Top Things to See and Do in Wellington

New Zealand is a popular place for people to not only visit but also to move to and call their new home. With its stunning landscapes, relaxed way of life, and friendly, welcoming people, it’s easy to see why so many choose to settle here. Another big reason is the sheer variety of things to see and do across the country, no matter which region you find yourself in. If you’re also planning to spend time further north, check out our guide to the best things to do in Auckland for more inspiration on what to see and experience across New Zealand.

Here at Pinnacle Removals, we’ve helped many people make the move to this incredible destination. In this post, we’re turning the spotlight on Wellington, a lively, welcoming city with so much to explore. So, what are the top things to see and do when you live in or visit Wellington?

Key Points: Top Things to Do in Wellington:

• Take in panoramic city views from Mount Victoria Lookout

• Ride the Wellington Cable Car and explore the Botanic Garden

• Discover New Zealand’s story at Te Papa Museum and Old St Paul’s

• Wander the Wellington Waterfront and unwind at Oriental Bay

• Meet native wildlife at Zealandia and Wellington Zoo

• Sample local flavours and street art on Cuba Street

• Venture out to Miramar’s Weta Cave or nearby Martinborough wineries

  
  

Climb to the Top of Mount Victoria

Panoramic views from the top of Mount Victoria

If you love getting outdoors and staying active, one of the best things to do in Wellington is make your way up to the top of Mount Victoria. The walk is steep in parts but well worth the effort, rewarding you with some of the most spectacular panoramic views across the city, harbour, and surrounding hills. It’s a favourite spot for both locals and visitors, especially around sunset when the city lights begin to twinkle below.

There are several walking trails that wind their way to the summit, all surrounded by lush native bush. For film fans, parts of The Lord of the Rings were also filmed on Mount Victoria, making it a fun stop for anyone interested in seeing one of Wellington’s most famous backdrops in real life.

Ride the Cable Car

The iconic red Wellington Cable Car

If hiking up Mount Victoria sounds like a bit too much effort, a far more relaxing way to take in the city’s views is by riding the Wellington Cable Car. This bright red icon has been running since 1902 and remains one of the city’s most loved attractions. The short journey runs from Lambton Quay in the city centre up to Kelburn, offering incredible panoramic views across Wellington and its harbour as you go.

At the top, you can step out to admire the views, visit the small but fascinating Cable Car Museum, or wander straight into the Wellington Botanic Garden, which begins just a few steps away. It’s an easy, scenic way to enjoy the best of the city without tackling the uphill climb.

Discover Wellington’s Historic Landmarks

The Beehive, home to New Zealand’s Parliament

If you want to really get to know the story of New Zealand, one of the best things to do in Wellington is to explore its remarkable historical landmarks. The city is full of places that reflect its colonial roots, architectural charm, and political significance.

A great place to begin is Old St Paul’s, a beautifully preserved wooden cathedral built in the 1860s. Constructed entirely from native timbers such as kauri and rimu, its warm golden glow and intricate stained-glass windows create a stunning atmosphere. Although it no longer serves as the city’s main cathedral, it remains one of Wellington’s most cherished heritage buildings and is still used for concerts and special events.

Just a short walk away, you’ll find New Zealand’s Parliament Buildings, including the famously distinctive Beehive. Completed in the 1970s, its circular, beehive-like design has become one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks. You can take a free guided tour to learn about New Zealand’s political system, see where decisions are made, and even discover how the buildings are protected against earthquakes using advanced base-isolation technology.

Explore Wellington’s Museums and Cultural Attractions

Te Papa Tongarewa, New Zealand’s national museum

If you prefer to uncover the city’s past through exhibitions and storytelling, Wellington’s museums offer an incredible insight into the nation’s heritage and creativity.

A must-visit is the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, the country’s national museum and one of the top-rated Wellington attractions. Te Papa, meaning “Container of Treasures” in Māori, draws more than 1.5 million visitors a year and is regularly ranked among the world’s best museums. Highlights include the powerful Gallipoli: The Scale of Our War exhibition, created with Weta Workshop, and the interactive Nature zone, where you can experience an earthquake simulator and learn about New Zealand’s unique wildlife. Entry is free, and you could easily spend several hours exploring its six fascinating floors.

For something a little more local, the Wellington Museum on the waterfront offers a captivating look at the city’s maritime history and quirky cultural evolution. Housed in an elegant 19th-century Bond Store, it’s smaller and more intimate than Te Papa but packed with charm. The Time Machine exhibit takes visitors through centuries of Wellington’s growth, while The Attic explores myths, legends, and eccentric characters that have shaped the capital’s creative spirit.

Take a Scenic Walk

The golden sands of Oriental Bay on Wellington’s waterfront

Many people fall in love with Wellington thanks to its incredible waterfront walks. You have plenty to choose from, but two that instantly spring to mind are the Wellington Waterfront, where you will not only be able to take in the incredible view, but also see some public art and find somewhere to settle down for dinner too. 

If you’d rather be closer to the sand, Oriental Bay is Wellington’s beloved city beach and a local favourite on sunny days. With golden sand imported from Golden Bay, it has a surprisingly tropical feel despite being only minutes from the city centre. You can take a leisurely stroll along the promenade, swim in the calm harbour waters, or simply sit back and enjoy a gelato from one of the nearby kiosks. As evening falls, it’s also one of the best places in Wellington to watch the sunset over the harbour — the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring.

Get Up Close With Native Plants and Animals

Wellington Zoo, New Zealand’s oldest zoo

As well as boasting a beautiful natural landscape of its own, if you really want to get up close and personal with a variety of animals and plant life, then being in Wellington gives you plenty of chances to do this, too. 

First, you can visit Wellington Botanic Garden, which you can reach via the Cable Car. This may sound like just a garden, but we promise it has plenty of incredible plant life for you to see and learn more about. 

For fans of fur, feathers, and scales, Wellington Zoo is a great spot. Here, you will find a variety of animals, not only from the local ecosystem but also from much wider afield too. If more local wildlife is what interests you, then you can also visit Zealandia Te Mara a Tane, which is a unique urban ecosanctuary and is home to native wildlife too.

Treat Your Taste Buds

The quirky Bucket Fountain on Cuba Street

Of course, it wouldn’t be a city summary without thinking about the amazing places to eat and drink in the area. Luckily for foodies, Wellington is known to have more eateries per capita than New York City (and if you know your cities, that may come as somewhat of a surprise).

Not only are there a huge number of restaurants that you can choose to eat at, but if you want something more casual, then you can also check out one of the many cafes throughout the city and sample a variety of cuisines, all without having to travel far afield. 

A must-visit for foodies is Cuba Street, Wellington’s creative and culinary hub. This lively strip is packed with quirky cafés, artisan restaurants, and street art, making it the perfect place to grab a bite and soak up the city’s bohemian energy. Don’t miss the iconic Bucket Fountain, a playful kinetic sculpture that’s been splashing pedestrians since the 1960s.

Venture Further Out From the City

The Weta Cave in Miramar, a must for movie fans

Whilst there is more than enough to see and do in Wellington, if you are feeling that you want to venture even further out and see more that the country has to offer, then the good news is that Wellington is close to other popular spots and they are easy enough to travel out to. 

If you are a fan of sampling the best grapes of the area, then the wineries in Martinborough may be a good addition to your list. Or, if you want to see New Zealand away from the city streets of Wellington, you can head out into the amazing natural landscape that makes New Zealand as special as it is. 

If you’re a film fan, a short trip to Miramar to visit the Weta Cave is well worth it. This is the home of the world-famous Weta Workshop, known for creating movie magic for The Lord of the Rings and Avatar. You can explore film props, miniatures, and even take a behind-the-scenes tour to see how some of cinema’s most iconic worlds were brought to life.

Make Your Move to Wellington with Pinnacle Removals

As you can see, Wellington has so much to offer, making it a fantastic choice for anyone looking to start a new life abroad. Thinking about making New Zealand your new home? Take a look at our comprehensive guide on moving to New Zealand for everything you need to know before making the move.

Of course, relocating anywhere, especially across the world, can feel daunting, but that’s where we can help. Get in touch with Pinnacle Removals to learn more about our dedicated New Zealand moving service. Our experienced team takes care of every stage of your move, ensuring your belongings arrive safely and your relocation runs smoothly from start to finish.