Wellington Tourist Attractions

Location: Southwestern tip of North Island

Language: English, Maori

Best Time to Visit: November to April

Time Zone: NZST (UTC+12)

Driving Side: Right side

Main Attractions: Te Papa Museum, Wellington Cable Car Museum, Karori Wildlife Sanctuary, St James Theatre & Opera House, Lady Loch Steel Bridge, Coronation Arch & Victoria Park, City Gallery Wellington, Wellington Zoo

 

In case you are looking for a travel haven that offers relaxing boat cruises, tall breathtaking mountains, mesmerizing sports activities, and amazing geothermal geysers, then Wellington is the right place to fly off to. The capital and the third most populous city of New Zealand, Wellington lies on the south-western tip of the North Island on Cook Strait that divides the two islands of North Island and South Island. Apart from the plethora of sightseeing attractions, Wellington has numerous cultural activities as well to keep you on the move. For all foodies, the gorgeous city has plenty of restaurants serving scrumptious and stupefying cuisines from across the world. What’s more, Wellington is sure to keep you fit and fine as it has enough attractions that can be explored on foot. Surf through the following lines to know the different places to see and things to do in Wellington.

 

 

Undoubtedly, the Te Papa museum is the city’s latest and largest attraction. The national museum of New Zealand, Te Papa Tongarewa is broadly translated as “the place of treasures on this land”. Visit the museum to witness multimedia and interactive displays showcasing the country’s history. Check out how New Zealand was created. Apart from this, the museum also gives out an opportunity to explore the culture and people of the place, concepts of unified collections, and diversity and multidisciplinary collaboration.

 

Drive a few minutes from downtown Wellington and you will land up at another incredible destination - ZEALANDIA: The Karori Sanctuary. This is New Zealand’s award-winning eco-attraction, which houses some of the rarest and extraordinary wildlife. Spread across 225 hectares of regenerating forests, you get an opportunity to view some tuatara and other native species in their natural habitat. Retreat yourself at the Rata Café set amidst the sanctuary.

 

Considered to be a symbol of Wellington, the Cable Car is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. Running from Lambton Quay, the main shopping street, to Kelburn, a suburb in the hills overlooking the city, the cars provide some remarkable and awe-inspiring views of Wellington. But this is just the beginning. Your ride will continue past the Kelburn Park to the top of Upland Road, where you get to see the Lookout, Carter Observatory, Planetarium and Cable Car Museum. Capture some of the magnificent views of the busy Wellington district below. For a return trip, you can either opt for the cable car or stroll down through the gardens and historic Bolton Street cemetery landing onto the road across the Parliament.

 

You’ll regret going back home without visiting the marvelous and stunning Parliament Buildings. So, make sure that you include the beautiful buildings in your Wellington travel itinerary. The complex, located in the historic suburbs of Thorndon, comprises of three architecturally distinctive buildings - the Edwardian neo-classical Parliament House, the Victorian Gothic Parliamentary Library and the unique Beehive Building. Resided in these buildings are the Executive Wing, Debating Chamber, Speaker’s Office, Visitors’ Center and committee rooms.

 

For those seeking seclusion and peace, the Cuba Street is your pick. Unlike the hectic and expensive Willis Street and Lambton Quay, this pedestrian precinct is far more relaxing yet tempting. More of a bohemian area, the Cuba Street has a wide array of cafes, op-shops, small fashion stores, art galleries, boutiques, and music shops. Enough to keep you occupied, right! While at Cuba Street, do not miss to catch a glimpse of the remnants of the once-famous “Mid-Cuba” or Vivian Street, better known as Wellington’s red light district that, once witnessed prostitutes, strip clubs, peep shows and gay bars.