Wellington Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Mount Victoria Lookout featuring a bay or harbour, a city and mountains
Wellington
Wellington
Wellington showing a marina, boating and a coastal town
Wellington which includes food

Referred to as the “coolest little capital in the world”, the capital city of New Zealand is rich in arts and culture, as well as a thriving movie scene.

According to Maori legend, Wellington Harbour was discovered by the explorer Kupe way back in AD 925. It was a further nine centuries before the earliest European visitors arrived to settle here, and from 1840, they started to arrive in large numbers. They named the settlement after the first Duke of Wellington and it was made the capital city of New Zealand in 1865. Today, it’s the southernmost capital on the planet. When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by its large harbour set in a beautiful wooded landscape.

It has taken Wellington a while to fully establish itself as a tourist destination in its own right. In the past, the city was very much in the shadow of its bigger rival, Auckland, and was mostly used as a stopping point en route to the ferry to the South Island.

Today, visitors come to the city for its rich artistic and cultural scene, as well as its global reputation for movie making. Dubbed “Wellywood” by some visitors, Wellington is home to incredible sound stages, studios and special effects houses, which have made the city a major player in the international film industry. International blockbusters like The Lord of the Rings trilogy and Avatar have been produced here.

When you arrive, head to the waterfront area and spend some time exploring the national museum of Te Papa, and the Museum of Wellington City and Sea.

If the hustle and bustle of the town isn’t for you, or you want some quiet time, the ocean and the beautiful countryside are right on Wellington’s doorstep. Wander along some of the walking trails that take you through the hills, or relax at Oriental Bay Beach close to the town centre.

Another great way to take in the views is on the short eight-minute ride on the famous Wellington Cable Car. At the top of the hill, enjoy the Wellington Botanic Garden and the lookout at Kelburn, before boarding the free shuttle bus, which will whisk you off to Zealandia where you can explore the country as it once was prior to the arrival of settlers.

Wellington also boasts plenty of good restaurants, cafés, theatres and nightclubs. You’ll never be far away from your next adventure in this compact city.

Where to stay in Wellington

Wellington featuring interior views and kayaking or canoeing

Wellington CBD

If you're spending some time in Wellington CBD, Wellington Cable Car and TSB Bank Arena are top sights worth seeing.

Wellington CBD
Courtenay Place featuring interior views and a bar as well as a small group of people

Te Aro

4.5/5(47 area reviews)

Te Aro is known for its popular shops, and with sights like St James Theatre and Cuba Street Mall, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Wellington.

Te Aro
Wellington which includes a city, a sunset and a bridge

Wellington Waterfront

The abundant dining options and interesting museums are top of the list for many visitors to Wellington Waterfront. A stop by Te Papa or TSB Bank Arena might round out your trip.

Wellington Waterfront
Default Image

Petone

4/5(7 area reviews)

Seaside views, cafes and waterfront views highlight some of the notable features of Petone. Make a stop by Petone Foreshore while you're exploring.

Petone
Wellington Zoo showing zoo animals and cuddly or friendly animals

Newtown

If you're spending some time in Newtown, Newtown Park and Wellington Zoo are top sights worth seeing.

Newtown
Mount Victoria Lookout which includes a bay or harbour, a marina and a city

Mount Victoria

If you're spending some time in Mount Victoria, Mount Victoria Lookout and Oriental Parade are top sights worth seeing.

Mount Victoria
James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor

James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor

4.5 out of 5
147 The Terrace, Wellington
The price is ₹5,967 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
₹5,967
per night
24 Aug - 25 Aug
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Wellington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,519 reviews)
"Was ok woll be staying elsewhere in future not kid friendly"

Reviewed on 23 Jul 2025

James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
Rydges Wellington Airport

Rydges Wellington Airport

4.5 out of 5
28 Stewart Duff Drive, Rongotai, Wellington
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹9,154 per night from 28 Jul to 29 Jul
₹9,154
per night
28 Jul - 29 Jul
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Wellington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,005 reviews)
"Great stay for early flights"

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Rydges Wellington Airport
Rydges Wellington

Rydges Wellington

4.5 out of 5
75 Featherston St, Wellington
The price is ₹8,651 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹8,651
per night
27 Jul - 28 Jul
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Wellington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
"."

Reviewed on 16 Jul 2025

Rydges Wellington
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Gilmer Apartment Hotel

Gilmer Apartment Hotel

3.5 out of 5
10 Gilmer Terrace, Wellington
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Wellington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,317 reviews)
"Nice room with in-room washer and dryer!!"

Reviewed on 18 Jul 2025

Gilmer Apartment Hotel
Adina CityLife Wellington

Adina CityLife Wellington

4 out of 5
300 Lambton Quay, (Vehicle access 14 Gilmer Terrace), Wellington
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Wellington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, room service and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"We loved everything about our stay. Apartment was amazing, large, fully equipped, modern, way more than we expected. The staff were friendly and very helpful. Absolutely no complaints, we will be back 😊"

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Adina CityLife Wellington
Ramada by Wyndham Wellington Taranaki Street

Ramada by Wyndham Wellington Taranaki Street

4 out of 5
123 Taranaki Street, Wellington CBD, Wellington
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Wellington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (434 reviews)
"Easy sign in, friendly helpful staff. Held our bags for the day we left and lend us an umbrella 🌂 for walking around town."

Reviewed on 17 Jul 2025

Ramada by Wyndham Wellington Taranaki Street
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Wellington