3-Day Wellington Adventure: Iconic Sights & Culture

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by Charles

May 7, 2024 · 2 min read

Wellington 3 Days Itinerary

Embark on a 3-day Wellington escapade with Trip.com, where the city's vibrant culture and stunning landscapes come to life. Begin your adventure at Mount Victoria, offering panoramic views that set the stage for what's to come. Next, immerse yourself in the rich heritage at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, a treasure trove of national stories. Stroll through the eclectic Cuba Street, a hub of creativity and flair, perfect for ending your first day. Day two invites you to the lush serenity of Wellington Botanic Garden, followed by a charming ride on the Wellington Cable Car, a unique city experience. Dive into cinematic magic at the Weta Workshop, where the world of visual effects unfolds. Your final day is steeped in history with a visit to the iconic New Zealand Parliament Buildings and the architectural marvel of Old St Paul's. Conclude your journey with a leisurely tour or boat ride, capturing the essence of Wellington from the waterfront. This curated itinerary ensures you experience the best of Wellington's urban charm and natural beauty.

Top 6 Hotels in Wellington
TOP 1
Sofitel Wellington
Sofitel Wellington
hotelStar
5/5
106 reviews
View Hotel Info
TOP 2
Copthorne Hotel Wellington, Oriental Bay
Copthorne Hotel Wellington, Oriental Bay
hotelStar
4/5
114 reviews
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TOP 3
Mövenpick Hotel Wellington
Mövenpick Hotel Wellington
hotelStar
5/5
66 reviews
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Atura Wellington, an EVT hotel
Atura Wellington, an EVT hotel
hotelStar
3/5
113 reviews
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Travelodge Hotel Wellington
Travelodge Hotel Wellington
hotelStar
4/5
61 reviews
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DoubleTree by Hilton Wellington
DoubleTree by Hilton Wellington
hotelStar
4/5
58 reviews
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3 Days in Wellington Itinerary: Day 1

1

Mount Victoria

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Begin your Wellington adventure with a visit to the majestic Mount Victoria, the perfect vantage point to get your bearings and soak in panoramic views of the city. Allow yourself an hour to immerse in the sightseeing tour, where the city's layout unfolds beneath you, the harbor glistens in the distance, and the surrounding hills form a natural amphitheater of New Zealand's urban beauty.

Attraction Info

  • Wellington, New Zealand
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

Logan Brown Restaurant
Logan Brown Restaurant
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Pizzeria Napoli
Pizzeria Napoli
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Istana Malaysia Restaurant
Istana Malaysia Restaurant
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Olive
Olive
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Fidel's Cafe
Fidel's Cafe
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13 min,0.99 km
2

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

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After descending from the scenic heights of Mount Victoria, delve into the cultural heart of Wellington with a visit to the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. Spend a leisurely three hours exploring New Zealand's national museum, where interactive exhibits and captivating displays weave the rich tapestry of the country's history, art, and heritage. It's an enlightening experience that promises to deepen your understanding and appreciation of Kiwi culture.

Attraction Info

  • 55 Cable Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
  • Suggested tour duration: 3-5 hour
  • Open from 10:00am-6:00pm
12 min,0.88 km
3

Cuba Street

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Conclude your first day's exploration in Wellington by strolling through the vibrant and bohemian Cuba Street. Dedicate a couple of hours to wander amidst the eclectic mix of vintage shops, quirky cafes, and street performers that define this characteristic neighborhood. It's the perfect place to unwind, grab a bite, and reflect on the day's adventures as the city's creative spirit pulses around you.

Attraction Info

  • Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
  • Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
4.6/555 Reviews
4.6/5Outstanding55 Reviews
Wellington Central
Te Aro
|0.09km from Cuba Street
4.4/568 Reviews
4.4/5Excellent68 Reviews
Wellington Central
Te Aro
|0.11km from Cuba Street

3 Days in Wellington Itinerary: Day 2

1

Wellington Botanic Garden

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Begin your second day in Wellington with a serene stroll through the lush landscapes of the Wellington Botanic Garden. Nestled in Kelburn and just a stone's throw from the city center, this verdant oasis offers a tranquil retreat with its colorful flower beds, native forest, and specialized plant collections. Spend a couple of hours meandering along its well-manicured paths, perhaps visiting its on-site museum to delve deeper into the botanical wonders that await.

Attraction Info

  • 101 Glenmore Street, Kelburn, Wellington 6012, New Zealand
  • Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
  • Open 24 hours

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

Hippopotamus Restaurant & Cocktail Bar
Hippopotamus Restaurant & Cocktail Bar
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Shed 5
Shed 5
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1.0 km from attraction
Thistle Inn
Thistle Inn
4.6/5 · 5 reviews
1.2 km from attraction
Olive
Olive
4/5 · 2 reviews
1.5 km from attraction
Fidel's Cafe
Fidel's Cafe
4.5/5 · 2 reviews
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Istana Malaysia Restaurant
Istana Malaysia Restaurant
4.4/5 · 9 reviews
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22 min,1.52 km
2

Wellington Cable Car

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After immersing yourself in nature, glide your way to the next adventure aboard the iconic Wellington Cable Car. A mere half-hour experience, this charming ride provides not only a convenient link from the Botanic Garden to the city but also panoramic views of Wellington's sparkling harbor and rolling hills. It's a delightful way to transition from the tranquility of the gardens to the bustling heart of the capital.

Attraction Info

  • 280 Lambton Quay, Wellington Central, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
  • Suggested tour duration: 0.5-1 hour
  • Open on Sat,8:30am-9:00pm;Open on Sun,8:30am-7:00pm;Open on Mon-Thu,7:30am-8:00pm;Open on Fri,7:30am-9:00pm;Closed during Christmas,The specific business status of public holidays is subject to the opening conditions on that day.
18 min,8.42 km
3

Weta Workshop

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Cap off your day with a visit to the imaginative realm of Weta Workshop. With just an hour at this famed exhibition hall, you'll get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the magic of movie-making. Located in Miramar, Weta Workshop is a must-see for film enthusiasts, offering insights into the creative process behind some of the world's most beloved movies. It's a unique opportunity to witness the artistry and craftsmanship that puts Wellington on the cinematic map.

Attraction Info

  • 21 Camperdown Road, Miramar, Wellington 6022, New Zealand
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
  • Open from 9:30am-5:00pm

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

Ortega
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Pizzeria Napoli
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Maranui Surf Lifesaving Cafe
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Istana Malaysia Restaurant
Istana Malaysia Restaurant
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Mystic Kitchen
Mystic Kitchen
4/5 · 1 review
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Hummingbird Eatery & Bar
Hummingbird Eatery & Bar
4/5 · 3 reviews
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3.5/50 Reviews
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Karaka Bays
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4.2/5Very Good45 Reviews
Hataitai
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3 Days in Wellington Itinerary: Day 3

1

New Zealand Parliament Buildings

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Begin your final day with a touch of grandeur at the New Zealand Parliament Buildings, a cornerstone of the country's political landscape. Nestled at 1 Museum Street, Pipitea, these iconic structures are not just a hub for governmental affairs but also a city park where you can immerse yourself in the nation's history. Spend an hour marveling at the architectural splendor and the lush green spaces that provide a serene escape amidst the bustling city life.

Attraction Info

  • 1 Museum Street, Pipitea, Wellington 6160, New Zealand
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
  • Open from 10:00am-5:00pm

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

Logan Brown Restaurant
Logan Brown Restaurant
4.7/5 · 3 reviews
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Thistle Inn
Thistle Inn
4.6/5 · 5 reviews
0.3 km from attraction
Shed 5
Shed 5
4.8/5 · 5 reviews
0.7 km from attraction
Istana Malaysia Restaurant
Istana Malaysia Restaurant
4.4/5 · 9 reviews
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Olive
Olive
4/5 · 2 reviews
1.8 km from attraction
Pizzeria Napoli
Pizzeria Napoli
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7 min,0.52 km
2

Old St Paul's

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Just a short stroll away, Old St Paul's awaits as your next stop. Located at 34 Mulgrave Street, this historic site offers a captivating sightseeing tour within its venerable walls. The former cathedral, now a cherished heritage site, stands as a testament to traditional timber Gothic Revival architecture. Dedicate an hour to explore the intricate designs and peaceful ambiance that make Old St Paul's a must-visit on your Wellington journey.

Attraction Info

  • 34 Mulgrave Street, Pipitea, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
  • Open from 10:00am-4:00pm
6 min,2.74 km
3

Wellington

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Conclude your Wellington adventure with a scenic sightseeing or boat tour from the Wellington Ferry Terminal at 1 Aotea Quay. As you embark on this three-hour tour, let the city's charm wash over you. Whether you're taking in the panoramic views from the deck of a boat or wandering through the vibrant streets, your time in Wellington is sure to end on a high note, leaving you with memories of a city that's as dynamic as it is beautiful.

Attraction Info

  • Wellington Ferry Terminal, 1 Aotea Quay, Pipitea, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
  • Suggested tour duration: 3-5 hour
  • Wellington to Picton 2:00am, 8:15am, 1:30pm, 8:30pm Picton to Wellington 2:30am, 7:45am, 2:00pm, 7:15pm
4.3/528 Reviews
4.3/5Excellent28 Reviews
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Kelburn
|1.09km from Wellington
4.4/514 Reviews
4.4/5Excellent14 Reviews
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Thorndon
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Top Things to Do in Wellington-2024

TOP 1
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
4.5/5 · 167 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 14,326 review
Highlights:
The Te Papa National Museum of New Zealand is the largest museum in the southern hemisphere, located on the waterfront pier in Wellington, founded in 1963. The museum's name is Tepapa Tongarewa in Maori, which means "vessel of treasure". The museum has a rich collection of Maori culture, as well as Maori halls and art exhibits from the Pacific. If you want to know about the customs and history of New Zealand, come here. The museum is divided into six floors. The first floor hall is lined with museum shops and cafes. The second to sixth floors display different themes such as geology and biology, changes in landforms, Maori survival and culture, folklore and art, and outdoor sculpture balconies. There are many interesting interactive displays in the museum. In the House of Earthquakes, you can feel the shock of the shaking of the earth and the mountains. You can also have face-to-face close contact with the king physalis squid, and watch 3D animations to understand the mystery of its life. There are also facilities such as a "discovery center" built for children. In addition to these permanent exhibitions, the museum often holds some short-term contemporary art and cultural exhibitions and other events, which require separate tickets to visit. The museum itself is also very interesting. Before leaving, don't forget to stand in front of the exhibition hall to see this expensive building and the sculpture in front of it - the tree twisted out of wire, it looks like the real thing .
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TOP 2
Wellington Cable Car
Wellington Cable Car
4.4/5 · 37 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 6,673 review
Highlights:
Come to Wellington and enjoy stunning views of the city and harbour from the cable car. The monorail cable car route is 610 meters long. The cable car departs from the city every 10 minutes. It traverses the highway at a slow and leisurely rhythm that has not changed for a century. The terminal is the Wellington Botanical Garden. A hundred years ago, this cable car was responsible for the transportation connection between the city and the residential area on the mountain. It is still loved by Wellingtonians and has become an eternal urban memory here. Take the cable car to the top of the mountain, lean on the observation deck and look down, and you will have a panoramic view of Wellington. There is a cable car museum next to the lookout, telling the legendary life of this monorail.
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TOP 3
Mount Victoria
Mount Victoria
4.5/5 · 130 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 3,039 review
Highlights:
Mount Victoria is 196 meters high and is located on the east side of Wellington City. It was used as a lookout in the past. The Maori called it "Matairangi", which means a place to look at the sky. Now there is a viewing platform (MountVictoriaLookout) on the top of the mountain, which is a good place for a 360-degree panoramic view of Wellington and the beautiful harbour scenery. Mount Victoria is also the filming location for the first film in the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy. The escaped Hobbit escaped the pursuit of the Black Knight in the dense forest on the mountainside, which is far from the bustling city of Wellington. Just a few minutes away. From Oriental Parade (Oriental Parade) or (Majoribanks Street) (Majoribanks Street), you can go up the mountain along the walking path. On both sides of the winding road are the small villas of Wellington's wealthy people, and a modern house with a lot of personality is very beautiful. After arriving at the observation deck on the top of the mountain, you can see the whole picture of the seaside city and the ferry boats crossing the bay. When the weather is fine, you can clearly see the Wellington Airport and the planes taking off and landing. Not far from the viewing platform is a triangular cone, a monument to the famous Antarctic explorer Major General Richard Byrd. Follow the extended line on the edge of the triangular cone at night to find the location of the Southern Cross.
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TOP 4
New Zealand Parliament Buildings
New Zealand Parliament Buildings
4.3/5 · 79 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 1,958 review
Highlights:
Wellington's Parliament Buildings complex includes three major buildings: the "Hive" built in 1980, the Parliament Building built in 1922, and the Library of Congress next to it. One that stands out is the Beehive, a building designed by British architect Sir Basil Spence that has long been the subject of debate, with some seeing it as a city icon and others as nondescript. The Houses of Parliament is a stately Gothic building, and a 1-hour free tour is provided every day for you to better understand Wellington.
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TOP 5
Wellington Botanic Garden
Wellington Botanic Garden
4.5/5 · 68 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 3,699 review
Highlights:
The Wellington Botanic Garden covers an area of 25 hectares. There are not only exotic flowers and plants in the southern hemisphere, but also famous flowers and trees in the northern hemisphere! What roses in France, camellias in China, coral trees in Brazil, "Devil's Hand" in Argentina, phoenix trees in the Canary Islands, beech in Australia, fir trees in Norfolk, cedar in Africa, tulip tree in North America , Dutch tulips, Japanese cherry blossoms, everything, by no means a boring botanical garden. There are footpaths in the park, and it is a very pleasant thing for everyone to walk in this piece of red and green. But if you want to walk all the way, you need to spend a whole day! If you want to visit the essence, it is recommended to visit the Lady Norwood Rose Garden on the east side of the park. From November to May of the following year, more than 300 kinds of roses are in full bloom in the concentric-shaped courtyard, and the fragrance is overwhelming. If you have good eyes and ears, you will also encounter wonderful open-air concerts held on the stage in the courtyard from time to time.
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* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.

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Wellington 3 Days Itinerary