New Zealand / North Island

Wellington

National collections, native wildlife and harbour views in and around the capital.

Sights & things to do

5 things to do

Te Papa museum exterior on the Wellington waterfront, New Zealand, photographed on location — Te Papa museum exterior on the Wellington waterfront © Credits

Culture & heritageFree / paid options

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

Wellington waterfront

Explore New Zealand's national museum through Maori and Pacific collections, natural history and art. Choose a few galleries to explore properly rather than rushing the whole building.

General entry is free for New Zealanders and residents; international visitors aged 16+ pay. Some exhibitions have separate charges.

Before you visit

Admission arrangements differ for New Zealand and international visitors; check the correct ticket and exhibition inclusions.

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Admission information

Nature & wildlifeCheck admission

Zealandia Te Mara a Tane

Karori, Wellington

Visit a restored, fenced ecosanctuary with native wildlife and forest. Choose a self-directed daytime visit or a guided experience for a different view of the valley.

Admission has not been confirmed. Check current visitor information, including transport and optional extras.

Before you visit

Check tour timing and access needs. Wildlife sightings vary; follow sanctuary biosecurity guidance.

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Admission information

City sightseeingPaid experience

Wellington Cable Car

Lambton Quay to Kelburn

Ride from the city centre to Kelburn for harbour views and access to nearby gardens and visitor attractions. It is a compact sightseeing outing rather than a mountain excursion.

Standard rides require a fare. Eligible New Zealand SuperGold holders can travel free at specified off-peak times; check conditions.

Before you visit

Check service notices and the return journey. Nearby attractions have separate admission and opening arrangements.

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Admission information

Gardens & natureFree entry

Wellington Botanic Garden

Kelburn, Wellington

Explore plant collections, protected forest and city views above central Wellington. Choose an entrance and route that match your plans: the hillside garden is not a flat urban square.

General garden entry is free; cable-car travel and optional purchases are additional.

Before you visit

Check the garden map for slopes and access. Cable-car travel, cafe purchases and separately ticketed events are not part of free garden entry.

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Admission information

Film & storytellingPaid experience

Weta Workshop experience

Miramar, Wellington

Go behind the scenes of film effects and prop-making on an organised workshop experience. Plan the journey to Miramar as well as time for the tour, rather than treating it as a central-city stop.

Guided workshop experiences are ticketed; check the selected tour and any transfer costs.

Before you visit

Check the exact tour's admission, photography rules and access guidance. Shop access is not the same as a guided workshop tour.

Visitor information Find on map

Admission information

Free refers to general entry or the named self-guided visit, not a whole day's costs. Transport, parking and extras may be additional. Check admission where residency or ticket choices differ.

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