Wellington Vacation Rentals

The cultural heart of New Zealand

Located on Wellington’s scenic waterfront, Te Papa Tongarewa houses New Zealand’s national museum and art gallery, and is therefore a great starting point for visitors to learn about the country. The museum’s well-presented, interactive galleries examine various facets of New Zealand’s history, artistic heritage, and rich Maori culture, as well as its endemic flora and fauna. A great way to enhance your appreciation of this amazing interactive museum is to take a guided tour, such as the informative ‘Introducing Te Papa Tour’ or ‘Maori Highlights Tour’.

The Wellington Museum is another not-to-be-missed destination, and features incredible exhibitions and presentations relating to the city's history. Of particular interest is the ‘A Millennium Ago’ gallery, which presents Maori creation legends through the use of theatrical illusions, and 'Nga Hau', a unique multimedia time machine that enables visitors to experience Wellington’s history firsthand, through the tales of colorful characters from the past.

The City Gallery, New Zealand Portrait Gallery, and New Dowse Art Gallery are a few other galleries that art-lovers may want to visit during a sojourn in Wellington. Performing arts enthusiasts will also enjoy a visit to the historic Wellington Opera House, where performances throughout the year include ballet, musicals, live theater, and comedy acts.

Wellington's coolest family attractions

Wellington is a terrific destination for a family vacation, and most attractions in the city are suitable for children. A visit to the Wellington Zoo will provide hours of fun, enabling youngsters to see animals from around the world, as well as native species. The zoo's school holiday program is especially popular, as are the special zoo sleepovers.

Children who love nature will also enjoy exploring the habitat of a local colony of New Zealand fur seals on a seal safari, or a visit to the unique Zealandia eco-sanctuary. Wellington’s iconic cable cars are also a hit with youngsters, and kids will love a scenic ride on these unique vehicles. Another very special Wellington attraction is the Weta Cave Workshop, where many of the special effects and props were created for the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

So much to see and do

Wellington is a beautiful city, and one of the best ways to appreciate its attractions is to join a walking tour. Led by knowledgeable local guides, you will learn about the city’s history, landscape, and culture, as well as pick up a few tips about the best local eateries and upcoming events.

Overlooking Wellington, with wonderful views over the city, Mount Victoria is an easily accessible destination for visitors who enjoy longer walks surrounded by nature. The Mount Victoria loop is approximately 3mi long, and is suitable for walkers with an average level of fitness. Another fun outdoor activity is to rent a bike and cycle around Wellington’s spectacular bays. If you’re traveling with friends or family, it’s even possible to hire a four-wheeled ‘croc-bike’ for a more leisurely and social experience.

A visit to the Wellington Botanic Garden is also a must for visiting nature lovers. Covering over 60 acres, the gardens protect both native and foreign plant species. Another great way to explore Wellington is to take a ferry ride around the harbor or to Somes Island.

Wellington's best annual events

Waitangi Day, New Zealand’s national day, takes place each year on February 6th and is celebrated in Wellington with many special events held throughout the city. From December to March each year, Wellington’s Summer City Festival is also worth checking out, with dozens of great free events taking place, including outdoor music concerts, children’s activities, art installations, and fireworks. Other awesome annual events are the NZ Fringe Festival, LUX Light Festival, Wellington Jazz Festival, Kapiti Arts Trail, and the Carnival of Lights.

In addition to these large annual festivals, there are also many smaller regular and one-off events held in Wellington and its surroundings. These include quirky pop-up events, local markets, and school fairs. Wellington's most well-established weekly markets include the Harbourside Market, Thorndon Farmers' Market, Wellington Underground Market, and Wellington Night Market. At these places you can purchase fresh locally-grown produce, or beautiful handmade wares, often direct from the grower or artisan.