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Attractions Near Me: Best Things to See and Do in Wellington
Looking for the best attractions near me in Wellington? Whether you're a local exploring your own backyard or a visitor discovering the capital, this WellyBuzz directory has you covered. From scenic lookouts and historic sites to hidden gems and wildlife encounters, we’ve curated the top spots for your next Wellington adventure.
Iconic Wellington Attractions Near Me
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa (https://www.tepapa.govt.nz)
The national museum blends art, culture, and natural history with world-class interactive exhibits.
📍 55 Cable Street, Wellington 6011 | 💰 Free | 🕓 Closes 6 pm
Wellington Cable Car (https://www.wellingtoncablecar.co.nz)
Ride the historic funicular from the CBD to Kelburn for harbour views and an easy stroll to the gardens.
📍 Lower terminal: Cable Car Lane, 280 Lambton Quay, Wellington Central 6011 | Upper terminal: 1 Upland Road, Kelburn 6012 | 🕓 Until 8 pm
Wellington Botanic Garden ki Paekākā (https://wellington.govt.nz/recreation/enjoy-the-outdoors/gardens/botanic-garden)
Native bush, sculptures, seasonal blooms, and the Lady Norwood Rose Garden. Warm up in the Begonia House in winter.
📍 101 Glenmore Street, Kelburn, Wellington 6012 | 💰 Free | 🕓 24/7 (Begonia House to 4 pm)
Mount Victoria Lookout (https://wellington.govt.nz/recreation/enjoy-the-outdoors/walks-and-walking-tracks/mount-victoria-lookout)
Classic 360° city-and-harbour panorama — best at sunrise or sunset.
📍 49 Lookout Road, Wellington 6021 | 💰 Free | 🕓 24/7
Wellington Waterfront Walk (https://www.wellingtonnz.com/visit/see-and-do/wellington-waterfront/)
Sculptures, markets, cafés, and calm harbour views from Te Papa to Queens Wharf and beyond.
📍 Te Aro / Queens Wharf–Oriental Bay foreshore, Wellington 6011 | 🕓 24/7
Oriental Bay Beach (https://wellington.govt.nz/community-spaces/parks-beaches-and-open-spaces/beaches-and-coast/oriental-bay)
Inner-city sand, safe swimming, and gelato — Wellington’s summer living room.
📍 Oriental Parade, Oriental Bay, Wellington 6011 | 🕓 24/7
Cuba Street & Bucket Fountain (https://www.wellingtonnz.com/visit/see-and-do/cuba-street/)
Bohemian heart of the city with cafés, vintage stores, street art — and the splash-happy Bucket Fountain.
📍 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011 | 🕓 24/7
Great Harbour Way / Te Aranui o Pōneke (https://www.greatharbourway.org.nz/)
Cycle, walk, or scoot the harbour edge for uninterrupted sea views and photo stops.
📍 Waterfront access via Te Aro / Oriental Bay, Wellington 6011 | 🕓 24/7
Wildlife & Nature Attractions Near Me
Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne (https://www.visitzealandia.com)
Predator-free eco-sanctuary 10 minutes from the CBD; spot kākā, tuatara, and kiwi on night tours.
📍 53 Waiapu Road, Karori, Wellington 6012 | 🕓 Opens 9 am
Wellington Zoo (https://wellingtonzoo.com)
Close-up encounters and conservation stories at NZ’s oldest zoo.
📍 200 Daniell Street, Newtown, Wellington 6021 | 🕓 Until 5 pm
Ōtari–Wilton’s Bush (https://wellington.govt.nz/recreation/enjoy-the-outdoors/gardens/otari-wiltons-bush)
Only public botanic garden dedicated to native flora; canopy bridge and tranquil valley trails.
📍 150 Wilton Road, Wilton, Wellington 6012 | 💰 Free | 🕓 24/7
Pariwhero / Red Rocks Coastal Walk (https://www.wellingtonnz.com/visit/see-and-do/red-rocks/)
Rugged coastline with winter fur-seal colonies; epic sunsets.
📍 Track start: Owhiro Bay Quarry carpark, 176 Owhiro Bay Parade, Ōwhiro Bay 6023 | 🕓 24/7
Wellington Wind Turbine (Hawkins Hill) (https://wellington.govt.nz/recreation/enjoy-the-outdoors/walks-and-walking-tracks/walks/wind-turbine)
Sky-high viewpoint over city and strait — clearest after a southerly blows through.
📍 Hawkins Hill Road, Brooklyn, Wellington | 🕓 Daylight hours
Makara Peak Mountain Bike Park (https://makarapeak.org)
World-class MTB network with native bush, sea views, and trails for all levels.
📍 Corner South Karori Road & Makara Road, Karori, Wellington 6012 | 🕓 24/7
Cultural & Historical Attractions Near Me
Wellington Museum (Queens Wharf) (https://wellingtonmuseum.nz)
Immersive stories of the city’s maritime past inside a 19th-century warehouse.
📍 3 Jervois Quay, Queens Wharf, Wellington 6011 | 💰 Free | 🕓 Opens 10 am
Old St Paul’s (https://www.heritage.org.nz/places/old-st-pauls)
Magnificent Gothic Revival church in native timbers — beautiful light and acoustics.
📍 34 Mulgrave Street, Pipitea, Wellington 6011 | 🕓 Until 4 pm
The Beehive & Parliament Tours (https://www.parliament.nz/en/visit-and-learn/visit/guided-tours/)
Free guided tours reveal architecture, history, and base-isolation engineering beneath.
📍 Visitor Centre, 1 Molesworth Street, Pipitea, Wellington 6011 | 💰 Free | 🕓 Until 5 pm
Pukeahu National War Memorial Park (https://mch.govt.nz/pukeahu)
Reflective urban park with international memorials; beautifully lit at night.
📍 Buckle Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011 | 🕓 24/7
Wrights Hill Fortress (https://wrightshillfortress.org.nz)
WWII tunnels and gun emplacements — opens on special tour days and public holidays.
📍 Wrights Hill Road, Karori, Wellington 6012 | 🕓 Open days only
The Embassy Theatre (https://www.embassytheatre.co.nz)
Heritage cinema that hosted the Lord of the Rings premieres; licensed bar and grand décor.
📍 10 Kent Terrace, Mount Victoria, Wellington 6011 | 🕓 Event hours
The Dowse Art Museum (Lower Hutt) (https://www.dowse.org.nz)
Free contemporary art gallery in Lower Hutt — rotating exhibitions and craft shows.
📍 45 Laings Road, Lower Hutt 5010 | 💰 Free | 🕓 Until 5 pm
Quirky & Unique Attractions Near Me
Wētā Workshop & Wētā Cave (https://www.wetaworkshop.com/visit/)
Behind-the-scenes movie magic from miniatures to prosthetics — LOTR, Avatar and more.
📍 Tours: 21 Camperdown Road; Shop: 1 Weka Street, Miramar, Wellington 6022 | 🕓 Until 5 pm
Space Place at Carter Observatory (https://www.museumswellington.org.nz/space-place/)
Hands-on astronomy with nightly planetarium shows; great wet-weather option near the Cable Car.
📍 40 Salamanca Road, Kelburn, Wellington 6012 | 🕓 Opens 10 am Fri
City Gallery Wellington (https://citygallery.org.nz)
Leading contemporary art space with rotating exhibitions and artist talks in Civic Square.
📍 Te Ngākau Civic Square, Wellington 6011 | 💰 Often free | 🕓 Until 6 pm
Wellington Chocolate Factory (https://wellingtonchocolatefactory.co.nz/pages/factory)
Bean-to-bar organic chocolate; book a factory tour and tasting.
📍 5 Eva Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011 | 🕓 10 am–5 pm
Māori Arts Gallery (Frank Kitts Park) (https://maoriartgallery.co.nz)
Authentic carvings and taonga from local artists right on the waterfront.
📍 Boat Shed 1, Frank Kitts Park, Wellington 6011 | 🕓 Until 4 pm
Enjoy Contemporary Art Space (https://enjoy.org.nz)
Independent gallery on Left Bank showcasing bold, experimental works by emerging artists.
📍 211 Left Bank, Te Aro, Wellington 6011 | 🕓 Until 6 pm
Family-Friendly & Easy Wins
Frank Kitts Park & Waterfront Play Area (https://wellington.govt.nz/community-spaces/parks-beaches-and-open-spaces/parks-and-reserves/frank-kitts-park)
Harbourside green space for picnics, playground time, and weekend markets.
📍 Waterfront, Wellington 6011 | 💰 Free | 🕓 24/7
Adrenalin Forest Wellington (https://adrenalin-forest.co.nz/park/wellington/)
High-wire forest courses for ages 10+; gloves recommended on cooler days.
📍 Okowai Road, Aotea, Porirua 5024 | 🕓 Daily
Sky Stadium (https://www.skystadium.co.nz/)
Rugby, football, concerts, and large-scale events right by the rail hub.
📍 105 Waterloo Quay, Pipitea, Wellington 6140 | 🕓 Event hours
Te Ahumairangi Hill Lookout (https://wellington.govt.nz/recreation/enjoy-the-outdoors/walks-and-walking-tracks/te-ahumairangi-hill)
Underrated skyline views; best after a southerly clears the air.
📍 Stellin Memorial Park entrance, Thorndon, Wellington 6011 | 🕓 24/7
Mt Kaukau Summit Trail (Simla Crescent) (https://wellington.govt.nz/recreation/enjoy-the-outdoors/walks-and-walking-tracks/mt-kaukau)
Locals’ fitness climb with big summit vistas; allow 30–60 minutes up.
📍 49e Simla Crescent, Khandallah 6035 | 🕓 24/7
Fort Ballance & Point Dorset (https://www.wellingtonnz.com/visit/see-and-do/fort-ballance/)
Historic coastal gun emplacements and bunkers with wide harbour views — bring a torch.
📍 Fort Ballance Road, Miramar Peninsula, Wellington 6022 | 🕓 24/7
Waimapihi Reserve & Bells Track (https://wellington.govt.nz/recreation/enjoy-the-outdoors/walks-and-walking-tracks/aro-valley/waimapihi-reserve)
Forest trail and MTB routes above Aro Valley with city-to-sea views.
📍 Highbury Road, Highbury, Wellington 6021 | 🕓 24/7
Makara Beach Walkway (https://wellington.govt.nz/recreation/enjoy-the-outdoors/walks-and-walking-tracks/makara)
Coastal loop past WWII pillboxes and dramatic cliffs; superb at sunset.
📍 Makara Beach Road, Makara, Wellington 6972 | 🕓 24/7
💡 Local Tip: Wellington’s compact size means most attractions are within 20 minutes of the CBD. Grab a Snapper Card for cheap bus and train rides between them.
Discover More Attractions Near You
These are just some of the best attractions near me in Wellington, updated and verified by the WellyBuzz team. For more events, activities, and places to visit near you, check out our Weekend Events Guide or sign up for the WellyBuzz newsletter.