What are the best things to do in Wellington?
Top picks in Wellington include Te Papa Tongarewa museum, Cable Car and Botanic Garden, Cuba Street, Mount Victoria lookout. See the full list and itinerary on this Wellington travel guide.
🇳🇿 New Zealand travel guide
Oceania · Australia and New Zealand
Wellington Travel Guide
Things to do in Wellington — Explore Wellington
Photo: russellstreet · CC BY-SA 2.0
Why visit Wellington
Wellington is home to 433,900 people, making it New Zealand's second-largest urban area, well behind Auckland and just ahead of Christchurch. Wellington became New Zealand's capital city in 1865, replacing Auckland; the government wanted a more centrally-located city as capital to quell the South Island nationalist movement. Wellington offers a blend of culture, heritage, fine food and coffee, together with lively arts and (Source: Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA.)
Wellington is a stop in New Zealand, not a country-in-a-weekend. Plan about 3 days. If time is short, prioritise Te Papa Tongarewa museum, Cable Car and Botanic Garden, Cuba Street instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 110–240 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: The warmer, drier months for the outdoors. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
The warmer, drier months for the outdoors
Weather
Mild to tropical, with plenty of sunshine
Experiences
Things to do in Wellington
1
Te Papa Tongarewa museum
2
Cable Car and Botanic Garden
3
Cuba Street
4
Mount Victoria lookout
5
Zealandia ecosanctuary
6
Wellington waterfront
7
Weta Workshop experience
8
Day trip to Martinborough wine region
Budget travel
Free things to do in Wellington
Cable Car and Botanic Garden
Mount Victoria lookout
Wellington waterfront
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Wellington itinerary (3 days)
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit Te Papa Tongarewa museum
- Visit Cable Car and Botanic Garden
- Visit Cuba Street
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit Mount Victoria lookout
- Visit Zealandia ecosanctuary
- Visit Wellington waterfront
- 3
Day 3
More highlights
- Visit Weta Workshop experience
- Visit Day trip to Martinborough wine region
Budget
Wellington trip cost
Budget
USD 50–85
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 110–240
per person / day
Luxury
USD 275–455+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Wellington, New Zealand. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Wellington
Estimated total (USD)
$3,090
≈ $1,545 per person · $441 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $180/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Wellington mid-range ground costs (budget 50–85 · mid 110–240 · luxury 275–455+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
In pictures
Wellington gallery
Photos: russellstreet, Ulrich Lange, Bochum, Germany, Gruyere, Bengt Nyman, Ischa1 — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
Wellington travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Wellington?
The warmer, drier months for the outdoors.
How many days do I need in Wellington?
Plan at least 3 days in Wellington for the highlights on our suggested itinerary; add more time for day trips.
Where should I stay in Wellington?
Stay near the centre of Wellington for easy access to attractions, or near the airport if you have a short layover.
How much does a trip to Wellington cost?
On the ground in Wellington (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 50–85 per person per day, mid-range about 110–240, and luxury about 275–455+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Wellington, New Zealand. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
Keep exploring
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