Places / Oceania / New Zealand
Wellington
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At a glance
- Country
- New Zealand
- Region
- Wellington Region
- Population
- 215,000
- Best time to go
- December to March
- Main airport
- Wellington International (WLG)
- Coordinates
- 41.29°S, 174.78°E
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Overview
New Zealand's capital is wrapped around a deep harbour at the southern tip of the North Island, with wooden houses clinging to steep green hills. It is compact, creative and famously windy.
Wellington punches above its size for culture: an outstanding national museum, a thriving café and craft beer scene and a film industry made famous by The Lord of the Rings. Wild coast and wine country are close by.
Things to see
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Photo: Ulrich Lange, Bochum, Germany, CC BY-SA 3.0 Te Papa
The national museum, covering Māori culture, natural history and art, right on the waterfront.
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Photo: Takeshi Aida from Hong Kong, Hong Kong, CC BY-SA 2.0 Wellington Cable Car
A short ride up the hill from Lambton Quay to the Botanic Garden and city views.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Donovan Govan., CC BY-SA 3.0 Mount Victoria Lookout
The best panorama of the city and harbour, reached by car or a steep walk through the town belt.
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Photo: Judi Lapsley Miller, CC BY 4.0 Zealandia
A fenced valley sanctuary where native birds such as kākā and takahē thrive.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Ulrich Lange, Bochum, Germany, CC BY-SA 3.0 Parliament and the Beehive
Guided tours explain New Zealand's government in its distinctive buildings.
Things to do
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Photo: Didier Baertschiger, CC BY-SA 2.0 Cuba Street
The city's bohemian heart, full of cafés, vintage shops, bars and street performers.
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Photo: Duane Weller, CC BY 2.0 Weta Cave
Explore the film studio's workshop in Miramar and learn how props and creatures are made.
Find tours -
Photo: Nevada Halbert from Wellington, New Zealabd, CC BY 2.0 Red Rocks coastal walk
Walk along the rugged south coast to see fur seals in the cooler months.
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Photo: User:Lanma726, CC BY-SA 3.0 Wine tasting in Martinborough
A relaxed village of vineyards known for pinot noir, about an hour and a half over the hills.
Where to stay
Te Aro
Near Cuba Street and Courtenay Place, with lively bars and restaurants.
Hotels in Te AroLambton Quay
The business district, central and close to the cable car and parliament.
Hotels in Lambton QuayOriental Bay
A pretty waterfront with a sandy beach, upmarket apartments and views.
Hotels in Oriental BayThorndon
Historic and quiet, with old wooden houses near the Botanic Garden.
Hotels in Thorndon
Getting around
The centre is walkable and buses cover the suburbs. Trains run up the Hutt Valley and the Kāpiti Coast.
The airport is about 8 km from the centre; buses and taxis take around 20 minutes. Interislander and Bluebridge ferries cross to Picton.
When to go
December to March is the warmest and most settled time. Wellington is windy year-round, and winter can be cold and wet. WOW, the World of WearableArt show, runs in spring.
Plan your trip to Wellington
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.