Tourist Highlights in Wellington

Posted by Ant Stone on May 14, 2010 in Activities, Attractions, Blog, Children, Football, Museums, Nature, Parks & Gardens, Showcase, Sport | 0 comments

Wellington is a patchwork of must-do things. As New Zealand’s favourite city, it’s swollen to the shores with spellbinding activities. Family activities in Wellington have the ability to invigorate at every budget, while the hundreds of things to do outdoors in Wellington will keep content even the most nimble toed of tourists.

Above all, we love welcoming visitors. While we won’t laud you with hyperbole, we will load you with safe, affordable and exciting activities. Indeed, our entire website is dedicated to the very fact that we believe Wellington is one of the world’s most tourist-friendly cities. One question we’re always asked by visitors to Wellington is, “What are the must-do things in Wellington?”

We don’t really like the question, as it puts so many of the regions most exciting tourist attractions in the shadows. But if we’re pushed, we roll over, and let the world tickle our fuzzy bellies.

Must-Do Things in Wellington

Te Papa Museum, Wellington The holy grail of museums, this colossal waterfront museum is the engine room of Wellington tourism. Te Papa Tongarewa regularly hosts mind-blowing exhibitions, beside sensational stalwart displays of cultural significance. Look out for interesting talks and events held most weekends throughout the year, or just take a deep breath and lose yourself and the family in the endless interactive displays. If you see one museum in your life, make it Te Papa.
55 Cable Street, Wellington | +64 (0)4 381 7000 | Website | FREE

Wellington Phoenix While New Zealand is considered to be a, ‘Rugby Nation’, the tides are turning fast and hard. Since the All Whites (New Zealand’s national football team) qualified for the South Africa World Cup 2010, the city has gone football crazy. If you get the chance, infect yourself with Yellow Fever at the Westpac Stadium, as the local Wellington Phoenix go hard to defend NZ’s honour in the Australian A-League.
Westpac Stadium, Waterloo Quay, Wellington | 0800 Ticketek | Website | Various Prices (Adult $25-$34; Child 5-16 years $12-$14)

Waterfront, Wellington If you allow it to, Wellington can nonchalantly hurl your stress from the high-rises, and into its sparkling central harbour. While most people stroll hand-in-hand along the waterfront, visiting the numerous bars and cafés, our capital city is best seen offshore. Ask a local to point you towards Ferg’s, and rent yourself a kayak. The tranquil waters of the bay are swollen with inner-city silence. Look out for taniwha: local demons, which roam our local waters.
Fergs Kayaks, Shed Six, Queens Wharf, Wellington | +64 (0)4 499 8898 | Website | Kayaks from $15/hr

Red Rocks, Wellington A short bus journey from central Wellington, is balmy Owhiro Bay. One of the jewels of our south coast. See the Kaikoura Ranges, which weigh down the nearby South Island, and chat with coastal birdlife. Head west towards the local landmark, Red Rocks: the supposed site that Kupe’s daughters cut their breasts, in anguish over their legendary father’s presumed death. The protected area is equally revered for the pongy fur seals, which lounge along our brown-crumb coast.
Owhiro Bay, Wellington | FREE

Botanic Gardens, Wellington Wellington’s rumpled landscape is a haven of mottled light, even in the heart of the city. Chuck a picnic together and journey upwards from Lambton Quay on the heritage cable car to the Botanic Gardens, before snaking your way downhill, through the floral fantasia. Stroll through the herb gardens, and learn about our local conservation. As night falls, look out for the speckles of resident glowers, and enjoy the numerous free cultural events held throughout the summer.
Entrances include Tinakori Road, Glenmore Street, Salamanca Road, Upland Road and the Cable Car. | +64 (0)4 499 1400 | Website | FREE

We openly admit that many people will disagree with the selection. Wherever possible, we shy away from giving attractions in Wellington labels, such as ‘The Best’, ‘The Greatest’ or ‘The Downright Bloody Unbeatable!’

What we have tried our best to achieve with this small selection, is to spread you around the city. To let your feet do the talking, and your mouth do the walking. Because if you’re squawking for a day of gawking, we have numerous ideas we’re hawking, so you can go porking (or even stalking).