Our capital is not our largest city (that honour goes to Auckland), but it's a vibrant city with a thriving café scene and many great museums, galleries and music venues.

Neighbourhoods

Wellington's CBD is quite compact, so you can reach any part of it on foot. It is divided into four main districts:

Courtenay Quarter – The city's nightlife is centered around Courtenay Place. This is also a central hub for the public bus system, including the airport bus service.

Cuba Quarter – Adjacent to Courtenay Quarter, Cuba Quarter harbours a vast number of restaurants, cafés and bars. Walk up the pedestrian-only section of Cuba Street or the pedestrian-only stretch of Manners Street and soak in the atmosphere.

Lambton Quarter – Centered around Lambton Quay, a popular street for shoppers.

Waterfront – You can walk along the waterfront from Whitmore Street to Oriental Parade. Along the way, you'll pass the Events Centre, Museum of Wellington City and Sea, Frank Kitts Park and Te Papa Tongarewa Museum, ending up at the marina.

Sights and Activities

Museums

Te Papa Tongarewa (Museum of New Zealand) is New Zealand's national museum and can be found on Wellington's waterfront. This museum has amazing exhibits on the history, art and culture of New Zealand.

Museum of Wellington City & Sea is located on the Jervois Quay on the waterfront in the historic Bond Store. This museum was originally the Wellington Maritime Museum. Today it has expanded its collection to include much more. Open: 10:00am to 5:00pm, Admission: Free.

Katherine Mansfield Birthplace was originally the home to one of New Zealand's most famous writers, Katherine Mansfield, today it is a museum dedicated to her life.

The Colonial Cottage Museum is located in the suburb of Mount Cook. This cottage was built in 1858 and is considered Wellington's oldest building. The museum is dedicated to the early colonial life of New Zealand's founders.

New Zealand Cricket Museum is a great place to learn all about New Zealand's history and love for cricket.

City Gallery is a good place to check out a current exhibition. The gallery is located at 101 Wakefield in the Civic Square. Open daily 10:00am to 5:00pm except during exhibition changeovers and Christmas Day.

Other Sights and Activities

Wellington Cable Car and Cable Car Museum offer a scenic journey from Wellington's CBD up to the top of the Botanic Gardens. Then check out the museum and learn about the history of cable cars.

Old St Paul's – Visit this wonderful Anglican Church that was built in 1865. Remember to look at the wooden structure and stained glass windows from the inside.

New Zealand Symphony Orchestra is a great place to listen to some amazing classical music.

Archives New Zealand houses a collection of New Zealand heritage documents.

Wellington's Waterfront – Stroll along the coast and watch the boats go by.

Wellington Law School is the largest wooden building in the whole southern hemisphere.

Wellington Zoo – Spend a day looking at the animals at this wonderful zoo. Open: 9:30 am to 5:00pm everyday except Christmas. Admission: Adult; $15, Children 3 to 16; $7.50, Under 3 free, there are also concessions and group deals. Address: 200 Daniell Street, Newton, Wellington.

Karori Sanctuary – A few minutes outside Wellington is this sanctuary, which seeks to provide a realistic image of what life in New Zealand was like before human settlement.

Botanic Gardens – Rising on the west above Lambton Quarter are the Botanic Gardens, 25 hectares of native flora overlooking the city and harbour. You can walk to it, catch the cable car from Cable Car Lane, or take bus 3.

New Zealand Parliament Tour – Daily tours of the Parliament buildings, lasting around one hour. Try to book ahead.