Wellington Travel Guide
Weather, best time to visit, and the best food, culture, nature and activities.
Typical prices
- Budget mealNZ$16.00≈ $9.22
- Mid-range mealNZ$32.00≈ $18.45
- CappuccinoNZ$5.00≈ $2.88
- Domestic beerNZ$9.00≈ $5.19
- Taxi (per km)NZ$3.00≈ $1.73
- Public transport ticketNZ$2.50≈ $1.44
- Museum entryNZ$20.00≈ $11.53
- Mid-range hotel (night)NZ$180.00≈ $103.76
Food & Drink
- Ortega Fish ShackSeafood · $$$
Popular seafood restaurant on Cuba Street known for its blackboard-listed daily catch and lively courtyard.
- Fidel's CafeCafe · $$
Long-running Cuba Street cafe decorated with Cuban revolutionary memorabilia, a local breakfast institution.
- Logan BrownContemporary New Zealand · $$$$
Fine-dining restaurant in a converted 1920s banking chamber, known for its whitebait fritters and paua ravioli.
- Ekim BurgerBurgers · $
Small local burger chain popular for its lamb and beetroot burger and vegetarian options.
- Field & GreenNew Zealand/Bistro · $$
Casual bistro on Woodward Street known for its rotisserie chicken and seasonal side dishes.
- Garage Project Tap Room
Taproom of the acclaimed Wellington craft brewery, pouring experimental and seasonal beers on-site.
- San Fran
Live music venue and bar on Cuba Street hosting local and touring bands most nights.
Culture & History
- Te Papa Tongarewa
New Zealand's national museum on the waterfront, covering Maori culture, natural history, and a giant colossal squid specimen, free entry.
- Weta Workshop
Behind-the-scenes tour of the special-effects studio behind Lord of the Rings and other major films, showing props and creature design.
- City Gallery Wellington
Contemporary art gallery in Civic Square hosting rotating exhibitions of New Zealand and international artists.
- The Roxy Cinema
Art Deco-style boutique cinema in Miramar with a Weta Workshop-designed lobby celebrating Wellington's film industry.
- Wellington Sevens (or CubaDupa)
CubaDupa street festival takes over Cuba Street with music, art, and performance stages each summer.
- Wellington Waitangi Day events
Waterfront celebrations marking New Zealand's founding treaty, with kapa haka performances and stalls.
Nature & Outdoors
- Oriental Bay Beach
Sandy city beach along the waterfront promenade, popular for swimming and sunbathing within walking distance of downtown.
- Lyall Bay
Beach popular with surfers near the airport, known for consistent waves for beginners and longboarders.
- Mount Victoria
Forested hill above the city with a summit lookout offering panoramic views over the harbor, also used as a filming location for Lord of the Rings.
Active & Fun
- City Fitness Wellington
Large central gym with weights, cardio, and classes, popular with both locals and visitors.
- Freyberg Pool
Waterfront public pool complex at Oriental Bay with an indoor heated pool and views over the harbor.