Wellington: The Complete Guide

Squeezed between green hills and a harbour at the bottom of the North Island, Wellington packs a lot of personality into a very walkable space. New Zealand's capital runs on flat whites, craft beer and film-industry magic, and for most Stray travellers it's either the last hurrah of the North Island or the first taste of it.

Here's how to make the most of the world's coolest little capital.

Wellington at a glance

Wellington (population 200,000) has been New Zealand's capital since 1865 and takes its name from Arthur Wellesley, the first Duke of Wellington. The city centre sits neatly between the hills and the harbour, which makes it compact and easy to explore on foot.

The vibe is unmistakably artsy: a thriving arts scene, vibrant cafe culture and a craft brewery movement that keeps growing. Locals call it the Windy City, thanks to the gales funnelled through Cook Strait, and the city sits on a major fault line, which is why Wellington leads the world in earthquake-resistant building technology. You'll feel very safe, and probably a bit windswept.

Te Papa Tongarewa: New Zealand's national museum

More than a museum, and completely free. Te Papa Tongarewa tells the stories of New Zealand, its land, people, culture and history, through exhibitions covering everything from the tectonic forces that shaped the country to its wildlife, Māori culture and marae, and copies of the Treaty of Waitangi. If you do one indoor thing in Wellington, make it this.

• Where: 55 Cable Street, on the waterfront
• Cost: free entry

Go behind the scenes: Weta Workshop

Wellington is the home of Sir Peter Jackson's film empire, and Weta Workshop in Miramar is the creative beating heart of it. This world-famous physical effects and prop company is behind the magic of The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, King Kong, Avatar, and The Chronicles of Narnia.

The Weta Workshop Experience is a 90-minute guided tour that takes you deep into the world of film effects. You'll get up close and personal with actual props, costumes, armor, and weapons used in blockbuster movies, hear behind-the-scenes stories from the artists who created them, and look into the actual working workshop where movie magic is still being made today.

Adventure Tour Booking (Transfer Included): Adventure passengers can book the Weta Workshop Guided Transfer through the app. This includes round-trip transport from 217 Wakefield Street in the city center.

Select Tour Booking (Tour Only): Select passengers can book the Weta Workshop Tour Only through the app. You can easily make your own way to the workshop (1 Weka Street, Miramar) by grabbing the Miramar #2 public bus from Courtenay Place (every 15 minutes) or taking a short Uber.

How to book: Secure your Weta Workshop tickets on request directly via the Seymour app.

More things to see and do

Ride the historic Wellington Cable Car up from Lambton Quay for harbour views, the Botanic Garden and the lookout above the city, or climb Mt Victoria for the full panorama. Politics fans can tour the Beehive, New Zealand's distinctive Parliament building, where guided tours run daily and the public gallery is open when the House is sitting. When the sun's out, join the locals swimming and sunbathing at Oriental Bay, the city beach a short stroll from the centre along Oriental Parade.

Eating and drinking

Wellington's food scene punches miles above its size: craft beer everywhere, pop-up gourmet food trucks, organic markets and a packed foodie festival calendar. Start on Leeds Street, home to Goldings Free Dive (craft beer institution), the Wellington Chocolate Factory, Pizza Pomodoro and Hanging Ditch for cocktails. When the sun goes down, Courtenay Place is where the night happens.

Where to stay

Haka House Wellington

A social, well-equipped hostel in Te Aro, a short walk from Courtenay Place and the waterfront. There are two fully equipped kitchens with food storage lockers, a dining room, living room and movie screening room, plus a pool table, foosball and darts. Practical touches include 24-hour access, laundry, luggage storage, lift access, secure bike storage with repair facilities, free WiFi, in-room heating and proper recycling stations as part of the hostel's sustainability drive.

• Where: 292 Wakefield Street, Te Aro

Getting there with Stray

Wellington is the North Island's full stop: most Stray trips either start or end here before the Cook Strait ferry crossing to the South Island. Arrive a day or two early (or stay a couple after), because the capital rewards the extra time.

FAQs

Is Te Papa museum free?

Yes, entry to Te Papa Tongarewa, New Zealand's national museum on the Wellington waterfront, is free.

Where is Weta Workshop?

In Miramar, Wellington. The Wellington Movie Tour includes the Weta Cave and an optional 40-minute guided Workshop tour, with packages from $45.

Why is Wellington called the Windy City?

Winds funnel through Cook Strait, the gap between the North and South Islands, making Wellington one of the windiest cities in the world.

Is Wellington walkable?

Very. The city centre sits compactly between the hills and the harbour, and most attractions, including Te Papa, the Cable Car, the Beehive and Oriental Bay, are within walking distance of each other.

What was filmed in Wellington?

Wellington is home to Peter Jackson's Weta Workshop, behind The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, King Kong and The Chronicles of Narnia. Film sites include Mt Victoria, the Embassy Theatre and the Weta Cave in Miramar.