A day in the life of a Wellington Tourist:
There are many exciting, exhilarating, and extremely fun activities here in Wellington. I have described two of the most popular activities (Te Papa and the Cable Car) in detail on the sub-pages. But on this page, I have put together ten must-dos in a day here in Wellington-
1. I start my day at the National Museum of New Zealand - Te Papa, it was fascinating and fun for curious minds of any age. The exhibits were innovative and interactive, telling stories of New Zealand’s unique geological, biological, cultural and social history in new and exciting ways. By the way – general admission is free (some touring exhibitions have an entry fee). Navigate to the Te Papa subpage on this website to find out more in detail.
2. I next feel like enjoying the beautiful nature here in Wellington. I decide to walk up to Mount Victoria. I enjoyed 360-degree views from the top of Mount Victoria. I got a panoramic view of city and harbour, and a great photo opportunity at the Mt Victoria Lookout. I watched the ferries sailing in through the harbour and aircraft taking off from Wellington Airport. I could have drove all the way up, but I walked through the town belt greenery. A few weeks ago on a lovely Summer's day, I got some fish and chips and sat on the grass as the sun goes down and the lights come up. I suggest you do this sometime too.
Are you an avid walker? Get the free Welly Walks iPhone app
3. I next ride the historic Wellington Cable Car. The Cable Car is a Wellington icon. It runs from Lambton Quay up to Kelburn, where at the top there’s a lookout, the Cable Car Museum, and Carter Observatory. With interactive displays, a state of the art digital planetarium and historic telescopes, it's a virtual voyage to the stars. I came back down to earth (and the city) through the beautiful Botanic Garden. Do you like what you hear? Navigate to the Wellington Cable Car subpage on this website.
4. I then took the free shuttle from the Cable Car museum and travelled back in time at the Zealandia sanctuary in Karori.
It is just a 10-minute drive from downtown Wellington. Hidden in a suburban valley, this project aims to return a 225 hectare section of bush to its pre-human state. I took a walk and heard the songs of the flourishing native bird population. The volunteer guides help you make the most, and you can even book a night tour for kiwi spotting.
4. After Zealandia, I went on a guided tour around Wellington. A guided tour was the best way for me to quickly get to know the capital city. Walk the city meeting Wellington’s coffee roasters and tasting gourmet foods. Go mountain biking with expert guides, head offroad to visit hard-to-reach wildlife, or take to the skies for a spectacular bird’s eye view. All fantastic experiences!
5. After all these amazing activities, I decided to taste my way around the city. I went to the Crab Shack (I LOVE seafood!) the food was amazingly tasty, the people there were so friendly and I had an awesome time. Did you know that Wellington is said to have more bars and restaurants than New York City? We're also known as the craft beer capital, and as for our coffee...it's legendary. Want to know more about the different cafes and restaurants in Wellington? Visit the 'Eat in Wellington' page on this website.
7. After my tasty food, I wanted to go check out our world famous movie-making magic. I got a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the imagination and artistry behind some of the world's must spectacular movies at The Weta Cave mini-museum, right there where the special effects wizardry happens. Then I put myself in the picture with aThe Lord of the Rings location tour.
8. After this, I took a sunset-stroll around the waterfront to Oriental Bay
Wellington's waterfront is a beautifully walkable public space, dotted with cafes, parks, sculpture, bars and ice cream vendors. I joined hundreds of Wellingtonians walking, jogging, skating, cycling, or crocodile biking. I even stopped by one of three markets on the weekend and brought a fantastic piece of Paua Jewellery. I then traveled to Oriental Bay beach to have a swim and I soaked up the Wellington sun.
9. After all of this relaxing, I needed to have a Close Encounter at Wellington Zoo!
Have YOU ever wanted to hand-feed a giraffe, play with a mob of meerkats or stroke a cheetah’s fur? I have! All this and more is possible at Wellington Zoo, the ‘best little zoo in the world’. Book a Close Encounter for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, or just enjoy the more than 100 species of animals in the collection. Say hi to the chimps for me!
10. Finally, to end my day I took a cruise down Cuba Street. Home to hipsters, artists and lovers of vintage, Cuba Street is a bohemian haven with some of the city’s most colourful shops, bars and cafes. Street entertainers might play percussive guitar, put on a marionette show, or play with fire. Don't forget to get your photo of the one and only Bucket Fountain.
What a fantastic day! All this and more in Wellington- you will be blown away!
1. I start my day at the National Museum of New Zealand - Te Papa, it was fascinating and fun for curious minds of any age. The exhibits were innovative and interactive, telling stories of New Zealand’s unique geological, biological, cultural and social history in new and exciting ways. By the way – general admission is free (some touring exhibitions have an entry fee). Navigate to the Te Papa subpage on this website to find out more in detail.
2. I next feel like enjoying the beautiful nature here in Wellington. I decide to walk up to Mount Victoria. I enjoyed 360-degree views from the top of Mount Victoria. I got a panoramic view of city and harbour, and a great photo opportunity at the Mt Victoria Lookout. I watched the ferries sailing in through the harbour and aircraft taking off from Wellington Airport. I could have drove all the way up, but I walked through the town belt greenery. A few weeks ago on a lovely Summer's day, I got some fish and chips and sat on the grass as the sun goes down and the lights come up. I suggest you do this sometime too.
Are you an avid walker? Get the free Welly Walks iPhone app
3. I next ride the historic Wellington Cable Car. The Cable Car is a Wellington icon. It runs from Lambton Quay up to Kelburn, where at the top there’s a lookout, the Cable Car Museum, and Carter Observatory. With interactive displays, a state of the art digital planetarium and historic telescopes, it's a virtual voyage to the stars. I came back down to earth (and the city) through the beautiful Botanic Garden. Do you like what you hear? Navigate to the Wellington Cable Car subpage on this website.
4. I then took the free shuttle from the Cable Car museum and travelled back in time at the Zealandia sanctuary in Karori.
It is just a 10-minute drive from downtown Wellington. Hidden in a suburban valley, this project aims to return a 225 hectare section of bush to its pre-human state. I took a walk and heard the songs of the flourishing native bird population. The volunteer guides help you make the most, and you can even book a night tour for kiwi spotting.
4. After Zealandia, I went on a guided tour around Wellington. A guided tour was the best way for me to quickly get to know the capital city. Walk the city meeting Wellington’s coffee roasters and tasting gourmet foods. Go mountain biking with expert guides, head offroad to visit hard-to-reach wildlife, or take to the skies for a spectacular bird’s eye view. All fantastic experiences!
5. After all these amazing activities, I decided to taste my way around the city. I went to the Crab Shack (I LOVE seafood!) the food was amazingly tasty, the people there were so friendly and I had an awesome time. Did you know that Wellington is said to have more bars and restaurants than New York City? We're also known as the craft beer capital, and as for our coffee...it's legendary. Want to know more about the different cafes and restaurants in Wellington? Visit the 'Eat in Wellington' page on this website.
7. After my tasty food, I wanted to go check out our world famous movie-making magic. I got a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the imagination and artistry behind some of the world's must spectacular movies at The Weta Cave mini-museum, right there where the special effects wizardry happens. Then I put myself in the picture with aThe Lord of the Rings location tour.
8. After this, I took a sunset-stroll around the waterfront to Oriental Bay
Wellington's waterfront is a beautifully walkable public space, dotted with cafes, parks, sculpture, bars and ice cream vendors. I joined hundreds of Wellingtonians walking, jogging, skating, cycling, or crocodile biking. I even stopped by one of three markets on the weekend and brought a fantastic piece of Paua Jewellery. I then traveled to Oriental Bay beach to have a swim and I soaked up the Wellington sun.
9. After all of this relaxing, I needed to have a Close Encounter at Wellington Zoo!
Have YOU ever wanted to hand-feed a giraffe, play with a mob of meerkats or stroke a cheetah’s fur? I have! All this and more is possible at Wellington Zoo, the ‘best little zoo in the world’. Book a Close Encounter for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, or just enjoy the more than 100 species of animals in the collection. Say hi to the chimps for me!
10. Finally, to end my day I took a cruise down Cuba Street. Home to hipsters, artists and lovers of vintage, Cuba Street is a bohemian haven with some of the city’s most colourful shops, bars and cafes. Street entertainers might play percussive guitar, put on a marionette show, or play with fire. Don't forget to get your photo of the one and only Bucket Fountain.
What a fantastic day! All this and more in Wellington- you will be blown away!