What To Do and See in Wellington On a Good Day

Top Outdoor Sights and Activities in New Zealand’s Capital

May 8, 2009 Amy Goldstein

Travelers lucky enough to visit New Zealand's capital on a good day can make the most of the weather with this list of Wellington's best outdoor tourist attractions.

Located at the southern tip of the North Island, Wellington is New Zealand’s political and cultural capital; both bureaucratic and bohemian, political and artsy. Between its lovely harbor and rolling hills, compact Wellington possesses enviable natural beauty. Unfortunately, Wellington is also known for its unpredictable weather and strong winds. On a bad day in Wellington, a leisurely stroll can feel like training for a marathon. But on a good day, when the sun is shining and the air is calm, the city is unbeatable. Admire and appreciate Wellington’s unique look and feel with these outdoor sights and activities.

Wellington Writers Walk and Waterfront

No doubt one of Wellington’s highlights is its modern and imaginative harbor, home to museums, bridges, sculptures, bars, and restaurants. A popular spot with locals for lunching and exercising, the waterfront offers picturesque views of the city and sea, and is a great place to people watch. More importantly, the Wellington waterfront is also an innovative literary experience.

The Wellington Writers Walk, a project of the Wellington branch of the New Zealand Society of Authors, was inaugurated in March 2002. Concrete plaques and benchmarks, designed by typographer Catherine Griffiths and architect Fiona Christeller, respectively, are uniquely placed along the waterfront (one appears to float on the surface of a pool outside the Te Papa museum). Each one features a quotation about the city by celebrated writers who, at some point in their lives, considered Wellington their hometown. Currently, nineteen notable authors are featured, including Katherine Mansfield, James K. Baxter, and Bill Manhire. (Wellington Waterfront, between Frank Kitts Park and Chaffers Marina; free.)

Cable Car, Botanical Garden and Bolton Street Memorial Park

Opened in 1902, the Wellington Cable Car is one of the city’s oldest and most beloved tourist attractions. Originally constructed to link the city center to a new suburb built in the hills, the little red car runs from Lambton Quay, past Kelburn Park and Victoria University, to the entrance of the Cable Car Museum and Botanical Gardens. (280 Lambton Quay; Mon-Fri 7am-10pm, Sat 8:30am-10pm, Sun & holidays 9am-10pm; every 10 minutes; $3 one-way, $5 return.)

Established in 1868, the meandering Botanical Gardens encompass 25 hectares of native forest, conifers, plant collections, and floral displays. Highlights include views of the city and harbor, a duck pond and herb garden, and the Lady Norwood Rose Garden. (Daily, dawn-dusk; free.) To return to the city center, wander lazily downhill through the Bolton Street Memorial Park, the city’s original cemetery, dating back to 1840. (Daily, dawn-dusk; free.)

Mount Victoria Lookout

For 360° panoramic views of Wellington, head uphill to the Mount Victoria lookout, located east of the city center. After a relatively easy one-hour climb to the summit (196m), take in the city, airport, harbor, Hutt Valley, and Cook Strait. In 1962, a memorial was erected atop the hill in honor of renowned US explorer Admiral Richard E. Byrd, famous for his Antarctic expeditions.

Wellywood Movie Tour

Thanks to critically acclaimed New Zealand director Peter Jackson and the popularity of his Lord of the Rings trilogy, Wellington has emerged onto the international movie scene. Many scenes from the films were shot in the area, and the city, nicknamed Wellywood, is home to Weta Workshop, the award-winning visual effects production company closely linked to Jackson. Tour operators (such as Wellington Movie Tours) combine cinema and sightseeing, taking fans to filming locations, screening clips, sharing behind-the-scenes secrets, and providing props for photos.

For additional city information, visit the Wellington i-SITE (Civic Square, 101 Wakefield St.; Mon-Fri 8:30am-5:30pm, Tues until 5pm, Sat-Sun 9:30am-4:30pm) or the official website of Wellington.

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