The 10 Top Things To Do In Wellington, New Zealand
The best, most fun things to do in Wellington today!
1. Hannah’s Laneway
Get amongst the capital’s quirkiness, vibrancy, and foodie culture with a stroll down Hannah’s Laneway. Full of colourful street art and home to several local Wellington businesses including Fix and Fogg Peanut Butter, The Wellington Chocolate Factory, and Leeds Street Bakery, the laneway is a great place to pick up a gift to take back to loved ones...and indulge in a treat or two yourself!
2. Boutique Cinemas
Add a visit to one of Wellington’s boutique cinemas to your list. Located in the city centre, Lighthouse Cuba offers couch-style seating and plays a mix of classic and modern films. The Embassy of Courtenay Place offers similar intimacy with both cinemas within walking distance of James Cook. Sit back, relax, and enjoy.
3. Shopping on Lambton Quay and Cuba Street
Just 15 minutes apart, Lambton Quay and Suba Street offer two very different shopping experiences. Coined as the ‘Golden Mile’, Lambton Quay boasts a high-fashion shopping experience with several branded stores. Cuba Street, meanwhile, is a more eclectic mix of artsy, bohemian style with craft and thrift stores in abundance. Make sure you bring your wallet, and someone to help carry your bags!
4. Harbourside Market
Join the locals on a Sunday morning at the Harbourside Market. If you’re after a warm coffee, fresh bread, or some delicious fruit and veg, then this is the place to be. The market can draw a large crowd, so get in early and find a good spot on the waterfront to enjoy your morning goodies.
5. Craft Beer
A trip to Wellington wouldn’t be complete without tastings at one of the many local breweries. You’ll find HeyDay, Tuatara, Garage Project, ParrotDog and Panhead breweries tucked away in the corners of the city, eager to serve you a craft beer and a tale about their brewing journey.
6. Wellington Botanic Gardens
Wander through the Wellington Botanic Gardens and enjoy an array of gorgeous gardens and flowers throughout the year. With a children’s playground, duck ponds, native bush walks, amphitheatre, treehouse, and cafe, you can fill a whole afternoon getting lost here!
7. Left Bank Night Market
Tucked just off Cuba Street, follow the sound of local bands on Friday night down the Left Bank alleyway. It’s here that you’ll find live music as well as international flavours, cuisines, and aromas. Dig into some tasty treats, and browse the local stalls that line the lane.
8. Brunch
Wellington is renowned for its coffee and brunch culture, so head out on the weekend for a taste of the capital at one of the many cafes along Cuba Street. You won’t be disappointed with the range of fresh food and creative culinary wonders you’ll find on the menu.
9. Browse Book Stores
Get lost in the world of fiction, fantasy, and beyond amongst the plethora of second-hand and novelty book stores that line the streets of Wellington. With many having rooms stacked floor to ceiling with books, there’s sure to be a read for everyone at the likes of Pegasus, Unity, and Arty Bees Books.
10. Rooftop Bars
If you’ve checked all of Wellington’s usual viewpoints off your list, why not check the city out from a different spot with a glass in hand? Dirty Little Secret is a rooftop bar that sits above Taranaki Street, offering a fantastic view over Courtenay Place below. If you’re lucky, you might even catch the live DJ!
Looking for something a little more intimate and chill? The Arborist Rooftop offers swinging chairs, beanbags, and more laid-back seating along with a selection of favourite frozen rose and tap options.