Wellington

Travel Guide

Mount Victoria Lookout featuring a bay or harbor, mountains and night scenes
Wellington
Wellington
Wellington featuring boating, a marina and a bay or harbor
Wellington featuring food

Wellington Travel Guide Video

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

While visiting Wellington CBD, you might make a stop by sights like Wellington Cable Car and Museum of Wellington City and Sea.

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

Te Aro

Travelers to Te Aro praise its popular shops. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to make a stop by St James Theatre and Cuba Street Mall.

Te Aro
Wellington featuring a bay or harbor, a sunset and a city

Wellington Waterfront

The ample dining options and fascinating 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
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Petone

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 which includes cuddly or friendly animals and zoo 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 city, a bay or harbor and night scenes

Mount Victoria

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

Mount Victoria
Willis Wellington Hotel

Willis Wellington Hotel

3.5 out of 5
355 Willis St, Wellington
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Wellington. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
"friendly helpful staff"

Reviewed on Jul 27, 2025

Willis Wellington Hotel
James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor

James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor

4.5 out of 5
147 The Terrace, Wellington
The price is P3,801 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P3,801
P4,371 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Wellington. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,522 reviews)
"Suited us as a family of 4 really well. Affordable and comfortable. Easy for us to walk anywhere we needed to. Very approachable and friendly staff."

Reviewed on Aug 3, 2025

James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
Gilmer Apartment Hotel

Gilmer Apartment Hotel

3.5 out of 5
10 Gilmer Terrace, Wellington
The price is P4,956 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P4,956
P5,699 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Wellington. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,323 reviews)
"Just all round comfy and great value for downtown"

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

Gilmer Apartment Hotel
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 WiFi, parking (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,323 reviews)
"Just all round comfy and great value for downtown"

Reviewed on Aug 1, 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 aparthotel in Wellington. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"Great location"

Reviewed on Jul 26, 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 WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (441 reviews)
"Great"

Reviewed on Aug 3, 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.

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