Wellington has a great blend of creative industries, museums and important national institutions that are part of what makes this city so special.
A visit to the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa is essential on your itinerary if you want to discover all the wonderful treasures and stories that this country has to offer.
1. Te Papa Museum
Wellington's leading attraction and one of the world's largest national museums, Te Papa (literally "our place") is a tribute to New Zealand's people and history, natural environment, arts and culture. Innovative technology and superb displays bring the story to life.
The museum has six floors of exhibitions and incorporates native bushes and artificial caves in its landscape. It houses stunning Maori artifacts and remarkable modern displays.
For example, there is a fascinating 3D animated film about the colossal squid specimen that was caught in New Zealand waters. It's the biggest specimen in the world and weighs more than 500 kg.
The museum is a great way to get to know more about the history of New Zealand and is free to enter. Spend a couple of hours exploring depending on your interests.
2. Weta Workshop
Weta Workshop is a fantastic attraction in Wellington and one that is worth visiting if you’re a fan of movies. It’s responsible for some of the world’s best movie special effects, costumes, creatures and props.
A guided tour is the best way to get a real sense of what goes into making a movie, so it’s highly recommended. There are a number of tours available, including ones that take you on an odyssey through the incredible props and models of Weta Workshop.
Weta Unleashed is a wildly immersive experience that takes you through the practical effects behind some of the world’s most iconic movies. The 90-minute hosted tour centres on 3 fully developed and original film concepts: nail-biting horror, fantasy epic and mind-bending sci-fi.
3. Wellington Zoo
Wellington Zoo is set within 13 hectares of green belt land and is home to more than 500 animals representing over 100 species. Its animal encounters are a real highlight and kids will love the opportunity to stroke a lemur, hand-feed a red panda or pat a cheetah!
Committed to conservation and education, the zoo also participates in breeding programmes for native wildlife and is involved in community conservation projects. It’s also one of the few zoos in New Zealand that houses the Malayan sun bear and white-cheeked gibbon, two critically endangered species.
With a team dedicated to animal welfare and wellbeing, you’ll be impressed at the quality of care you see here. From solving itchy tiger ears to keeping well-fed native penguins, they know how to make their animals feel happy and safe!
4. Te Ahumairangi Hill Lookout
Te Ahumairangi Hill Lookout is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. It offers 360-degree views of the city, Wellington Harbour and the Orongorongo ranges.
- It also features interpretative boards describing the history of the area and a memorial to the Maori who once inhabited the area. It's a lovely place for a picnic.
- A walk around the peninsula is another great way to enjoy Wellington's natural beauty. Miramar is a small suburb at the tip of the peninsula, with some historical remnants and stunning views.
- The peninsula is surrounded by Wellington's famous Cuba Street, one of the best places to explore the city's artsy culture. It also hosts a fantastic music and arts festival called CubaDupa on the last weekend in March.
