Wellington Vacation & Tourism Guide
photo by Mike & Jackie
The capital city of New Zealand, Wellington is a wonderful destination for the adventure traveler. This is the place where a classic fantasy series came to life, and it's no surprise why - rolling hills, spectacular beaches and soaring mountains all exist seamlessly in the same area. But you don't have to be a Hobbit to enjoy the pleasant temperatures and sunny skies in this city. Mountain biking, hang gliding and wind sailing are some favorite outdoor activities, and there are over 300 restaurants and cafes for visitors to enjoy the night life.
Great Recommendations from Real Travelers
1. Bolton Hotel
Real Traveler Rating: 4.7 out of 5 based on 43 reviews from 2 sources
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1. Cuba Street
Cuba Street is downtown's creative quarter with its eclectic array of old and new shops, galleries, restaurants, bars and cafes and slightly rundown aura. It is named after the New Zealand Company ship Cuba that arrived with so... more
Real Travelers who've been to Cuba Street
Nick&Suzy in Windy Welly said
… shopping area, Cuba Street and Lampton Quay and after that we went to the cinema to see 'how to loose friends and alienate people… continue reading »
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2. Mount Victoria
The high point on Wellington's Southern Walkway, Mount Victoria, easily accessible by foot or vehicle, is undoubtedly the capital city's favorite lookout. Popular with the tourists for its spectacular bird's-eye view of the cit... more
Real Travelers who've been to Mount Victoria
kate_and_steve in The Windy City said
… before heading to a viewpoint on Mount Victoria looking over the harbour. We stumbled upon a filming location for LOTR, a grove… continue reading »
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3. Karori Wildlife Sanctuary
The Karori Wildlife Sanctuary is an ambitious 250 hectare project intended to restore and protect native flora and fauna within the city environment. A ground-breaking fence to deter predators has been especially designed and c... more
Real Travelers who've been to Karori Wildlife Sanctuary
Jamie and Tal in Plimmerton said
… After the drama with our car, we left Wellington City and drove to the Karori wildlife sanctuary, 3km west of town… continue reading »
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4. Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
Te Papa Tongarewa, Museum of New Zealand, is a fitting testament to the nation's heritage and storehouse for some of the country's most precious treasures. Te Papa celebrates the unique multicultural nature of New Zealand throu... more
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5. Te Papa
Te Papa Cafe in the Te Papa Museum is great for a quick drink. Located on Level 1 the place also offers Barista coffee, teas and beverages. They also serve beers and wines, in this spacious and contemporary styled cafe. The atm... more
Real Travelers who've been to Te Papa
Katie W in Wellington said
… Had a long bus ride from Taupo to a very windy Wellington. A couple of us went to the Te Papa museum, mainly because… continue reading »
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6. Cable Car
Real Travelers who've been to Cable Car
Ralph Beth Downunder in Wellington said
… sights. We saw the Botanical Gardens, rode the Cable Car, saw the Parliament Buildings and St. Paul's Cathedral.… continue reading »
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7. World
Real Travelers who've been to World
It's A Beautiful World in Chocolate Fish Café & the Cook Straight said
… to date library I’ve had access to anyway in the world. This means I might get to use the most up to date computer books… continue reading »
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8. Te Papa Tongarewa
Te Papa Tongarewa, Museum of New Zealand, is a fitting testament to the nation's heritage and storehouse for some of the country's most precious treasures. Te Papa celebrates the unique multicultural nature of New Zealand throu... more
Real Travelers who've been to Te Papa Tongarewa
BGilly in Day 120 - Back To Te Papa said
… to go out. The weather was not really good so I went back to Te Papa Tongarewa to finish off what I didn’t do last time… continue reading »
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9. Exploring Wellington
Real Travelers who've been to Exploring Wellington
tonka in Wellington said
… of tourists appear from nowhere.It was a nice day to explore Wellington . The harbour area is pretty with exspensive looking… continue reading »
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10. Bluenote
This bar and night club of some years standing is centrally located in the heart of the Cuba Street entertainment district. Bluenote specializes in live performances including local rhythm & blues, reggae and funk musicians. Po... more
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1. Boulcott Street Bistro
This top-class restaurant, situated in an 1870s colonial house, exudes an intimate, relaxed and friendly ambience. Spacious but intimate dining and bar facilities are offered, as well as an attic room suitable for small private... more
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2. Roxburgh Bistro
This small, elegant, friendly, award-winning restaurant catering for sophisticated tastes is a must for romantics. The decor and old villa atmosphere will remind you of times gone by as you think about times to come. The dishes... more
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3. Casino (Il)
Il Casino is a top-class restaurant that has been offering outstanding Italian food with impeccable service since 1976. Both formal and semi-formal surroundings - a garden conservatory and pizzeria - provide choice for diners.... more
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4. Sakura Restaurant
One of Wellington's few authentic fully licensed Japanese restaurants. This is an excellent and peaceful choice for those wanting to try Japanese food for the first time. This classy restaurant features rice paper screens, wood... more
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5. Shed 5
Shed 5 is a stylish upmarket seafood restaurant and bar situated in a painstakingly restored wharf woodshed built in 1888. Enjoy the seascapes from the big windows and the spacious wood surroundings. There is a formal dining se... more
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6. Tinakori Bistro
Tinakori Bistro is a classic intimate white tablecloth and wood restaurant with a garden at the back and a private room for functions. The fabulous food such as Roasted Herb Infused Lamb served with Kumara Cake or Roasted Chic... more
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7. Maria Pia's Trattoria
Housed in an old villa, slightly off the beaten track in historic Thorndon, this eatery is small, friendly and worth the hunt. It serves an excellent seasonal menu. Garden seating, open fires in winter, moderate prices and frie... more
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8. Francois
Francois restaurant has developed a reputation well beyond its size. Situated in a classic whitewashed colonial building, it attracts a business crowd from the surrounding office blocks, especially for lunch and local apartment... more
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9. Maranui Surf Life Saving Cafe
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10. Pravda Cafe
Well-known Wellington priest and culinary expert, Father Des Britten, recommends it any time. The dark wood interior, crowded tables, waiters in white aprons, split-levels and indoor and outdoor seating are reminiscent of a cla... more
Top Rated Wellington Trips
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Half a day for NZ's capital...it was probably enough | May 31 10'
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Monday 31st May 2010 It was in the afternoon that we left River Valley and so it was not until the evening that the Kiwi Experience bus pulled int... Continue reading »
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Bingo in the bar with Sea Lion's on the shore......... | Feb 17 10'
"a magic museum, seal colony, bingo!! and some top notch hospitality from Katherine's mum"
from us both... Day 18-19 was our proper visit to Wellington and a chance for the city to shine. Alas, the weather was pretty grey and rainy - so... Continue reading »
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Wet and windy Wellington | Jan 31 10'
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Hi, It is 18.25 on the 1st Feb local time. When we arrived here yesterday it was very cold and windy and the sea was grey and rough and we h... Continue reading »
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The flight of the kiwi... | Feb 10 10'
"We followed the hot air from NZs parliament with a cool walk by Wellington's stunning waterfront"
(first off, we know the photo's have been thin on the ground recently - that is purely access restrictions, we can assure you that the actual tally... Continue reading »
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Wellington | Feb 17 10'
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Wednesday 17th February, set off for Wellington today. The weather not so good, travelled most of the way in the rain. On arrival found our apartme... Continue reading »
