The city’s character is defined by its winding streets and harbor views, where art galleries sit comfortably beside bustling cafes, reflecting a community that values innovation and resilience against the wind. Today, it stands not just as a political hub but as a vibrant cultural capital, offering travelers an authentic glimpse into New Zealand’s contemporary spirit through its eclectic neighborhoods and welcoming local warmth.
Do Wellington the way locals do: start slow at Percy Scenic Reserve, eat where the regulars do at Pho Viet Street Food, let the evening run long at Southern Cross Garden Bar Restaurant.
Top things to do in Wellington Ranked by rating and review volume. These earn their hype. Booking links may earn Roam a commission, at no cost to you.
1
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
Museum · ★ 4.7 (26,237 reviews)
New Zealand's principal museum tracking native and colonial culture as well as natural history.
Check tours & tickets 2
Wellington Botanic Garden
Botanical Garden · ★ 4.7 (10,319 reviews)
Botanic garden of 61-acres, planted in 1868 with native bush, tropical greenhouse and seasonal beds.
Check tours & tickets 3
Mount Victoria Lookout
Observation Deck · ★ 4.7 (6,379 reviews)
Tranquil picnic area featuring panoramic vistas of the city, boats, airplanes & sunsets.
Check tours & tickets 4
Wellington Cable Car
Transportation Service · ★ 4.6 (7,475 reviews)
Opened in 1902, the country's only running cablecar offers panoramic city views & a history museum.
Check tours & tickets 5
Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne
Wildlife Refuge · ★ 4.7 (6,135 reviews)
Wildlife sanctuary with native species, including rare birds, lizards, frogs, plants & trees.
Check tours & tickets 6
Wellington Zoo
Zoo · ★ 4.5 (6,408 reviews)
The country's first zoo offers animal activities & programs, plus themed playgrounds & picnic areas.
Check tours & tickets 7
Wētā Workshop Experiences
Tourist Attraction · ★ 4.6 (4,671 reviews)
Exhibits of props for "Lord of the Rings" & other films, plus a documentary & studio souvenirs.
Check tours & tickets 8
Wellington Museum
Museum · ★ 4.6 (2,701 reviews)
Cool museum in a historic building with various unique exhibits showcasing the region's history.
Check tours & tickets 9
Wellington Waterfront Walk
Tourist Attraction · ★ 4.7 (2,204 reviews)
Popular harborside trail with artisan shops, waterside dining & kids' playgrounds, plus statues.
Check tours & tickets 10
Otari-Wilton's Bush
Botanical Garden · ★ 4.8 (1,451 reviews)
Native-forest preserve with many ancient trees, wildlife viewing & walking paths.
Check tours & tickets Where to eat Local favorites, not tourist traps.
11
Pho Viet Street Food
Vietnamese Restaurant · ★ 4.8 (2,398 reviews)
Website 12
Weta Workshop
point_of_interest, establishment · ★ 4.8 (2,321 reviews)
Website 13
Ombra
Italian Restaurant · ★ 4.6 (2,000 reviews)
Wine & small plates in a cozy establishment inspired by the informal bacaros of Venice.
Website 14
Charley Noble
Steak House · ★ 4.5 (2,346 reviews)
Happening restaurant featuring upmarket NZ cooking, wine & cocktails in a retro, industrial space.
Website 15
Mr Go's
Restaurant · ★ 4.6 (1,880 reviews)
Relaxed joint whipping up creative regional Asian dishes in a bright space that has murals & a bar.
Website 16
Ortega Fish Shack
Seafood Restaurant · ★ 4.8 (1,340 reviews)
Popular locale offering upscale, creative fish dishes & steaks in a relaxed & bustling atmosphere.
Website 17
Prefab-ACME
Cafe · ★ 4.6 (1,796 reviews)
Casual, modern outpost for coffee, seasonal breakfast & lunch eats & housemade bread.
Website 18
Flight Coffee Hangar Cafe
Cafe · ★ 4.6 (1,668 reviews)
Relaxed cafe serving house-brewed coffee, sandwiches & light eats in a trendy space.
Website Hungry for more? Book a food tour or tasting in Wellington
Tours worth booking ahead These sell out, so lock them in early.
19
Wētā Workshop Experiences
Tourist Attraction · ★ 4.6 (4,671 reviews)
Exhibits of props for "Lord of the Rings" & other films, plus a documentary & studio souvenirs.
Check tours & tickets Get outside 25
Percy Scenic Reserve
Park · ★ 4.6 (880 reviews)
Nature recreation area featuring walking tracks to a waterfall, a pond with ducks & picnic shelters.
Website 26
Makara Beach Walkway
Hiking Area · ★ 4.7 (675 reviews)
Website 27
Belmont Regional Park
Park · ★ 4.6 (508 reviews)
Scenic green space with camping & picnic sites, plus trails for walking, cycling & horseback-riding.
Website 28
Mt Kaukau Summit Hike — Simla Crescent Trailhead
Hiking Area · ★ 4.8 (272 reviews)
Website 29
Waimapihi Reserve
Park · ★ 4.7 (254 reviews)
Website After dark 30
Southern Cross Garden Bar Restaurant
Restaurant · ★ 4.2 (3,862 reviews)
Longtime, family-friendly spot with a leafy patio offering pub eats, drinks & diverse events.
Website 31
The Rogue & Vagabond
Bar · ★ 4.5 (2,049 reviews)
Laid-back craft beer bar featuring a dog-friendly grassy area with bean bags & regular live music.
Website 32
The Library
Bar · ★ 4.5 (2,048 reviews)
Book-filled lounge with a cozy, traditional vibe offering craft cocktails & inventive NZ bites.
Website 33
The Arborist Rooftop Bar
Bar · ★ 4.4 (1,153 reviews)
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