A small city with a big heart, Wellington is known as New Zealand’s cultural and constitutional capital. There’s a quite bit to see and do here, including exciting nightlife and museum tours. Here’s a list of top seven things to do in Wellington, all of which can be accessed with a quick car rental:
- Mt. Victoria
Offering fantastic views of the harbour and Wellington’s CBD, Mt. Victoria is a must-visit for any tourist. You can either climb up, or take the bus to the top, although it is functional only on weekdays. This area is surrounded by forests where various scenes from the Lord of the Rings movie series were shot. For a better experience, you can also book yourself onto a Movie Tour.
- Weta Cave
Wellington is home to New Zealand’s film industry, and Weta Cave is where some of the characters and props from hit movies like the Lord of the Rings, King Kong, and District 9 could be seen. Weta Caves can be visited individually, or as part of the Movie Tours Experience.
- Te Papa Museum
Make sure you set aside an entire day to explore the Te Papa Museum, which is arguably New Zealand’s best museum. From experiencing a simulated earthquake, to witnessing a colossal squid, there’s all kinds of adventures waiting to be explored at this museum.
- Cable Car
Wellington’s famous cable car takes you to the Botanic Gardens and offers excellent views of the city and harbour. The price for admission is $4 each way, and cars depart after every 10 minutes.
- Botanic Gardens
Apart from being one of the best places to get a good view of Wellington, the Botanic Gardens are also home to a multitude of walking tracks with local flora and fauna. The highlights of the gardens, however, are the many sculptures that are scattered around the grounds.
- Carter Observatory
Carter Observatory is a great place to visit, with an interactive exhibition, where visitors can touch the moon, or experience what it might be like to be part of a rocket launch.
- Cuba Street
Last on the list, Cuba Street is a perfect place for a bite and a few drinks. With more than a few Cuban eateries, there are also bookstores and record shops to explore around here.
