Itinerary · Wellington · New Zealand
2 days in Wellington
A day-by-day plan grouped by neighbourhood, so you spend your time seeing Wellington, not crossing it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Szilas, Public domain
Quick answer
2 days covers the main sights, though 3 lets you slow down. Day 1: Te Papa Tongarewa and Cuba Street. Day 2: Wellington Cable Car and Parliament and the Beehive. Base yourself in Te Aro.
Key facts
- Days
- 2
- Sights covered
- 10
- Day trips
- None
- Best base
- Te Aro
- Book ahead
- Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne
Day by day
Day 1: Te Papa Tongarewa and Cuba Street
Te Papa Tongarewa, Cuba Street, City Gallery Wellington and Harbourside Market, then Space Place at Carter Observatory in the evening.
Morning
Te Papa Tongarewa
It includes Rongomaraeroa, a contemporary marae, and the general collection is free to enter.
Late morning
Cuba Street
It is the centre of the city's alternative culture and the setting for the CubaDupa street festival.
Lunch
Lunch: Flat white
Independent cafés across Te Aro, Cuba Street and the CBD, many roasting their own beans.
Afternoon
City Gallery Wellington
Some exhibitions are free; major shows may charge.
Late afternoon
Harbourside Market
It is Wellington's main fresh-produce market and a long-standing weekend ritual.
Evening
Space Place at Carter Observatory
Go on a clear evening to look through the telescope as well as seeing a planetarium show.
Day 2: Wellington Cable Car and Parliament and the Beehive
Wellington Cable Car, Parliament and the Beehive, Wellington Museum and Wellington Botanic Garden, then Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne in the evening.
Morning
Wellington Cable Car
A small free museum at the top tells the line's history and displays an original car.
Late morning
Parliament and the Beehive
Free guided tours start from the visitor centre.
Lunch
Lunch: Craft beer
Brewery taprooms and specialist beer bars around Te Aro and the Aro Valley.
Afternoon
Wellington Museum
Entry is free.
Late afternoon
Wellington Botanic Garden
Paths zigzag down from the cable car station with views over the city.
Evening
Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne
Book a guided night tour for the best chance of seeing kiwi; daytime visitors should go early when the birds are most active.
Before you go
- Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne: Night tours are small and sell out; book ahead.
Snapper card
A stored-value card for Metlink buses with lower fares than cash; top up at convenience stores.
If it rains
- Swap in Wētā Cave and Wētā Workshop tours (Miramar): Book a workshop tour if you are interested in film-making; the free Wētā Cave alone takes only about 20 minutes.
- Swap in Katherine Mansfield House and Garden (Thorndon): Read one of her Wellington stories, such as 'The Garden Party', before you go.
Where to stay for this itinerary
$$$ · Best for first-timers, nightlife, food lovers and solo travellers
Te Aro
Cuba Street cafés, Courtenay Place bars and Te Papa on the waterfront
Pace and daylight
The sights in this plan add up to roughly 14–17 hours of visiting over 2 days, before meals and getting between them. Daylight runs from about 9.2 hours in June to 15.1 hours in December, so in winter start early and keep museums for the afternoon.
Getting between stops: Walking. Most central sights are within a 20–25 minute walk; expect steep climbs to Mount Victoria, Kelburn and Thorndon.
More or fewer days
Questions travellers ask
+Is 2 days enough in Wellington?
2 days covers the main sights, though 3 lets you slow down. How many days Wellington needs.
+What should I book before visiting Wellington?
Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne.