On top of being New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington is oozing with life, culture and plenty of things to do. Living here for 6 months was enough to make me fall in love with this city and all it has to offer.
If you only have the weekend or a few days to spend in Wellington, here are my recommendations of the top things you should do!
Start your morning with a delicious, healthy breakfast at Seize
Source: Wellington on a Plate
Choose from their amazing selection of acai bowls, oatmeal, smoothies and juices. Warning! Their oatmeal is cold!
Visit Te Papa National Museum
This is an incredible museum (and FREE) and right down by the waterfront so take a little walk when you’re done!
Take the Historic Cable Car to the top of the hill.
With an amazing view of Wellington, the cable car, is a MUST. Head down to Lampton Quay (Wellington’s shopping area) to catch the car. Once you arrive at the top, you’re right at the entrance of the Botanical Gardens, another Wellington iconic attraction.
Get lost in the Botanic Gardens
I’m not kidding, you actually might get lost!! There are so many walking paths to take through the gardens, I discovered something new and beautiful every time I went. Definitely check out the rose garden, and the tulips during the tulip festival!
Climb Mt. Victoria
For another stunning 360 view of Wellington, hike to the top of Mt. Victoria. A short, medium difficulty 30 minute hike will bring you to a landing with incredible views of the city.
Grab lunch in Capital Market
Source: Backpackers NZ
This colorful indoor market is the perfect stop for lunch because there’s literally something for everyone! Even Kansas City BBQ!
Stroll up and down the hipster Cuba street and grab a coffee!
This colorful street is perfect for exploring.
Visit the Weta Workshop
Any Lord of the Rings or Chronicles of Narnia fans? If you’re a movie buff, you HAVE to go to Weta Workshop. This is where they create and make all the props and some costumes for movies like Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, The Chronicles of Narnia, Avatar, King Kong and many, many more. You’ll get to walk through the workshop and see actual pieces that were used in the movies! Since they are usually working on current movies, you’re not allowed to take pictures, but trust me! It’s worth it!
Take the bus or hire a cab to Miramar and look out because on your way you’ll pass Peter Jackson’s production studio!
For dinner try one of the many yummy restaurants on Courtenay Place
If you’re looking for nightlife, Courtney place is definitely the place to be. With so many fun restaurants and bars, there’s no shortage of good food or a good drink.
Friday or Saturday: Visit the Wellington Night Market
For the most eclectic experience of food, flavors, and fun, go to the Night Market. The market is every Friday at 116 Cuba Street and Saturday at the Corner of Cuba and Manners Street from 5-11pm. I went here almost every single week because it was so fun!
There are a million more things I could tell you to do in Wellington, but with only a weekend, this should keep you pretty busy.
I hope you love “Windy Welly” as much I do and have to plan a second trip back! Check out my other articles and trip guides for Wellington and other cities in New Zealand!
Xx Nicole #DoStuff
Check out some more of my articles on New Zealand!
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