10 Bucket-List Experiences You Must Have In Wellington, New Zealand - Updated 2024

Sharon A.
Sharon A.  
Updated
| 5 min read

Wellington in New Zealand is fondly known as the coolest little capital in the world and it is the art and culture hub of the country. From museums to galleries and historic sites to fascinating outdoor adventures, there is just so much to inspire you to make a trip to this wonderful city. Trips to Wellington Waterfront, Mount Victoria, Oriental Bay, and Wellington Botanical Garden, as well as thrilling aerial tours by cable car or chopper rides, are just but a few experiences that will give you a taste of the magnitude of the richness in beauty and culture the city holds. If you are pressed for time, but you want to have the best the city has to offer, read on for the top bucket-list experiences you must have in Wellington, New Zealand.

1. Enjoy magical sunsets from Wellington South Coast (from USD 80.0)

This is a trip that will see you drive away from the city center in a 4WD to places where you will get to enjoy some of the most fascinating panoramic views of Wellington. You will traverse the rugged hills above the South Coast to an altitude of 500 m (0.3 mi) above sea level to access the highest lookout point around the city. The trip will also take you to Sinclair Head on the South Coast where you will be treated to some of the most magical sunsets you have ever witnessed in your life.

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Wellington South Coast 4wd sunset trip

Duration: 3 hours

54 reviews

2. Embark on unique trail runs through Wellington (from USD 25.0)

This trip is for you if you are sporty and fit enough because you will be doing some running and walking. The trip will take you through the three main peaks of the city. You will encounter some steep sections as well as flat sections. Then, head to either a boutique for craft beer or a cafe to quench your thirst and get refreshed. Expect to encounter light bushes and mud, but also gorgeous views along the way.

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Trail run thru wild Wellington

Duration: 2 hours

23 reviews

3. Indulge in great culinary delights at the country’s oldest pub (from USD 67.0)

Get the thrill of spending the time and dining in one of the most historic dining establishments in the country. What awaits you here is a mystery four-course menu that you will agree to have not tasted anywhere before. This is a very unique chance to sample some of New Zealand’s best flavors, which will be paired with the country’s best beverages and accompanied by great stories from the restaurant’s wonderful and colorful past.

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Mystery dining with a colorful past

Duration: 2.5 hours

17 reviews

4. Relish magical Wellington South Coast morning drives (from USD 80.0)

This is a trip that will treat you to the best of Wellington mornings. The trip begins with a stop at Brooklyn Wind Turbines for a tour of the turbines as well as the panoramic views of the city. The next stop will be the Kaikoura Mountains for more stunning panoramic views as well as the unique chance to enjoy the fresh and pleasant morning air. The trip will also see you go through Long Gully Station where you will encounter a variety of wildlife on the way. Lastly, you will find your way to Mt. Victoria from where you will get some amazing views of Wellington City.

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Wellington South Coast 4wd morning trip

Duration: 3 hours

9 reviews

5. Sample the country’s finest drinks on this unique cocktail tour (from USD 120.0)

This trip takes about two and a half hours. It is a trip that will drive you away from the common tourist traps and take you on a journey that will let you sample some of the country’s finest cocktails in local and quirky atmospheres. You will visit some of the popular entertainment joints where you will have a chance to sample street art foods, drinks, and local cultures. During the tour, you will get to listen to the history of the bars in the country and also get to know the master mixologists in the popular joints. It is an informal tour, yet fun and very informative.

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Wellington's Cocktail Tour

Duration: 2.5 hours

4 reviews

6. Ride the historic Wellington cable car (from USD 5.0)

ride the historic wellington cable car
Source: www.klook.com

The historic Wellington cable car has been in operation for over 100 years. It is a short journey but one that will treat you to breathtaking panoramic views of the city as well as the harbor below. The trip will also reward you with magical views of the Botanic Gardens as well as the terraced houses of Kelburn. If you are not afraid of heights, then this is another tour you must not miss.

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Wellington Cable Car - Klook Philippines

Duration: 1 Day(s) Duration

7. Visit Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa (from USD 13.0)

Te Papa Tongarewa is New Zealand’s premier museum in Wellington. A trip to the museum will let you have access to lots of exciting interactive exhibits, fine arts, and incredible natural history displays that will educate you further on the country’s colonial history and the Maori cultural heritage. It is also in this museum where you will find the largest and the only display of colossal squid in the entire world. The tour of the museum will also be a good chance for you to admire some of the artworks and photographs by the country’s top artists.

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Museum of New Zealand Te Papa: Small Group Guided Tour

Duration: 1 hour

81 reviews

8. Experience helicopter rides above Wellington (from USD 92.55)

experience helicopter rides above wellington
Source: www.klook.com

If the cable rides weren’t enough for appreciating the city’s panoramic views, then these helicopter rides will treat you to a better bird’s-eye view of the city down below. The lush landscapes, the beautiful harbors, and the celebrated landmarks in and around the city look awesomely beautiful when you are up in the skies on a helicopter ride. If you don’t want to ever forget about your trip to Wellington, then this will be one of the best ways to create lasting memories.

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Wellington Helicopter Flight Experience - Klook - Klook Philippines

9. Visit the filming locations for the popular Lord of Rings series (from USD 169.0)

If you were a fan of the Lord of Rings series, then this is a trip you must never miss when in Wellington. The trip will take you on a behind-the-scenes tour of the nine Lord of Rings filming locations around Wellington. Apart from visiting the locations, it will also be a good chance to learn about how the movie was filmed, visit some of the recreated scenes including the Hutt Valley, and walk through the forest in Tolkien’s Rivendell. The tour will not end without a visit to Weta Studio where you will enjoy a comprehensive movie production tour.

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Wellington's Full Day Lord of the Rings Locations Tour including Lunch

Duration: 8 hours

10 reviews

10. Appreciate the breathtaking beauty of the Wellington countryside (from USD 87.0)

This is a three-hour trip that will take you around the region’s farms and rural setups – the kind of experience that you won’t find with your typical sightseeing tours. You will have a chance to visit a local wind farm and marvel at the giant turbines that are over 360 feet (110 meters) tall. From the wind farm, the next destination will be Ohariu Valley Equestrian Center for a rare chance to interact with lots of sheep, cattle, and horses. Before the end of the trip, you will get to enjoy a nice afternoon tea at a shepherd’s cabin where you will also marvel at the breathtaking views of the South and Cook Strait islands.

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Wellington Scenic Farm Tour

Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes

46 reviews

Create lasting memories in Wellington

A trip to Wellington is a unique chance to have certain experiences that you might never have again in life. Don’t let it go to waste. Consider our list above of the bucket-list experiences you must have in Wellington, New Zealand, for a trip to remember.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Sharon, also known as Shaz, resides in the vibrant City in the Sun. Her passion is to travel, immerse herself in diverse cultures, savor their cuisines, dance with the locals, and share her...Read more

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