Things To Do in Wellington in a Weekend

Located on the southernmost point of the North Island is Wellington, New Zealand's capital city. With its bustling harbour, waterfront vistas and white sandy beaches, Wellington is a vibrant city with an so many attractions for both local and international travellers. 

If you're looking for a weekend getaway during your travels across beautiful Aotearoa New Zealand, Wellington is the perfect destination. There's plenty to do from bars and dining to live shows, plus museums, galleries and so much more.

We've created this two day itinerary full of things to do in Wellington so you can make the most of your weekend in the capital. 

Plus, we've included some top tips on what to do if you're visiting Wellington with your teenagers or if you find yourself in Wellington on a rainy day.

Breakfast at Cuba Street

Cuba Street is one of Wellington's most loved areas. Home to both affordable eats and high-class restaurants, Cuba Street is filled with colourful street art, record stores, vintage clothing boutiques, and of course, the famous Bucket Fountain.

It's also home to some of Wellington's most popular breakfast spots, one of which is Fidel's Cafe. Fidel's has been serving Cuban coffee with a side NZ hospitality to the Wellington community since 1996. Inspired by the Cuban Revolution of the 1950s, Fidel's specialises in simple, home-cooked food with a Cuban twist.

Try the Cuban breakfast burrito filled with scrambled eggs and black beans for something different, the smashed avo with pico de gallo for something fresh or the fried chicken and waffles for something a bit more crazy. Vegetarians will love the scrambled tofu with charred greens and crispy shallots, while vegans can enjoy the fig and cashew granola or Cuban breakfast burrito vegan option.

Cable Car to Wellington Gardens

Once you've digested your delicious brekky, it's time to put that energy to use with a trip to the Wellington Botanical Gardens. Jump onto the Wellington Cable Car at Lambton Quay and enjoy the leisurely 5-minute ride up to the summit while taking in the best views in Wellington.

Once at the top, enjoy the sights at the Kelburn Lookout before making your way to the 30-minute Cable Car Loop Walk, which leads you down to the beautiful Wellington Gardens.

Wellington Botanic Gardens are made up of over 25 hectares of planting and 150 years of history, recognised by both the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture and the Historic Places Trust as one of Wellington's most important attractions. The garden features a diverse range of curated collections—home to native flora and a number of amazing botanic plant species from around the world.

If you're keen to spend some more time in these beautiful surroundings, the Cable Car Loop Walk also takes you past Space Place, Wellington's museum dedicated to sharing the stories of the starry New Zealand skies. Enjoy multimedia exhibits and interactive galleries, marvel at the historic Thomas Cooke telescope or be immersed in their digital, full-dome planetarium before looking back in time to the history of Māori starlore.

Once you've had your fill, head back to the Cable Car, or take the 40-minute walking trail back to the city, which takes you past Begonia House, the Lady Norwood Rose Garden, and much more.

Late Lunch at The Old Quarter

One of Wellington's most popular Asian eateries, The Old Quarter serves a massive range of delicious Vietnamese fusion dishes, complete with lunch specials for those travelling on a budget. Try their mouth-wateringly soft bao buns for the perfect hand-held bite, or grab a fresh, tasty salad for something on the healthier side.

Check-in at your Wellington hotel

Choose the Wellington hotel that suits your style. Perhaps the ibis Wellington—located in the heart of the city and perfect for those looking for a vibrant, economy hotel.

Or the luxurious Sofitel Wellington—a 5-star hotel that blends French art inspiration with New Zealand's friendly hospitality, with a wide range of luxury rooms and suites, all featuring signature, French-inspired amenities and styling.

There's a range of Wellington accommodation to choose from, so it's easy to find the right hotel to suit your style and budget.

Dinner at Capitol

Ranked in Cuisine's top 100 NZ Restaurants in 2019 and 2021/2022, Capitol is well known for expertly delivering a carefully designed bistro-style menu that takes full advantage of seasonal local produce, ethical and sustainable food practices, and the best seafood that New Zealand has to offer.
 

Led by chef and owner Tom Hutchinson, the restaurant combines warm and professional service in an intimate setting with carefully considered cocktails to create a truly enjoyable experience. Take a seat by the window, and enjoy!

Brunch at Pickle and Pie

Pickle and Pie is Wellington's tribute to the New York deli scene, serving up NYC staples like pastrami, lox salmon, bagels, and matzo ball soup, as well as homemade pickles and sweet pies. Their breakfast menu also includes unique dishes like their Whittaker's dark chocolate porridge with poached pears, toasted coconut and mint Feijoa crumpets, and Pumpkin hummus on toast with hot sauce pickled red onions and dukkha.

Spend the Day in Brewtown

Brewtown is Wellington's go-to destination for beer lovers, housing numerous award-winning craft breweries and even a distillery, all within walking distance from Upper Hutt train station. With well-known players such as Panhead and local favourites like the Aro Bar by TeAro Brewing slinging tasty brews and delicious bites, you're sure to find something that tickles your fancy.
 

Our favourite Brewtown brewery is Boneface Brewing, a unique take on the craft brewing scene that incorporates sci-fi inspiration and illustration to transport visitors across the universe to Planet Hopatron for a truly out-of-this-world brewery experience.

As well as brew-tastic treats, Brewtown is also found right next to Daytona Adventure Park, which is home to a bunch of different activities and attractions, including go-karting, ice skating, axe throwing, paintball, ten-pin bowling, and even a trampoline park.

Dinner at Rita

Dining at Rita in Wellington is a special experience. The restaurant is located in a small cottage that seats just 28 people. Be sure to book ahead of time to experience dinner here. You'll enjoy the daily three-course set menu showcasing seasonal produce. A carefully curated wine list will complement your dining experience at Rita.

See a Show

To cap off your Wellington weekend, there's no better way than to take in one of the live performances in the city. 

BATS Theatre in Mount Victoria, Wellington is your go-to destination for modern and contemporary productions with a unique twist. Circa Theatre hosts a wide range of local shows with anything from musicals and dance to stand-up comedy and has been supporting the local Wellington art scene for the last 45 years.

The St James Theatre & Opera House is the venue of choice for major international productions such as musicals, opera and cabaret shows, as well as the Royal New Zealand Ballet.

Travelling with a teenager? Wellington is teeming with engaging activities that appeal to the young and adventurous.

Start with a visit to Weta Workshop, the creative hub behind the groundbreaking visual effects of notable films such as The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Avatar, and many more. Weta offers fascinating guided tours that allow teenagers to gain insights into the world of movie magic.

Next, head to Wellington Museum, where history, culture, and art merge in a compelling storytelling experience. The museum's innovative exhibits are sure to captivate the youthful curiosity.

For an adrenaline-pumping adventure, tour the city on wheels with Switched on Bikes' electric bike hire. This allows you to explore the city at your own pace while enjoying Wellington’s picturesque landscape.

Wind down the day at Time Cinema, a unique independent cinema that showcases an eclectic mix of classic, independent and foreign films in an intimate setting. 

Don't let the rain dampen your Wellington adventure. Embrace the city's indoor attractions that are just as fun.

Begin with a visit to Te Papa Museum, New Zealand's national museum. The museum has free entry and is home to a treasure trove of stories, interactive exhibits, and art that narrate the country's heritage and culture. Next, explore the Museum of Wellington City & Sea where the city's maritime history comes alive. For art aficionados, the City Gallery Wellington offers eclectic displays of contemporary visual arts that inspire and provoke.

If you fancy a quiet afternoon, lose yourself among the shelves of Unity Books, an independent bookstore that's a haven for bookworms. Try out the culinary delights at Sweet Mother's Kitchen for lunch, serving comfort food that warms you up on a rainy day. Finish your day with a movie at the Embassy Theatre, an iconic fixture in Wellington's cultural scene.

Finished exploring all of the fun things to do in Wellington? If you've got some more stops left on your New Zealand trip, why check out our guide on the best things to do in Hamilton!