Wellington City Highlights
Museum of New Zealand - Te Papa Tongarewa
Te Papa is no ordinary museum - and it's quickly become a must-see attraction for visitors to the capital. Exploree the great stories of New Zealand - the land, culture and people. There are one hour guided tours daily - ask at the info desk for departure times. Open every day from 10am to 6pm, Thursdays late until 9pm. Free admission.
Wellington Cable Car
This Wellington icon is a great way to get an overview of the city. The original steam tramway was replaced by the current electrical cable car in 1978, and is now one of the few remaining of its type in the world. Running from the commercial heart of Lambton Quay, it tunnels under the corporate towers of The Terrace and emerges in the leafy hilltop suburb of Kelburn, known for its galleries, craft shops and restaurants. The final stop of the Cable Car is the 610 metre climb to the top of the Botanic Garden, where there are spectacular views over the city and harbour. The city terminus is located at Cable Car Lane, 280 Lambton Quay. Cars run every 10 minutes.
The Botanic Gardens of Wellington
Located at the top of Wellington's famous Cable Car, the city's lovely gardens contain 26ha of exotic and native plants, a begonia house, seasonal floral displays, a sculpture walk and native bush. The highlight is the award-winning Lady Norwood Rose Garden, with some 300 different types of roses bursting into bloom over the summer. Other gardens showcase ferns, rhododendrons, fuchsias, herbs and camellias. Several paths lead back down to the city, winding through native forest, pohutukawa trees and flower beds. Near the Kelburn terminus is the Carter Observatory and planetarium, which has evening telescope viewings on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Open 9am-4pm weekdays, and weekends from September to April.
Parliament Tours
These three buildings form the capital's political and administrative heart. The modernist Beehive, nicknamed for its distinctive beehive shape, was designed by British architect Sir Basil Spence. Next door, the Edwardian neoclassical Parliament House was completed in 1922. The oldest building in the complex is the Victorian gothic Parliamentary Library, designed in 1899 by Thomas Turnball. For those wanting an inside look at the country's political powerhouse, there is a highly entertaining – and free – tour which departs from the visitor centre on the ground floor of Parliament House. Tour highlights include some exquisite architecture and art works, and when parliament is not in session, a look at the Chamber itself. Tours run most days from 9am to 4pm weekdays, 10am to 4pm, Saturdays, and 1-4pm Sundays.
Thorndon Heritage Trail
Just up the hill from Parliament Buildings, this historic suburb is Wellington's oldest and well worth exploring for its fine examples of 19th century wooden houses. On Tinakori Road, the Prime Minister's official home, Premier House, dates back to 1843. Just off Tinakori Road is Ascot Street, with its historic homes. One of New Zealand's oldest pubs, the Thistle Inn (1840), can be found on the corner of Mulgrave Street and Sydney Street East. A copy of the brochure can be picked up from Wellington Visitor Information Centre, 101 Wakefield Street.
Archives New Zealand
Visitors to the archives New Zealand can see the country's national treasures on display, including the country's founding bi-cultural document, the Treaty of Waitingai. The great Maori chief Te Rauparaha signed the treaty twice, in two different locations. There's a also a facsimile of the Women's Suffrage Petition, signed by early campaigner Kate Sheppard. Other galleries contain Maori carvings and tukutuku (woven leather and flax panels) alongside changing exhibitions from local artists. 10 Mulgrave Street, Thordon.
Wellington Zoo
New Zealand's oldest zoo was founded in 1906 and is a world leader in breeding programmes for endangered species. Visitors can walk the Tropical River Trail - the zoo's newest habitat - which leads down a tree-lined path and past free-ranging monkeys. A nocturnal house showcases New Zealand's native wildlife including rare brown kiwi, tuatara (a living relative of prehistoric dinosaurs), giant weta (a massive insect the size of a bird) and the native bat. Exotic animals include the endangered Sumatran tiger, Malayan sun bears, ruffed lemurs and golden lion tamarins. Located in Newtown, about a 10 minute drive from the city. Catch the No 10 or 23 Stagecoach bus to Newtown Park.
Mount Victoria
This iconic mountain (196m) east of the city centre is one of Wellington's best lookout spots, affording spectacular 360º views of the city and harbour, and across to
Hutt Valley and the eastern harbour. Next to the carpark at the top is the Byrd Memorial, honouring US aviator and explorer Richard Byrd - the first man to fly over the South Pole. There are good views from here of the city waterfront and docks, and a short flight of steps leads up to the lookout. Catch the No 20 bus, Monday to Friday, from the train station or Courtenay Place. You can also walk up as part of the Southern Walkway.
City to Sea Walkway
Starting in the heart of central Wellington near Parliament buildings, this walk leads to the Wellington's wild south coast, 12km away. Along the way, you will visit the Botanic Garden, walk through two historic cemeteries, see the famous cable car and Victoria University, explore part of Aro Valley with its historic cottages, and take in 14 parks and reserves. Walkers enjoy spectacular views of central Wellington, and on a clear day, views of the Tararua, Rimutaka and Kaikoura ranges. The walk takes about six hours, and finishes at Island Bay. For a self-guide brochure, contact Wellington Visitor Information Centre, 101 Wakefield Street. Buses are available back to the central city from Island Bay.
Katherine Mansfield's Birthplace
New Zealand's distinguished writer was born at 25 Tinakori Road, in the historic suburb of Thorndon. Famous for her short stories, Mansfield left Wellington for Europe at the age of 19, but spent five years of her childhood at Tinakori Road. The house has been beautifully restored with a lovely heritage garden, while inside there are photographs and excerpts from Mansfield's works, and some fine Victorian antiques and ornaments. The No 14 Wilton bus stops on nearby Park Street. The house is open daily from 10am-4pm.