Wellington Tours &
Things to Do
Discover the best Wellington tours and things to do in New Zealand’s creative capital: ride the historic cable car up to the Botanic Garden, explore the brilliant Te Papa museum, go behind the scenes of The Lord of the Rings at Weta Workshop, cruise the sparkling harbour, spot native wildlife at Zealandia, and taste world-class Martinborough wines. Compare top-rated experiences and plan the perfect trip.
rating
Explore Wellington by interest
Whatever brings you to Wellington — world-class museums, the river, or a long lunch — start with the experiences travellers love most.
Top attractions in Wellington
The landmarks that define the city — and the tickets and tours that get you in, often skipping the line.
Te Papa
National museum.
Weta Workshop
Film effects.
Cable Car
Hilltop views.
Movie Locations
Middle-earth.
Harbour
Bay cruises.
Martinborough
Pinot country.
Zealandia
Native wildlife.
Waterfront
City & bay.
1 hr awayMartinborough
Pinot country.
20 min awayWeta Workshop
Film effects.
Region awayMovie Locations
Middle-earth.
15 min awayZealandia
Native wildlife.
City awayHarbour Cruise
On the bay.
City awayTe Papa
National museum.
Know before you go
Short, straight answers to the questions every Wellington visitor asks before booking.
Summer (Dec–Feb)
Warm and lively — the best time for the harbour.
Autumn (Mar–May)
Mild and settled, with fewer crowds.
Winter (Jun–Aug)
Cool and wet, cosy for museums.
Spring (Sep–Nov)
Fresh and green, though sometimes windy.
For wine
Summer and autumn for the vineyards.
Best overall
December to April for the finest weather.
One day
The cable car, Te Papa and waterfront.
Two days
Add Weta Workshop and a harbour cruise.
Three days
Add Martinborough wine and Zealandia.
For film fans
Weta Workshop and movie locations.
For wine
A Martinborough day trip.
For culture
Te Papa and the city galleries.
On foot
The waterfront and centre are walkable.
Cable car
The historic funicular climbs to the gardens.
By harbour
Ferries and cruises cross the bay.
Tours & transfers
Tours reach Weta, wine country and beyond.
Where to stay
Stay near the waterfront or Cuba Street.
NZ dollar
New Zealand uses the dollar; cards widely accepted.
Te Papa
Free to enter; join a tour for the highlights.
Cable car
Ride up and walk down through the gardens.
Weta Workshop
Book ahead — tours sell out fast.
Coffee & food
Wellington is famed for its coffee and dining.
Bring a jacket
Wellington is windy — pack a layer.
Mount Victoria
Head up for the best harbour views.
Weta Workshop
Studio tours sell out — book ahead.
Movie tours
Location tours fill up — reserve early.
Wine trips
Martinborough day trips fill up — book ahead.
Harbour cruises
Cruises fill up in summer — reserve early.
Te Papa tours
Guided tours fill up — pre-book.
Summer season
December to February is busiest — book well ahead.
Weta Workshop
Around $55–90 for a studio tour.
Movie tour
About $60–100 for a Lord of the Rings tour.
Wine trip
Roughly $48–100 for a Martinborough day trip.
Harbour cruise
Around $35–60 for a harbour cruise.
Te Papa tour
About $17–35 for a guided museum tour.
How to save
Join group tours to save over private ones.
Wellington through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
- Best for
- Harbour & wine.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Peak.
- Best for
- Mild days.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Lovely.
- Best for
- Museums.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Cool.
- Best for
- Fresh & green.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Windy.