Wellington walking tour & city guide

The waterfront

Te Papa, the national museum, is free and full of Māori treasures and natural history. The waterfront promenade links the center with Oriental Bay's beach.

Hills and culture

The red Wellington Cable Car climbs to the Botanic Garden. Mount Victoria offers panoramic views. Cuba Street is a bohemian street of cafés and shops, and the Weta Workshop shows the city's film magic.

A day in Wellington

Ride the red cable car from Lambton Quay up to the Botanic Garden, then walk down through the gardens back into town. Spend a few hours at Te Papa, the national museum, which is free and full of interactive exhibits on nature and Māori culture.

In the afternoon, walk along the waterfront, then up Mount Victoria for a view of the harbor. Cuba Street, with its cafés, vintage shops and craft beer bars, is the place for the evening.

Good to know

Wellington is famous for its wind, so bring a jacket. The city is compact and easy to walk, and its coffee culture is one of the best in the world.

Film fans can visit the Weta Workshop, where effects for The Lord of the Rings were created. Ferries cross the Cook Strait to the South Island from here.