Wellington’s compact city centre sits between the harbour and steep hills. The waterfront is an easy starting point for Te Papa, a walk towards Oriental Bay and lunch in town. From there you can head uphill for the views or make time for the bush at Zealandia and the film workshops in Miramar.
Start at the water
Make Te Papa your first stop if you’ve never been. It’s easy to spend a few hours here, especially with children. Give yourself time for the galleries you came to see and check what’s on before you go. From the museum, follow the waterfront round to Oriental Bay for a short outdoor leg. If the wind has picked up, cut it short and head inland for lunch. Te Papa visitor information
Te Papa’s Māori and Pacific collections and its changing exhibitions can each anchor a visit. Entry is free for New Zealanders and people living in New Zealand, and for international visitors under 16. International visitors aged 16 and over need a museum ticket. Check the museum’s visitor page for current pricing and exhibitions.
Ride up, walk down
Take the Cable Car from Lambton Quay and have a look back over the city from Kelburn. If you’ve got time and the weather suits, walk down through the Botanic Garden. Allow extra time for children or anyone who prefers to take downhill paths slowly. On a clear day, Mount Victoria gives you a different perspective, with the airport and outer harbour easier to pick out. Choose one lookout if the day is already full. Cable Car
Choose Zealandia or Wētā for your second half-day
At Zealandia, walk slowly and listen before looking up. You’ll get more out of the valley if you allow time to stop where there’s bird activity. A guided visit is worth comparing if you want help identifying what you’re seeing. Over in Miramar, Wētā Workshop is a better fit if you’re curious about how armour, props and creatures are made for the screen. Check the tour options and book a time that leaves room for travel across town. Zealandia tours · Wētā Workshop tours
Where to stay and how to fit it in
Hotel Waterloo is an easy budget base if you’re coming by train. Travelodge Wellington puts you closer to the central city and Lambton Quay. For one day, choose Te Papa and the Cable Car, then walk the waterfront if you still have the legs for it. With a second day, put Zealandia or Miramar first and use the afternoon for whichever part of town you missed.
For coastal and countryside day trips, see the Wellington region guide.
The Wellington Cable Car climbing towards Kelburn. Takeshi Aida / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0.