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.
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.
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.
Things to do
Wellington's Original HD LOTR Experience - includes Weta Tour
Wellington: Return Cable Car Ticket
Seal Coast Safari - Exclusive access to Wellington's secret coast
Axe Throwing Lesson and Tournament
Discover Wellington 3 hour City Tour
Top hotels in Wellington CBD
James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
Very comfortable bed and pillows. The room was quiet even for a stormy night. The reception staff were friendly and helpful. And the room service staff were courteous and kind.
Reviewed on 24 Feb 2026
Gilmer Apartment Hotel
The location is excellent and so central. There are shops, restaurants and amenities such as the cable car moments away.
Reviewed on 24 Feb 2026
Bolton Hotel
Very nice room. Parking a little wacky. No coffee available from the cafe or restaurant until 630am certainly not good for a business/financial district hotel.
Reviewed on 23 Feb 2026
ibis Wellington
Staff was good, room clean.
Reviewed on 23 Feb 2026
Travelodge Hotel Wellington
Had to carry heavy suitcases up many steps from Lampton Quay - not a good start! Fridge not working in room - we had to wait for someone to sort this. Room was adequate - bathroom needs renewing as white with limescale. Room was noisy as we had to keep windows open
Reviewed on 24 Feb 2026
InterContinental Wellington by IHG
Amazing ! We saw the new years fireworks :)
Reviewed on 23 Feb 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, Sky 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.
