The Wellington region offers a dense programme justifying 3-5 days.
In Wellington, the absolute priority is Te Papa Museum — 3-4 h minimum, ideally a full day. Free, 6 levels of exceptional exhibits (Māori wing, colossal squid, natural history, NZ art, world-class temporary exhibits).
Ride the Wellington Cable Car (1902 historic funicular, NZD 7 return, 5 min ride) up to Kelburn — panoramic view of city and harbour. Visit the Cable Car Museum (free) then walk down through the Botanic Gardens (free, magnificent Victorian gardens). Continue to Parliament (Beehive) — free guided tour (1 h) and the Old St Paul's (iconic wooden cathedral, free).
Discover Cuba Street — Wellington's bohemian soul. Try the iconic cafes: Customs Coffee, Flight Coffee, Memphis Belle, Mojo. In the evening, dine on Courtenay Place and enjoy the craft beer scene (Garage Project Tap Room, Fork & Brewer, Husk Bar).
Climb (1 h) to Mt Victoria (196 m) for sunset — 360° panoramic view. Visit Zealandia (urban ecological sanctuary in Karori, NZD 24/adult) — wild kiwis observable at night (NZD 95 night tours).
Film fans visit Weta Workshop in Miramar (30 min from centre by bus 24) — NZD 60/person guided tours (90 min, Lord of the Rings effects workshop).
Day excursions from Wellington:
Martinborough (Wairarapa, 1h30 by road or train): Pinot Noir vineyard day — visit 3-4 cellars (Ata Rangi, Palliser Estate, Martinborough Vineyard, Te Kairanga) with tastings at NZD 5-15 each, lunch at Olivos or Pukemanu. Bike rental at Martinborough village to move between cellars (NZD 30-50/day).
Cape Palliser (Wairarapa, 2h30 by road): permanent seal colony (New Zealand fur seals, observable at 10 m — keep 5-10 m distance, do not approach pups), red and white lighthouse from 1897 (252 steps to climb for panoramic view), fishing villages Ngawi and Te Kopi.
Read also
- Wellington — Capital, Te Papa Museum, Cuba Street, coffee and craft beer scene among the world's best.
- North Island — Auckland, Rotorua, Hobbiton, Tongariro: the populated, geothermal half of the country.
- South Island — Queenstown, Milford Sound, Aoraki/Mt Cook: the wild, alpine half, accessible by ferry.
- New Zealand — Complete country guide: 2 islands, NZeTA formalities, budget, best period.