Wellington, capital city of New Zealand is on many of the cruise ships itineraies. One of the first major settlements in the country, it is now a bustling commercial centre, seat of the Government and many other institutions. Its dramatic location, clinging to steep hillsides along the harbours edge, gives it a unique character, often referred to as the Windy City. There is a great selection of places to visit, both in the city and close by. The Cruise Ships berth a short distance from the city centre, so a taxi or bus is needed. Te Papa, the countries leading Museum is a popular choice, and free! See the destination options for information.

If you would like your destination or activity listed here then please use the Destination Listing Form

Weta Cave

Come and visit the Weta Cave in Miramar, Wellington. We screen a first-ever behind-the-scenes look at Weta and interviews with Weta co-founders Peter Jackson, Richard Taylor, Tania Rodger and Jamie Selkirk. We give you exclusive insight into the creativity and imagination that goes into crafting the art of Weta.  In our mini-museum, you come face to face with some of the characters, props and displays from your favourite movies. Read the stories of how they were brought to life and learn about the artists who created them. Entry to the Weta Cave with its museum and film screening is free - come and enjoy with us.

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Zelandia - Karori Sanctuary

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Winner of the 2008 Tourism Industry Award for Conservation in Action, Zealandia: The Karori Sanctuary Experience is the ultimate urban nature experience. Just minutes from downtown Wellington, it's one of the best places in New Zealand to experience iconic native wildlife like tuatara, little spotted kiwi, hihi and saddleback in their natural environment. These species are thriving once again because they are protected by a world-first predator proof fence, which allows the wildlife and forest to regenerate to its former glory. Guided tours are available day and night. An absolute must do for visitors to Wellington.

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The National Museum - Te Papa

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Welcome to our National Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa! Since its opening in 1998, Te Papa has built a worldwide reputation for its fresh and bold approach to presenting a nation's treasures and stories. In that time, over ten million people have come to enjoy this unique museum experience. Te Papa is a waharoa, a gateway, to an encounter with the essence of New Zealand's land and people. Wonderful taonga (Mâori cultural treasures), art, and objects are presented through fascinating stories, thought-provoking interpretations, and engaging interactives on its five floors of this huge building.

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Botanic Gardens

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Wellington Botanic Garden features 25 hectares of unique landscape, protected native forest, conifers, specialised plant collections, colourful floral displays, and views over Wellington city. It is classified as a Garden of National Significance by the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture. The Garden was established in 1868 and managed by the New Zealand Institute. Trees growing today on Druid Hill and Magpie Spur grew from seedlings planted at this time, and are some of the oldest exotic trees in New Zealand. In the 1870s the fledgling garden was boosted with a further 21.85 hectares of reserve. Wellington City Council has managed the Botanic Garden since 1891. Entry is free.

Old St. Pauls

Old St Paul's is a fine example of 19th century Gothic Revival architecture adapted to colonial conditions and materials. Constructed entirely from native timbers, the glowing interior is enhanced by stunning stained glass windows. No longer a parish church but still consecrated, Old St Paul's remains a place of spiritual significance to many and is living testimony to one of New Zealand's greatest heritage battles.

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Staglands Wildlife Reserve offers a unique and fun experience for people of all ages to feed and freely interact with birds and animals in an environment that has been created with nature's materials. Staglands is the product of one man's passion and vision to experience nature at its best and is a real 'hidden gem', as it is located in the beautiful Akatarawa Valley in Upper Hutt, Wellington. The Wildlife reserve is a great place for school visits/activities, picnics, BBQ's and there is a stunning cafe log building where you can relax and unwind over lunch, coffee or a wine.

City Gallery Wellington

City Gallery Wellington is a dynamic cultural presence in the capital city of Aotearoa New Zealand. It has achieved a reputation for innovation and style, inspiring and challenging its audiences with a world-class programme of exhibitions and arts-related projects.
City Gallery Wellington creates a focus for contemporary visual arts, architecture and design in Wellington through local, national and international exhibitions as well as international exchanges and joint ventures with other art museums.

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Located on the corner of Taranaki and Ghuznee Sts in the heart of Wellywood, the Film Archive is the home of hundreds of thousands of moving images of New Zealand's past, and from around the world.  Documentaries, home movies, Newsreels, television commercials, feature films and more....

With weekly screenings from Wednesday to Saturday nights, a cafe, a contemporary art gallery and a fully searchable medialibrary, it's a great place to spend a few hours.