EXPLORE Wellington

New Zealand’s national museum is home to over two million objects across art, natural history, New Zealand histories, mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge), and Pacific cultures. World-renowned for its commitment to biculturalism, Te Papa is a waharoa, a gateway, to an encounter with the essence of New Zealand’s land and people.

The museum is free for all New Zealanders and delivers an exceptional experience to international visitors.

One of the city’s most iconic experiences, the Wellington Cable Car leads to some of the best views of the capital. For over 120 years, the Cable Car has trundled up and down the Kelburn hillside. The 612m journey travels through three tunnels and over three bridges, offering views of the city below and the harbour and hills beyond, all predictably spectacular.

Enjoy easy access to the Botanic Garden, Cable Car Museum, Space Place (at Carter Observatory), and Zealandia (via free shuttle).

Wellington’s famous inner-city slice of bohemia, Cuba Street, is a place with culinary and creative soul. It’s where people meet, busk, shop, dine and the best place in town to soak up the capital of cool’s culture. The street has been a registered Historic Area under the Historic Places Act since 1995.

With its heritage buildings and bohemian inhabitants, Cuba Street has many treasures to discover.

The Introduction to Parliament tour is our most popular tour, taking place multiple times throughout the day. It is a great way to get a general introduction to our parliamentary processes, the architecture and history of our buildings, and how to have your say in Parliament.

Tours of Parliament Buildings are run every hour, on the hour, 7 days a week and start inside the main lobby.

Extending over 225ha, this fully-fenced sanctuary is home to many of Aotearoa New Zealand's rarest species of birds, reptiles, fish, insects and plants — all thriving in a predator-free environment. Named by Time magazine as one of the 100 greatest places in the world, the Zealandia urban ecosanctuary is a must-visit.

It has reintroduced 23 native species into the region, some of which were absent from mainland New Zealand for more than 100 years.

Offering stunning 360-degree views of Wellington City, the harbour, and the ocean to the south, Mount Victoria rises 196m above the city. Located right next to the central business district, you can drive all the way up or take a walkway through the bush-covered Town Belt.

From the summit, enjoy views of Tinakori Hill, the Hutt Valley and eastern harbour bays, Matiu/Somes Island, and the Miramar Peninsula.