Things to do in Wellington
A Travel Guide by RaD Car Hire
At RaD Car Hire, we’re all about the journey and making sure our customers get the best possible experience during their time here in New Zealand. Whether you’re a local exploring a new area or you’re visiting from overseas, who wouldn’t benefit from a little insider information, right?
With branches in 22 locations around New Zealand, our team of staff are all passionate about their own “home” towns. Whether they’re born and bred or new to the area, our team are your local guides when it comes to exploring new destinations throughout the country. We also like to lean on our wonderful customers to find out what they have loved about New Zealand so we can add their top tips to all our travel guides.
In this guide, we are going to take you through some of the best things to see and do in New Zealand’s capital city – Wellington. Located at the southern tip of the North Island, Wellington is widely regarded as one of the world’s coolest little capital cities. Well known for its vibrant nightlife, coffee culture, and craft beers, Wellington is home to some of the best restaurants in New Zealand.
The capital city is also home to the Beehive – New Zealand’s parliament building as well as the popular Te Papa Museum, and the Weta Workshop – the hub of New Zealand’s film industry and responsible for big screen epics including The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.
As one of New Zealand’s best-known car rental companies, we’ve got some great deals available on car hire in Wellington so make sure you check out our latest deals and great prices. Our Wellington branch is conveniently located close to the airport in Wellington, with a free transfer service available for those renting a car from Wellington Airport.
Wellington Activities
Wellington is a must-visit destination in New Zealand and is packed with amazing things to do. Whilst most guides will tell you about the big-ticket activities like The Beehive, Weta Workshop, Cable Car, and Te Papa, we wanted to give you some alternatives that our team in Wellington have helped to pull together. These are some local tips for things to do in Wellington, which you might now find elsewhere.
Check out these five Wellington activities to add to your list for your next visit to the capital:
Explore Tawatawa Reserve
Located at the end of Quebec Street in Kingston, this reserve offers a quick escape into nature with panoramic views of Wellington. It's a great spot for solitude and enjoying the city's natural beauty. This is a favourite with locals and a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Popular with dog walkers and families, there is a play space and a loop track around the surrounding hillside.
Visit Point Dorset
This lesser-known nature spot in Breaker Bay is perfect for a peaceful picnic or some quiet time. It's accessible via a short walk from the trailhead off Inglis Street. The views are spectacular from the short climb up to the top of the cliffs, including Barrett Reef and Steeple Rock, where the Wahine capsized in 1968. There are a few points of interest along the walk and it’s a great place to explore.
Tour the Wellington Chocolate Factory
While not entirely unknown, this artisanal chocolate factory offers a unique experience with tours and tastings. It's a great way to explore Wellington's culinary scene, especially for chocolate lovers. As well as taking a tour, you can also join a workshop where you get to make your own chocolate bars, which make for perfect gifts for friends and family. The workshops also include one of the tastiest hot chocolates you will ever enjoy!
Walk the Northern Walkway to Mt Kaukau
Instead of the more popular Mt Victoria, hike up Mt Kaukau for stunning views of the city. This 4km loop trail offers a less crowded alternative with equally impressive vistas and will take approximately 3 hours to complete the full loop. There is a direct route to the summit, which is around 1.5km and takes about 30 mins.
Attend a Comedy Night at The Fringe Bar
For a taste of local nightlife, head to The Fringe Bar in Te Aro, which hosts comedy nights and other grassroots entertainment. It's a great way to experience Wellington's vibrant arts scene. Wellington has so many things to do at night, and the Fringe Bar is one of the best ways to enjoy the city’s nightlife.
Wellington Places to Eat
Eating out in a new city is always challenging, however, there is lots of information available to help you decide, including Google Reviews, TikTok, and TripAdvisor. Whilst these are all great sources of information, we wanted to provide you with our own tips from the team down in Wellington. These are places that might not feature in any top ten lists or at the top of Google, but they are places that are popular with the locals, especially in some of Wellington’s lesser-known suburbs.
Here is a list of five of our teams' favourite places to eat out in Wellington:
Cicio Cacio Osteria
· Cuisine: Italian
· Budget: Mid-range ($$)
· Features: Located in Newtown, this cosy Italian spot is known for its authentic atmosphere and handmade dishes. The chefs often sing while cooking, adding a unique charm to the dining experience. It's ideal for a relaxed date or gathering with friends. The food and the service both score top marks with customers, and there are some really cool dishes on the menu which you might not see on traditional Italian menus.
Mother of Coffee
· Cuisine: Ethiopian
· Budget: Budget-friendly ($$)
· Features: If you have never had the chance to experience Ethiopian food, then this is a great way to break your duck. Situated on Left Bank off Cuba Street, this hidden gem offers flavourful Ethiopian dishes with vegan and meat options. Sharing platters and eating with your hands makes for an interactive and informal dining experience. The atmosphere is really relaxed and “warm-hearted” and the food is superb.
Country House Restaurant
· Cuisine: Korean
· Budget: Budget-friendly ($$)
· Features: Tucked away near Manners Street, this restaurant serves excellent Korean dishes, including bibimbap and barbecue options. Its slightly hidden location adds to its charm as a local favourite. The food and service both score top marks with customers, and it’s a popular spot with members of our team. It has a locals vibe about it, but is welcoming to all who discover it!
Pomelo Kitchen & Bar
· Cuisine: Asian Fusion
· Budget: Mid-range ($$-$$$)
· Features: Found in Hataitai, Pomelo offers creative small plates like caramelised aubergine and crispy soft-shell crab. It combines vibrant flavours with a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for casual dining. Despite the relaxed atmosphere, it’s also popular with locals celebrating special occasions as well as couples looking for a relaxed date-night venue. Seats by the window are in hot demand thanks to the views, so if you are making an advanced booking, make sure you ask if there are any available.
Rasa
· Cuisine: Malaysian-South Indian
· Budget: Budget-friendly ($$)
· Features: Don’t let first looks be deceiving. From the outside, Rasa doesn’t look like much, however, on the inside, you’re in for a treat for your tastebuds. Located on Cuba Street, Rasa delivers bold flavours with dishes like dosa and curry. It's not fancy but consistently impresses locals with its hearty meals and authentic taste. This is a super-popular place, so make sure you book to guarantee a table.
Wellington Accommodation
As New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington is not short on accommodation options. From city centre hotels to Airbnbs located in the suburbs, you will find something in Wellington to suit all budgets and requirements. Whilst our team doesn’t usually stay in the city, they do chat to our customers to discover where they have stayed and what they enjoyed about the city.
Here are five of the best places to stay in Wellington for travellers on different budgets:
The Marion Hostel
· Location: Te Aro, Wellington
· Budget: Budget-friendly ($)
· Features: This stylish backpacker hostel offers dorms and private rooms with modern facilities. It features a rooftop terrace, shared kitchen, and social spaces. It's centrally located near Cuba Street, making it ideal for budget travellers who want to explore the city's vibrant culture. This place appeals to all travellers, even those who don’t usually pick a hostel. The private rooms are a great option for those who don’t want to share a room, and the facilities are fantastic.
QT Museum Wellington
· Location: Wellington Waterfront
· Budget: Luxury ($$$)
· Features: Known for its artsy ambiance, this hotel showcases contemporary New Zealand art throughout its premises. It is just an 8-minute walk from the beach and offers luxurious amenities like an indoor pool and fine dining options. Perfect for travellers seeking a unique and upscale stay. It’s also conveniently located in the central city, close to great places to eat out and lots of the best things to do in Wellington.
Bolton Hotel
· Location: Central Wellington
· Budget: Mid-range to Luxury ($$-$$$)
· Features: This boutique hotel offers spacious rooms and suites with modern amenities. Guests can enjoy nearby outdoor activities such as hiking and biking, or relax in the hotel’s sauna and pool. It's a great choice for those wanting comfort with access to nature. The Bolton Hotel scores really high on review platforms, including Google and TripAdvisor, which praise the size of the rooms and the amenities offered by the hotel.
Moana Lodge
· Location: Plimmerton, Porirua
· Budget: Budget-friendly ($$)
· Features: For those who are looking for a place to stay away from the central city, Moana Lodge is a great option. Situated just 20 minutes north of Wellington, Moana Lodge offers beachfront accommodation with stunning sea views. It provides a range of room options, including family, double, twin rooms, and dorms. Facilities include a fully equipped kitchen, outdoor courtyard, BBQ area, and laundry services. It's perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat with easy access to Wellington via public transport.
Ascot Motor Lodge
· Location: Newtown, Wellington
· Budget: Mid-range ($$)
· Features: Situated close to Wellington Hospital, this motor lodge offers clean, self-contained units with kitchenettes. It's ideal for families or travellers who prefer a quieter suburban stay while still being close to the city centre. Visitors praise the warm welcome and clean accommodation as well as the comfortable beds. The location is handy for lots of things to do in and around Wellington.
Wellington Beaches
Whilst Wellington is well-known as the capital city and famous as the home of the Parliament building and the movie industry, it’s also home to some of New Zealand’s best beaches. Whether you’re into surfing or sunbathing, there is a beach within short driving distance of the city centre where you can relax and unwind.
This is a list of our teams’ favourite beaches in and around the city:
Oriental Bay
· Location: Central Wellington
· Features: Known as the "Riviera of the South," Oriental Bay offers a vibrant atmosphere with golden sand and clear waters. It's perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and family activities like building sandcastles. The beach is within walking distance of the city centre, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
Breaker Bay
· Location: Eastern Bays, Wellington
· Features: This secluded bay is ideal for those seeking a quieter beach experience. It offers scenic views and is a great spot for picnics or relaxation. The bay is surrounded by natural beauty, making it a hidden gem for nature lovers.
Scorching Bay
· Location: Eastern Bays, Wellington
· Features: Scorching Bay is a picturesque beach known for its calm waters and scenic surroundings. It's a popular spot for swimming and picnics, offering a serene escape from the city.
Lyall Bay
· Location: South Wellington
· Features: Lyall Bay is Wellington's largest beach and a popular spot for surfers and swimmers. It offers golden sands and ideal surfing conditions, especially at "The Corner." The area hosts community events and has a lively atmosphere, making it a favourite among locals.
Makara Beach
· Location: Southwest Wellington
· Features: Makara Beach is known for its pristine natural environment and is a haven for nature lovers. It features a rocky shoreline with scenic views and is a great spot for hiking and diving. The beach is less crowded, offering a peaceful retreat from the city.
Renting a Car in Wellington
If you’re looking to rent a car in Wellington, look no further than RaD Car Hire. With super competitive prices, a great selection of cars from compact to 4x4, and a promise of great customer service, then RaD is a great choice for all travellers.
For those already located in Wellington looking for a rental car to take them on an exciting adventure somewhere on the North Island, make sure you check out our cheap car rental deals from our Wellington branch.