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

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
Default Image

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
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
Default Image

Mount Cook

While visiting Mount Cook, you might make a stop by sights like Basin Reserve and Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre.

Mount Cook
James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor

James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor

4.5 out of 5
147 The Terrace, Wellington
The price is P4,387 per night from Sep 7 to Sep 8
P4,387
P5,045 total
Sep 7 - Sep 8
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,546 reviews)
"We are from Hamilton, lovely experience, Nice, Clean, very Helpfully & friendly staff. Yummy Breakfast, lots of variety, u can eat as much as you like. Thank you 🙏"

Reviewed on Aug 17, 2025

James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
Copthorne Hotel Wellington, Oriental Bay

Copthorne Hotel Wellington, Oriental Bay

4 out of 5
100 Oriental Parade, Oriental Bay, Wellington
The price is P5,224 per night from Sep 21 to Sep 22
P5,224
P6,007 total
Sep 21 - Sep 22
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Wellington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"The best thing about this property is the location. For the cost of a room it urgentky needs a makeover."

Reviewed on Aug 17, 2025

Copthorne Hotel Wellington, Oriental Bay
Rydges Wellington

Rydges Wellington

4.5 out of 5
75 Featherston St, Wellington
The price is P5,495 per night from Sep 14 to Sep 15
P5,495
P6,319 total
Sep 14 - Sep 15
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Wellington. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Good value for money and helpful, friendly staff"

Reviewed on Aug 8, 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 WiFi, parking (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,332 reviews)
"Close to down town wellington"

Reviewed on Aug 18, 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! (1,008 reviews)
Lean and comfortable stay in Central Wellington
"Great central location. Lovely facilities - clean and comfortable. Staff were great"

Reviewed on Aug 13, 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! (443 reviews)
"Great location in town and right by moore Wilson grocery store and cafe L’affare, best coffee and breakfast in Wellington!!"

Reviewed on Aug 13, 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

Things to do