Wellington City Itinerary
In the morning...
- Option 1
Start your day by checking out Wellington's café culture, with breakfast at one of the city's many cafés. To get your bearings, take the Cable Car from the heart of Lambton Quay. At the top, you'll be treated to breathtaking views over the city and harbour. Make the return journey through Wellington's beautiful Botanic Garden, famous for its lovely roses, and enjoy lunch at the café.
- Option 2
Head to historic Thorndon to soak up the atmosphere of Wellington's oldest suburb, with its historic homes, galleries and antique shops. Visit the birthplace of New Zealand writer Katherine Mansfield, the gothic-style Old St Paul's church, and the Colonial Cottage Museum.
- Option 3
Take a free tour of Parliament Buildings, and find out about New Zealand's political powerhouse. Make your way down to Wellington's waterfront and enjoy lunch at Queen's Wharf, with its harbour view eateries.
In the afternoon...
- Option 1
After lunch, visit Wellington's Museum of City and Sea at the historic Bond Store on Queen's Wharf, then join the locals for a stroll along Oriental Parade and watch the windsurfers tackling the waves at Oriental Bay.
- Option 2
Spend the rest of the day discovering New Zealand's land, people and culture at Te Papa, the country's dynamic national museum.
- Option 3
Visit Wellington Zoo, just a short trip on the No 10 bus from downtown. The zoo's natural habitats showcase native wildlife including the kiwi and tuatara, as well as exotic Sumatran tigers.
- Option 4
Enjoy a guided tour to the wildlife sanctuary of Matiu Somes Island in Wellington's scenic harbour.
At night...
- Option 1
Dine at one of the superb eateries in Wellington's key restaurant precinct, Courtenay Place. Afterwards, sample the nightlife in the bars and clubs, where live entertainment ranges from jazz to comedy.
- Option 2
After dinner, catch a show at one of the many professional theatre companies in and around this popular entertainment precinct. 
Getting there Most of Wellington's sights are within easy walking distance. The yellow City Circular buses stop off at most of the city's key spots, including Te Papa, Parliament, Courtenay Place, the Cable Car and Queen's Wharf. The buses run every 10 minutes on weekdays from 7.30am-6pm, Saturdays from 9am-6pm and Sundays and public holidays from 9.50am-6pm. A single flat fare of $2 (adult) pays for a circuit or part-circuit.
Order your free Jasons 'Wellington What's On' guide (published quarterly).