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Wellington Things to Do

Wellington is New Zealand's capital city, and a popular tourist destination, with a huge range of attractions. From vast modern shopping malls to dense rainforests to the famous Te Papa Museum, there is something to entertain everyone!

1. Visit Te Papa Museum

Te Papa Museum is New Zealand's national museum, renowned for being bicultural, scholarly, innovative and fun. A recognised world leader in interactive and visitor-focused museum experiences, Te Papa is a must-see attraction in Wellington.

Collections at the museum cover art, history, Pacific, Maori and natural environment. The exhibitions are interdisciplinary and interactive, with dynamic events and education programmes.

Entry is free, though charges apply to some short-term exhibitions and activities.

2. Visit Kapiti Island Nature Reserve

Kapiti Island Nature Reserve is internationally important, harbouring some of the world's most endangered birds.

A guided walk is available from a licensed concessionaire.

A permit from the Department of Conservation's Wellington Conservation Information Centre is required to enter Kapiti Island. Contact the Conservation Informationn Centre on +64 4 472 7356.

Transport is provided by two licensed boat operators.

3. Wander the Wellington Botanic Gardens

The beautiful Wellington Botanic Gardens are spread over 26 hectares and include unsurpassed views, unique landscape, exotic forests, native bush, colourful floral displays and gorgeous specialist gardens.

Attractions at the gardens include the Duck Pond, Begonia House, award-winning Lady Norwood Rose Garden, Treehouse Visitor Information Centre, Sundial of Human Involvement, Children's Play Area and the historic Bolton Street Memorial Park, where many of the city's pioneers are buried.

The Wellington Botanic Gardens are open daily, from sunrise to sunset. Entry is free.

4. Climb Mt Victoria

Mount Victoria, Wellington. Copyright: Rob Suisted Tourism NZ

Climb Mt Victoria for spectacular 360 degree views of Wellington City, the Wellington harbour and the sea. There are several walks available, from the 1 1/2 hour Mt Victoria Lookout Walkway to the 5 hour Southern Walkway which winds its way from the the city CBD along the Town Belt and up to the top of Mt Victoria.

Enjoy unbeatable views of the harbour and city. It's a great place for walking, jogging and mountain biking.

5. Visit the Wellington Zoo

Established in 1906, Wellington Zoo is a magical place of learning and fun, with a wide range of animals, birds and insects. Home to New Zealand's native treasures and endangered exotic animals, you can get up close and personal with more than 500 animals, including an extraordinary range of native birds and reptiles, at the Wellington Zoo.

The zoo is open every day, except Christmas Day, from 9.30am – 5.00pm (last entry 4.15pm).

6. Explore ZEALANDIA

ZEALANDIA is a unique eco-attraction located just 10 minutes from central Wellington. See New Zealand's natural history brought to life with a state-of-the-art indoor exhibition. Step through the predator-proof fence into a beautiful 225 hectare, (550 acre), eco-sanctuary for the opportunity to see some of New Zealand's rarest birds, reptiles and insects in the wild.

Activities

There's plenty to keep you busy in Wellington!

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