Top things to do in Wellington

Browse and book a range of great experiences and things to do in Wellington, NZ including Martinborough wine tours, rafting activities, ZEALANDIA experiences and more here!

Top things to do in Wellington

Browse and book a range of great experiences and things to do in Wellington, NZ including Martinborough wine tours, rafting activities, ZEALANDIA experiences and more here!

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Te Awa Kairangi - Hutt River Grade 2 Scenic Rafting Tour
Wellington

Te Awa Kairangi - Hutt River Grade 2 Scenic Rafting Tour

from $137.08
Te Awa Kairangi - Hutt River Grade 2 Scenic Rafting Tour
Wellington Rafting
3/9A Jupiter Grove, Upper Hutt, Wellington 5018
This family friendly Wellington whitewater rafting tour is a great option for all ages. Join experts for a scenic paddle along Te Awa Kairangi/Hutt River.
AUD137.08
Zealandia by Day Guided Experience
Wellington

Zealandia by Day Guided Experience

5
from $58.88
Zealandia by Day Guided Experience
Zealandia - Meeting Point
53 Waiapu Road, Karori, Wellington, NZ 6012
Tour around Wellington's premier wildlife attraction, Zealandia with this 2-hour guided tour. Pack your camera and book your spot on the tour here.
AUD58.88
Whitewater Rafting Tour on Te Awa Kairangi - Grade 3
Wellington

Whitewater Rafting Tour on Te Awa Kairangi - Grade 3

Meals included
from $229.08
Whitewater Rafting Tour on Te Awa Kairangi - Grade 3
Wellington Rafting
3/9A Jupiter Grove, Upper Hutt, Wellington 5018
Get ready for an exhilarating whitewater rafting wilderness tour at Te Awa Kairangi/Hutt River on Grade 3 rapids. A lunch and return transfers are included.
AUD229.08
Martinborough Foodie Tour with Wine Tasting - 5 Hours
Wellington

Martinborough Foodie Tour with Wine Tasting - 5 Hours

Meals included
from $151.80
Martinborough Foodie Tour with Wine Tasting - 5 Hours
Wellington i-SITE tour pick up zone
111 Wakefield Street, Wellington, Wellington 6011
Take a flavourful journey through Wairarapa on this half-day foodie tour from Wellington, with an enjoyable wine tasting along the way.
AUD151.8
Wellington Weta Workshop Experience
Wellington

Wellington Weta Workshop Experience

from $54.28
Wellington Weta Workshop Experience
Weta Workshop
1 weka st, Wellington, NZ 6022
Learn about the making of movie effects and props, from armour to weapons, creatures to costumes, make-up to miniatures.
AUD54.28
Electric Bays Tour - Guided Wellington Electric Bike Tour
Wellington

Electric Bays Tour - Guided Wellington Electric Bike Tour

from $137.08
Electric Bays Tour - Guided Wellington Electric Bike Tour
Switched On Bikes
15/22 Herd Street, Te Aro, Wellington, Wellington 6011
Wellington is surrounded by beautiful hills and a stunning harbour. This guided bike tour introduces you to Wellington and many of it's natural gems.
AUD137.08
Half Day Martinborough Winery Tour
Wellington

Half Day Martinborough Winery Tour

from $156.40
Half Day Martinborough Winery Tour
Zozo Travel
6 Colson Street, Lower Hutt, Wellington 5011
Depart Wellington to view three of the regions best wineries and enjoy their cellar door experiences in the New Zealand wine region of Martinborough.
AUD156.4
Wellington Coastal Highlights Tour with Lunch
Wellington

Wellington Coastal Highlights Tour with Lunch

Meals included
from $174.80
Wellington Coastal Highlights Tour with Lunch
Zozo Travel
6 Colson Street, Lower Hutt, Wellington 5011
This five hour guided tour of Wellington lets you see the city from a new perspective.
AUD174.8
Wine and Wild Coast Tour
Wellington

Wine and Wild Coast Tour

from $317.40
Wine and Wild Coast Tour
Zozo Travel
6 Colson Street, Lower Hutt, Wellington 5011
Enjoy this full day tour starting with a scenic drive over the Remutaka Ranges to the Martinborough wine region.
AUD317.4
Wellington Craft Brewery Tour - Half Day
Wellington

Wellington Craft Brewery Tour - Half Day

from $138.00
Wellington Craft Brewery Tour - Half Day
Zozo Travel
6 Colson Street, Lower Hutt, Wellington 5011
Enjoy tastings and a range of locally made beers at three of the best craft breweries in Wellington and Hutt Valley on this fantastic small group tour.
AUD138
Weta Workshop Experience and Guided Transfer
Wellington

Weta Workshop Experience and Guided Transfer

from $91.08
Weta Workshop Experience and Guided Transfer
Weta Workshop
1 weka st, Wellington, NZ 6022
Explore Weta Workshop's magic with a guided tour, behind-the-scenes documentary, film site highlights, and props from iconic movies.
AUD91.08
Zealandia by Night Tour - 2.5 Hours
Wellington

Zealandia by Night Tour - 2.5 Hours

from $92.00 $87.40
Zealandia by Night Tour - 2.5 Hours
Zealandia: Te Mara a Tane
53 Waiapu Road, Karori, Wellington, NZ 6012
Experience New Zealand's bush and wildlife by night on this night tour in Wellington — a truly must-do! You may even spot kiwi in their natural habitat.
AUD87.4
Creative Workshop Intro to SFX
Wellington

Creative Workshop Intro to SFX

from $50.60
Creative Workshop Intro to SFX
Weta Workshop
1 weka st, Wellington, NZ 6022
Get your hands dirty - or bloody in this case - as you learn to make fake movie blood just like it is in Hollywood!
AUD50.6
Full Experience Kai Lunch - 4 Hours
Wellington

Full Experience Kai Lunch - 4 Hours

Meals included
from $142.60
Full Experience Kai Lunch - 4 Hours
Weta Workshop
1 weka st, Wellington, NZ 6022
Gain insight into Wētā Workshop's creativity with a behind-the-scenes tour, then return for Aotearoa cuisine at Karaka Café. Includes guided transfers.
AUD142.6
Creative Workshop Intro to Leatherwork
Wellington

Creative Workshop Intro to Leatherwork

from $50.60
Creative Workshop Intro to Leatherwork
Weta Workshop
1 weka st, Wellington, NZ 6022
In this hands-on workshop, learn techniques employed by Weta Workshop’s Costume crew as you craft your own leather and chainmaille keepsake to take home.
AUD50.6
Hutt River Trail eBike Explorer
Wellington

Hutt River Trail eBike Explorer

from $184.00
Hutt River Trail eBike Explorer
Wildfinder
519 Muritai Road, Lower Hutt, Wellington 5013
Follow the meandering Hutt River downhill from source at Kaitoke to Seaview, then ride around the bays to Days Bay and ferry cruise back to Wellington CBD.
AUD184
Creative Workshop Intro To Sculpting - 1 Hour
Wellington

Creative Workshop Intro To Sculpting - 1 Hour

from $50.60
Creative Workshop Intro To Sculpting - 1 Hour
Weta Workshop
1 weka st, Wellington, NZ 6022
Enjoy a hands-on introduction to sculpting. The sculpting room is where many of our creations come to life for the first time
AUD50.6
Wairarapa Taste Buds Tour - Full Day
Wellington

Wairarapa Taste Buds Tour - Full Day

Meals included
from $276.00
Wairarapa Taste Buds Tour - Full Day
Zozo Travel
111 Wakefield Street, Wellington, Wellington 6011
Join this full-day tour for tastings at five Wairarapa producers and lunch at a local vineyard, all while travelling through the stunning Remutaka Ranges.
AUD276
Lord of the Rings Half Day Tour from Wellington with Weta Workshop
Wellington

Lord of the Rings Half Day Tour from Wellington with Weta Workshop

from $175.00 $161.00
Lord of the Rings Half Day Tour from Wellington with Weta Workshop
Wellington Rings Tours
145 Wakefield Street, Wellington, Wellington 6011
Experience a half-day tour of iconic Lord of the Rings filming locations and a visit the famous Weta Workshop for a behind-the-scenes look at Middle-earth.
AUD161
Lord of the Rings Full Day Tour from Wellington with Lunch
Wellington

Lord of the Rings Full Day Tour from Wellington with Lunch

from $299.00
Lord of the Rings Full Day Tour from Wellington with Lunch
Wellington Rings Tours
145 Wakefield Street, Wellington, Wellington 6011
Embark on a full day Lord of the Rings tour from Wellington to iconic film locations, including a behind-the-scenes visit to the Weta Workshop and lunch.
AUD299
Wellington Seal Coast Safari - 3.5 Hours
Wellington

Wellington Seal Coast Safari - 3.5 Hours

from $179.40
Wellington Seal Coast Safari - 3.5 Hours
Seal Coast Safari
145 Wakefield Street, Wellington, Wellington 6011
Join an epic adventure over farmland and fault lines to one of Wellington's best kept secrets with stunning views of NZ Fur Seals.
AUD179.4
Wellington Harbour Explorer Tour with Commentary - 90 Minutes
Wellington

Wellington Harbour Explorer Tour with Commentary - 90 Minutes

from
Wellington Harbour Explorer Tour with Commentary - 90 Minutes
East by West Ferries
55 Lady Elizabeth Lane, Wellington, Wellington 6011
Embark on a 90 minute zero emissions commentated cruise of stunning Wellington Harbour aboard the Southern Hemisphere's first fully electric ferry.
AUD
Wellington Must-See Attractions Group Tour - Half Day
Wellington

Wellington Must-See Attractions Group Tour - Half Day

from $117.76
Wellington Must-See Attractions Group Tour - Half Day
Xplor Tours
180A Parkes Line Road, Upper Hutt, Wellington 5018
Discover Wellington's hidden gems with expert local guides! Explore historic sites and breathtaking viewpoints while capturing unforgettable photos.
AUD117.76
Adrenalin Forest Wellington Bookings
Wellington

Adrenalin Forest Wellington Bookings

from $46.00
Adrenalin Forest Wellington Bookings
Adrenalin Forest Wellington
Adrenalin Okowai Rd, Porirua, NZ 5022
AUD46
Wine Tour of Martinborough & LOTR Filming Sites
Wellington

Wine Tour of Martinborough & LOTR Filming Sites

from $266.80
Wine Tour of Martinborough & LOTR Filming Sites
Xplor Tours NZ Limited
111 Wakefield Street, Wellington, Wellington 6011
Dive into a tour through Martinborough, visiting three renowned wineries, C’est Cheese and the Kaitoke Regional Park to witness LOTR filming sites.
AUD266.8
Lord of the Rings Filming Location Immersive Tour - Half Day
Wellington

Lord of the Rings Filming Location Immersive Tour - Half Day

from $174.80
Lord of the Rings Filming Location Immersive Tour - Half Day
Xplor Tours NZ
111 Wakefield Street, Wellington, Wellington 6011
Unearth movie-making secrets on this half-day Lord of the Rings tour, exploring iconic filming locations with stunning views and visiting Weta Workshop.
AUD174.8
Immersive Lord Of The Rings Filming Location Tour - Full Day
Wellington

Immersive Lord Of The Rings Filming Location Tour - Full Day

from $271.40
Immersive Lord Of The Rings Filming Location Tour - Full Day
Xplor Tours NZ
111 Wakefield Street, Wellington, Wellington 6011
Embark on a full-day Lord of the Rings tour, exploring filming locations in the Hutt Valley and Wellington and discovering movie magic at Weta Workshop.
AUD271.4
Full Day Wellington Tour
Wellington

Full Day Wellington Tour

from $295.00 $271.40
Full Day Wellington Tour
Xplor Tours NZ Limited
111 Wakefield Street, Wellington, Wellington 6011
Twice voted the world’s most liveable city, discover why the picturesque city of Wellington leaves every visitor enchanted.
AUD271.4

Other things to do in Wellington

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Top 10 Things to do Wellington

More than just a political capital city, Wellington has expanded its offerings over the years to become an entertaining and interesting travel destination in its own right; the city sits in a pleasant location with a great outlook and is brimming with things to see and do that cover all ends of the travel spectrum.

Creative arts, award-winning cuisine, boutique charm and plenty of high-quality wildlife attractions can be found either in or just outside Wellington, while it also serves as an ideal gateway for a day trip to any of a number of natural sightseeing hotspots in the vicinity on the North Island.

Culinary culture rules the day in Wellington, and those who love their food and drink will be in their element here; the city boasts more restaurants and cafes per capita than New York City, and has a widespread reputation for offering gourmet dining experiences with some of New Zealand’s best restaurants calling the city home.

Combine all of the above with some fantastic views to be had from a number of great lookouts and other vantage points nearby, a wonderful job of blending European and Maori history, and a rich cultural scene involving some outstanding examples of older architecture, and Wellington offers a complete package to keep both travellers and locals alike busy.

If you’re planning to pay a visit to New Zealand’s “cool capital”, here’s our list of recommendations for the top things to do in Wellington, NZ:

1. Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

Location: 55 Cable St, Wellington

Wellington’s premier attraction also doubles as the country’s best historical and cultural man-made facility and one of the best overall museums in the Oceania region, with 6 floors worth of incredible displays and interactive exhibitions blending European and Maori exhibits within a building that’s a veritable work of art itself.

There are a dizzying array of things to see and absorb at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, so much so that it’s nearly impossible to properly experience everything in a single day. The museum features a range of collections covering all aspects of everything “NZ”, from Pacific cultures and art, to separate categories of natural history such as birds, reptiles, fish and much more along with an incredible number of curated items that provide some of the most detailed insight into New Zealand’s past available.

Over 200,000 individual items are contained within the museum, all separated out into some impressive attractions in their own right; highlights include the “OurSpace” interactive exhibition with its interactive wall and thrill rides, a massive Colossal Squid display that shows off the heaviest of its kind ever caught, and the “Awesome Forces” earthquake house that goes into detail on the workings, causes and effects of quakes which have had a significant impact on New Zealand both historically and in recent times.

The museum features a range of collections covering all aspects of everything “NZ”, from Pacific cultures and art, to natural history and curated items providing detailed insight into New Zealand’s past available.

The museum simply offers too many essentials to mention, and personal preference and interest plays a large enough role to make recommendations of any specifics pointless – it’s best to simply ensure that you go (preferably on a weekday outside of school holidays, as its popularity means it’s almost always crowded during peak times) and determine your favourite parts yourself.

The diverse away of displays and emphasis on interaction means that you won’t need to have a specific interest in history either.

As a final added bonus, the majority of the museum is absolutely free to explore, with only special, seasonal exhibitions requiring payment, so if you’re looking for something to do in Wellington that provides the ultimate balance of entertainment vs. cost-effectiveness, you’d be foolish to pass this up. One of New Zealand’s true must-do experiences.

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2. Mt Victoria Lookout

Location: 172 Oriental Parade, Wellington

Most people visiting any city will want to travel to the best available lookout, and Mount Victoria is Wellington’s answer to this, providing an amazing vantage point that looks out over the waters of the Cook Strait and the many landmarks and panorama of the city as a whole.

Easily accessible via a short drive from the city up to its parking area or by walking a scenic track from its base, you’ll want to bring your camera for this one – it’s one of the most-photographed spots in the region, both from the main lookout and the second which sits around a 300m walk away (no parking here).

The striking colours of the harbour take on a particular beauty when viewed from high above, and the various yachts and other boats at berth with the different styles of buildings in the background coupled with the greenery of the surrounding mountain ranges make for an interesting cityscape.

Mount Victoria Lookout is 198 metres high and the 360 degree perspective is well worth the effort if walking – or money if taking public transport – to come to its summit.

The mountain is 198 metres high, and the 360 degree perspective is well worth the effort if walking – or money if taking public transport – to come to its summit. Standout landmarks that are prominently visible from this spot include Wellington Airport, Westpac Stadium and the various colonial-style buildings which dot the hillside facing the waterfront.

At the top of the mountain you’ll also encounter a unique statue named Byrd Monument which was erected to honour American explorer and aviator Richard Byrd who used New Zealand as a base for several important Antarctic expeditions over the course of 25 years.

The walk up to the top is enjoyable but also quite long – expect to spend around 1.5 hours if you aren’t pushing yourself – while bus serves are available throughout the week which can take visitors directly to the top for a reasonable price. Bear in mind that Mount Victoria’s lookouts are also one of the windiest spots in Wellington, so wearing windproof clothing is essential on blustery days.

Regardless of weather, the fact that you simply can’t get comparable views in any other easily accessible spot in Wellington makes Mount Victoria’s lookout a true must-visit during your time in the city.

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3. Wellington Botanic Gardens

Location: 101 Glenmore, Wellington

New Zealand as a whole is famed for the quality of its gardens, and Wellington’s Botanical Gardens are amongst the best of any on offer throughout the country. As one of NZ’s Gardens of National Significance, these gardens have a lot to live up to, and all it takes is a little exploration to see that they well and truly do.

Situated in the aforementioned wonderful spot overlooking Wellington, the Botanic Gardens are a dazzling array of all things floral – exotic forests, stunning rose gardens, lush native bush and smaller specially-themed areas all combine to provide a breathtaking new spectacle to be taken in around every path.

Beginning from the top of the gardens (which is advisable as walking downhill is much easier on the legs), a range of paths wind their way between magnificent trees the specialised gardens over an absolutely massive area; it’s easy to spend several hours or more here, particularly if you’re the type who likes to – literally – stop and smell the roses.

The gardens are built around the trek from the top station of the Wellington Cable Car down to the city, so simply grab a one-way ticket to the top and then make your way down over the course of one or two hours. It’s an extremely photogenic walk, with plenty of spots to pause, rest and take some snapshots – the serene duck pond surrounded by greenery with its charming gazebo is a highlight, as is the amazing rose garden which comes into full bloom in the summer months and where the gardens’ restaurant is located.

As one of NZ’s Gardens of National Significance, the Wellington Botanic gardens has a lot to live up to, and all it takes is a little exploration to see that they well and truly do.

It’s also a spot that’s not entirely unenjoyable for kids, either – while the image of a floral garden might not seem of much interest for the little ones, there’s a robust playground for them to play on along with a flying fox that’s always popular. It makes for a great spot for a picnic; simply bring some food and drink and relax amongst the greenery while the kids burn off their energy.

The track through the gardens culminates in a cemetery that features some truly remarkable grave stones and emits an atmosphere of peace, and is well worth a quick look if you aren’t the type to find it depressing.

Featuring a wide variation of native NZ and exotic plants of nearly endless varieties spread out over a massive 62 acre area, there’s something for everyone who can appreciate natural beauty at Wellington Botanical Gardens.

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5. Oriental Bay

Location: Waterfront, Wellington

Water and maritime influence has always played a large part in both Wellington’s and New Zealand’s history as a whole, and Wellington’s own waterfront is the city’s answer to this aquatic reputation.

Other than the views of Mount Victoria (detailed below) and the Cable Car, there’s perhaps no better symbol of Wellington than Oriental Bay with its various waterfront walks and sections of quality sandy beach that can be found mere metres from development on the city shoreline. This is the spot where the combination of Wellington’s culinary, artistic and entertainment offerings all blend seamlessly into a great stretch for a walk, with visitors able to explore as much or as little of the foreshore as they like.

This is the spot where the combination of Wellington’s culinary, artistic and entertainment offerings all blend seamlessly into a great stretch for a walk.

The area is always a hub of activity that’s busy with people enjoying all its offerings, whether it’s swimming in the sea or public pool, stopping to enjoy an ice cream on a warm day, going for a jog or simply relaxing in the sun. From the waterfront, visitors can get a wonderful view of Wellington city during a walk around its curved layout, and its array of pine trees that dot the area at regular intervals can provide a decent respite from the surprisingly-harsh sunshine.

There are plenty of high quality cafes and restaurants littered throughout Oriental Bay offering everything from cheap sausage rolls and meat pies all the way up to international-quality cuisine, as well as an array of bars for those who want to quench their thirst while getting a great outlook onto the harbour and beyond.

Considerable investment has gone into developing and expanding the foreshore by local council, to the point that it’s not well worth the standard of an internationally-recognised capital city. Over time they’ve added playgrounds, well-equipped toilet and shower facilities, impressive fountain, plenty of parking and some quality landscaping that makes the foreshore a key focal point of the city as a whole that’s easy to enjoy at both day and night.

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6. Zealandia Karori Sanctuary

Location: 53 Waiapu Rd, Wellington

For a wildlife experience that speaks pure “New Zealand”, visitors and locals alike can’t go past Zealandia which is truly unique in what it provides – it’s something akin to stepping far back in time to get an in-depth look at how the iconic bird life of NZ existed before affected by the influence of mankind.

Part wildlife park, part tour, part testament to the powers of conservation, Zealandia is a vast sanctuary set within a valley that displays 80 million years worth of the country’s natural history from the prehistoric past all the way up to the country’s colonisation by humans all just 10 minutes from the heart of the Wellington CBD.

The valley of Zealandia is a visual feast comprised of an array of forests, lakes and streams that provide as an enjoyable environment to explore the various wildlife offerings, and its difference to the surrounding city environs makes it almost an attraction in itself.

The facility is laid out as a series of walks that allow visitors to journey through some of the lush flora on offer while seeing the unique bird life and other rare animals going about their day in untouched natural environs. Over 40 species including such New Zealand native icons as large Takahe, Kaka and Tui’s can be seen on both ground and air, with the wildlife free to roam around as they see fit – which maintains a natural atmosphere but can also sometimes make it difficult to get up close with the animals.

Perhaps the most obvious highlight for visitors coming to Zealandia from abroad will be the iconic Kiwi birds that are a national symbol of the country, and here there are over 100 that can be found within the expanse of the valley – although their nocturnal nature means you’ll have to visit during the night to get a proper Kiwi-oriented experience.

Zealandia is a vast sanctuary set within a valley that displays 80 million years worth of the country’s natural history.

Both day and night experiences are available that each offer a totally different perspective on the wildlife; the day time provides a larger number of sighting opportunities due to the sheer volume of birds that are out in the sunshine, while the night tour comes with a more in-depth look at the inhabitants of the night.

Guides are adept at taking night visitors to spots where they are most likely to see the Kiwis, while providing some educational and informative insight as to their behaviour, diet and habitats. There’s even the chance to see glow worms casting their twinkling glow in the darkness – a magical experience that’s popular with both kids and adults alike.

Full credit must go both to the facility’s operators and their volunteer guides who have worked extremely hard to both maintain such a fragile ecosystem while also making themselves available at regular intervals around the valley to answer any questions or provide visitors with guidance when requested. Zealandia is a stunning example of the passion that its staff have shown by being able to showcase such a delicate environment without negatively affecting the endangered species contained within.

If you’ve ever wanted to step directly into a landscape before time, Zealandia is a very reasonably-priced and convenient way to do so during your time in Wellington.

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7. Take the Interislander Ferry

Location:Pipitea, Wellington

While it’s preferred method of getting from the North Island to the South Island and vice-versa, the Interislander Ferry is a truly scenic journey in and of itself that plies its trade between Wellington and the port of Picton on the tip of the South Island. The trip – which covers a distance of 92 kilometres and takes roughly 3 hours to complete – offers some breathtaking views as the ferry makes its way out of Wellington and navigates its way through the series of islands that dot the vibrant blue waters of the Cook Strait.

The vessel features spacious decks that are great for getting unobstructed views of the spectacle, as well as a host of facilities on board including a restaurant in the front end, activities (including a magic show) to keep kids occupied, and a sheltered indoor section that shows a range of movies detailing both the surrounds and the journey.

Sightseeing opportunities abound during the trip, with the Cook Strait a haven for various types of marine life, and spotting ocean-dwellers such as dolphins, seals, whales and orcas in the sections that pass through the Marlborough Sounds and Tory Channel is always a possibility.

A trip on the Interislander ferry offers some breathtaking views as the ferry makes its way out of Wellington through the vibrant blue waters of the Cook Strait.

Weather plays a large role in how enjoyable your journey on the Interislander will be – on clear days its truly spectacular with views that can extend far into the distance, however strong winds are prone to kicking up which can make the experience chilly if you’re looking to enjoy the outer deck.

It’s thus highly advisable to wear layered clothing for your journey; if you get good conditions, you can strip off and relax on the deck in the sunshine, while if you’re unlucky you can protect yourself from the elements and still take in the views over the railing. This can also effect how smooth the ride is, as the waters of the Cook Strait can become fairly choppy under adverse conditions, so if you’re prone to seasickness then be sure to plan accordingly.

There are few experiences in New Zealand that make the simple task of “getting from A to B” as enjoyable as the Interislander does, and even if you haven’t been planning to travel to the South Island when in Wellington it’s well worth doing for a day trip, or staying overnight to enjoy the pleasant atmosphere of Picton before returning the next day. Truly worthy of the title of “one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world”.

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8. Space Place / Carter Observatory

Location: 40 Salamanca Road, Wellington

For those looking for a dose of telescopic stargazing, Wellington’s Carter Observatory offers a state-of-the-art facility for peering deeper into the skies that has been enthralling residents and visitors to the city alike for over 70 years.

The observatory aims to provide a comprehensive space-oriented experience that’s more than just simply viewing the solar system; it’s an exhibition that is filled with displays and greatly enhanced by incorporating digital technology into the proceedings that go a long way to making what can be a complex topic more accessible for both kids and the less informed.

An amazing film held in the surprisingly well-equipped planetarium documenting the history of space and the galaxy, as well as short features about each individual planet in the solar system are both entertaining and informative – and help to put a lot of what you’ll be seeing through the telescope into greater context.

Wellington’s Carter Observatory offers a state-of-the-art facility for peering deeper into the skies that has been enthralling residents and visitors to the city alike for over 70 years.

The Carter Observatory also adds a sense of true New Zealand historical and cultural flavour to the standard observatory experience by providing perspectives on the traditional Maori views on the role of the stars, attitudes towards creation, and the universe through the eyes of their culture. Each constellation is given its own little feature, and the differences between European attitudes and naming conventions to other cultures is particularly interesting.

There’s also plenty of chances for kids to get hands-on with exhibits and enjoy themselves while hopefully learning something along the way, while the series of self-guided electronic displays targeted at adults allow visitors to make their way through and absorb the information on offer at their own pace.

The Carter Observatory is located in a scenic setting at the top of the city’s Botanical Gardens chosen to grant the most unobstructed viewpoint towards the sky, and can be reached either via a drive up to the Botanic Gardens carpark or by taking the Wellington Cable Car as mentioned above.

With the introductory video lasting for 45 minutes, a range of talks available and the numerous exhibits and stargazing opportunities all put together, it’s easy to spend several hours at the observatory which makes it great value for money and well worth visiting regardless of if you’ve got a special interest in space or not.

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9. Wellington Zoo

Location: 200 Daniell Street, Wellington

As New Zealand’s first zoo and one of the most highly regarded wildlife attractions in the country, if you’re a lover of animals or have kids along for your trip then it’s a no-brainer to pay a visit to Wellington Zoo.

Perched on a hillside overlooking the heart of Wellington City, while it’s not a massive zoo in a global context, Wellington Zoo offers a wide array of wonderful and weird animals from all over the world and focuses on providing an interactive and immersive experience while still keeping conservation efforts at the forefront. Over 100 different species of animals live here, including native New Zealand favourites such as the Kiwi Bird, Kaka, Kea and Tuatara and numerous animals from Africa, Asia, Australia and the Americas.

Over 100 different species of animals live here at Wellington Zoo including native New Zealand favourites such as the Kiwi Bird, Kaka, Kea and Tuatara and numerous animals from Africa, Asia, Australia and the Americas.

The zoo is nicely laid out and quite compact, which both helps from getting from one exhibit to the next while saving the legs of children considering parts of it are quite hilly, and features a range of animal presentations and talks throughout the day included in the cost of the ticket price – the bird show, tiger talk and giraffe presentation are all particular favourites.

The staff of Wellington Zoo have also made a concerted effort to keep the animal enclosures as spacious and natural as possible, and its animals all look generally happy, with everything kept immaculately clean and running well. There’s also a large emphasis on being as “hands-on” as possible without disturbing the animals; kids will love it here as there are plenty of chances for them to do hand-feedings as well as slides and other features for them to play and pose on spread throughout the grounds.

Wellington Zoo also offers a variety of other bookable experiences should you wish to spend a bit more money and get a detailed encounter with the likes of cheetahs, lions, giraffes, meerkats and red pandas all available to pay a visit with up close. These last for half an hour, during which you’ll be accompanied by a keeper and get to interact directly and pose for a photo with your choice of animal.

It’s truly a world-class facility that is continually expanding and adding new features, and with its ease of access, well-kept facilities, emphasis on interaction and variety of animals, Wellington Zoo will be sure to put a smile on the faces of both kids and adults alike.

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10. Old St. Paul's Cathedral

Location: 34 Mulgrave St, Wellington

One of the finest examples of 19th-century Gothic architecture still standing in New Zealand, Old St. Paul’s Cathedral was opened all the way back in 1866 and has been a long-standing icon in the city.

While it’s no longer functioning as a parish church, it makes for an essential spot to visit on any Wellington itinerary for those who have a fondness for architecture and can respect the finery of human craftsmanship. When viewed from the outside, “quaint” would probably be the best word to describe Old St. Paul’s – it’s got a relatively unassuming white wooden facade – however upon stepping inside it’s easy to see why it remains such a popular local attraction to this day.

Carved English oak features throughout, and is just one of six different kinds of timber used in its construction – all of which have been extremely well preserved and maintained.

Intricately crafted timber woodwork intermingles with incredible, multi-coloured windows of stained glass that are both still in remarkably good condition. The warm and peaceful atmosphere inside is palpable, and it doesn’t require any particular level of spirituality or religious worship to appreciate. Carved English oak features throughout, and is just one of six different kinds of timber used in its construction – all of which have been extremely well preserved and maintained.

Old St. Paul’s Cathedral is rich with history, and there are always knowledgeable and willing volunteers on hand who will go into detail about the building and surrounds’ history and serve as great ambassadors for the church as a whole.

The church also pays its respect to American soldiers who made their way across the Pacific to aid in the defence of New Zealand during World War 2, with a 48-starred flag of the USA displayed on the church’s nave, which can make for an unexpected yet intriguing story to hear firsthand. Just a few minutes’ stroll from the CBD and located near Wellington’s Parliament buildings, while you may only need to spend a short amount of time here, that’s all it will take to gain an appreciation for the man-made beauty of Old St. Paul’s Cathedral.

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