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.
- 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 gothic-style Old St Paul's church, call into Archives New Zealand and see the original 1840 Treaty of Waitangi before checking out the heritage collections at the National Library of New Zealand.
- 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 the Museum of Wellington at the historic Bond Store on Queen's Wharf, go kayaking on the harbour or take a scenic helicopter flight.
- 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 or 23 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.
- Option 5
Experience New Zealand's rare native wildlife on a guided tour of the Karori Sanctuary.
At night...
- Dine at one of the superb eateries in Wellington's Courtenay Place. Afterwards, catch a show at one of the many professional theatre companies in and around Courtenay Place, listen to a live band or check out one of the many clubs, bars or pubs.
Order your free Jasons 'Wellington What's On' guide (published quarterly).