Thing To Do & See

Te Papa

Te Papa, the 'Museum of New Zealand', is an inspiring, interactive look at NZ's history and culture. The striking construction took five years to build and since opening in 1998, it has attracted over nine million visitors. Combining innovation and approachability, it's affectionately dubbed 'Our Place', celebrating the essence of NZ and its people.

City Gallery

The much-loved City Gallery reopened late in 2009 after renovations and the addition of a new wing. Expect surprises: the gallery’s a little cracker that secures acclaimed contemporary international artists as well as unearthing and supporting those at the forefront of New Zealand’s scene. Excellent Nikau Gallery Cafe on-site.

Wellington Botanic Gardens

The expansive, hilltop Wellington Botanic Gardens can be conveniently visited via a cable-car ride (nice bit of planning, eh?). The hilly 25-hectare gardens boast a tract of original native forest along with varied collections including a beaut rose garden and international plant collections. Add in fountains, a cheerful playground, sculptures, duck pond, cafe, magical city views and much more, and you’ve got a grand day out. The gardens are also accessible from the Centennial Entrance on Tinakori Rd (Karori bus 3).

Cable Car

One of Wellington's prime attractions, the red Cable Car chugs sweetly up the steep hill from Lambton Quay to Kelburn. At the top are photo opps galore: the Botanic Gardens, Carter Observatory, Skyline Cafe and the small, well-presented Cable Car Museum (free) which tells the cable car's tale since it began in 1902. Central Welly is a stroll through the Botanic Gardens, or by a series of steps that interconnect with roads (a 30- to 40-min walk).

Te Papa

Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand, is an inspiring interactive look at NZ's history and culture. Dominating the waterfront, the striking construction took five years to build (costing around NZ$320 million). Since opening in 1998 there have been over nine million visitors. The museum quickly gained praise for its innovation and is now a national symbol, celebrating the essence of NZ and its people.