[ad_1]
I’ve had an ongoing love affair with the town of Wellington, New Zealand, for almost all of my life. I first visited in 2005 (proper after I graduated highschool), and instantly advised my dad and mom I used to be going to maneuver to the New Zealand capital. I did simply that three years later throughout college with a semester overseas in Wellington, falling in love with the quirky, inventive, windy metropolis much more.
I’ve since been again to Wellington a number of extra instances, and it stays one in all my favourite cities wherever on the earth – and that is saying one thing, contemplating what number of superior cities I’ve visited!
Wellington is a metropolis that is filled with character. It’s the political capital of New Zealand, sure, nevertheless it’s additionally the nation’s cultural and artistic capital. At instances it feels extra like a small city than a significant metropolis, which has helped or not it’s named the “coolest little capital in the world.”
Fun details about Wellington
First, let’s get to know Wellington a bit higher:
- Wellington is situated on the south-western tip of the North Island, close to the Cook Strait that separates the North and South islands of New Zealand.
- Legend tells that the Polynesian explorer Kupe first found and explored the area that will turn out to be New Zealand within the tenth century. The Wellington space was inhabited by indigenous Māori peoples earlier than European colonization within the 1800s (and its title to them is Te Whanganui-a-Tara).
- Wellington was named in 1840 after Arthur Wellesley, the primary Duke of Wellington (who by no means visited New Zealand).
- Wellington is the southernmost capital metropolis on the earth, sitting at 41.2924° S. (It wasn’t the nation’s first capital, although; Old Russell/Okiato was the primary capital from 1840-41, and Auckland was the capital up till 1865.)
- The inhabitants of the Wellington metro space is round 420,000.
- Wellington is likely one of the windiest cities on the earth, incomes it the nickname “Windy Welly.” Winds right here common 16 mph (7.15 m/s).
- Wellington is reported to have extra cafes per capita than New York City!
RELATED: 7 Things You Must Do in Auckland, New Zealand
The finest issues to do in Wellington
As somebody who’s visited Wellington many instances – and even lived there briefly! – listed below are my private picks for one of the best issues to do in your first go to to Wellington.
1. Have a seaside day at Oriental Bay
Oriental Bay is the title of each a Wellington neighborhood and the town’s solely true seaside. On a sunny day, the water right here turns a good looking deep turquoise coloration, and the colourful homes climbing up Wellington’s hills make for an important backdrop.
Oriental Bay is the spot the place the primary stirrings of my emotions for Wellington had been born. On a pleasant day, that is, hands-down, my favourite place to be in Wellington. And I’m not alone in feeling this manner — locals and guests alike gravitate towards Oriental Bay on weekends and sunny days.
2. Visit Te Papa
New Zealand’s nationwide museum, Te Papa Tongarewa, is situated in downtown Wellington, proper on the finish of Taranaki Street close to the waterfront. Not solely are you able to be taught all about New Zealand’s historical past right here, however entry into the glossy, fashionable museum is free.
I could also be a bit biased, however that is one in all my favourite museums on the earth due to its structure, shows, interactive options, and wide selection of displays. Popular issues to see at Te Papa embody displays on New Zealand nature and Māori and Pacific tradition; the one Colossal Squid on show on the earth; and an unbelievable, groundbreaking exhibit concerning the Gallipoli marketing campaign in World War I.
Te Papa makes for an important wet day exercise in Wellington (which you may very properly want!). They additionally provide a guided museum tour should you’re into that.
3. Wellington Waterfront Walk
There’s an entire strolling and biking route alongside the complete Te Whanganui-a-tara (Wellington harbor) referred to as The Great Harbour Way / Te Aranui o Pōneke. An ideal part of that is the Wellington Waterfront Walk that stretches from Te Papa to Frank Kitts Park.
This is all the time a full of life space, with individuals strolling, biking, skating, and even rowing when the climate is nice, together with bars and eating places spilling over into outside terraces crammed with bean bag chairs. If locals aren’t on the seaside on a sunny day, they’re most likely on this space.
The Wellington Writers Walk additionally follows this route, and options massive carvings of various literary quotes you’ll be able to look out for.
(And, should you’re touring to Wellington with youngsters, Frank Kits Park has a pleasant play space with a giant slide formed like a lighthouse.)
4. City to Sea Bridge to Civic Square
When you are strolling alongside this part of waterfront, you will ultimately see the City to Sea Bridge, a pedestrian bridge and public paintings that connects the Whairepo Lagoon to Civic Square. The bridge is roofed in picket sculptures carved by Maori artist Paratene Matchitt, and is de facto an attraction in its personal proper.
At the opposite finish of the bridge lies Te Ngākau Civic Square, which is house to the well-known “fern ball” sculpture suspended within the air.
The unique “Ferns” sculpture by artist Neil Dawson was eliminated in 2015 on account of security considerations, and a alternative was lastly put up on 2020.
In Civic Square, you will additionally discover the doorway to the City Gallery Wellington. Entry to this artwork museum and gallery can also be free!
5. Ride the historic cable automotive
From Civic Square, it is a quick stroll into Wellington Central to the decrease station of the Wellington Cable Car, which is unquestionably a must-do in Wellington.
The historic Wellington cable automotive is a funicular railway that has been operating between Lambton Quay (the town’s fundamental procuring avenue) and Kelburn for greater than 100 years, carrying each locals going about their day-to-day lives and vacationers on the lookout for some nice views. (I like this about Wellington – nothing is solely for locals or just for vacationers.)
A trip as much as the highest takes simply 5 minutes, with one cease within the center. Once at Kelburn Station, there is a small (and free) cable automotive museum you’ll be able to go to, plus a viewing space that provides up a few of the perfect views of Wellington. It additionally mainly places you proper within the Wellington Botanic Garden.
(You can technically pre-book your cable automotive tickets if you’d like, however you do not have to. It’s simple to buy them on the station.)
6. Wellington Botanic Garden
Covering 64 acres, the Wellington Botanic Garden is a good looking place to discover with 150+ years of historical past within the metropolis. The backyard itself consists of varied floral shows and deliberate gardens (the Lady Norwood Rose Garden is especially well-known), and is free to go to!
You’ll additionally discover sculptures, a duck pond, and a restaurant inside the gardens.
Space Place at Carter Observatory can also be inside the backyard grounds, and is a science museum that covers stars, planets, constellations, and New Zealand’s contribution to astronomy. This is a paid museum.
7. See The Beehive
Wellington is New Zealand’s political capital, and is house to all the standard authorities buildings. One that is not so “usual” is the Executive Wing of New Zealand’s Parliament Buildings, which is colloquially known as “The Beehive” due to its attention-grabbing form.
The well-known constructing was constructed between 1969 and 1981, and right now homes the workplaces of presidency ministers.
You can take a tour of NZ Parliament (which incorporates The Beehive) if in case you have time. I did it whereas I used to be residing in Wellington, and located it attention-grabbing. Tours are provided a number of instances per day, 7 days per week, and are free! But you do want to order tour spots prematurely, as group sizes are restricted. More information right here.
Wellington excursions
Want to see a few of these issues on a tour of Wellington? Here are some good choices:
8. Visit Old St. Paul’s
If attention-grabbing structure is a draw for you, you then’ll need to make time to go to Old St. Paul’s in Wellington. This Gothic Revival-style church dates again to 1866 and is thought for its stunning inside arches produced from native New Zealand woods like rimu and kauri.
It’s a beloved heritage constructing not removed from Wellington’s fundamental prepare station (additionally a heritage constructing), and entry is on a donation foundation. Tours are additionally out there.
9. Watch a sundown from Mount Victoria
Have you actually been to Windy Welly should you weren’t practically blown away atop Mount Victoria? Debatable.
Known regionally as “Mount Vic,” Mount Victoria is the title of each a neighborhood and a 650-foot-tall hill simply to the east of Wellington City. From the Mount Victoria Lookout, you get unbelievable 360-degree views of Wellington. It’s a well-liked sundown spot, however price seeing at any time of day.
You can both drive up Mount Vic by way of Alexandra Road (or take a bus!), or there are additionally a number of climbing and mountain biking trails that result in the highest.
BONUS: Mount Vic movie places
Mount Vic was additionally used as a filming location for the “Lord of the Rings” movies – most notably some early scenes in “Fellowship of the Ring,” together with the well-known “get off the road!” scenes with the hobbits hiding from Black Riders.
If you need to discover these spots, observe the “Hobbit’s Hideaway trail,” which is marked on maps and path indicators on Mount Victoria.
10. Hang out on Cuba Street
Back in central Wellington, my favourite all-weather spot within the metropolis is Cuba Street. This is the place you go if you need to eat, seize a drink, store, or simply hang around. Cuba Street is all the time full of life with cafes, bars, and buskers, and has a pair blocks which can be car-free.
Some common spots for meals alongside Cuba Street embody:
- HELL Pizza – A pizza restaurant with pies named after issues just like the 7 Deadly Sins (and so they even have a “Mordor” pie)
- Fidel’s Cafe – A Cuban Street establishment serving up meals and Cuban espresso
- The Flying Burrito Brothers – I ate right here lots in faculty!
- Midnight Espresso – It does, certainly, serve up espresso and meals till after midnight
- Olive – The serve French- and Italian-inspired meals and have a cool indoor courtyard vibe
- Floriditas – A basic New Zealand restaurant
- Kaffee Eis – My absolute favourite spot for gelato
I lived near Cuba Street after I lived in Wellington, and spent plenty of time right here! There’s all kinds of worldwide eating places, too.
11. Coffee store or brewery-hop
Wellington has an abundance of cafes of all sizes and shapes – in actual fact, I’ve learn that there are extra cafes per capita right here than in New York City!
Some good espresso retailers to strive embody:
- L’affare
- The Hangar
- Customs
- Swimsuit Coffee (a number of places)
- Havana Coffee Works
- Pour and Twist
- Evil Twins Coffee
- Peoples Coffee
Another factor you will discover plenty of within the Wellington area are craft breweries, which is a change from after I lived there! Wellington is now changing into a craft beer powerhouse in New Zealand, so it is undoubtedly one thing to look out for. There’s even a “Craft Capital Beer Trail” you’ll be able to observe.
Just a few common spots in central Wellington embody:
- Garage Project
- Heyday Beer Co
- Parrotdog Brewing
- The Whistling Sisters
And this half-day brewery tour takes you out to much more breweries a bit of bit outdoors of central Wellington.
12. Get your geek on at Weta Workshop
I’m an enormous “Lord of the Rings” fan – and sure, I imply HUGE. (I’ve even been on a Lord of the Rings tour of New Zealand.) If you’re, too, then you’ll be able to’t go to Wellington with out visiting Wētā within the suburb of Miramar.
Weta Workshop is the place the place film artwork, results, and props have been created ever for the reason that Lord of the Rings trilogy put New Zealand on the movie-making map. Start with a behind-the-scenes tour of Weta Workshop (wonderful for any film fan), and finish within the Weta Cave, the place you should buy all kinds of geeky memorabilia.
The behind-the-scenes Weta tour is tremendous attention-grabbing even when your aren’t a giant fan of hobbits and orcs. (Book an entry ticket right here, or a ticket with transfers right here.)
BONUS: Roxy Cinema
Also in Miramar not removed from Weta, you’ll be able to go to the historic Roxy Cinema. This artwork deco magnificence started its life as The Capitol Theatre in 1928, was utilized as a shopping mall after the theater closed in 1964, and ultimately grew to become vacant. The theater was saved and lovingly refurbished by a crew from Wētā Workshop, and reopened in 2011 because the Roxy.
You can catch a movie right here on one in all two two luxurious cinema screens, get pleasure from lunch or dinner at CoCo on the Roxy, or simply seize a espresso at The Roxy Café.
13. Visit a coastal suburb
Wellington is made up of a bunch of various neighborhoods and suburbs, every with its personal character. If you need to get out of the town for a day, I’d recommend one of many southern coastal suburbs like Lyall Bay, Houghton Bay, or Island Bay.
The suburb of Island Bay, located on a bay of the identical title, is one in all my private favorites. There’s a beautiful sandy seaside right here, and you can begin hikes close by, together with the Red Rocks Coastal stroll that leads out to a seal colony through the winter months.
14. Learn about native wildlife at Zealandia
Just barely west of central Wellington lies Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne, the world’s first fully-fenced city eco-sanctuary. The conservation-focused sanctuary protects native species like birds, lizards, crops, and bushes, and is unquestionably price a go to!
You can go to through the day to look out for native birds just like the takahē and prehistoric reptiles just like the tuatara lizard. You also can go to an evening (tremendous cool!) to attempt to see glow worms and the nocturnal kiwi chicken.
Guided walks/excursions are provided day by day year-round – and that is an out of doors expertise, so costume accordingly! (Book a daytime tour right here, or guide a nighttime tour right here.)
15. Visit a close-by regional park
The Wellington Region of New Zealand is bursting with parks and forests – greater than 123,000 acres of them, in actual fact. Locals usually spend their free time climbing (in NZ they name it “tramping”) and biking in these regional parks.
My private favourite is Kaitoke Regional Park, roughly 45 minutes from central Wellington in Upper Hutt. Located within the foothills of the Tararua Ranges, there are some good climbing choices on this park, together with a really cool swing bridge, a number of rivers you’ll be able to swim in, AND a “Lord of the Rings” filming location. (The Rivendell set was constructed right here in Kaitoke, and there are indicators displaying the place sure scenes had been filmed.)
Some different nice regional parks shut near the town embody:
- East Harbour Regional Park
- Belmont Regional Park
- Akatarawa Forest
- Baring Head/Orua-pouanui
BONUS: Trips from Wellington
If you are spending extra time within the Wellington area, it is also inside a pair hours’ drive to the next North Island spots:
- Paraparaumu and the Kāpiti Coast (Kapiti Island is wonderful to go to!)
- Martinborough and the Wairarapa wine area
- Cape Palliser (additionally house to a different LOTR filming location on the Putangirua Pinnacles)
- Castlepoint with its sea cliffs and lighthouse
Tours you may prefer to a few of these locations:
How many days do you want in Wellington?
Wellington is a comparatively small metropolis (the entire metro space has a inhabitants of about 420,000, however solely about half that inhabitants lives in Wellington correct). And whereas there’s a lot to do, you’ll be able to simply see all of the highlights in 2-3 days.
Just make sure you pack wind- and water resistant clothes, as Windy Welly’s climate can get intense!
RELATED: What to Pack for a Trip to New Zealand
How to get to Wellington
Wellington has a small worldwide airport with frequent day by day home connections to different cities in New Zealand, in addition to day by day flights to cities in Australia.
You can drive to Wellington from different locations on the North Island, and you’ll attain Wellington from the South Island by way of one of many ferries that crosses the Cook Strait between Picton and Wellington. (The Interislander and Bluebridge ferry corporations function these.)
RELATED: The Perfect 2-Week New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary
Where to remain in Wellington
I like to recommend staying both within the Wellington CBD, or in Te Aro simply south of downtown. Some of my favourite motels within the metropolis (that I’ve personally stayed at) embody:
And should you’re doing a campervan journey round New Zealand, then the Wellington Top 10 Holiday Park in Lower Hutt is the closest good campsite.
Is Wellington NZ price visiting?
If you have learn this far, I feel you’ll be able to most likely guess my reply to this: sure, in fact! Wellington is unquestionably price visiting, and price dedicating not less than a pair days to in any New Zealand itinerary.
Wellington is not only one other capital metropolis – it is the Coolest Little Capital within the World!
Have you ever been to Wellington? If not, is it a metropolis you need to go to?
[ad_2]