New Zealand is a wonderful country and the capital city, Wellington, is one of my favourite places to spend a long weekend - or preferably a whole week. There is so much to do in Wellington that you are really spoilt for choice. Here are 7 great activities to include during your time in Wellington.
1 Te Papa
My favourite place in Wellington has to be the gorgeous waterfront which has been sensibly and creatively developed to make the most of the city's position at the rocky southern tip of New Zealand's North Island. One of the waterfront's foremost attractions is the national museum, Te Papa, which is a must see for visitors to the city. It's perched tantalisingly close to the water's edge, making it seem less of a museum and more of a cultural hub. There is always plenty to see and do at Te Papa, so definitely include it in your itinerary during your time in Wellington.
2 Cable Car
I love the red cable car that takes you from the city streets straight up to the "top of the world" - otherwise known as the Botanical Gardens and the fabulous lookout over this stunningly beautiful harbour city. I could stand at that lookout all day and never get sick of that view.
3 Beehive
Wellington is the political centre of New Zealand, as well as being the capital city. The men and women who run the country work from Parliament Buildings and a quirky New Zealand icon called the Beehive. I thoroughly recommend the tour of these buildings during your time in Wellington. You will get an intriguing insight into nation's political history and if you time your visit right, you can sit in on a real political debate.
4 WetaCave
An excellent adventure just outside the centre of town can be found at Peter Jackson's Weta Cave. It's not full of creepy crawlies, but you can definitely find some creepy things inside. It's the museum for Weta Workshop which is the famous home of the Lord of the Rings, the Hobbit and many other famous movies and television shows. It's a small museum, but it's packed full of fascinating memorabilia.
5 Karori Sanctuary
On a recent trip to Wellington I was really pleased I took a guided walk through the Karori Sanctuary. It's a bush walk featuring a range of New Zealand's unique flora and fauna which feels a little like going back in time. When you're there, it's hard to believe your own minutes from a bustling city.
6 Carter Observatory
If you want something a little different, check out the state of the art planetarium and 144 year old telescope at the Carter Observatory. It's an awe-inspiring place for children and adults.
7. Waterfront
As I mentioned, the waterfront itself is a great place to spend time in Wellington. There really is something for everyone, including awesome sculptures, a writers' walk and plaques commemorating historical events. Take a walk, eat a sandwich, meet a friend, fall in love...
1 Te Papa
My favourite place in Wellington has to be the gorgeous waterfront which has been sensibly and creatively developed to make the most of the city's position at the rocky southern tip of New Zealand's North Island. One of the waterfront's foremost attractions is the national museum, Te Papa, which is a must see for visitors to the city. It's perched tantalisingly close to the water's edge, making it seem less of a museum and more of a cultural hub. There is always plenty to see and do at Te Papa, so definitely include it in your itinerary during your time in Wellington.
2 Cable Car
I love the red cable car that takes you from the city streets straight up to the "top of the world" - otherwise known as the Botanical Gardens and the fabulous lookout over this stunningly beautiful harbour city. I could stand at that lookout all day and never get sick of that view.
3 Beehive
Wellington is the political centre of New Zealand, as well as being the capital city. The men and women who run the country work from Parliament Buildings and a quirky New Zealand icon called the Beehive. I thoroughly recommend the tour of these buildings during your time in Wellington. You will get an intriguing insight into nation's political history and if you time your visit right, you can sit in on a real political debate.
4 WetaCave
An excellent adventure just outside the centre of town can be found at Peter Jackson's Weta Cave. It's not full of creepy crawlies, but you can definitely find some creepy things inside. It's the museum for Weta Workshop which is the famous home of the Lord of the Rings, the Hobbit and many other famous movies and television shows. It's a small museum, but it's packed full of fascinating memorabilia.
5 Karori Sanctuary
On a recent trip to Wellington I was really pleased I took a guided walk through the Karori Sanctuary. It's a bush walk featuring a range of New Zealand's unique flora and fauna which feels a little like going back in time. When you're there, it's hard to believe your own minutes from a bustling city.
6 Carter Observatory
If you want something a little different, check out the state of the art planetarium and 144 year old telescope at the Carter Observatory. It's an awe-inspiring place for children and adults.
7. Waterfront
As I mentioned, the waterfront itself is a great place to spend time in Wellington. There really is something for everyone, including awesome sculptures, a writers' walk and plaques commemorating historical events. Take a walk, eat a sandwich, meet a friend, fall in love...
SHARE
