Some pretty good things to do in Wellington but nothing that absolutely stands out or will you have you talking about for years. Nevertheless there’s enough places to see and visit to keep you busy for a week but 2-3 days should be enough if you’re visiting other places.
Cuba Street – This is where the hipsters and arty farty types hang out and drink coffee from the hipster coffee shops, eat rabbit food at trendy cafes and talk about vinyl, Bob Dylan and whatever else hipsters are into. (Clearly I am not a hipster!) There’s some funky and colourful shops down here and if you’re in the city, Cuba Street should be one of the first things to do in Wellington on your list.
The Wellington Cable Car – 25 years later and I still remember the cable car. It’s one of the most iconic things to do in Wellington and it’s a bit of a crime not to give it a go if you’re there. Running from Lambton Quay to Kelburn, when you get to the top you can check out the Cable Car museum (about as exciting as Northern hemisphere rugby), and the space place at the Carter Observatory. Walk down and through the Botanic Gardens on the way back.
Oriental Bay – Most of wellington’s waterfront is walkable and you’ll find the locals running, taking strolls with the kids and just hanging out at the many cafes, bars or eating ice creams at the many ice cream stands scattered around. You can also cycle, skateboard and don’t need to worry about the fun police here or pretty much anywhere in New Zealand. Oriental Bay is probably the best for swimming but don’t expect crystal clear calm waters anywhere in Wellington.
Zealandia – One of the better things to do in Wellington, Zealandia is a special ecosanctuary that has a goal to restore a valley forest in Wellington as well as freshwater ecosystems back to their original state. It’s over 220 hectares and is a very unique project that’s already seen 18 species of native wildlife back get reintroduced back into the sanctuary. This is not a zoo and is nothing like it, so don’t expect to go there to see hundreds of animals (you can check out more on the Wellington Zoo in Toucan’s Tips For Kids). It’s a special place to be appreciated and one of few in the world that’s truly dedicated to reintroducing endangered species and the environment. Put Zealandia near the top of your list of things to do in Wellington.
Send us any questions or comments you have about things to do in Wellington via email or ask us on twitter.