Inner-city suburb boasting high-rise buildings and the financial heart of the region, Wellington Central offers access to Civic Square, Town Hall, Central Library, and the Wellington Cable Car.
Discover New Zealand's largest entertainment district, bustling with bars, clubs, theaters, and galleries. Explore Te Aro Park, the waterfront area, and Cuba Street's vibrant shops, cafes, and restaurants.
Thorndon blends Wellington's political heart with colonial charm in New Zealand's oldest suburb. The iconic copper-domed Beehive parliament building stands near historic cottages and tree-lined streets. Katherine Mansfield's birthplace offers a glimpse into literary history while Old St Paul's Church showcases stunning timber Gothic architecture. Parliament tours provide insight into New Zealand's governance system while peaceful strolls reveal boutique shops in heritage buildings. The area maintains a village-like atmosphere despite its central location. Waterfront paths connect to downtown Wellington while hillside streets offer harbour views.
Oriental Bay is Wellington's gold-standard waterfront area where luxury living meets beach town charm. Upscale apartments and boutique hotels overlook the curved harbour promenade. Norfolk pines frame stunning views of the city skyline and sailboats dotting the water. The heart of the area is Oriental Bay Beach, Wellington's premier swimming spot during summer months. Joggers and cyclists share the wide waterfront walkway while sophisticated cafes serve excellent flat whites. The calm atmosphere offers a perfect balance between urban convenience and seaside relaxation.
Perched on a hillside above Wellington, Mount Victoria offers a charming escape with heritage homes and peaceful tree-lined streets. This residential haven blends Victorian architecture with sweeping harbour views from its famous lookout point. The extensive Town Belt green space provides scenic walking paths for outdoor enthusiasts. The area sits just minutes from downtown Wellington's attractions. Visitors can explore historic buildings that showcase early European settlement while enjoying the quiet village atmosphere. Though dining options are limited within Mount Victoria itself, nearby Courtenay Place offers plenty of restaurants just a short walk away.
Discover the most popular places to visit in Wellington
Hnry Stadium
8.6/10 (656 reviews)
Catch an event at Hnry Stadium during your trip to Wellington. Check out the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.
Cuba Street Mall
8.6/10 (3,907 reviews)
Enjoy artisan coffees, sample specialty foods, browse through vintage shops or hunt for retro bargains in Wellington's bohemian heart.
Photo by Martijn Scheepers
Open Photo by Martijn Scheepers
Wellington Central Business District
8.6/10 (3,026 reviews)
Wellington Central Business District is just one of the places to see in Wellington, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Experience the fascinating museums and acclaimed art scene in this walkable area.
Te Papa
9.4/10 (3,522 reviews)
See, smell and touch the exhibits at New Zealand’s hi-tech and interactive free national museum.
TSB Bank Arena
8.8/10 (395 reviews)
Located on Wellington’s picturesque waterfront, this multipurpose venue hosts many events, including concerts, trade shows, art exhibitions and more.
Michael Fowler Centre
8.6/10 (85 reviews)
Wellington’s main stage for conferences and indoor events features award-winning architecture and a year-round calendar of music and arts events.
Courtenay Place
8.4/10 (2,096 reviews)
Shop, wine and dine in this culinary hot spot on one of Wellington's most fashionable streets.
What to do in Wellington
Wellington's Original HD LOTR Experience - includes Weta Tour
"We weren't notified on check in that there was no hot water... but were given complimentary breakfast the next morning, we only stayed the one night. Very clean and tidy with comfortable beds. No single bed options if you have children travelling with you which is disappointing."
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
You can snap up a vacation package to this top destination on Expedia. But how much your vacation to Wellington costs will depend on the length of stay, hotel choice and season.
What are the cheapest months to go to Wellington?
May, June and July are the best times to search for cheap Wellington vacation packages. Travelling in quieter months means you can usually find better prices on accommodations and flights.
How many days is enough for Wellington?
Wellington vacations can be short or long, but to really sink your teeth into this destination, we'd say 2 days is a good ballpark. This will mean you can fit in major attractions like Oriental Parade and The Opera House and seek out some underrated gems. Don't forget to explore cool neighbourhoods such as Wellington CBD and Te Aro either. If you plan wisely, you can even allow for a day trip outside of Wellington too.
Is it worth booking a vacation package to Wellington?
Popular for its nature, dining and culture, a Wellington vacation is a hit with all kinds of visitors. Be sure to visit key sights like Wellington Waterfront and Lambton Quay, and consider renting a set of wheels for day trips to discover even more.
How to find the best Wellington package deals?
Use Expedia's filters to find some great Wellington package deals. When you begin your search, simply set your maximum budget and then sort the results by "Price: low to high." If you're looking to save, plan your trip for midweek, or browse for Wellington package deals in the low season. Play around with your travel dates and you may score even better discounts. As a rule of thumb, it's usually best to book your vacation package as soon as possible.
Is it cheaper to book a Wellington vacation as a package?
An Expedia vacation package could land you great savings when compared to arranging flights and stays individually. Better still, you can customize your Wellington escape to match your exact needs. Pick your preferred flight time, select the hotel type and add a rental car. Browse our great deals to see how much you can save.
When to book a vacation package to Wellington?
If you're considering a spur-of-the-moment Wellington getaway, browse our last-minute deals that can be booked up to one week before you go. Don't want to leave things to the last minute? You can land incredible deals on your flights and hotels by booking well in advance.
How to plan a trip to Wellington?
Pick your dates: The things you'd like to do in Wellington and your preferred season will help you decide when to travel.
Plan your budget wisely: On top of the cost of your hotel, you'll need to factor in other expenses. These include transportation, food and flights. Also, set aside some extra funds for unexpected costs that may crop up during your trip to Wellington.
Decide how long to go for: Now that you're more familiar with Wellington, you can work out the perfect length of your vacation. Create a draft plan and allocate enough time for all the things you want to do.
Bundle your bookings: With your travel dates in order, you can combine your flights, car rental, hotels and more into a personalized Wellington vacation package.
Wellington offers a delightful mix of activities perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy vibrant theatre and music concerts, explore local education attractions, and embark on exciting day trips. Don't miss the renowned Weta Workshop tour for a behind-the-scenes look at film magic. For a more relaxed experience, consider beach vacations or a round of golf at stunning courses nearby, making Wellington an ideal destination for diverse vacation themes.
Shopping
Discover the Queensgate Shopping Centre, 14.5km from Wellington, offering a vibrant mix of entertainment and family-friendly shops. Head to River Valley Shopping Centre and Clouston Park Shops, both 32.2km away, for a variety of local businesses and a lively city atmosphere perfect for gift shopping.
Recreation
Sky Stadium offers an energetic atmosphere, perfect for sports enthusiasts looking to engage in active experiences. St James Theatre provides a cultural retreat with its captivating performances, ideal for a romantic night out or family entertainment. Carter Observatory invites you to explore the cosmos, blending family-friendly fun with educational experiences.
Adventure
Experience the thrill of riding the Wellington Cable Car, offering stunning views and family-friendly fun. For hiking enthusiasts, explore the Wellington City Walkways, where scenic trails await you 14.5km from the city. Alternatively, tackle the Morne LaBaye Trail, an outdoor adventure located 12.9km away, perfect for nature lovers.
Nightlife
Wellington's nightlife is vibrant, with Cuba Street's eclectic bars and live music venues. Te Aro offers a mix of craft breweries and cozy pubs. For late-night dancing, check out venues like San Fran and Ivy, where the atmosphere is energetic and welcoming.
Find the best attractions in Wellington
Wellington offers a diverse range of experiences for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and business travellers alike. You can explore vibrant streets, picturesque beaches, and event venues while immersing yourself in the local culture. Don't miss the Wellington waterfront for scenic views and leisure activities. Consider looking into Wellington holiday packages for a seamless visit to this captivating city and its surroundings.
Cuba Street Mall: Experience the vibrant heart of Wellington at Cuba Street Mall, where eclectic shops, trendy cafes, and street performers create a lively atmosphere. This pedestrianised street is perfect for strolling, soaking in the urban culture, and sampling local cuisine.
The Weta Cave: Dive into the world of film at The Weta Cave, where you can explore the artistry behind iconic movies. This engaging exhibit offers behind-the-scenes insights into the filmmaking process and is great for families and movie enthusiasts alike.
Zealandia: Discover New Zealand's unique wildlife at Zealandia, an expansive eco-sanctuary dedicated to conservation. With friendly staff and interactive displays, this reserve provides a perfect blend of nature and education, making it a delightful outing for all ages.
Best time to go to Wellington
The best time to visit Wellington is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. February is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. July is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.
Tips to save on your trip to Wellington
Combine your flights, hotels and car rentals on Expedia—bundling can result in significant savings.
Consider traveling during the off-peak season (typically January, June and August) for more affordable package holidays to Wellington.
Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.
* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages.