The city of Wellington is not only one of the main cities of New Zealand, but it is the capital of the country. With a markedly cosmopolitan, alternative, cultural and liberal character, it cannot be missing from your list of essential things to see in New Zealand. If you are planning a getaway to the country, you cannot miss our article on what to see in Wellington!
Located at the southern tip of the North Island, Wellington boasts a unique setting amidst a radiant harbor and deep green hills. His lifestyle gives him a unique charm that makes his visitors feel comfortable, who also seduces with the best of the appetizing cuisine of New Zealand.
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| Wellington New Zealand |
A good part of our team has been able to enjoy living in New Zealand temporarily, and even permanently, and we also have the experience of having sent hundreds of students to the Kiwi country, so we know well what we are talking about... Are you ready to discover our recommendations on what to see in Wellington?
1. Te Papa Tongarewa: the National Museum of New Zealand
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| Wellington New Zealand |
The first of our essential places to see in Wellington is one of the most complete museums you will ever visit. In fact, the visit throughout its six floors can perfectly take you a whole day. Its dynamic and interactive proposal will be so entertaining that you won't even notice!
In Te Papa you will learn everything you need to know about the history and culture of the country thanks to the different collections that the museum exhibits. And if all this were not enough, admission is completely free. What more could you ask for?
2. The Botanical Garden: a haven of peace with spectacular views
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| Wellington New Zealand |
With an area of 25 hectares, the Botanical Garden is a green space located on a hill from which you can enjoy fantastic views of the city, making it one of the essential places to see in Wellington.
During the tour, you will be able to delight yourself with its flowers and plants from all corners of the planet, as well as with truly interesting spaces, such as a Victorian-style greenhouse, a large rose garden or a cemetery with a lot of history. You'll love it!
3. Mount Victoria: one of the best views to see in New Zealand
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| Wellington New Zealand |
The location and the 196 meters high of Mount Victoria make it undoubtedly one of the best viewpoints to see in Wellington, from which you can enjoy spectacular 360-degree views of the city.
You have the option of climbing Mount Victoria on foot (in approximately 35 minutes) or by car (making a 10-minute ride full of curves). One way or another, we assure you that a great reward will be waiting for you at the top, especially if it coincides with the magical lights of sunset.
4. Calle Cuba: the youthful and multicultural spirit of the city
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| Wellington New Zealand |
Cuba Street refers to the most alternative, youthful and multicultural area to see in Wellington, where there is a curious combination of beautiful historic buildings with vintage clothing stores, vinyl records and even natural drugs.
This is a must for fans of Asian cuisine, as here they can find a wide range of restaurants specializing in this type of cuisine. In addition, it has the advantage of being closed to traffic, so you can walk quietly.
5. New Zealand Parliament and the country's political system
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| Wellington New Zealand |
The Parliament of New Zealand is the legislative body of the country, although in its location it stands as a complex made up of a set of four differentiated buildings, among which are the seat of Parliament, the so-called Beehive, the Library of Parliament and the Bowen House.
Here you can learn how the country's political system works, a fact that has fueled the popularity of this building as one of the places to see in Wellington. If you are interested in living this experience, you will like to know that it is not necessary to book to visit it.
6. Space Place: everything you need to know about the universe
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| Wellington New Zealand |
The sixth of our places to see in Wellington is an observatory called Space Place. It has interactive exhibits, a digital planetarium and historic telescopes, and its proposal combines science with Maori mythology.
Here all visitors will be able to understand in a dynamic way the beginning of the universe, and learn to detect the different stars in the skies of the country. For all these reasons, it becomes an essential visit, especially if you are interested in astronomy.
7. Old Bank Shopping Arcade: one of the most popular shopping areas
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| Wellington New Zealand |
The so-called Old Bank of the city is one of the most emblematic buildings to see in Wellington. From the street you can see its majestic and imposing exterior, true to its origins. However, it is its interior that will really surprise you, so we recommend a visit.
The interior space was converted into a leisure space, and today it houses different boutiques and restaurants. However, all of it preserves details typical of its time, such as the clock or the armored door that used to be its protection.
8. Weta Cave: a must see in Wellington for movie lovers
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| Wellington New Zealand |
If you are a movie lover, the Weta Cave is undoubtedly one of your essential places to see in Wellington. Here you can enjoy the work belonging to the special effects, costumes and wardrobe workshop that have given life to such significant characters as those of The Lord of the Rings, the Hobbit or Avatar.
But in addition to knowing all about the characters, the Weta Cave also includes one-of-a-kind interviews with Peter Jackson, and showcases both employee items and some of the characters. Ready to discover all the secrets behind the camera?
9. Wellington Cable Car: the undisputed icon of the city
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| Wellington New Zealand |
Another of the great attractions to see in Wellington is its famous cable car, which from the central Lambton Quay shopping street will take you to the top of the hill to enjoy the Botanical Gardens that we have mentioned above.
These red strollers will be at your disposal from early every morning until late at night. In addition, at the top of the tracks, you can take advantage of to take impressive photos. Do not miss this opportunity!
10. Zealandia: ideal to disconnect from urban life
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| Wellington New Zealand |
Just 10 minutes by car from the city center is the last of our must-see places in Wellington, mainly attractive to those who enjoy nature and rare wildlife, including Kiwis, Tuataras, Kaka and Takahe.
It is the first protected nature reserve, an animal sanctuary where you can walk its perfectly manicured trails listening to the birds sing. Again, we recommend enjoying Zealandia at sunset.