The capital city of New Zealand is a tourist magnet, writes Hanna Hussein
IF you’re planning to visit New Zealand, consider Wellington, the capital city. Located at the south-western tip of North Island, this second most populous urban area is worth a visit.
There are many things you can and must do here. Check out the top 10 activities you must do there!
1. DISCOVER NEW ZEALAND’S STORIES AT TE PAPA
The national museum of New Zealand is fascinating and fun for curious minds of any age. The exhibits are innovative and interactive, telling stories of New Zealand’s unique geological, biological, cultural and social history in new and exciting ways. Admission to Te Papa is free!
2. PANORAMIC VIEWS FROM MT VICTORIA
Get a 360-degree view of the city and harbour, and a great photo opportunity at Mt Victoria Lookout point.
Watch boats sailing in through the harbour and planes taking off from the airport. You can drive all the way up, or walk through the town belt greenery.
Then grab some fish and chips and sit on the grass as the sun goes down and the lights come up.
Psst... Mt Victoria was a film location for Lord Of The Rings and Disney’s new film, Pete’s Dragon.
3. TASTE YOUR WAY AROUND THE CITY
Wellington is said to have more bars and restaurants per capita than New York City, and with rich farmland to the north and ocean’s bounty to the south, those restaurants are surely good.
For seafood, try the famous paua ravioli from Logan Brown and oysters from Whitebait.
Wellington is also known as the craft beer capital with many breweries located in the city centre, Garage Project has set the bar high with its creative brews featuring all kinds of ingredients from pacific oysters to cereal. As for coffee, the flat white is legendary!
4. WELLINGTON CABLE CAR
The Cable Car is a Wellington icon and part of the daily commute for many locals. The short ride is from Lambton Quay to Kelburn, where there’s a lookout, the Cable Car Museum and Space Place at Carter Observatory.
With interactive displays, a state of the art digital planetarium and historic telescopes, it’s a virtual voyage to the stars. Come back down to earth (and the city) through the beautiful Botanic Garden.
5. TRAVEL BACK IN TIME AT THE ZEALANDIA SANCTUARY
Just a 10-minute drive from downtown Wellington, Zealandia is hidden in a suburban valley. The project aims to return a 225-hectare section of bush to its pre-human state.
Take a walk and hear the songs of the flourishing native bird population. Volunteer guides help you make the most of your visit and you can even book a night tour for kiwi spotting.
6. MOVIE-MAKING MAGIC
Get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the imagination and artistry behind some of the world’s most spectacular movies at Weta Cave on their Windows Into Workshop tour, right there where the special effects wizardry happens.
Or put yourself in the picture with a The Lord Of The Rings location tour.
7. WANDER AROUND WATERFRONT TO ORIENTAL BAY
Go for a walk at the waterfront public space, dotted with cafes, parks, sculpture, bars and ice cream vendors.
Join hundreds of Wellingtonians walking, jogging, skating, cycling or crocodile biking. Stop at one of three markets on weekends and then head for Oriental Bay beach for a swim or to soak up the sun.
8. WELLINGTON ZOO
Ever wanted to hand-feed a giraffe, play with meerkats or stroke a cheetah? All these and more are possible at Wellington Zoo, the “best little zoo in the world”.
You can book a Close Encounter for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, or just enjoy the more than 100 species of animals in the collection.
9. GUIDED WELLINGTON TOUR
A guided tour is the best way to get quickly acquainted with Wellington. Walk the city and meet coffee roasters and taste gourmet foods on a Zest Food Tour. Head off-road to visit wildlife on a Seal Coast Safari, or take to the skies for a spectacular bird’s eye view in a helicopter.
Make the most of being in New Zealand’s capital city and take a free guided tour inside New Zealand’s parliament buildings.
10. CUBA STREET CRUISE
Home to hipsters, artists and all things vintage, Cuba Street is a bohemian haven with the most colourful shops, bars and cafes. You can often find street entertainers performing.
Don’t forget to get your photo of the one and only Bucket Fountain, one of the city’s most loved sculptures.