What Is the Best Way to See Wellington, New Zealand?

Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand, is one of the most diverse and beautiful cities in the country. Surrounded by stunning landscapes, with Mt. Victoria as the backdrop, it is an ideal holiday destination regardless of the season or time of year. With a rich cultural heritage and a buzzing food, art and nightlife scene, there’s something for everyone – whether you’re visiting for a few days or staying for a few weeks. But if you’re looking for the best way to see and experience Wellington, what should you do? In this guide, we’ll provide you with all the tips and tricks for having the perfect Wellington getaway.

1. Spend Time Exploring the CBD

If you’re new to Wellington, start your exploration downtown. Surrounding the harbor and dominated by offices, shops and restaurants, there is a lot to discover in the CBD. Here, you can experience the city’s vibrant culture, arts and music scene while dining at some of the best restaurants in town and visiting its many museums, such as Te Papa Tongarewa or Museum of New Zealand. From here, you can wander around the city and explore places like Cuba Street or Courtenay Place – two of Wellington’s most popular boulevards – or find some local gems like Juniper Café or Queen Sally’s.

2. Get to Know Wellington’s Creative Suburbs

Wellington is quite unique compared to other cities. While it can seem busy and overwhelming downtown, outside the city center each borough is quiet and charming – hosting its own unique character, activities and venues catered to an array of interests and tastes. To explore beyond the CBD, start in Mount Victoria. This hilly suburb offers some of the best views in Wellington. Here, you can take in the stunning 360-degree view of the cityscape or, if you’re feeling adventurous, trek up to the wind turbine located on top of Mt. Victoria and get an even better vantage point of the city. Another must-see is Khandallah – a popular spot for dining and shopping. With small boutiques and great coffee houses, Khandallah is where you can find Wellington’s creativity at its best. If beach vibes are what you’re looking for, head over to Lyall Bay – a quaint neighborhood located on Wellington Harbor. This area is known for its amazing sunset views, local surf spots and cool beach bars.

3. Get Outdoors: Take a Day Trip

When visiting Wellington, it is impossible to miss out on all its natural beauty. On summer days, pack your picnic basket and head to one of the many stunning beaches and parks around town, such as Oriental Bay or Karori Sanctuary. Alternatively, take a drive or ferry ride to nearby islands such as Matiu/Somes Island – a wildlife reserve located in Wellington Harbor – or head out to Red Rocks on the South Coast – accessibly via a 15-minute drive from downtown Wellington. Here you can find seals sunbathing while taking in the gorgeous views over Cook Strait. Or take a road trip to Miramar Peninsula and experience Weta Workshop – an iconic special effects studio founded by Sir Peter Jackson.

4. Unearth Some of Wellington’s Secret Spots

If you’re visiting during spring or summertime, don’t miss out on some of the city’s hidden gems such as Lyall Bay’s artsy rooftops, Khandallah’s secret gardens or Te Raekaihau Point – located past Oriental Bay – where you can relax on one of New Zealand’s oldest beaches and experience spectacular coastal views over Cook Strait. For a night off from the city’s busy nightlife scene head to Foxtel Cinema located in Mount Victoria – an old-school 1990’s cinema-like experience where you can catch a movie in an outdoor setting while enjoying some tasty burgers, craft beer and snacks at the bar-concession stand.

5.Do Something Different

If you want to rethink your traditional vacation plans, Wellington offers plenty of activities that will help you make memories and break away from daily routines. Take a tour to Wairarapa – 1 hour away from Wellington’s CBD – and experience some of New Zealand’s best vineyards such as Gladstone Vineyard or Schubert Wines by taking part in a fun wine tasting session accompanied by stunning views over the countryside. Or take an eco-tour excursion with Green Jersey Cycling Tours around some of Wellington’s most stunning trails – such as Rimutaka Incline Train Journey – stopping by picturesque towns along the way for an amazing food experience at local eateries.

Conclusion

The best way to experience Wellington is by spending a few days exploring its vibrant culture downtown; visiting its unique suburbs; getting out on day trips; discovering secret spots around town; and doing something different on your vacation. With so much diversity and character, no matter your interests there is something in Wellington waiting to be explored! To make sure you don’t miss out on any must-dos in your trip, check out WellingtonNZ, which provides great insights into all things to do in this amazing city!