from him regardless of whether he wins or loses. Also, I hope to talk to voters in Palisade about the issues and candidates they care about.

-Stina Sieg

I’ll be starting the evening at Fruita’s Dinosaur Journey Museum, which features more than 15,000 fossil specimens and fossil bones of dinosaurs like the Apatosaurus and Allosaurus excavated from the rich fossil deposits in the region. It also features one of Mesa County’s three polling stations where we hope to hear from voters about how they're thinking about a post-Lauren Boebert Republican ticket in Colorado's 3rd Congressional District.

Hi! Molly Cruse here, CPR’s news fellow. I’m in Thornton this evening, attending 8th Congressional District candidate Gabe Evans’s watch party at the Satire Brewing Company. Evans, who was elected to the state legislature in 2022, is expected to dominate the race. Evans has raised 15 times more money and influential endorsements (including backing from both former President Donald Trump and anti-Trump conservatives) than his opponent, Janak Joshi. The two Republican candidates are running for the chance to challenge Rep. Yadira Caraveo — in what could be one of the country’s most competitive elections this fall.

-Molly Cruse

Andy Kenney here. I’m in the northern reaches of the 4th Congressional District, posted up at the Windsor Community Recreation Center for now. The question of the day is just how well Rep. Lauren Boebert will fare among a crowded GOP field. She’s expected to win handily, but I’ll be looking to see just how strong her support is after she recently moved here to avoid a political challenge in her old district in the mountains. I should add that it is blazing hot but a big storm cloud is looming. The parking lot is a mix of minivans, four-door luxe pickups and SUVs with decals that say things like “Oilfield Wife.”

Investigative reporter Ben Markus here, I'll be monitoring the Denver District Attorney primary. Two Democrats (and super PACS) have raised more than $1 million combined for the primary. John Walsh, the former US Attorney of Colorado faces Leora Joseph, a longtime prosecutor in Boston and Arapahoe County. The winner tonight is expected to win the seat in a November general election. There is no Republican running. There has been no public polling, and turnout is trending low, so no one seems to have a sense of who will win this. Walsh has the endorsements and the money advantage. Joseph has campaigned longer, and has done a lot of door knocking and shoe leather campaigning. The winning candidate will have vast control over the 13,000 annual criminal cases, and face a difficult environment, as violent crime and drug overdoses remain stubbornly high in Denver.

5:29 p.m. Oh no Tony!

Our CPR reporter Tony Gorman is having a hard time pinning down the location of 5th Congressional District candidate Dave Williams' watch party. His latest update to us mentioned locked doors at Brave Church. Now he's heading to Briargate. Good luck Tony!

5:23 p.m. 'Things have been very slow' says Denver Elections official

Mikayla Ortega of the Denver Elections Division says voting is very behind compared to 2022.

"So right now voter turnout is at 17 percent," Ortega said. "Overall turnout in 2022 was 28 percent. These numbers are pretty dismal."

Ortega said right now the city's message to voters is to get out and vote.

"This is how you make your voice heard and who's going to represent you locally, statewide and in DC," she said.

-Kevin J. Beaty

4:55 p.m. More CPR reporters are preparing for the evening!

Hello listeners and readers! This is Jenny Brundin, education reporter. I’ve been talking to voters and tonight I’ll be at the newsroom to follow the state board of education primary races for congressional districts 2 and 4 and the CU Board of Regents at-large race. I have observed today that voters don’t see many differences between the candidates in several races so some had a hard time making a decision – but still appreciated the opportunity to weigh in!

Hello! Rebecca with Denverite here covering the House District 6 Democratic primary. The question tonight is straightforward: Can incumbent Elisabeth Epps beat out her well-funded opponent Sean Camacho? Epps won the seat in 2022 with a background as a progressive attorney and activist, while Camacho is an attorney and former Republican who unsuccessfully ran for the Democratic seat in 2020 and 2022.  Whoever wins the primary is likely to win the fall general election in the largely Democratic district. Let's see what the evening holds.

-Rebecca Tauber

Hey there, Colorado audience! John Daley, the health reporter, here. I'm tracking reaction from the Democratic candidates in congressional districts 4 and 5. The Republicans have captured most of the headlines in these districts to date, but the Democratic winners hope to create some headlines of their own if they can this fall. We'll hear what they have to say!

Howdy, Colorado! Kyle Harris, Denverite reporter here, covering the House District 4 Democratic primary. I’m going to be biking between watch parties in North and Northwest Denver where Tim Hernández is defending his appointed seat against challenger Cecelia Espenoza. Tonight, the big question is whether Hernández, who won a vacancy process and took his seat in September, can get enough actual voters’ backing and win a primary. Whoever wins tonight's race will compete against the sole GOP candidate, Jack Daus, in the November election. This swath of north and west Denver has skewed Democratic for well over a decade, so whoever wins tonight will have a strong chance of winning the seat.

4:26 p.m.: Updated return numbers show more people voting in Democratic primaries than Republican ones

838,526 Colorado voters have returned their ballots so far in today's primary election, as of 3 p.m. turnout numbers released by the Secretary of State's office. That's a turnout rate of just over 21 percent, well below the numbers at this point in other recent primaries.

Things are a bit more active in Congressional District 4, where voters have congressional primaries in both parties and a vacancy election on their ballot. Turnout for the district has passed 25 percent.

Statewide, the people casting ballots have been disproportionately older, with more than half of ballots coming from voters age 65 and up. And at this point, slightly more people have voted in Democratic primaries than Republican ones.

While unaffiliated voters are allowed to participate in primaries, just 16 percent have done so, so far. And while slightly more than half of Colorado's registered voters are unaffiliated, they only make up 35 percent of the votes in this election.

This entry was updated at 4:46 p.m.

4:02 p.m.: Check out where some of our CPR reporters are hunkering down for election night

For the first time, I won’t be at an election night watch party. Instead, I’ll be with CPR’s Nathan Heffel and guests talking about the results and what they might mean. While a lot of the press attention is on Rep. Lauren Boebert in the 4th Congressional District Race and her five primary challengers, the race that I’m most curious about is the GOP primary in the 3rd Congressional District. Will the attack ads that have been running against Grand Junction attorney Jeff Hurd and former state Rep. Ron Hanks work? And could Stephen Varela pull off a surprise?

Tonight, I'll be covering the watch party for the 5th Congressional District candidate and current State GOP Chair Dave Williams. I started out the day planning to go to his watch party at El Paso County GOP headquarters in Colorado Springs even though it's closed off to the press. Now, I'm hearing that his watch party is somewhere else. Apparently, there's a $25 cover charge at the door.

I’m in Pueblo for the evening, attending two watch parties for candidates in the 3rd Congressional District primary. With no primary challenger, Adam Frisch is hosting his “watch party” (uh, victory party) at Walter’s Brewing and Taproom. I guess I’ll ask if he’s surprised he made it to the general? From a reporting standpoint, I’m more interested in attending Republican Stephen Varela’s watch party. The just-former Democrat quotes Ronald Reagan in saying he didn’t leave the Democratic party, but instead “the party left me.” I saw a big ‘ol Varela billboard on the drive down to Pueblo from Colorado Springs, and we’re watching his race as a potential surprise of the night. 

Side note: we received this message from the Varela campaign today, who had been planning his party for the local GOP headquarters: “The Pueblo Republican Party HQ was hit by gunfire yesterday, so we're relocating tonight's watch party to Sunset Bowl.”

Wait, what?! We’re looking into it.

3:44 p.m.: No love for Lauren Boebert in Loveland

Longtime Loveland resident Linda Perrin always votes. “That’s really an important part of living in America,” she said. 

She’s especially interested in national issues but today she was focusing on the Democratic primary for the 4th Congressional District. Perrin doesn’t see this race as important because of the number of Democrats running but she hopes the candidate she voted for stands a chance against the Republican candidate in the general election, whether it’s Lauren Boebert or someone else. 

“I hope to God,” Perrin said. “I would hate to see Lauren Boebert representing us.”

When asked how she felt about Boebert, one word immediately came to mind: carpetbagger.

“Yea that’s what she is,” Perrin said. “It’s unreal that we would elect somebody like that who is here not because she wants to be part of this district but because she wants to win.”

-Paolo Zialcita

2:59 p.m. For this Denver voter, honesty is important when it comes to candidates. And every vote counts

Jan Lewis was involved in politics before she could vote. The Denver native said she worked in a campaign against former President Richard Nixon while in high school. And she has come to realize how important voting is. 

“Every vote counts,” Lewis said. “There have been elections in my lifetime that were won by less than a hundred votes.”

Lewis also appreciates honesty in politicians. Even though she has been getting mailers discrediting House District 6 incumbent Elisabeth Epps , Lewis said she appreciated Epps’ honesty when she revealed she had an abortion.  

“She is the first politician I heard of who admitted to having an abortion,” Lewis said. “And I thought, ‘You know, that woman is for me. I don’t care how she votes. She admitted to it’.”

11:45 a.m.: Something really cool about this primary

All three GOP seats have open primaries. Representatives Doug Lamborn and Ken Buck have both retired, while Boebert is leaving for a new current district. That means, without any true incumbents, Colorado's Republican voters have a pretty clear path to dictate where they want this party to go.

-Alejandro Alonso Galva

11:28 a.m.: Voters seem to be out and about in Congressional District 4

Matthew Miller emerged from the voting center at the Loveland Police and Courts building and immediately pulled out a cigarette. He declined to say who he voted for in the Republican primary, but he said his most important issues were taxes and the economy.

“I find [the candidates] don't differ a whole lot,” said Miller.

Miller said he prayed on who to vote for in the Republican race, adding that he wished more people got involved in the electoral process. He referred to the state of the economy as "outrageous."

Loveland is in Congressional District 4, and this polling location has proven to be far more bustling than my previous two stops. Here, cars are driving up to the ballot box every other minute and over a dozen voters entered the physical polling booths within the first 10 minutes of me being here.

— Paolo Zialcita

10:23 a.m.: This voter literally ran to the polls

Ballot in hand, Crystal Polis (no relation to Gov. Jared Polis) braved the heat and ran a mile from her house to Front Range Community College’s ballot drop box.

The only two contested elections on Polis’ ballot were the Democratic primary for an at-large seat on University of Colorado Board of Regents and a county commission race. She said she felt compelled to vote to be a good example for her kids.

“I have two teenage kids. [For one], this will be the first election to vote in,” Polis said. “So making sure that she filled out the form, sent it in and she’ll participate.”

After she dropped off her ballot, Polis left to finish the last three to four miles of her morning run.

10:15 a.m.: It might be Primary Day, but it feels like November for some districts

Today will tell us a lot about how Colorado's congressional delegation will look in 2025. Historically, Congressional Districts 3, 4, and 5 have been Republican strongholds. That means the winners of tonight's GOP primaries are likely to win in November.

Still, two-time Democratic nominee Adam Frisch has proven he has a lot to say about precedent. He took on nationally popular Rep. Lauren Boebert in 2020 in CD-3 and lost by just 546 votes. So, as one of our NPR colleagues might say, political precedent is only precedent until it's broken.

— Alejandro Alonso Galva

9:45 a.m. : All quiet on the CO-8 front

I’ve spent the morning driving around Congressional District 8, looking for voters with something to say. The race here is likely to be one of the most contentious elections in Colorado this November, when incumbent Democrat Yadira Caraveo will face a challenge from either Gabe Evans or Janak Joshi.

So far, my travels have been quiet. At my first stop at the Adams County Human Services Center in Westminster, the only voter I saw was a county employee dropping off their ballot.

Now I’m at Front Range Community College’s Westminster campus, where it’s similarly quiet. As I sit outside the polling center, I can hear polling staff playing an election trivia game about elections.

Voter turnout has so far lagged way behind numbers from the 2022 and 2020 primaries.

7 a.m. : Turnout so far lags other primary elections, big time

We’ll be getting updated turnout numbers as the day goes on, but as of Monday morning, the number of ballots returned statewide stood at 622,391, a turnout rate of just 16 percent.

That’s well behind turnout numbers at this point in the 2022 and 2000 primaries. 

Of course turnout in primaries has a huge amount to do with how many contested races voters find on their ballots. Two years ago, every statewide office and one U.S. Senate seat were up. While the Democratic incumbents ran unchallenged, some of the Republican races were fiercely contested. In 2020 , Democrats were picking a candidate to take on Republican Senator Cory Gardner and then little-known challenger Lauren Boebert pulled off a surprise upset against GOP Rep. Scott Tipton.

This year, the only statewide race is a Democratic contest for at-large CU regent . Coloradans in half of the state’s eight congressional districts do have primaries on one or both sides, and there are numerous contests at the state legislative and local levels. But for many Coloradans, the options for both party primaries are pretty slim.

Of the ballots returned so far this year, just over half of them have been cast in Democratic contests, versus Republican ones. And more than half of the voters so far have been 65 years or older. 

— Megan Verlee

6:30 a.m.: Congressional District 3 - The race to replace Boebert

Six Republicans are vying to take current Rep. Lauren Boebert’s seat in this wide open primary, now that the two-term incumbent has decided to try her luck on the other side of the state.

The candidates are:

• Board of Education member Stephen Varela
• Grand Junction attorney Jeff Hurd
• Former state Rep. Ron Hanks
• Durango businessman Lew Webb
• Aspen financial advisor Russ Andrews
• Delta County business owner Curtis McCrackin

The winner of the primary will take on Democrat Adam Frisch, who has clinched the nomination for the second time. Frisch made headlines after he came within 546 votes of defeating Boebert in 2022.

Read our Third Congressional District voter guide here .

6 a.m.: Congressional District 4 - Boebert gets all the headlines. What about the Democrats?

The fourth district is one of Colorado’s reddest, but that hasn’t deterred a number of Democrats from making a run. That party has a three-way contest going, between Trisha Calvarese, Ike McCorkle and John Padora Jr.

One thing to watch:

• Do Democratic voters split their choices for the primary and the vacancy election? Trisha Calvarese isn’t just running in the primary. She was also nominated to be the Democratic candidate in the vacancy election to fill the last few months of Buck’s term. That means voters who chose the Democratic ballot will see her name twice. Will that give her a leg up in the primary race, or will voters make separate determinations?

Read our Fourth Congressional District voter guide here.

5:30 a.m.: Congressional District 4 - New district, same Boebert. What will voters make of the congresswoman’s seat switch? 

There are six Republican candidates on the ballot in CO-4, but sometimes the field can feel like ‘Lauren Boebert vs. the other guys.’

That’s because, since the moment Boebert announced she was making a cross-state hop to run in a new district, the controversial congresswoman has dominated the coverage in the race to replace retired Rep. Ken Buck.

Voters, however, have a lot of choices in this headline race. The “other guys” in the field include:

• Former radio host and parents’ rights activist Deborah Flora
• State Rep. Richard Holtorf
• State Rep. and former House Minority Leader Mike Lynch
• Former state lawmaker and current Logan County Commissioner Jerry Sonnenberg
• Businessman Peter Yu

Two things we are watching:

• How the Republican votes split. With six candidates, it’s very likely that whoever wins will do it with a plurality, not a majority, of votes. In Boebert’s case, if she is victorious, her margin may indicate how enthusiastic GOP voters are to have her as their representative.
• Which ballot will unaffiliated voters return? Unaffiliated voters get to choose which party’s primary they’ll participate in. With active races on both sides, which primary will they decide to have a say in? And, again, what does that indicate about the enthusiasm contest?

Happy Primary Day, Colorado! 

The polls are open from 7 a.m. this morning to 7 p.m. tonight. If you still need to drop off your ballot, register to vote or would just like to vote in person you can find your nearest drop boxes and voter center locations here . 

Still need to fill out your ballot? Check out our primary voter guide here for information on our most competitive congressional races – including the 4th District which includes Lauren Boebert – and the statewide at-large Board of Regents race.

CPR will also be bringing you updates throughout the day from our reporters around the state. As soon as the polls close at 7 p.m. come back here for live results or if you’re streaming or on the road, find our live coverage at one of these stations . 

And remember, the best way to stay up to date will be to sign up for the Lookout email list, which will send out alerts on news and results as the evening rolls on. You can do that here .

— Steph Rivera

You want to know what is really going on these days, especially in Colorado. We can help you keep up.  The Lookout is a free, daily email newsletter with news and happenings from all over Colorado. Sign up here and we will see you in the morning!

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