Freya’s guidebook
Sightseeing
$$-$$$
The immersive Lord of The Rings studio and creative experience, now updated with Thunderbirds memorabilia. This can be accessed by foot (short 5-minute walk) or by car, though parking is limited. Purchase tickets online.
174 locals recommend
The Weta Cave
1 Weka St$$-$$$
The immersive Lord of The Rings studio and creative experience, now updated with Thunderbirds memorabilia. This can be accessed by foot (short 5-minute walk) or by car, though parking is limited. Purchase tickets online.
$$-$$$
The immersive Lord of The Rings studio and creative experience, now updated with Thunderbirds memorabilia. This can be accessed by foot (short 5-minute walk) or by car, though parking is limited. Purchase tickets online.
57 locals recommend
Weta Workshop
21 Camperdown Rd$$-$$$
The immersive Lord of The Rings studio and creative experience, now updated with Thunderbirds memorabilia. This can be accessed by foot (short 5-minute walk) or by car, though parking is limited. Purchase tickets online.
A 20 minute one way trip via Nevay Road and a luscious green walking path. See the quaint cable cars and beautiful east harbour. Scorching bay has lovely soft sand and amazing calm sea for paddling - no swimming though!
24 locals recommend
Scorching Bay Beach
A 20 minute one way trip via Nevay Road and a luscious green walking path. See the quaint cable cars and beautiful east harbour. Scorching bay has lovely soft sand and amazing calm sea for paddling - no swimming though!
A great peaceful beach and cliff walk that takes you to abandoned bunkers from WWII, and on to a historic Pā (first Māori settling place) that’s a perfect spot to witness the Matariki.
10 locals recommend
Breaker Bay
A great peaceful beach and cliff walk that takes you to abandoned bunkers from WWII, and on to a historic Pā (first Māori settling place) that’s a perfect spot to witness the Matariki.
A large nearby beach perfect for families. Catch the East by West commuter ferry from here twice a day.
9 locals recommend
Seatoun
A large nearby beach perfect for families. Catch the East by West commuter ferry from here twice a day.
A scenic walk along Wellington’s south coast, taking you to amazing rock formations, abandoned bunkers, and the occasional seal!
10 locals recommend
Red Rocks Walkway
A scenic walk along Wellington’s south coast, taking you to amazing rock formations, abandoned bunkers, and the occasional seal!
$$
New Zealand's first permanent lighthouse was situated at Pencarrow, now it still stands nearby its lower lighthouse neighbour. Decommissioned, they now form part of a long nature walk home to endangered nesting birds.
Access Pencarrow via the East Harbour. You can drive or catch the commuter ferry to Days Bay from Queens Wharf or Seatoun Wharf. Bikes can be rented from the Bike Shed. Take care of the Wellington wind.
17 locals recommend
Pencarrow Lighthouse
$$
New Zealand's first permanent lighthouse was situated at Pencarrow, now it still stands nearby its lower lighthouse neighbour. Decommissioned, they now form part of a long nature walk home to endangered nesting birds.
Access Pencarrow via the East Harbour. You can drive or catch the commuter ferry to Days Bay from Queens Wharf or Seatoun Wharf. Bikes can be rented from the Bike Shed. Take care of the Wellington wind.
$$
Perfect for hiring a bike to access Pencarrow Lighthouse - but be mindful of the Wellington wind.
10 locals recommend
The Bike Shed - Pencarrow
519 Muritai Rd$$
Perfect for hiring a bike to access Pencarrow Lighthouse - but be mindful of the Wellington wind.
Mount Kaukau is the best vantage spot to see Wellington city on a good day. It's an ~hour long, low intensity but beautiful bush walk.
43 locals recommend
Mount Kaukau
Mount Kaukau is the best vantage spot to see Wellington city on a good day. It's an ~hour long, low intensity but beautiful bush walk.
$$
Perfect for navigating one of the steepest capital cities. A great way to see the city comfortably and get up to Kelburn.
6 locals recommend
Cable Car Kiosk
1 Upland Rd$$
Perfect for navigating one of the steepest capital cities. A great way to see the city comfortably and get up to Kelburn.
Watch planes and waves come in on this amazing inner-city surf beach.
11 locals recommend
Lyall Bay Surf Beach
28 Lyall ParadeWatch planes and waves come in on this amazing inner-city surf beach.
A calm inner-city beach amongst vibrant cafes, you just might forget the sand is imported.
Oriental Bay Beach
A calm inner-city beach amongst vibrant cafes, you just might forget the sand is imported.
A short walk or longer hike, depending on where you park, this lookout provides an amazing 360 view of Welly.
178 locals recommend
Mount Victoria Lookout
Lookout RoadA short walk or longer hike, depending on where you park, this lookout provides an amazing 360 view of Welly.
$$
Great for nature walks and also overnight camping, home to Tuatara, blue penguins, and sheep. Liaise with the island ranger for your arrival time and take an appropriate East by West ferry from either Queens Wharf or Seatoun Wharf.
41 locals recommend
Matiu / Somes Island
$$
Great for nature walks and also overnight camping, home to Tuatara, blue penguins, and sheep. Liaise with the island ranger for your arrival time and take an appropriate East by West ferry from either Queens Wharf or Seatoun Wharf.
Arts and Culture
$$
Offering the latest films and cult experiences in art deco opulence. Pose with Gandalf outside and purchase ice-creams and popcorn at the cafe. Purchase tickets online. Perfect for a rainy day.
84 locals recommend
The Roxy Cinema
5 Park Rd$$
Offering the latest films and cult experiences in art deco opulence. Pose with Gandalf outside and purchase ice-creams and popcorn at the cafe. Purchase tickets online. Perfect for a rainy day.
Free-$$
Exhibiting international and local artists in a bright, airy space. See what’s on.
72 locals recommend
City Gallery Wellington
Free-$$
Exhibiting international and local artists in a bright, airy space. See what’s on.
$-$$$
From dive bar to the home of NZ alternative music. Grab a drink or catch a gig.
20 locals recommend
San Fran
171 Cuba St$-$$$
From dive bar to the home of NZ alternative music. Grab a drink or catch a gig.
$$-$$$
Queer owned and home to Wellington’s emerging comedy, caberet, and drag scenes. After show karaoke is the norm.
The Fringe Bar
26-32 Allen St$$-$$$
Queer owned and home to Wellington’s emerging comedy, caberet, and drag scenes. After show karaoke is the norm.
BATS Theatre
1 Kent Terrace$-$$
From amateur to professional, improv to war stories.
$$-$$$
Wellington’s second stage, a perfect spot to catch emerging Kiwi talent.
12 locals recommend
Circa
1 Taranaki St$$-$$$
Wellington’s second stage, a perfect spot to catch emerging Kiwi talent.
Food scene
$$$
Amazing brunch and lunch spot offering counter food and an a la carte menu. Catch the staff discussing famous faces or even spot one yourself. Right next to Weta Cave.
62 locals recommend
The Larder
133 Darlington Rd$$$
Amazing brunch and lunch spot offering counter food and an a la carte menu. Catch the staff discussing famous faces or even spot one yourself. Right next to Weta Cave.
$$
A colourful comic-themed brunch spot right on the waterfront of Scorching Bay. Offering some of the best light in Wellington! An amazing refuel spot on the Scorching Bay walk.
56 locals recommend
Scorch O Rama
497 Karaka Bay Rd$$
A colourful comic-themed brunch spot right on the waterfront of Scorching Bay. Offering some of the best light in Wellington! An amazing refuel spot on the Scorching Bay walk.
$$$
A great spot for brunch and dinner, occasionally offering dining experiences. Kiwi heartiness with a European flair. Amazing wine and great service.
37 locals recommend
Cafe Polo
84 Rotherham Terrace$$$
A great spot for brunch and dinner, occasionally offering dining experiences. Kiwi heartiness with a European flair. Amazing wine and great service.
$
Miramar’s premier craft brew spot! Peak hipster with dangling lights, exposed wood, and a rotating cast of food trucks outside.
6 locals recommend
Double Vision Brewing - Brewery, Bar and Fillery
Park Road$
Miramar’s premier craft brew spot! Peak hipster with dangling lights, exposed wood, and a rotating cast of food trucks outside.
$$
A contemporary spot for Indian cuisine with in-house and BYO drink options. Very yummy food, particularly the Tandoori Paneer if you’re veggie.
Tulsi Contemporary Indian Cuisine
11 Tauhinu Rd$$
A contemporary spot for Indian cuisine with in-house and BYO drink options. Very yummy food, particularly the Tandoori Paneer if you’re veggie.
$$
A cute french-inspired bakery boasting a wide selection of vegan pastries and pizzas. Tasty coffee and friendly staff.
Nicoletta's
12 Park Rd$$
A cute french-inspired bakery boasting a wide selection of vegan pastries and pizzas. Tasty coffee and friendly staff.
Huckle & Co
31A Dundas St$
A great spot for fresh fish and chips in a vibrant seaside community.
Arcimboldi
24 Dundas St$$
A creative and colourful spot for brunch and lunch, serving some European imports.
$$
A cute deli spot dedicated to high-quality ingredients. Plenty of places to sit and enjoy our counter goodies.
40 locals recommend
Gipsy Kitchen
37 Glamis Ave$$
A cute deli spot dedicated to high-quality ingredients. Plenty of places to sit and enjoy our counter goodies.
Souvlaki At Acropolis
508 Broadway$
A casual spot for Greek food, just one of many great spots nearby.
$$
Totally veggie spot for brunch through dinner with amazing vegan options to boot. Watch the huge Lyall Bay waves while you dine. We recommend booking over the phone.
45 locals recommend
The Botanist
219 Onepu Rd$$
Totally veggie spot for brunch through dinner with amazing vegan options to boot. Watch the huge Lyall Bay waves while you dine. We recommend booking over the phone.
$$$
A stripped-back brunch through dinner spot adored by locals. Great food, creative pizzas.
43 locals recommend
Loretta
181 Cuba St$$$
A stripped-back brunch through dinner spot adored by locals. Great food, creative pizzas.
$$$
A rustic French-Italian restaurant with a bird-filled courtyard and inventive veggie alternatives.
38 locals recommend
Olive Restaurant
170-172 Cuba St$$$
A rustic French-Italian restaurant with a bird-filled courtyard and inventive veggie alternatives.
$$
Popular brunch spot with Latin American influence. Be prepared for a queue!
73 locals recommend
Fidel's Cafe
234 Cuba St$$
Popular brunch spot with Latin American influence. Be prepared for a queue!
Pranah Cafe
120 Riddiford St$
A surprise veggie spot in Newtown with amazing counter food.
$$
A hidden authentic Italian gem with carafe wine and wood-panelled decor.
20 locals recommend
Cicio Cacio Osteria
167 Riddiford St$$
A hidden authentic Italian gem with carafe wine and wood-panelled decor.
$
Cheap and cheerful, this totally vegan spot offers everything you could have missed.
21 locals recommend
Aunty Mena's Vegetarian Restaurant & Cafe
167 Cuba St$
Cheap and cheerful, this totally vegan spot offers everything you could have missed.
$$
A large, open, and stylish courtyard perfect for friendly get-togethers on a good day. Serves pub grub and a good choice of beers and wines.
51 locals recommend
Southern Cross Garden Bar Restaurant
39 Abel Smith St$$
A large, open, and stylish courtyard perfect for friendly get-togethers on a good day. Serves pub grub and a good choice of beers and wines.
Charley Noble
1 Post Office Square$$$
A local favourite for dinner on a special occasion.
$$$$
Astounding fine dining with in-season produce and NZ wines, set amongst an old bank building. Knowledgeable staff and no air of superiority.
41 locals recommend
Logan Brown Restaurant
192 Cuba St$$$$
Astounding fine dining with in-season produce and NZ wines, set amongst an old bank building. Knowledgeable staff and no air of superiority.
Things to do
$$
You can rent kayaks as well as go on their indoor rock climbing wall, which is reasonably priced and includes equipment!
23 locals recommend
Fergs Kayaks
6 Queens Wharf$$
You can rent kayaks as well as go on their indoor rock climbing wall, which is reasonably priced and includes equipment!
$
Responsible for the re-emergence of many native species, Zealandia is one of my favourite places to go in Wellington. They are now home to over 200 Tuataras, and let you walk around colonial gold mining spaces. Take as long as you want in the extensive sanctuary, short and long loops are available. Wear appropriate footwear. There are wheelchair accessible walks.
255 locals recommend
ZEALANDIA Ecosanctuary
53 Waiapu Road$
Responsible for the re-emergence of many native species, Zealandia is one of my favourite places to go in Wellington. They are now home to over 200 Tuataras, and let you walk around colonial gold mining spaces. Take as long as you want in the extensive sanctuary, short and long loops are available. Wear appropriate footwear. There are wheelchair accessible walks.
$$
Home to both native species (including Kiwi) and international species like lions, tigers, and sun bears (oh my!), this is a great spot and fun day out.
115 locals recommend
Wellington Zoo
200 Daniell St$$
Home to both native species (including Kiwi) and international species like lions, tigers, and sun bears (oh my!), this is a great spot and fun day out.
Free-$$
Home to Wellington’s famous giant squid (frozen). Offers free exhibits and paid temporary installations.
142 locals recommend
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
55 Cable StFree-$$
Home to Wellington’s famous giant squid (frozen). Offers free exhibits and paid temporary installations.
$-$$$
From dive bar to the home of NZ alternative music. Grab a drink or catch a gig.
20 locals recommend
San Fran
171 Cuba St$-$$$
From dive bar to the home of NZ alternative music. Grab a drink or catch a gig.
Bars and Nightclubs
$$-$$$
The best cocktails in town. Creative through classic, and that’s just the books on the shelves! Catch live jazz and enjoy a cheese board.
83 locals recommend
The Library
53 Courtenay Pl$$-$$$
The best cocktails in town. Creative through classic, and that’s just the books on the shelves! Catch live jazz and enjoy a cheese board.
$
Miramar’s premier craft brew spot! Peak hipster with dangling lights, exposed wood, and a rotating cast of food trucks outside.
6 locals recommend
Double Vision Brewing - Brewery, Bar and Fillery
Park Road$
Miramar’s premier craft brew spot! Peak hipster with dangling lights, exposed wood, and a rotating cast of food trucks outside.
$$
A seashore craft brewery, offering great beer and quiz nights.
35 locals recommend
Parrotdog Brewery
66 Kingsford Smith St$$
A seashore craft brewery, offering great beer and quiz nights.
$$
A Family craft brewery with a modern industrialist backdrop in the centre of the city.
6 locals recommend
Whistling Sister Beer Co
100 Taranaki St$$
A Family craft brewery with a modern industrialist backdrop in the centre of the city.
$$$
Boasts an extensive wine-by-the-glass list with knowledgeable staff in the heart of the restaurant area.
12 locals recommend
Noble Rot Wine Bar
6 Swan Ln$$$
Boasts an extensive wine-by-the-glass list with knowledgeable staff in the heart of the restaurant area.
$$/$$$
A traditional cocktail spot for the LGBT+ community in Wellington.
Scotty and Mal's Cocktail and Lounge Bar
176 Cuba St$$/$$$
A traditional cocktail spot for the LGBT+ community in Wellington.
$-$$
The younger LGBT+ spot, for dancing to Britney Spears and Gaga unremixed. Super friendly bar staff, and even frequent drag shows and karaoke.
Ivy Bar & Cabaret
63 Cuba St$-$$
The younger LGBT+ spot, for dancing to Britney Spears and Gaga unremixed. Super friendly bar staff, and even frequent drag shows and karaoke.
$$
Perfect for taking a night from after-dinner drinks to dancing. Laundry features frequent local DJs.
41 locals recommend
Laundry
240 Cuba St$$
Perfect for taking a night from after-dinner drinks to dancing. Laundry features frequent local DJs.
$
A cosmic themed dive bar! Great for drinking or dancing with mates.
14 locals recommend
Moon Pizza Music and Beer Bar
167 Riddiford St$
A cosmic themed dive bar! Great for drinking or dancing with mates.
$-$$$
From dive bar to the home of NZ alternative music. Grab a drink or catch a gig.
20 locals recommend
San Fran
171 Cuba St$-$$$
From dive bar to the home of NZ alternative music. Grab a drink or catch a gig.
Neighbourhoods
Wellington’s nightlife strip, the centre of student nightlife. Find this in the CBD. $-$$$.
100 locals recommend
Courtenay Place
Courtenay PlaceWellington’s nightlife strip, the centre of student nightlife. Find this in the CBD. $-$$$.
City advice
Getting around
You'll need a snapper
If you're travelling by bus, you'll need a red snapper card, available to purchase at most New World stores. You can top it up at a number of dairies or even public spaces at kiosks. Remember to 'snap' on AND off.
Remember, Wellington busses utilise a hub based system which can be confusing. Use the Metlink app, as well as the online journey planner, when you make trips.
Getting around
Parking
Wellington CBD parking now costs every day of the week including weekends. Pay with coin, snapper, or EFTPOS (card). Max parking time can be found beneath the blue P sign (in minutes). Do not park on yellow lines.
Getting around
Rideshares
Uber is available in Wellington, but so are friendlier rideshare services like Zoomy and Ola. These all operate from the airport.
Ridesharing scooters, the Uber Jump and Flamingo, also operate in Wellington CBD and surrounding suburbs.
Customs and culture
No asses where there's glasses!
Please do not sit on surfaces people may eat from, especially public ones such as picnic tables; this is highly frowned upon by Maori culture.
What to pack
Weather
Wellington is subject to highly variable weather. Pack for all elements, but due to the wind, a good long rain coat is more use than a brolly. While our sun might not be too hot, it's notoriously intense, so the mantra of slip, slop, slap, and wrap is useul from the high-teens upwards. Slip into the shade, slop on some suncream, slap on a hat, and wrap on sunglasses (with adequate UV protection).
Customs and culture
Emergency numbers
In an emergency, or fire, police, and ambulance, dial 111.