Things to Do in Wellington City

• Museum of New Zealand - Te Papa
  New Zealand's national museum is famous for its interactive exhibitions and cutting-edge technology - take a virtual bungy jump or ride the Time Warp.
• Wellington Cable Car
  One of the few remaining of its type in the world, this Wellington icon runs from Lambton Quay through the leafy suburb of Kelburn and up to the Botanic Garden. There are spectacular views of the harbour and city from the top of the terminus.
• The Botanic Gardens of Wellington
  Walkways lead through 26ha of exotic and native trees and flowers, with more than 100 varieties of roses on display at the Lady Norwood Rose Garden.
• Carter Observatory & Planetarium
  The Carter National Observatory & Planetarium is located in the grounds of the Botanic Gardens of Wellington, and offers daily planetarium shows.
• World of WearableArt Awards
  These annual awards, previously held in Nelson, iare now a highlight on the Wellington cultural calendar with a multitude of creative entries from all over the world.
• Parliament Buildings
  Free tours are available through the architecturally diverse parliamentary buildings, which include the Victorian gothic style library, the Edwardian legislative chambers and the distinctive 1970s Beehive.
• Museum of Wellington City & Sea
  Housed in the historic 1892 Bond Store (customs house), the museum provides a journey through the capital's social and maritime history.
• Karori Wildlife Sanctuary
  A world-first conservation project where a unique protected natural area is being restored. Rare and endangered New Zealand wildlife, including kiwi, saddleback, kaka and weka, have been released inside the 252ha pest-free valley.
• Katherine Mansfield's Birthplace
  Built in 1888, the restored birthplace of this famous New Zealand writer has manuscripts and a detailed history of Mansfield's life, as well as a lovely Victorian heritage garden.
• Wellington Zoo
  Featuring the country's largest habitat exhibit, the Tropical River Trail, and the second largest chimpanzee colony in the Southern Hemisphere.
• National Archives
  A permanent display of New Zealand's founding documents, including the Treaty of Waitangi and the 1893 Women's Suffrage Petition.
• National Library of New Zealand
  The art and history collections of the Alexander Turnbull Library, which specialises in documentary material relating to New Zealand and the Pacific.
• Old St Paul's
  An 1866 Gothic-style church in Mulgrave Street, with carved native timbers in place of the traditional stone arches.
• Kirkcaldie & Stains
  A historic 135-year-old department store stocking exclusive designer brands.
• Mount Victoria
  This landmark lookout point (196m) affords splendid views of the city and harbour, and can be reached along Carlton Gore Street.
• Thorndon Heritage Trail
  This historic suburb contains many of Wellington's fine 19th century villas, including Premier House on Tinakori Road - the Prime Minister's official home. A leaflet is available from Wellington Visitor Centre (101 Wakefield Street).
• Matiu Somes Island
  A scenic reserve offering walking tracks and good views of the city. This former animal quarantine station was originally settled by the first Maori who arrived in Wellington, and was more recently the enforced home of Italian and German interns during the two World Wars.
• City Gallery Wellington
  Located in Civic Square, the gallery features exhibitions of art, architecture and design by major New Zealand artists and international figures. There is a courtyard café on site.
• Capital E
  A children's events centre featuring a theatre, television studio and interactive exhibitions.
• James Smiths Market, 55 Cuba Street
  Retail outlets, foodhall and market offering everything from jewellery, gifts and souvenirs to designer clothing. Home to more than 80 traders and open daily.
• The Wellington Market
  New Zealand crafts and souvenirs with ethnic food shops. Open Thursday to Sunday and public holidays.
• Oriental Parade
  Wellington's beachside promenade is an ideal place for a stroll, winding around the city’s scenic harbour front. There are some excellent seafood restaurants along the parade, and Oriental Bay is just a few minutes from the city centre.
• Vintage Railway
  At Wellington Tramway Museum in Queen Elizabeth Park visitors can ride on one of the city's historic trams, which run along 2km of restored track. The park features a lovely beach frontage, sand dunes, walking tracks and horse treks.