The top 11 activities in Wellington
Wellington's many attractions, along with its clean air, hospitable locals, picturesque scenery, dining options, retail stores, and globally renowned craft beers, make it a great place to visit. Along with having some of the best sauvignon blanc in the world, it is also the home of the Lord of the Rings. Take full advantage of your trip by choosing from our list of the top 11 things to do in Wellington.
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| The Top 11 things to do in Wellington |
1. The Museum of New Zealand, Te Papa Tongarewa
What's that? A free museum by the waterfront that's a great place to start when visiting Wellington.
Why leave? It holds several exhibitions at once, such as a display on the Treaty of Waitangi, the skeleton of the well-known racehorse Phar Lap, and extensive anthropological collections examining the Maori culture and environment before colonization. Additionally, there are constantly rotating exhibitions featuring everything from fine art to New Zealand fashion and design.
2. The Zealand
What's that? A 225-hectare urban wilderness area that its guardians are working to bring back to its natural state.
Why leave? to observe the state of the world before the arrival of humans. According to Zealandia 500-year conservation plan, native birds, reptiles, and amphibians must be kept safe from predators and introduced species for them to flourish. Take one of the guided or self-guided tours—including night and kid-friendly tours—to explore this urban wilderness.
3. Studio Tour at Weta
What's that? A comprehensive exploration of the design and special effects studio responsible for creating the props, weapons, costumes, and vehicles from films such as District 9, Bladerunner, Cleverman, The Hobbit, and the Lord of the Rings series.
Why leave? Cinema enthusiasts should not miss Weta's studio tours. Transportation to and from central Wellington is required for this fascinating two-and-a-half-hour experience.
4. Fogg and Fix
What's that? A tiny store producing superior peanut butter.
Why leave? This peanut butter isn't your typical kind. Although they do make decently smooth and extra crunchy peanut butter that you can eat on toast or carry home in jars, why take chances when you can get peanut butter that has been infused with smoke and chili powder? A jar of peanut butter combined with chocolate is a must-have, as is another type that promises to transform even the most basic white loaf into fruit bread.
5. Pidgin with salt
What's that? A modest suburban eatery that supports locally grown, fresh food.
Why leave? Many of Wellington's culinary attractions are concentrated around the harbor, but visiting the Salty Pidgin for dinner is well worth making the trek outside of the city center. Anticipate a significant amount of seafood on the menu, and try not to take the designated driver's seat so you can sample the local wines by the glass.
6. Markets by the Harbor
What's that? A Sunday food truck convoy that gathers near the water and is well-liked by both locals and visitors.
Why leave? It's time to take on the role of mayor of Snack City and order up everything from chimney cakes, jerk chicken, dumplings, and Dutch pancakes to Chilean hot pockets. After you've filled your bags with fresh produce from the fruit and vegetable stalls.
7. The Garage Project
What's that? A craft brewery producing some of New Zealand's most inventive and delicious beers—which is saying something in a nation known for its hops and beer production.
Why leave? Should you consider yourself a beer enthusiast, the name Garage Project ought to set your alarm bells ringing. Take a seat in the heavily timbered craft beer bar and get ready to taste a variety of flavors that would make Willy Wonka proud.
8. Ortega Fish Shack
What's that? a wildly popular fish shack featuring seafood that is even fresher than it looks.
Why leave? There are residents of Wellington Harbour who claim that the water is so pure you can eat mussels right off the rocks. We suggest going for the next best thing instead of testing this theory: a seafood dinner at Ortega, the city's most popular fish shack. Though it may be decorated with vintage nautical paintings, the food on your plate showcases the best products that can be sourced from the pristine waters of New Zealand, so don't be fooled by the kitschy decor.
9. Zoo Wellington
What's that? An enormous, carbon-neutral zoo (bravo, Mother Earth!).
Why leave? Thanks to the domestic rescue chickens that roam the zoo, your visit to Wellington Zoo will cover both the most common and exotic animals in the world. Along with international attractions like the capybara (the largest rodent in the world, native to Central America), gibbons, and giraffes, New Zealand is home to endemic birds and wildlife.
10. The Embassy Theatre
What's that? A theater with stunning architecture from the 1920s.
Why leave? See a film in The Grand Theatre at Embassy's movie theater to revive movie night as a memorable event. Before the opening credits have rolled, you'll be living the Great Gatsby lifestyle thanks to the magnificent design of the 1920s. With a drink in hand, enjoy an additional Art Deco hit in the Black Sparrow Bar's pocket-sized cinemas, if that's more your style.
11. The Cable Car in Wellington
What's that? The most charming way to get fantastic views of the city.
Why leave? You can travel from Wellingtons downtown to Kelburn Lookout, which is near the Botanic Gardens, via the Wellington Cable Car. From there, you can take in the views all the way to the harbor, stroll through the gardens on your way back downhill, or take the funicular railway to your starting point.