Wellington CBD Travel Guide
Wellington
Visit Wellington CBD
Popular places to visit
TSB Bank Arena
Located on Wellington’s picturesque waterfront, this multipurpose venue hosts many events, including concerts, trade shows, art exhibitions and more.
Michael Fowler Centre
Wellington’s main stage for conferences and indoor events features award-winning architecture and a year-round calendar of music and arts events.
Wellington Cable Car
Rise above the crowds on this famous attraction: the red cable cars that travel up a steep slope to Wellington Botanic Garden.
City Gallery Wellington
Enjoy eclectic and cutting-edge contemporary art at this free gallery.
Wellington Town Hall
Catch an event at Wellington Town Hall during your trip to Wellington. Discover the fascinating museums and shops in this walkable area.
Museum of Wellington City and Sea
A free museum for all the family that charts the role the sea played in shaping modern-day Wellington.
Things to do
Wellington's Original HD LOTR Experience - includes Weta Tour
Wellington city heights shared sightseeing tour
Wellington: Return Cable Car Ticket
Half Day Lord of the Rings Tour
Seal Coast Safari - Exclusive access to Wellington's secret coast
Top hotels in Wellington CBD
James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
"Property was good for something reasonably cheap to sleep in a comfy clean room and bed. Breakfast extremely average. Coffee was horrible thankful to have only stayed 1 night simply because we got in on a the late flight and didn't get to the hotel until 2am and checking out 9hrs later."
Reviewed on 27 May 2026
Gilmer Apartment Hotel
"The room was exactly as advertised"
Reviewed on 26 May 2026
ibis Wellington
"Oh the parking but all good in the end"
Reviewed on 23 May 2026
InterContinental Wellington by IHG
"Love the clean room and comfy bed and the service, parking ur car away for you and getting it out when u need it. Wonderful place to stay will be back again."
Reviewed on 18 May 2026
Bolton Hotel
"Great staff and location"
Reviewed on 21 May 2026
Quest 256 Lambton
"The perfect position in the centre of the city. Shops and restaurants close by. Relish Cafe a few doors down under the chemist warehouse has lovely food for lunch and a delicious breakfast. The guys behind the counter were very helpful and up for creating what I asked for"
Reviewed on 17 May 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Wellington CBD
Wellington Waterfront
The abundant dining options and interesting museums are top of the list for many visitors to Wellington Waterfront. A stop by Te Papa or TSB Bank Arena might round out your trip.
Kelburn
While visiting Kelburn, you might make a stop by sights like Botanic Gardens and Zealandia.
Thorndon
If you're spending some time in Thorndon, Lambton Quay and National Library are top sights worth seeing.
Te Aro
Te Aro is known for its popular shops, and with sights like St James Theatre and Cuba Street Mall, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Wellington.
Pipitea
If you're spending some time in Pipitea, Hnry Stadium and Archives New Zealand are top sights worth seeing.
Oriental Bay
If you're spending some time in Oriental Bay, Oriental Bay Beach and Oriental Parade are top sights worth seeing.
