Wellington is New Zealand's capital, a compact harbour city of hills, wind and good coffee, with a famous national museum, a wildlife sanctuary and a film studio all close to the centre. This guide covers the city, Zealandia, Wētā Workshop, the Cable Car and two longer trips: Kapiti Island and the Wairarapa wine region.
What to book ahead
Book Wētā Workshop, because popular tours sell out, particularly in school holidays and on days when cruise ships are in port. Book a guided Zealandia tour, which is the best way to see the birds, and book Kapiti Island early, because sailings are limited and depend on the weather. The Wairarapa wine tour, the Seal Coast Safari and the full-day Lord of the Rings tour are all small-group experiences that fill in summer. Te Papa is open daily, but international visitors aged 16 and over need an entry ticket, and booking online helps you skip the queue. The Cable Car and the Botanic Garden need no booking.
Getting around
The centre is compact and walkable, and the waterfront, Lambton Quay, Cuba Street and Te Papa are all within a short stroll of each other. The Cable Car runs every ten minutes from Lambton Quay to Kelburn and is the easy way up the hill. A free shuttle serves Zealandia from the city and the Cable Car, though its timetable can change, so check it on the day. Wētā Workshop is in Miramar, which needs a bus, taxi or a tour with transfers. Kapiti Island is reached from Paraparaumu Beach on the Kapiti Coast, roughly an hour from Wellington by road or train. The airport is about 18 minutes by car from central hotels.
How many days
Three days gives a good first visit. Use the first for the waterfront, Te Papa and the Cable Car, finishing with the walk down through the Botanic Garden. Give the second to Zealandia in the morning and Wētā Workshop in the afternoon, or choose the full-day Lord of the Rings tour if you want film locations as well. Keep the third for a trip out of the city: Kapiti Island for birds, the Seal Coast Safari for wild coast, or the Wairarapa for wine. With four or five days, you can add a harbour cruise and a second day trip.
Where the headline sights fit
Te Papa belongs on a day when the weather is poor or when you want an unhurried morning. The Cable Car and Botanic Garden suit a clear afternoon, ideally while the roses are in flower from November to March. Zealandia is the nature highlight in the city, and Kapiti Island is the wilder, longer version. Wētā Workshop is the film highlight, and the Lord of the Rings tour is the choice for fans who want locations too. The Seal Coast Safari is the best wildlife outing for people who prefer a vehicle to a long walk.
Weather and timing
Wellington is famously windy and changeable, so bring a windproof jacket and plan indoor options such as Te Papa for rough days. Roses peak from November to March, and summer is the busiest season for tours and accommodation, so book early. Winter shortens opening hours at some attractions, including Zealandia, so check before you go. The Cable Car runs a festive schedule around Christmas and is closed on Christmas Day.
What to do first
If you only have a day, ride the Cable Car, walk down through the Botanic Garden and finish at Te Papa. If you have a second day, spend it at Zealandia and Wētā Workshop. Whatever you choose, leave time for a long lunch on the waterfront or Cuba Street, because eating well is part of the city's character.
