Wellington Travel Guide – Everything You Need To Know

My Wellington travel guide covers everything you need to know about visiting Wellington, New Zealand.

It was love at first sight when I visited Wellington a few years ago. It instantly reminded me of San Francisco and Melbourne, only more compact and quirky. Think vibrant, walkable, and packed with character. If you’re visiting soon, my Wellington travel guide has you covered: ideal seasons, how to stay connected, what to pack, where to sleep, plus top attractions, dining spots, day trips and FAQs.

When to visit Wellington

The best time to visit Wellington is in the shoulder seasons: March to May (autumn) and September to November (spring). You’ll enjoy mild weather, fewer tourists, and beautiful blooming or fall colours. My March trip only produced one rainy day. Summer (December to February) can be warm, but expect crowds and higher prices, especially during the school holidays.

How to stay connected in Wellington

Skip hunting for Wi-Fi and grab an eSIM instead. It’s quick to set up, offers reliable coverage, saves you from data stress, and is an affordable way to stay connected. Here’s my recommendation for the best eSIM for New Zealand.

What to pack for Wellington

Your Wellington packing list depends on when you visit. For summer, stick to t-shirts and shorts. For winter, be sure to bring a warm winter jacket, layers, and jeans. The shoulder seasons of autumn and spring are a mix:

• Light layers: t-shirts, long-sleeved tops, jeans, shorts, and a light jacket for cooler mornings and evenings.
• Durable shoes: I love my Allbirds for city strolls and hikes, but any comfortable trainer will do.
• Sun protection: UV rays plus coastal wind can sneak up on you fast.

Where to stay in Wellington

I’m a budget girlie through and through, so I checked into YHA Wellington on my solo trip. I booked a four-bed female dorm with an ensuite, and the view alone made it worth it. The location is unbeatable—right in the heart of the city and walking distance to all the top spots. The rooms were spotless, the vibe was chill, and yes, the WiFi is free. What else do you really need?

If you have a bigger budget, I suggest the Sofitel or the Intrepid Hotel. Sofitel Wellington is a five-star hotel blending French flair with New Zealand sophistication. With spa-style bathrooms, luxe touches, onsite restaurants, and amazing Botanical Gardens views, it’s no surprise it earned TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice award as one of the top 1% of properties worldwide.

Meanwhile, the Intrepid Hotel is housed in a converted early 20th-century Cadbury warehouse. With only 18 rooms, the boutique hotel perfectly combines modern design with heritage architecture. It’s designed with travellers in mind.

How to get around Wellington

Wellington’s compact city centre makes it perfect for exploring on foot. I walked everywhere during my stay and only used the Airport Express bus to get to and from the airport. If you plan to use public transport, you can grab a reloadable Snapper card or pay cash for one-off tickets. You’ll find everything you need to know on the Metlink website.

Sticking around for longer or planning a few day trips? Hiring a car might be worth it for the extra freedom.

Things to do in Wellington

I have a guide with 25 things to do in Wellington. But here’s a brief breakdown:

• Visit Wellington Museum, the National Tattoo Museum of New Zealand, City Gallery, or Te Papa – all free attractions.
• Check out the Oriental Bay huts.
• Head up to Mount Victoria Lookout via a short hike for panoramic city views.
• Alternatively, ride the Wellington Cable Car to the top for sweeping city views, a visit to the mini museum, and a walk through the Botanic Garden.
• Spot street art thanks to this handy map.
• Fellow movie buffs should do a Weta Workshop tour. You get behind-the-scenes insights beyond The Lord of the Rings.
• Head to a market: Wellington Night Market,  The Underground Market, and Harbourside Market, to name a few.
• Visit Zealandia, the world’s first fully-fenced urban eco-sanctuary. The wildlife reserve has daytime, twilight, and night tours.
• Stroll down colourful Cuba Street and do some retail therapy while stopping in a funky cafe or two.
• Head to Wellington Zoo with the kids. It’s New Zealand’s oldest zoo with over 500 animals.

Day trips from Wellington

Here’s my breakdown of the best Wellington day trips. But you can escape to the Hutt Valley, filled with cute boutiques, amazing food and drink options, and Brewtown, a craft brewery and distillery with a 4,500-square-metre entertainment centre. Alternatively, visit Kapiti Island, one of New Zealand’s oldest and most important nature reserves. Finally, if wine is your game, make a beeline for the wineries in Martinborough.

Where to eat in Wellington

I ate and drank up a storm in Wellington! Once again, I have a Wellington food and drink guide with 19 recommendations. But here’s my recap:

• Get takeaway from KC Cafe and Takeaway or Little Penang after a busy day pounding the pavement.
• Head to Fidel’s for brunch.
• Treat yourself at The Little Waffle Shop.
• Visit Sweet Mother’s Kitchen, which pairs bold Southern flavours with fresh daily specials. You’ll feel like you’re in New Orleans. 

I hope this Wellington travel guide helps you plan your trip!

If you’re also heading to Auckland while exploring New Zealand’s North Island, check out my Auckland archive. I have just as many posts on the best things to do, places to eat, and day trips.

Wellington travel guide – FAQs

Thank you to Saily for partnering with me on this post.