Wellington in 3 days

New Zealand's coolest little capital: a harbour city of craft coffee, film magic, and windswept hills. Best time to visit: December-March (summer). Average daily budget: $90 to $160 USD.

Day 1, Get oriented

Base: Te Aro, The central buzz: Cuba Street, cafés, bars, galleries and street art.

Morning: Te Papa museum. New Zealand's brilliant, free national museum, easily half a day.

Afternoon: Explore Te Aro, The central buzz: Cuba Street, cafés, bars, galleries and street art.

Evening: Cable car & Botanic Garden. Ride up for the view, then stroll down through the gardens.

Eat: Flat white from a serious specialty roaster

Day 2, Go deeper

Base: Waterfront, Te Papa museum, the lagoon, and the harbour promenade.

Morning: Weta Workshop tour. Go behind the scenes of Lord of the Rings and blockbuster film effects.

Afternoon: Explore Waterfront, Te Papa museum, the lagoon, and the harbour promenade.

Evening: Mount Victoria lookout. The 360° panorama over the harbour and city. Drive or hike up.

Eat: Craft beer from a local Wellington brewery

Day 3, Hidden side

Base: Mount Victoria, Leafy hillside suburb with the famous lookout over the city and bay.

Morning: Zealandia eco-sanctuary for native birds minutes from the centre.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Mount Victoria, Leafy hillside suburb with the famous lookout over the city and bay.

Evening: A craft-beer crawl through Te Aro's small breweries and taprooms.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Fresh seafood and green-lipped mussels

Hidden gems

Zealandia eco-sanctuary for native birds minutes from the centre.
A craft-beer crawl through Te Aro's small breweries and taprooms.
The Sunday harbourside market for coffee and local produce.
Sunset from the wind turbine on the Brooklyn hill walk.

Getting around

The compact centre and waterfront are walkable; the cable car climbs the hill. Buses cover the suburbs, and Uber or a rental is handy for Miramar (Weta) and Zealandia. Wellington is hilly and windy, so pack layers and decent shoes whatever the season.

Safety

Wellington is very safe, including for solo travellers at night in the central areas. The main quirk is the weather, it's one of the windiest cities in the world, and conditions change fast. Pack a windproof layer year-round, and check ferry and flight status on stormy days.

Wellington in 5 days | Wellington in 7 days | Full Wellington guide