Things to do in Wellington
Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand, home the country's parliament and government infrastructure.
Wellington is often called 'Windy Wellington' because of the strong winds that funnel between the ocean and the surrounding hill valleys. More recently it's become well regarded as a cultural capital with coffee, film studios, fashion, and creative technology driving the economy and local zeitgeist.
Paid:
Zealandia
This 225 hectare walled, predator-free eco-sanctuary is a haven for native New Zealand wildlife. Birds are able to fly in and out of the valley but most choose to live here free from introduced pests like stoats and possums that have decimated the wildlife elsewhere in new Zealand. new Zealand's unique native lizard the tuatara is now naturally breeding here. It's like walking around in new Zealand prior to the arrival of humans some 1000 or so years ago.
Cable car
The cable car is a practical bit of engineering to get up the steep slopes of hillside in central Wellington. The ride up from lamb ton Quay give excellent views back over the city as well enabling you to access Victoria University, the Carter Observatory and Cable Car museum.
Lord of the Rings tour
Wellington is the hub for New Zealand's film industry since it is where the studios are located which were used to film the blockbuster Lord of the Rings trilogy. many of the scenes of the movies were filmed around Wellington. you can visit these places and learn about the studios on official endorsed Rings tours.
Free (or almost free)
Mt Victoria
This central promontory is the cheapest bit of fun you can have in Wellington. All you need is some huff and puff or a car to get up the hill. You'll be able to watch the ferries and boats come and go in the harbour, planes take off and land as well excellent views up to the Hutt valley and across the city.
Weta cave
This free exhibit highlights the work of the Weta Studio who were responsible for the special effects and costume creations on the Lord Of The rings trilogy of films amongst other movies. It highlights creativity of the studio artists as well as the studio founder Sir Richard Taylor and director Sir Peter Jackson.
Te Papa
The national museum is not a staid and dusty and environment, it's an interactive and descriptive museum documenting modern and historical aspects of New Zealand life, culture and environment. There's even a room that simulates the effects of an earthquake. Additionally revolving exhibitions are temporarily housed at the museum complex as wells as weekly public events.
Cuba St / Coffee, Bars, Clubs
The nature of the climate, architecture, public spots and environment that Wellington finds itself in has created a culture of funky bars and coffee shops and followers of fashion. much of this artistic and hipster culture is centred around Cuba Street and the mall where you will find the best people watching opportunities by day and night. Not to mention the best coffee and cocktails.
Wellington Writers Walk
The waterfront development along the harbour including the sport stadium is easily accessed from the constricted downtown central business district area. It's great to walk along and see what might be going on. One of the free features here is a self-guided writers walk that features Wellington-centric writers works describing the city and surrounds.
Botanic Gardens
A short walk in the direction of the suburb of Karori is the Botanic Gardens. Chill out and smell the roses, as it were. Take time out here or press on up the valley to Zealandia further up the valley.
