Wellington CBD combines the capital's economic and cultural heartbeat with a stunning harbour setting. Te Papa museum anchors the waterfront alongside galleries and theatres showcasing New Zealand's heritage. The iconic Cable Car offers spectacular city views while government buildings like the distinctive Beehive create an impressive skyline. Stroll along the harbor-side promenade to discover restaurants and public art installations with stunning water views. Cuba Street's colourful facades house local boutiques and cafes. Business travellers and culture-seeking tourists alike find Wellington CBD's compact, walkable layout perfect for exploring New Zealand's vibrant capital.
Te Aro buzzes as Wellington's vibrant cultural heart. Cuba Street dazzles with eclectic shops and colourful street art. The waterfront houses Te Papa Tongarewa, New Zealand's impressive national museum. Theatres and music venues light up Courtenay Place after dark. This walkable area blends bohemian charm with urban energy. Sample local flavours at Hannah's Laneway or browse independent boutiques. Vintage stores and art galleries showcase the area's creative spirit. The harbour views add a perfect backdrop to this entertainment district.
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 city centre 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 city centre 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)
Wellington's premier multi-purpose venue hosts major sporting events and concerts with excellent sightlines from all seats. Arrive early to soak in the electric atmosphere.
Cuba Street Mall
8.6/10 (3,907 reviews)
Cuba Street pulses with Wellington's bohemian spirit through vibrant boutiques, global eateries, and colourful street art. Linger at the quirky Bucket Fountain in this pedestrian-friendly cultural hub.
Photo by Martijn Scheepers
Open Photo by Martijn Scheepers
Wellington Central Business District
8.6/10 (3,026 reviews)
Wellington CBD blends historic charm with modern culture in New Zealand's compact capital. Stroll the vibrant waterfront, explore artisan cafes, and discover Te Papa museum's treasures within walking distance.
Te Papa
9.4/10 (3,522 reviews)
Te Papa showcases New Zealand's natural environment and Māori culture through immersive storytelling. Explore the renowned Gallipoli exhibition with its life-sized figures.
TSB Bank Arena
8.8/10 (395 reviews)
Wellington's largest indoor venue hosts international concerts and sports matches on the scenic waterfront. Check the event calendar to experience the city's premier entertainment destination.
Michael Fowler Centre
8.6/10 (85 reviews)
Wellington's premier concert venue features striking modern architecture and world-class acoustics. Enjoy the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra or diverse cultural events in this intimate 2,200-seat space.
Courtenay Place
8.4/10 (2,096 reviews)
Wellington's entertainment heart pulses with theatres, cinemas, and diverse dining options along this vibrant strip. Explore side streets like Allen and Blair for hidden culinary gems away from the main thoroughfare.
What to do in Wellington
Wellington's Original HD LOTR Experience - includes Weta Tour
"This is a well kept hotel and our room was perfect! The views were beautiful! The staff were very friendly and accommodating when I requested an extra comforter for the room. They have a wonderful buffet breakfast which we enjoyed every morning. We totally enjoyed our 3 day stay at the Oakes Hotel!"
"Excellent hotel at Wellington airport. Was so easy to stay and go direct to check in counter for an early international flight. Highly recommend and certainly about time Wellington Airport had this amenity. I could not fault Rydges hotel other than the restaurant closing early."
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 grab a holiday package to this top destination on Expedia. But how much your holiday to Wellington costs will depend on your hotel choice, season and length of stay.
What are the cheapest months to go to Wellington?
You can usually find lower prices and better availability in May, June and July. Browse our cheap Wellington holiday packages and you could land some excellent off-season deals.
How many days is enough for Wellington?
Allow at least 2 days for your Wellington holiday to really discover everything that makes this place special. Wander around key areas, including Wellington CBD and Te Aro. Then tick off top attractions like Island Bay Beach and Circa Theatre. With a well-organised itinerary, you'll be kept busy with room for some relaxation too. Want to venture beyond Wellington? Consider squeezing in a day trip or two.
Is it worth booking a holiday package to Wellington?
Whether you want to check out key attractions such as Wellington Waterfront and Lambton Quay on your Wellington holiday, or coming for its excellent nature, dining and culture, there's something for everyone here. With so much to see and do, you'll quickly learn why so many travellers think Wellington is a good holiday destination.
How to find the best Wellington package deals?
Begin your search for a Wellington package deal by entering your preferred trip dates and destination under our "Packages" tab. Then apply some filters, like "Popular locations" and "Property type," to tailor the results to your exact style. You can also sort by "Package discount" and browse offers that come with huge savings. If you don't find the ideal Wellington package deal straight away, simply play around with your dates and search again. Bear in mind that deals are only available for a limited time, so book early and get your Wellington escape off to a flying start.
Is it cheaper to book a Wellington holiday as a package?
You can enjoy significant savings on your next Wellington escape by booking a customised holiday package. Click on the "Package" heading, then select your travel dates and destination to view the best hotel and flight prices. Bundling can save travellers hundreds of dollars. Consider adding a car rental and you may land a better deal.
When to book a holiday package to Wellington?
If you're planning a spontaneous Wellington adventure, check out our last-minute deals that can be booked up to a week before you go. Prefer not to wait until the last minute? You can land terrific deals on your hotels and flights by booking ahead.
How to plan a trip to Wellington?
Choose when to get away: Check your diary and get your bags packed. Your favourite season and the available activities will also help you decide when to visit Wellington.
Figure out your budget: Make sure you have enough money to pay for everything from food and transportation to experiences and flights. Your hotel will likely be the largest expense during your trip to Wellington.
Work out your trip length: Think about how long you want to spend exploring Wellington. Plan your days so you can get to all the attractions and activities you're interested in at a leisurely pace.
Bundle your accommodation and airfare: Once you've settled on your trip dates and duration, book the right Wellington holiday package for you.
* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages.