Wellington 3 Day Itinerary

Wellington, New Zealand: A 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring the City

Morning

  • Start your day at Te Papa Museum, a must-visit attraction in Wellington. The museum offers a range of exhibits on New Zealand’s natural history, art, and culture.
  • From Te Papa, take a short walk to the Waterfront, where you can enjoy stunning views of the harbour and grab a coffee or snack from one of the many cafes.

Afternoon

  • Head to Cable Car Lane and ride the historic Wellington Cable Car to the Kelburn Terminal. At the top, visit the Wellington Botanic Garden, which offers beautiful views of the city.
  • Alternatively, take a short walk to the ** Zealandia Sanctuary**, a predator-free haven for native New Zealand wildlife.

Evening

  • For dinner, head to Courtenay Place, a vibrant street in the heart of Wellington’s entertainment district. Try Logan Brown for delicious Kiwi cuisine or The Library for craft beer and gastropub fare.
  • Catch a show or live music performance at Bats Theatre or San Fran.

Accommodation

  • Stay at QT Wellington, a stylish hotel in the heart of the city, or YHA Wellington, a budget-friendly hostel with great facilities.

Day 2: Welly’s Natural Beauty

Morning

  • Take a day trip to Makara Peak Mountain Bike Park, just an hour from Wellington. Ride the scenic trails and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
  • Alternatively, visit Red Rocks Reserve, a beautiful coastal area with stunning rock formations and a colony of New Zealand fur seals.

Afternoon

  • Return to Wellington and explore the Harcourt Gardens, a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city.
  • Visit Weta Workshop, a world-renowned design and effects facility that has worked on films like Lord of the Rings and Avatar. Take a guided tour to learn about the workshop’s creative process.

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Martin Bosley’s, a renowned restaurant serving contemporary New Zealand cuisine, or try Seize for delicious pizza and craft beer.
  • End your day with a scenic Wellington Harbour walk, offering stunning views of the city skyline.

Day 3: Cultural Delights

Morning

  • Visit the New Zealand Parliament Buildings, an impressive example of neo-classical architecture. Take a guided tour to learn about New Zealand’s history and government.
  • Explore the National Library of New Zealand, which offers a range of exhibitions and collections on New Zealand’s cultural heritage.

Afternoon

  • Head to Cuba Street, a vibrant pedestrian mall filled with street performers, cafes, and boutique shops. Visit ** Unity Books** for a great selection of Kiwi literature.
  • Take a stroll through the Wellington Underground Market, which offers a range of unique shopping experiences and food stalls.

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Ortega Fish Shack, serving fresh seafood and craft beer, or try Aunty Mena’s for delicious Southeast Asian cuisine.
  • End your day with a visit to the Wellington Night Markets, which take place every Friday night during the summer months.

Things to Know

  • Wellington is known as the “Windy City” due to its strong winds. Be prepared!
  • The city has a compact centre, making it easy to get around on foot or by public transport.
  • Wellington is a foodie’s paradise, with many excellent cafes, restaurants, and bars serving local produce.

Transportation

  • Wellington International Airport (WLG) is just 10 minutes from the city centre. Take a taxi or shuttle bus into town.
  • Use Metlink buses to get around the city and surrounding suburbs.
  • Consider purchasing a Snapper Card, which offers convenient travel on public transport.

Tips and Other Things of Interest

  • Be sure to try some of Wellington’s famous coffee at one of the many cafes throughout the city.
  • Take a scenic flight over Wellington for stunning views of the city and coastline.
  • Visit the Wellington i-SITE Visitor Information Centre for expert advice on things to do and see in the region.

I hope you enjoy your trip to Wellington!