Top Things to See and Do in Wellington, New Zealand

When traveling to the New Zealand capital of Wellington, it can be overwhelming because of all of the things there are to see and do. That being said, there are a few things you don't want to miss. Keep in mind that while the capital is just 2 kilometers in size, getting around on foot can still be hassle. If you aren't from the area, rely on Wellington car hire services to get you around to these top attractions.

Te Papa Museum

Your first stop should be the exhibits at Te Papa Museum. In Maori, “te papa” stands for “our place.” It's a very fitting name for the country's national art gallery and museum. When you first set foot inside, it can seem daunting because of the number of exhibits to see. The museum spans six floors and contains over 250,000 fossils. It also features a large exhibit that tells the story of the Gallipoli Campaign during WWI, which took over 24,000 hours to put together.

Mount Victoria

New Zealand is known for its breathtaking views, and nothing embodies this better than Mount Victoria. From the peak of its summit, you get a great view overlooking Wellington's harbor. However, there is more to take in on Mount Victoria than just the sights from the top. The mountain is full of woodlands that are beautiful to explore. In fact, this is where some of the filming was done for the Shire scenes in the Lord of the Rings movies.

Wellington Cable Car

Another great way to get around and see the city is to take a ride on the Wellington cable car. This historic cable car was first opened to the public in 1902. While it's known as a tourist attraction, the cable car still serves the local community and plays a part in the daily commute of locals. If you miss one of the departures, you won't have to wait long for the next with departures scheduled every 10 minutes.

There is a lot to see and do in the New Zealand capital city. Despite it's small size, it would take multiple trips to see and do everything there. If it's your first time in Wellington, hiring a car is a great option for getting around. That way you don't have to worry about finding your destination, and you can just enjoy everything there is to see and do.