When to visit Wellington: December–February (Southern Hemisphere summer) is the best time for the waterfront and harbor walks, though 'Windy Wellington' lives up to its name year-round
When is the best time to visit Wellington?
Avg Temp
13–20°C
Rainfall
Moderate, ~70mm/month
Best Time
December–February (Southern Hemisphere summer) is the best time for the waterfront and harbor walks, though 'Windy Wellington' lives up to its name year-round
Packing Tips (4)
- Windbreaker regardless of season — the harbor gusts are famous
- Layers since weather can shift within a day
- Comfortable shoes for the steep hillside streets
- Sunscreen for the strong summer UV
What does Wellington cost?
Typical prices
- Budget mealNZ$16.00
- Mid-range mealNZ$32.00
- CappuccinoNZ$5.00
- Domestic beerNZ$9.00
- Taxi (per km)NZ$3.00
- Public transport ticketNZ$2.50
- Museum entryNZ$20.00
- Mid-range hotel (night)NZ$180.00
Local currency: NZD
Food & Drink
Ortega Fish Shack
Popular seafood restaurant on Cuba Street known for its blackboard-listed daily catch and lively courtyard.
Fidel's Cafe
Long-running Cuba Street cafe decorated with Cuban revolutionary memorabilia, a local breakfast institution.
Logan Brown
Fine-dining restaurant in a converted 1920s banking chamber, known for its whitebait fritters and paua ravioli.
Ekim Burger
Small local burger chain popular for its lamb and beetroot burger and vegetarian options.
Field & Green
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.
Cities in New Zealand
Planning Wellington?
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