2025 Wellington Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

It our second time to Wellington, New Zealand. Aside from city walk, we also visited Scorching Bay and found it to be a peaceful escape from the city’s buzz. This serene beach, with golden sands and crystal-clear waters, is perfect for a leisurely walk or a quiet afternoon with a book 📖 The nearby café ☕️ served some of the best coffee we’ve had, and the laid-back vibe made it a hidden gem. I’d recommend going early in the morning to catch the sunrise ☀️ 📍Scorching Bay Beach, Karaka Bay Road, Miramar, Wellington 6022 We explored the charming Holloway Road Walkway, tucked away in the Aro Valley. The trail leads through lush greenery, showcasing Wellington’s natural beauty without the crowds. Along the way, we stumbled upon remnants of an old quarry and native birdlife, which felt like stepping back in time. I’d recommend this for anyone who loves tranquil hikes 🏔️ 📍 Holloway Road Walkway, Aro Valley, Wellington 6021 We also visited Wrights Hill Fortress, a lesser-known historical site. This World War II-era structure is fascinating, with underground tunnels and stories of Wellington’s military past. Exploring the fortifications gave us a unique perspective on the city’s history. I’d recommend checking their schedule for guided tours to get the most out of the visit. 📍 Wrights Hill Fortress, Wrights Hill Road, Karori, Wellington 6012 We also explored Owhiro Bay Quarry, a hidden coastal area perfect for those seeking rugged landscapes. The dramatic cliffs and crashing waves make it a photographer’s dream 📸 Nearby, we found a secluded spot to sit and take in the scenery. I’d recommend packing a picnic and spending a few hours here. 📍 Owhiro Bay Quarry, Owhiro Bay Parade, Wellington 6023 These hidden gems made our second visit to Wellington feel like an entirely new adventure. I hope this itinerary gives you fresh ideas for your trip! Definitely explore the city then only spend times in the hidden 💎 #newzealandtrip #vacation #trip

The Oatery is hands down the best cafe in all of Wellington. The food is absolutely immaculate, healthy, consistent and affordable. The staff are incredibly calm and friendly, and the relaxing atmosphere makes for a pleasant eating experience. If you are in Wellington, you must visit The Oatery. Their porridge and granola bowls are addictive. I am yet to try other menu items such as their coffee, toast, soups and salads, however I am certain that they are scrumptious. #newzealandtrip #couplestrip #travel

In New Zealand, cherry blossoms usually bloom from mid-September to October. Here are some great places to see cherry blossoms in New Zealand: - Hagley Park, Christchurch: Christchurch is the largest city on the South Island of New Zealand, and Hagley Park is one of the largest parks in Christchurch and one of the most famous places to see cherry blossoms in New Zealand. Every spring, the cherry trees in the park are in full bloom, forming a sea of pink flowers, which is very beautiful. - Cornwall Park, Auckland: Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand, and Cornwall Park is one of the most famous parks in Auckland and one of the most famous places to see cherry blossoms in New Zealand. Every spring, the cherry trees in the park are in full bloom, forming a sea of pink flowers, which is very beautiful. - Wellington Botanic Garden: Wellington is the capital of New Zealand, and Wellington Botanic Garden is one of the most famous parks in Wellington and one of the most famous places to see cherry blossoms in New Zealand. Every spring, the cherry trees in the botanical garden are in full bloom, forming a sea of pink flowers, which is very beautiful.

Wellington "Wellington" 🇳🇿 The small capital of New Zealand. This small, warm and unique capital city is famous for its art, restaurants, and outdoor atmosphere. It is suitable for a vacation. 🎪 Since we had 2 days free, we booked a flight ticket from Auckland 🛫 Wellington. We got a cute ticket price. A short trip was born. There are important landmarks that we visited, which are........🛬 - Wellington Cable Car, a red tram 🚂 running from Lampton Quay Station to Kelburn. There are interesting attractions such as the city viewpoint, botanical gardens, tram museum, observatory and planetarium. The tram runs every 10 minutes. - Cuba Street 🤸🏼♀️ is a chic walking street full of shops, restaurants, bars and cafes. There are also vintage products, record shops, and various art buildings for taking pictures. - Oriental Bay ⛱️ is a center for many restaurants, cafes and shops. People here like to make appointments to relax. Or do activities such as cycling, running, sunbathing or swimming in the sea. - Lambton Quay 🏢 The capital's business center With outstanding sculptures It is popular because it is in the city center. Easy to travel If you want to come alone like us, you can travel. Small town, not crowded, easy to travel. Travel in a slow life, relax, chill ✅ #TravelNewZealand #NewZealand #Wellington

🚏Devonport + Mount Victoria In Auckland CBD, in addition to taking the bus and train, you can also take a ferry for an outing! 📍Downtown Terminal Google this landmark, the boat entrance is right next to it! 🕒Ferry runs every half hour (one way trip takes about ten minutes) 🎫I forgot whether the ticket price was 3 or 4 yuan, I only know that it would be cheaper to use AT card because I used AT card! Although it is only a short ten-minute flight But there is also a canteen on the ship where you can buy coffee, snacks and drinks. There are indoor and outdoor seats. If the weather is good, it is recommended to sit outdoors. You can enjoy the view of CBD from different angles It takes about 10 minutes to walk from Devonport to Mount Victoria. You will pass by many restaurants and Gelato shops on the way! It takes about 20 minutes to reach the top of Victoria Mountain. When you reach the top of the mountain, you will see many red mushroom heads. It's a bit like coming to the world of Super Mario 😆 #foodie #good family destinations #localtravel #familytravel #newzealand

It took us 6 hours drive from roturua to Wellington on a Christmas evening. Lots of places will be closed on Christmas day, we had our buffet dinner in the hotel instead Wellington City Walk / Ride - Beehive (Parliament House) - Wellington Waterfront" Wellington Botanic Garden, Wellington Cable Car (skip the cable car if not too enthusiastic just to ride on it), Cable Car Museum (9.30am-5pm - Free) Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa (10am - 6pm) - It's Free! 55 Cable St, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand Cuba Street walk Had breakfast at the Chocolate Fish Café, Drive along Massey Rd - Massey Memorial, Point Halswell Lighthouse (before getting to the lord of the rings tour) - The Weta Cave (9am - 5.30pm) - bought the ticket through their web site. 1 Weka St, Miramar, Wellington 6022, New Zealand • Weta Studio Tours Combo (2pm) - Adults: $48, Children 6-12 Years: $22, Family (2 adult + 2 children): $125 #celebratewithtrip

There are great little shops upstairs of the Wellington airport for you to choose from clothes to suitcases to food, even a little convenience store!! As I live in the Pacific, I was so excited about the many vending machines that have such a nice range of snacks and drinks. #wellington #airport

Wellington airport was overWELLmington! 😂 get it? This was my first time ever to travel to Wellington, all other previous trips to Nz was to Auckland only so finally seeing a different of NZ was a fresh experience. Not as big as Akl airport but it’s still big compared to my home airport (Fiji) and I couldnt help but admire all the goodies they had at the airport! #travel #airport #wellington #nz

If you're a huge fan of lord of the rings, you would recognize this place as the setting for the "Paths of the dead" scene in Return of the King! This is a MUST VISIT for anyone travelling to the North Island of New Zealand! The rock formation is just out of the world and unreal, looking like a place I've only seen in movies. A truly spectacular ancient rock formation, perfect for photographers to photograph. The walking trails are also properly maintained, allowing visitors to walk the route with ease. Getting here: The nearest city is Martinborough. From the nearest carpark, allow at least 2 hours to return, and remember to take lots of water with you! Its quite a simple hike to reach the main vantage point of the Pinnacle but it's always good to be well prepared! #momentssg #unforgettableexperiences #nationalpark #scenicspotguide

Cape Palliser is a charming lighthouse located in Wairarapa, on the North Island of New Zealand. Interestingly, it is also the southernmost point of the North Island. Make a 253 steps climb to reach the lighthouse and you will be generously rewarded with the magnificent views of the blue seas and the rugged coastline from the top. If you are there during the evening, I recommend you stay till sunset as you will be able to catch a clear unobstructed view of the sun setting beyond the glistening blue seas. You can plan a day trip there from Wellington as it is only about an hour plus drive away from Wellington. #momentssg #newzealand #scenicspotguide

The section of Wellington street in central ( or old town central as they call it now) recently earned the nickname of bullstarp mile. Here you'll find long time and family run local joints that have received nods in the red book because , well, the food is outstanding and it's cheap. Makn's noodle is a personal favorite. The small bowls of wonbton noodle soup amust eat will only set you back a few usd. Go early to avoid the line. Jong you teahousebia a local institution that serves dim #summervacation #beachvacation #hikingtrailsb#hotelstay #urbanexplorer #themeparks#nationalpark#lakes#beaches#infinitypool

joined a 1/2 day tour. its very interesting even though i have not watched the movie before. But a pity that i could not fully enjoy it as im travelling with a toddler. thus my hub finished the tour alone while i have to leave the room as my 2yr old son is a bit too active to participate. recommend not to bring young kids . visited some places thats we could have drove ourselves thus a bit time wasting. prefer to have the whole tour covering the making of movies and exploring lord of the ring scenes. nevertheless, it was still a good experience. This is an absolute trip everyone should attend. The tour guy, Grant, was very friendly and 100% full of knowlegge of the scenes. We were surprised about how Weta workshop has been working and what they had achieved in film products and computer special effects. We do recommend people to join this trip. #summervacation

I always love a trip on a cable car and the Wellington funicular was a great way to get up to the Gardens. It's only a short, five minute journey and is very reasonably priced. The views from the top are stunning so it's well worth the trip. #wintergetaway #wintergetaway

The National Museum of New Zealand is the largest museum in the Southern Hemisphere, with a rich collection of Maori culture, and the War Pavilion is impressed by its authenticity. And its most prestigious is its interactivity, known as the most interactive museum in the world. There are a lot of interesting projects waiting for visitors to participate. Through interaction, let children know more about nature and understand the world! Bring children here on New Year's Day holiday, there is an unknown magical world waiting for them to open!

｜Itinerary｜ Starting from the city center, the first stop is the Harbourside Market, which is open only on Sundays. Fresh fruits and vegetables and various breakfast trucks surround the harbor. You can sit down with a hot coffee and enjoy the sea breeze. Occasionally, there will be resident performances to accompany you. After eating and drinking, walk to the Te Papa Museum nearby. From natural ecology, Maori culture to war history, the exhibits are interactive and in-depth, and it is worth spending a few hours to explore slowly. ｜Transportation｜ The city center is compact and can be easily reached on foot. We recommend staying in the Wellington CBD area so you can take a leisurely morning walk to coincide with the market opening. ｜Recommendations｜ This is one of the few cities in New Zealand where you can have fun without driving. From the local feel of the vegetable market to the rich knowledge in the museum, it brings people closer to the soul of this capital. Especially recommended for those who like coffee, culture and slow travel, arrange a Sunday to visit Wellington, you will have unexpected gains. #AprilGoodDestinations2025

｜Itinerary｜ Starting at 9 AM, begin your journey from Wellington Station and stroll along Lambton Quay to Cuba Street, passing landmarks such as the Parliament Building, Old St. Paul's Church, and the central shopping district. For lunch, enjoy a simple meal at Moore Wilson’s or a nearby café. In the afternoon, head to the Waterfront and Te Papa National Museum. Conclude your day with a walk up to Mount Victoria Lookout to take in panoramic views of the city and harbor, wrapping up this urban walking tour. ｜Transportation｜ Wellington’s city center is compact, with most attractions within walking distance. If your accommodation is farther from the city, you can take a train to Wellington Station or use the Snapper Card for easy bus travel. Wellington is one of the few cities in New Zealand where you can explore comfortably without driving. ｜Why Recommend｜ Wellington offers a unique blend of cultural vibrancy without overwhelming tourist crowds. Its English-style architecture, artistic details, waterfront promenades, and lively coffee culture create a relaxed rhythm. Unlike the awe-inspiring natural landscapes of the South Island, Wellington provides a more immersive experience. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy slow-paced walking tours, observing local life, and soaking in the design atmosphere.

Visiting Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, my first impression was that it's not very big, but it's very windy. The city's pace is quite relaxed, and the best place to experience this "laid-back yet not boring" vibe is the Wellington Waterfront Walk. This approximately 2-kilometer trail stretches from the city center to the harbor, making it an effortless walk. The highlight is the stunning scenery along the way. The harbor's crystal-clear waters reflect modern buildings and distant mountain views, making it impossible not to keep snapping photos as you go. I started from Civic Square and crossed the slightly whimsical City to Sea Bridge. The bridge features many Maori-style wooden carvings, which seem like guardians of the boundary between the city and the sea. Once on the bridge, the view opens up, and you're greeted by the expansive bay. Right next to the trail is the Te Papa National Museum, which I highly recommend visiting, especially if you're interested in nature and Maori culture. You could easily spend hours exploring this place. As I walked along the trail, I was often drawn to the text on the ground. This is the Wellington Writers Walk, where literary quotes are engraved on stone plaques, making it feel like you're conversing with New Zealand's writers. It instantly awakened my inner book lover. The mid-section of the trail features Frank Kitts Park, a large grassy area where kids play, couples picnic, and others simply sit and gaze at the sea. Nearby, there are cafes and ice cream trucks, making it a perfect spot to take a break. On weekends, street performers add to the lively atmosphere, giving the place a vibrant, local feel. A bit further along is Waitangi Park. If you happen to visit on a Sunday, you can explore the local market here, where you'll find products from local farmers and artists, brimming with regional charm.

#AprilGoodDestinations2025 #NewZealand When you come to Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, how can you miss this green secret place located next to the city center - Wellington Botanic Garden? This botanical garden, which has a history of over 150 years and covers an area of ​​about 25 hectares, not only has a variety of plants and flowers, but is also a rare quiet corner in the city. That day, I took the famous red cable car (Wellington Cable Car) from the city center and slowly climbed to the top of the mountain. The short ride of just a few minutes brought me into a series of postcard-like scenery. The end of the cable car is the high point entrance to the botanical gardens. Walking all the way down from here is the most recommended route. As soon as you enter the botanical garden, you will be greeted by a colorful garden area (Lady Norwood Rose Garden). Thousands of roses are competing for beauty, the air is filled with the faint fragrance of flowers, and there are ducks walking around. It is so cute! I especially like to find a bench here to sit down, bask in the sun, and watch the bees flying among the flowers, as if time has slowed down. Going further, you will pass through a tall native forest trail with dense shade and the sound of birds singing. I was lucky enough to see a naughty Tūī bird. Its shiny feathers shone with a blue-green luster in the sun, which was very cute. It's also a great place to view local wildlife. In addition, the botanical gardens also have greenhouses, sculptures, observation decks, and even overlook the magnificent scenery of the entire Wellington Harbour. If you have enough time, you can also take a break in the cafe in the park and enjoy a glass of Flat White

#AprilGoodDestinations2025 #NewZealand Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush is located in Wilton, a suburb of Wellington. It is the only public botanical garden and forest reserve in New Zealand that focuses on native plants. The park covers an area of ​​approximately 259 hectares, including 100 hectares of native forest and 5 hectares of plant display area, with a collection of approximately 1,200 native plant species, showcasing New Zealand's rich plant diversity. We also saw many local birds, and the ecology was well preserved. 🏞️ Diverse trails and natural landscapes There are several trails in the park, suitable for visitors of different physical abilities and interests: • Circular Walk: A 30-minute circular walk through gardens and forests, suitable for a relaxing stroll. • Nature Trail: self-guided tour, approximately 30 to 40 minutes • Blue Trail: Passes through the dense kohekohe forest and sees 800-year-old rimu trees. It takes about 90 minutes. • Red Trail and Yellow Trail: Challenging forest trails suitable for adventurous visitors. ❗️Reminder: The trail is a bit slippery, remember to wear shoes with good grip

Wellington airport

Amazing views & fresh air

flying out of Wellington

Wellington’s Botanical Garden is a vibrant oasis in the heart of New Zealand’s capital. Spanning 25 hectares, it features native bush, themed gardens, and seasonal floral displays. Ride the iconic red cable car to the top, then wander past exotic trees, colorful tulip beds, and tranquil lily ponds. With sweeping views over the city and harbor, it’s the perfect spot for a peaceful picnic, a scenic walk, or simply soaking up the beauty of nature.#travel #thingstodo #garden#wellington #newzealand #aprilblooms

During my visit to Wellington, my Thai friend from Christchurch and I decided to explore the city together. One of the highlights was hiking up to the Mount Victoria Lookout. We started our walk from Courtenay Place, heading up Majoribanks Street and into the pine forest trails. The hike was a bit steep but manageable, taking around 45 minutes.🚶♀️ Once we reached the summit, we were greeted with breathtaking 360-degree views of Wellington city, the harbor, and the surrounding hills. We took our time soaking in the view and snapping photos—it was the perfect mix of city and nature. If you’re not up for the walk, don’t worry! There’s a car park at the top, and the Number 20 bus can also take you up via Alexandra Road. Whether you're hiking or driving, Mount Victoria Lookout is a must-visit for stunning views and fresh air right in the heart of Wellington. I 🩵 Wellington 🇳🇿 #hiking #newzealandtrip #myitinerary #travel

Located in the center of Wellington, it is conveniently located. The Wellington Cable Car is nearby, making it easy to take and purchase.

During the Qingming Festival, do you want to come to New Zealand to experience the unique southern hemisphere customs? In three days, we will take you to get close to the small animal farm and watch the classic wool shearing show. Come and unlock this New Zealand travel guide! Easy to play, no pitfalls! / New Zealand, located in the South Pacific, has a unique temperate maritime climate. This place is not only a country of thousands of islands, but also known as the wool kingdom. 🏞️Explore the magnificent mountains of the South Island and the welcoming cities of the North Island, and experience the mystery of the filming locations of The Lord of the Rings! / 🌟Route overview:🌟 DAY1: Sky Tower - Hobbiton - Waitomo Glowworm Caves - Lake Rotorua - Government Gardens - Redwood Forest Park Start your journey from the spectacular Sky Tower, travel through the dreamy Hobbiton, and then visit the mysterious Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Afterwards, roam around the tranquil Lake Rotorua, stroll through the Government Gardens, and finally arrive at the Redwood Forest Park to experience the magnificence of nature. DAY2: Agrodome Farm – Waiotapu Geothermal Wonderland – Lake Taupo At Agrodome Farm, you can have close contact with cute animals and enjoy a classic sheep shearing show. Next, explore the magical Wai-O-Tapu thermal wonderland and experience the wonders of nature. Finally, arrive at the picturesque Lake Taupo and enjoy the tranquil scenery of the lake and mountains. DAY3: Mount Victoria - Wellington Parliament House - New Zealand Te Papa National Museum - Oriental Bay Climb up Mount Victoria to enjoy a bird's eye view of the city. Afterwards, visit the majestic Parliament House in Wellington to experience the political atmosphere of New Zealand. Next, visit the Te Papa Museum of New Zealand to learn about its rich history and culture. Finally, we arrived at Oriental Bay and ended our pleasant journey. / **Must-see attractions**: **Waitomo Glowworm Caves ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐** Address: 39 Waitomo Village Road, Waitomo Caves 3977 New Zealand Opening hours: 08:30-17:00 Play time: 2-6 hours Thousands of pearls are reflected in the mirror, green lights are twinkling, this is a dreamlike world of fireflies. Fireflies are more active in summer. Take a boat ride and enjoy the magical journey of light and shadow. **Hobbiton ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐** Address: 501 Buckland Road, Matamata 3472 New Zealand Opening hours: 09:00-17:00 Play time: 3-4 hours It's like stepping into the fantasy world of "The Lord of the Rings", the Hobbit caves and huts, and reliving the classic scenes of the movie. **Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐** Address: 201 Waiotapu Loop Road, Rotorua 3073 New Zealand Opening hours: 08:30-16:30 Play time: 1-2 hours The geothermal wonders, mud pools and colorful hot springs complement each other, and every step is a new scenery. **Agrodome Farm ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐** Address: 141 Western Road, Ngongotahā, Rotorua 3010 New Zealand Opening hours: January 1st - December 24th 09:00-17:00 Play time: 1-2 hours Get up close and personal with cute animals, enjoy the rich farm life in orchards and kiwifruit trees. **Sky Tower ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐** Address: 72 Victoria Street West, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010 New Zealand Opening hours: The hours vary according to the season. Play time: 1-2 hours Auckland's landmark, climb to the top to enjoy the panoramic view of the city and the beautiful scenery. / Travel tips: 1. Visa information: You need to apply for a visa in advance to travel to New Zealand to ensure a smooth and worry-free trip. 😊 2. Food exploration: New Zealand seafood and barbecue are must-try, and there are also local snacks waiting for you to discover! 🍖🦞 3. Climate in March: March is autumn, with moderate temperatures. It is warm and comfortable during the day and a little cool at night. Remember to prepare a coat. 🧥🍂 4. Note for self-driving: New Zealand has good road conditions, but some mountain roads are winding, so you need to drive carefully when self-driving. 🚗🛣️ 5. Local customs: Respect local culture and customs, and communicate with local people in a friendly manner to make your journey more memorable. 🤝🌍 / 🎉The trip to New Zealand is over. I hope these wonderful memories will stay with you for a long time. See you next time, New Zealand! ❤️

Stroll through the streets of Wellington, where you'll find a café every few steps and a gallery around every corner. What else is there to do in Wellington, the "coolest little capital"? A Clash of Style and Color—Cuba Street🌈 Centered around the rainbow crosswalk, this is both a bustling pedestrian street and a hub of art and creativity.🎨 It's home to many small and exquisite vintage shops and record stores, filled with a free and casual atmosphere, and you can occasionally see exciting performances by street artists.🤔 A Foodie Paradise in the City Center—Hannahs Laneway🚪 This food alley, converted from a retro old shoe factory, is also a trendy landmark in Wellington.🉑️ Indulge in local delicacies, pick out souvenirs, and then why not visit the chocolate factory? Don't you want to try the creative and rich chocolate?🍫 Visit the Iconic Building Complex🏢 The complex, composed of the Parliament Buildings, the library, and the beehive-shaped Executive Wing (commonly known as "The Beehive"), is solemn and stately. It is open to the public, with professional guides to provide detailed explanations. The lawn in front is lush and green, so why not sit down and enjoy the gentle breeze and warm sunshine of Wellington?☀️ Immersive Exploration of Zealandia Ecosanctuary🦜 Step into this ecological treasure, home to more than 40 rare native New Zealand animals. Take a leisurely stroll and look for rare animals such as the takahe and the tuatara! Join a night tour for a chance to encounter kiwi birds foraging in the forest.🐦 See the Starry Sky—Carter Observatory🔭 Take the Wellington Cable Car🚠 to the Carter Observatory at the top of the hill. Even if you're not an astronomy enthusiast, you'll fall in love with the starry sky here.🌃 The spacious interior design, various interactive exhibits, and a theater simulating the sky will take you on an immersive journey through the universe.～ The Gentle and Exquisite Wine Country—Wairarapa🍷 Wairarapa is one of New Zealand's famous Pinot Noir regions, renowned worldwide for producing high-quality Pinot Noir wines. It's only an hour's drive from Wellington and is surrounded by more than 20 wineries. Come and savor a glass of local fine wine! Or cycle through the vineyards and enjoy the pleasant scenery. Wairarapa is also a stargazing spot not to be missed.🌌