Is Wellington Worth Visiting? The fun vibrant capital

You might find yourself asking is Wellington Worth Visiting? Yes, you absolutely must visit Wellington, as it turns out, it’s one of my favourite cities in all of New Zealand! 

It’s perfect for coffee addicts – Wellington has the highest number of cafes and coffee shops per person in the world! It also has some incredible heritage, history, museums and of course, wildlife.

I spent a week here on my New Zealand itinerary and there were some unexpected gems & highlights I’d recommend everyone do! Have a read below to see my top things to do, or read my Wellington itinerary here.

Not sure where to go? Have a look at my article on North VS South Island New Zealand, which is better? Alternatively, have a look at my South Island itinerary.

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Quick Mini Guide To Wellington

Don’t have a lot of time? Here’s a quick mini guide to Wellington.

Where to stay

• QT Wellington – a design & arty museum hotel
• The Cambridge Hotel

Top sights

• Weta Workshop – Special effects tour famous for Lord of the Rings and major Hollywood blockbusters
• A classic fish & chips on the beach!
• Zealandia – see kiwi birds and incredible wildlife
• Seal Coast Safari Tour – go offroading and see some seals!

Stay connected

Purchase an eSim with Airalo on your phone – Use discount code A&M3 for $3 off your first purchase.

Here are other places to visit on your North Island Itinerary:

• Tongariro Crossing Hike
• Huka Falls Taupo
• QT Hotel Wellington
• Ruakuri Bushwalk
• Tongariro Crossing Hike
• Craters of the Moon Taupo
• New Zealand Hot Water Beach
• Kuirau Park Rotorua & free geothermal parks

Best activities & tours on North Island

Here are some of the best New Zealand North Island tours! Honestly, I recommend doing at least 2-3 of them – Hobbiton, the Glow Worm Caves, a Maori Cultural experience… if you can do all of them, it’s worth it!

I always compare tours on Viator and Get Your Guide to check prices and different tour availability.

Hi, I’m Adriana! I’m constantly searching for the best places to travel to so you don’t have to! Think hidden gems but all over the world. That means I’m constantly on the road and exploring new places to visit and I have a love for photography, so it made sense to write travel guides on all the places I visit. I was born in Australia and lived in New Zealand, Poland, Dubai and England growing up and I decided to take my love of travel to the next level! Read more about me here.

Is Wellington Worth visiting?

If you’re wondering, is Wellington worth visiting? Then the answer is absolutely, yes! It’s probably my favourite city in all of New Zealand – it’s known as the cafe capital of the world, it has great wildlife, exhibitions, movie set tours, beaches, fish & chips… what more can you ask for?

Have a read below for some of my favourite activities and things to do in Wellington.

To see my top things to do, or read my 1 day Wellington itinerary here.

Wildlife at Zealandia

This one was an unexpected gem. I honestly didn’t expect much from this trip. 

“I’m not that interested, but we’ll see…”

Boy was I wrong. It’s such an incredible insight into the weird and wonderful of New Zealand.

The first people, the islanders who came, and the (literally) gigantic birds from dinosaur times that they used to hunt.

THere’s a great video that details in 5 short minutes the history of the country, and how people impacted the landscape, the wildlife, everything.

And after that, you get to go outside and see some of the (prehistoric looking) birds belonging to Zealandia.

Zealandia is a region of 225 hectares right in the heart of New Zealand that they have committed to restoring natural species; both animals and plants.

They have gone to such incredible lengths to keep out non-native animals which have impacted on the natural ecosystem. One of my favourite must do things in Wellington.

Zealandia Cafe

Dont forget to stop by the Zealandia cafe, the food here is actually excellent!

Weta Cave & Weta Workshop

The Weta Workshop is another incredible, weird and wonderful places right in the centre of Wellington.

You can ONLY visit the Weta cave by booking a tour because there are plenty of confidential and copyright areas of the Weta Workshop.

If you’re a fan of Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Aqua Man or generally, ANY modern movie belonging to sci-fi, marvel, or any sort of prosthetics, then Weta is your choice!!!

Lunch at Scorch-o-rama & a dip in the beach

Scorch-o-Rama is a little hidden gem in Wellington, perfect for its views of the rugged coastline. The food here is delicious!!!

I loved the avocado toast; a perfect bit of healthy grub to keep you going!

Wellington Cable Car

The cable car is definitely worth a little trip to the top of the mountain, if only for the journey itself. It’s pretty spectacular but won’t break the bank either.

Stop by the free cable car museum at the top of the cable car – on the right as you come out.

Have a look at some of the old vintage cable cars that used to run up and down the slopes of Wellington.

Marvel Exhibition

I absolutely loved the Marvel exhibition! Again, I didn’t quite expect much from the Marvel exhibition, but it was quite fun!

I learnt so much about the history of the characters, and was pleasantly surprised to learn about how anti-racist, anti-bigot Stan Lee and the Marvel team were. 

They were pushing forward superheroes of different races well ahead of their time, no doubt changing societal attitudes.

Far more profound an exhibition than I thought.

Fish & Chips on the Beach

There’s nothing quite like a classic Fish & chips on the beach and it is definitely Mike approved, who is, coincidentally a fish & chips snob.

The batter is second to none, and the fish is of course, fresh from local waters.

Bring a picnic blanket, a towel, and your togs (swimsuit!), ready for a sunny afternoon on the beach. Unless it’s winter, bring your thermals.

Either way, you’ll be treated to a pretty spectacular view.

Coffees on Cuba Street

Make sure you stop by Cuba Street in Wellington. 

It’s the hub of Wellington, with buzzing cafes, restaurants and bars that are just begging to be visited!

It’s a great place to spend a few hours, wiling away the hours!

Mount Victoria

You have to check out Mount Victoria in Wellington!

It’s a super easy climb with breathtaking views of the city, harbour, and surrounding hills.

Great for a morning hike or a sunset picnic. Plus, you might even spot some filming locations from “The Lord of the Rings”!

Craft Beers in Wellington

Wellington is also known for its craft beers, so if that’s up your street, make sure you check out one of the 3 iconic places below:

1. Garage Project: A true icon of New Zealand’s craft beer scene, Garage Project offers an ever-changing lineup of unique and experimental beers.
2. ParrotDog Brewery: Known for their bold and flavorful beers, ParrotDog is a popular choice among locals and visitors alike.
3. Tuatara Brewery: With a focus on sustainability and quality, Tuatara Brewery offers a range of excellent craft beers in a relaxed setting.

Wellington FAQs

Q: What are the best ways to get around Wellington?

A: Wellington is a compact city, making it easy to explore on foot. The city also has an efficient public transportation system, including buses and a cable car. Taxis and rideshare services are also readily available.

Q: Are there any special events or festivals happening in Wellington during my visit?

A: Wellington is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, so there’s usually something exciting happening. Check local event listings for festivals, live music, art exhibitions, and more.

Q: What are some lesser-known attractions or hidden gems in Wellington?

A: Wellington is full of hidden gems! Explore the historic Wellington Botanic Garden, visit the quirky Cuba Street, or discover the fascinating Museum of Wellington City & Sea.

Q: Are there any good hiking or outdoor activities near Wellington?

A: Absolutely! Wellington is surrounded by stunning natural beauty. Take a hike up Mount Victoria for panoramic views, or head to the nearby Red Rocks Reserve for a coastal walk.

Q: What are the best places to eat in Wellington for local cuisine?

A: Wellington is a foodie paradise! Try local delicacies like seafood chowder, green-lipped mussels, or a traditional hangi meal. Visit the bustling Wellington Night Market for a taste of local street food.

Q: Is it safe to walk around Wellington at night?

A: Generally, Wellington is considered safe to walk around at night, especially in well-lit and populated areas. As with any city, it’s wise to take standard safety precautions.

Q: Are there any day trips or excursions from Wellington that you recommend?

A: Yes! Consider a day trip to the Wairarapa wine region, the charming town of Martinborough, or the stunning Kapiti Coast. The Interislander ferry to the South Island is also a popular choice for a day trip.

Q: What are some budget-friendly accommodation options in Wellington?

A: Wellington offers a range of accommodation options to suit every budget. Look for backpacker hostels, budget hotels, or consider booking a room through a homestay or vacation rental website for a more local experience.

Q: Can you recommend any unique shopping experiences in Wellington?

A: Wellington is known for its eclectic shopping scene. Explore the boutique shops on Cuba Street for unique fashion finds, or visit the Sunday market at the Harbourside Market for local arts, crafts, and produce.

Q: What is the best time of year to visit Wellington in terms of weather and crowds?

A: The best time to visit Wellington is during the summer months (December to February) when the weather is warm and sunny. However, this is also the peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds. For fewer crowds, consider visiting in the shoulder seasons of spring (September to November) or autumn (March to May).

Car & Campervan Rental

It’s recommended that you either hire yourself, a camper van or a car, so you can explore North Island at your heart’s desire.

Depending on what time of year it can be really busy so it is worth looking at your stay well in advance. Bear in mind cost of hotels on your itinerary North Island New Zealand.

North Island Weather

Summer in NZ

Read more about the summer weather in NZ.

Temperature: In January, when it’s summer, the weather is warm on both North & South Island! The temperatures are around 23°C (73°F), while the South Island is a tad cooler, sitting at around 19°C (66°F).

But honestly, on some of the days it was BOILING in the summer, and reaching highs of 30°C (86°F) if not higher. Think, you’ll burn in 15 minutes outside without sun cream.

Rain: Both islands get about 8 rainy days, but you’ve got heaps of daylight to play with, around 15 hours a day. It’s like the sun just doesn’t wanna quit!

Winter in NZ

Read more about the winter weather in NZ.

Fast forward to June, when it’s winter in NZ. Things start cooling down a bit, especially in the South Island. You’re looking at around 11°C (52°F) down there, while the North Island is still a bit milder, hovering around 15°C (59°F).

It’s a bit wetter too, with around 14 rainy days, but, you still get some solid daylight, about 9 hours or so.

So, that’s the gist of it! Both Islands have their pros & cons but frankly, they’re both beautiful.

North Island Weather in January

• Average temperature: 23°C (73°F)
• Average rainy days: 8
• Average daylight hours: 15
• Average sunrise time: 6:15 AM
• Average sunset time: 9:30 PM

North Island Weather in February

• Average temperature: 25°C (77°F)
• Average rainy days: 7
• Average daylight hours: 14
• Average sunrise time: 6:45 AM
• Average sunset time: 9:00 PM

North Island Weather in March

• Average temperature: 23°C (73°F)
• Average rainy days: 9
• Average daylight hours: 12
• Average sunrise time: 7:15 AM
• Average sunset time: 8:15 PM

North Island Weather in April

• Average temperature: 20°C (68°F)
• Average rainy days: 11
• Average daylight hours: 11
• Average sunrise time: 7:45 AM
• Average sunset time: 6:45 PM

North Island Weather in May

• Average temperature: 17°C (63°F)
• Average rainy days: 12
• Average daylight hours: 9
• Average sunrise time: 8:15 AM
• Average sunset time: 5:30 PM

North Island Weather in June

• Average temperature: 15°C (59°F)
• Average rainy days: 14
• Average daylight hours: 9
• Average sunrise time: 8:30 AM
• Average sunset time: 5:15 PM

North Island Weather in July

• Average temperature: 14°C (57°F)
• Average rainy days: 15
• Average daylight hours: 9
• Average sunrise time: 8:30 AM
• Average sunset time: 5:30 PM

North Island Weather in August

• Average temperature: 15°C (59°F)
• Average rainy days: 15
• Average daylight hours: 10
• Average sunrise time: 7:45 AM
• Average sunset time: 6:00 PM

North Island Weather in September

• Average temperature: 16°C (61°F)
• Average rainy days: 13
• Average daylight hours: 12
• Average sunrise time: 6:45 AM
• Average sunset time: 6:30 PM

North Island Weather in October

• Average temperature: 18°C (64°F)
• Average rainy days: 11
• Average daylight hours: 13
• Average sunrise time: 7:15 AM
• Average sunset time: 7:45 PM

North Island Weather in November

• Average temperature: 20°C (68°F)
• Average rainy days: 9
• Average daylight hours: 14
• Average sunrise time: 6:00 AM
• Average sunset time: 8:30 PM

North Island Weather in December

• Average temperature: 22°C (72°F)
• Average rainy days: 9
• Average daylight hours: 15
• Average sunrise time: 5:45 AM
• Average sunset time: 9:15 PM

Have a look at some of my other Aotearoa / New Zealand travel blogs for attractions nearby on your South Island itinerary or North Island road trip.

Not sure where to go? Have a look at my article on where to go – North Island VS South Island

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