Discover Wellington
Summer promises long evenings, delicious food and exciting events. Discover all this and more in Wellington.
As summer arrives in the capital, so do some of the country’s premier events including the dynamic NZI International Sevens and the inspiring New Zealand International Arts Festival.
Be part of the action, book your Wellington holiday today. Home to more than 300 cafes, bars and restaurants, the capital is famous for its flavour and variety. You can discover some of the city’s 
culinary delights with Zest Food Tours, as they take you behind-the-scenes of top cafes, restaurants and gourmet food stores, or sample some of the city’s boutique beers on a Wild About Wellington tour.
You won’t need to look far to find fantastic coffee in Wellington. The city runs on caffeine, with many cafes even roasting their own beans onsite. Top picks include Havana (which can be found at Fidels café in the upper Cuba quarter), or Mojo, which has six coffee cartels around the city.
Or try a Wellington specialty – a sumptuous gelato from Kaffee Eis. This local business has three locations; Courtenay Place, Oriental Bay and beside The Lagoon on the waterfront.
Culture vultures will enjoy discovering Wellington’s vibrant arts and culture scene. There’s always something happening, and you’ll find a great variety of museums, galleries and theatres. A must-do is a visit to Te Papa Tongarewa, the country's bold and innovative national museum. Set aside some time to see its ever-changing flagship exhibition Toi Te Papa Art of the Nation, which captures the richness of New Zealand's artistic heritage.
A short walk away across the City to Sea Bridge is the City Gallery, which boasts an exciting array of exhibitions from local and international artists. For something a little different, visit Popup Gallery on Ghuznee Street. You’ll find artist t-shirts, urban toys, bags, and books. All of these goodies share a common theme - they’re limited editions.
When it comes to cultural experiences, there is always something happening, from live bands to ballet and theatre. Downstage Theatre, in the Courtenay quarter, produces a fresh mix of quality New Zealand work, innovative classics and international favourites.
Wellington’s downtown area is incredibly compact, making it easy to discover its magic on foot. Those with a penchant for shopping will be spoilt for choice, with hundreds of stores crammed into two kilometres. Look out for top local labels Robyn Mathieson, Starfish and Andrea Moore.
Time to refuel? Pick up some fresh produce from Moore Wilson on Tory Street, and head to the green spaces for a picnic. A favourite spot is the Wellington Botanic Garden, which can be reached by taking the iconic Cable Car. Or visit the Karori Sanctuary, just a 10 minute drive from downtown Wellington. This world-first conservation attraction is an inspiring place to visit and learn about New Zealand's unique wildlife.
After a day packed with shopping, gallery hopping, dining, drinking and exploring, good accommodation is a must. Wellington covers the full spectrum, including stylish boutique and five-star hotels, well-appointed hostels and luxurious bed and breakfasts. Try out the Mercure Hotel Willis Street for a touch of style in the heart of the city. Located in Wellington’s funky Cuba quarter, this full service hotel is only a short stroll to the city 
centre, cafés, shopping and the nearby theatre district.
More Information
- Wellington Travel Guide - Browse our Jasons Wellington Travel Guide for the latest information on Wellington including great travel features, accommodation, hot deals and things to see and do.
- Jasons Guides - Order your free copy of Jasons Lower North Island RoutePlanner and Jasons Wellington What’s On.
- Positively Wellington Tourism, call 0800 WEEKEND (0800 933 5363).