Top Wellington Attractions & Museums

Te Papa Museum of New Zealand is unique for its innovative, interactive exhibits that engage visitors through cutting-edge technology, its deep respect and authentic representation of Māori culture and heritage, its comprehensive displays of New Zealand's diverse natural history and cultural narratives, and its commitment to inclusivity and community engagement, making it a dynamic and inclusive cultural hub.

You’ll see native wildlife and farm animals throughout New Zealand, but at Staglands Wildlife Reserve get up close with some of the country’s remarkable fauna. This entry ticket makes it easy to plan your day out at Staglands. Catch a glimpse of native birds flitting between native forest stands or meet some of New Zealand’s unique aquatic life. Catch the lunchtime feeding tour or tractor–trailer rides at select times.

First-time visitors to Wellington who want to see some of the capital’s must-visit attractions alongside its less-frequented spots will love this small-group half-day tour. There’s no need to get tired walking around, or get lost self-driving. Head up to the Mt. Victoria Lookout for panoramic views, learn about “The Lord of the Rings” at the Weta Workshop Studios, take a drive around the scenic Miramar Peninsula, and more.

An hour or so north of Wellington, Martinborough is fast making a name for itself as one of the Southern Hemisphere’s leading wine regions. Each weekend, Wellingtonians make the trek over the Remutakas to escape to this European-style wine village. This small group tour is a convenient way to visit Martinborough. There’s no need to stress about driving on country backroads, and no need to plan the day’s itinerary - leaving you to focus on the wine and the iconic scenery.

Stonehenge Aotearoa offers a unique twist on the iconic monument. This modern, working observatory in New Zealand is designed for the Southern Hemisphere, incorporating Polynesian and Maori astronomical knowledge. Interactive tours engage visitors in learning how ancient cultures navigated and understood the cosmos. Set in the serene Wairarapa countryside, it provides a less crowded and more intimate experience than its UK counterpart. Explore the stars and delve into the fascinating world of archaeoastronomy at Stonehenge Aotearoa. Up to 50 people in a tour.

Whether it’s your first time in Wellington or you just want to see as much as possible during your time in port, this half-day sightseeing tour offers a great introduction to the city and a diverse range of sights. Visit the iconic special-effects Wētā Cave and the historic Old St. Paul’s Cathedral, ride the Wellington Cable Car to the top of the city, and enjoy panoramic views from Mount Victoria.

Tick off the top attractions of the Windy City on this private full-day tour of Wellington. Experience the myriad delights of New Zealand’s capital as you take in the views from Mt Victoria, spot seals at Red Rocks, then go behind-the-scenes with a short tour of the Weta Cave, where the special effects for Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit were created. After a scrumptious lunch at the Chocolate Fish Café (included), ride the cable car over Wellington and visit landmarks like the Botanical Gardens, the Parliament Buildings and the Beehive.

Escape from Wellington for the day on this private fully-day tour of the beautiful Kapiti Coast. Enjoy a variety of sights and attractions to suit your needs and interests, including the views from Paekakariki Hill, the Nga Manu Wildlife Centre, and the Tuatara Brewery. This is an ideal tour for travelers short on time in the Wellington region who want to explore beyond the city.

Travelers with limited time in Wellington can enjoy a half-day Lord of the Rings tour with hotel pickup and skip-the-line access. Visit Hobbiton Woods filming locations on Mt. Victoria, explore Weta Workshop's special effects exhibits, and see the theater that hosted the films' world premieres. This tour offers a convenient way to experience key filming sites and behind-the-scenes insights in the capital.

Go beyond wildlife to discover the hidden world of Zealandia's native forest on this guided tour. Learn how plants compete, adapt and shape ecosystems that support the wildlife that's thriving here. Whether you're an experienced plant nerd or chronically plant-blind, there's something for everyone in the new Forest Secrets tour. Discover what makes New Zealand's forests unique as you explore the young native forest and learn how the conservation team is helping to accelerate its recovery. Along the way, uncover the ingenious strategies plants use to reproduce and compete for space, light, nutrients, and protection from browsing animals. The textures, shapes, colors and smells of the forest will open up for you, and you'll never look at a forest the same way again.