New Zealand's culture capital

Nestled on rolling green hills that spill down to a charming harbour, New Zealand’s capital is an epicentre of culture and creativity – renowned for its arts, gastronomy, heritage and bohemian character.

It’s no surprise Lonely Planet recently named Wellington the coolest little capital in the world, this compact city is as charming as it is picturesque. Victorian timber houses line steep winding streets down to a lively and eclectic centre, waterfront promenades weave around the bay to exposed wind-swept coastlines and grassy hilltops offer spectacular views across the sparkling inlet.

The CBD is a creative hub and easy to get around by foot. Wander pedestrianised Cuba Street to get a taste of what makes this city tick with its theatrical street performers, colourful sculptures, cafes spilling out into the road, boutique shops and numerous watering holes to sample the local craft beers and coffee that the city is renowned for. Wellington is also home to New Zealand’s national museum, Te Papa, which is well worth a visit for an interactive account of the country’s history and insight into Maori culture and traditions.

An hour’s drive north of Wellington takes you to the rural region of Wairarapa with its lightly populated townships and a thriving wine scene. Visit Martinborough, the heart of the wine industry or head out to the coast to reach the southernmost point of the North Island, Cape Palliser.

From our experts

Experiences picked by our destination specialists

  • Dig into Te Papa's collections preview image
  • Tour the Weta Workshop studios preview image
  • Walk the Cuba Street precinct preview image
  • Spot kiwi at Zealandia after dark preview image

Dig into Te Papa's collections

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Explore the capital’s best museums like Te Papa.

Tour the Weta Workshop studios

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Delve into the world of Lord of the Rings with a tour of the Weta Workshop Studios.

Walk the Cuba Street precinct

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Wander through the creative CBD and the pedestrianised Cuba Street.

Spot kiwi at Zealandia after dark

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Visit Zealandia by night and see if you can spot one of the 130 native kiwis.

A word from one of our experts

Discover the capital of New Zealand. Relish in the delicious array of food markets Wellington has to offer. Explore the commonly named “windy city” by cable car, appreciating the beautiful bays and beaches that neighbour Wellington’s thriving CBD.

Ellie Khoury headshot
Ellie Khoury

Senior Travel Designer

Trip inspiration

Get inspired with our Wellington example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure

Art and Culture in New Zealand

15-Day Trip

Art and Culture in New Zealand

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15-Day Trip

Art and Culture in New Zealand

Seek out artistic inspiration and uncover the Maori heritage on a journey of cultural immersion that takes you to some of New Zealand's most magnificent regions
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$0 pp
Luxury Australia and New Zealand

26-Day Trip

Luxury Australia and New Zealand

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26-Day Trip

Luxury Australia and New Zealand

Discover both awe-inspiring yet remote landscapes and unmissable iconic sights
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Why book with Jacada?

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Personalised design

We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.

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Authentic experiences

Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.

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Responsible travel

Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.

Luxury accommodation in Wellington

There are many incredible places to stay in Wellington. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:

Wellington

Wharekauhau Country Estate
Immerse yourself in the grandeur of a bygone era at the spectacular Wharekauhau Country Estate, an Edwardian lodge set on a hill with spectacular views of the thundering sea below and working sheep farm around. Breath-taking scenery and a welcoming, friendly atmosphere will make this a visit to remember. Take in the dramatic vistas of Palliser Bay from the 13 cottage suites, or find the utmost privacy at either luxurious Owners Cottage or home Wharepapa Cottage, each with three bedrooms. Natural materials are used throughout the suites – clay tiles, pebble mosaics and rich New Zealand wool carpeting add to the experience. Each room in the main lodge has its own distinct touch, complete with carefully-selected antique furniture and classic fireplaces. Unwind in airy open lounges flooded with natural light, or curl up with a book in a cosy corner. Whether relaxing in front of a crackling fire, or sharing a light-hearted moment in the sunny kitchen, at Wharekauhau you’re considered part of the family. An elegant formal dining room flows through into a country kitchen and conservatory, making mealtimes extra special. The kitchen’s ‘farm to table’ philosophy means fresh produce from the lodge gardens and surrounding areas – so look out for the chefs roaming the grounds collecting the freshest ingredients for the evening meal. With 5,500 acres of private land including ancient forests, peaceful lakes, rivers, and a wild and rugged coast to explore, guests are spoilt for choice when it comes to a route for walking, mountain biking, horse riding or ATV quad bike adventures.
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Ready to plan your adventure?

Whatever you want from your Wellington tour, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

Meet your Australasia team

When to visit

The best time to visit New Zealand to explore the country’s spectacular natural beauty is during the summer, December to February. The days will be dry and warm, often exceeding 25°C (77°F), and there’s over 15 hours of glorious daylight. Summer is perfect for hiking, biking, visiting beaches and enjoying the laid-back atmosphere in towns and cities.

Wine Tasting

March-April

Ski and Snowboard

June-September

Whale and Dolphin Spotting

Year Round

When Is the Best Time to Visit New Zealand?

When Is the Best Time to Visit New Zealand?

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Plan your trip to Wellington

Whatever you want from your adventure in Wellington, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

Start Planning

Don't take our word for it

Your trip, your story

We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.

Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.