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Last update: 26 Oct 2026
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Wellington Summary
These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.
‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.
‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.
‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.
Suited for
New Zealand – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type I
Type I:
 Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
New Zealand Dollar (NZD) £1 ≈ NZ$2.34 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 5/5
Cashless payments are widely accepted across New Zealand, and credit cards are commonly used, especially in urban areas and tourist spots.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is not expected in New Zealand, though it is appreciated for exceptional service. 5-10% in restaurants and small tips for taxi and hotel staff are common. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking is generally allowed in some designated areas but may be restricted in others. Consumption of alcohol in public places may require a permit. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is restricted in many public areas, especially indoor spaces and public transport. |
| Waitangi Day (6 February) |
A national holiday celebrating the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi |
|---|
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 111 (Police, Fire, Ambulance) |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | Uber, Ola |
| Other: | New Zealand is known for its stunning landscapes, from beaches and mountains to national parks and cultural experiences. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Wellington, New Zealand
Strong winds, strongest September to November, can delay flights and Cook Strait ferries to the South Island
Cruise ships call November to April, the waterfront and central sights are busiest on those days
Don't miss
- 🏛️ Visit the interactive Museum of New Zealand Te Papa
- 🚠 Ride the historic Wellington Cable Car for city views
- 🦜 Explore Zealandia urban ecosanctuary’s rare wildlife
- 🌄 Hike up Mount Victoria for panoramic city panoramas
- ☕ Stroll the vibrant Wellington Waterfront and enjoy cafes
- 🌿 Relax in Wellington Botanic Garden's lush green spaces
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Why travel to Wellington?
Wellington is New Zealand’s cultural heart, famous for its vibrant arts scene, legendary coffee and more eateries and bars per capita than New York. Explore Te Papa, the national museum, stroll the waterfront and ride the iconic cable car to the Botanic Gardens. The city is surrounded by nature – walk to golden beaches like Oriental Bay, hike to Mount Victoria Lookout or spot seals at Red Rocks. Movie buffs will love Wētā Workshop’s behind-the-scenes tours. Downsides? Wellington is famously windy (bring a jacket!) and weather can change in a flash. Hills are steep, so pack good shoes and accommodation fills up fast during festivals. Still, the city’s energy and friendliness make it easy to love.
🏯Places worth seeing
-
1
Wellington Cable Car
A historic funicular connects city center to Kelburn hill, offering panoramic views of harbor and skyline. Operated since 1902, it remains a popular transport link and tourist attraction for daily passengers. -
2
Museum of New Zealand
-
3
Wellington Museum
-
4
Oriental Bay
-
5
New Parliament Buildings
-
6
Mount Victoria Lookout
-
7
Cuba Street
🎡Places for activities
🏞️Natural landmarks
-
1
Zealandia
This unique research center sits within Wellington's Zealonia, offering a fascinating glimpse into New Zealand's past. Its expansive ruins and ball courts provide an engaging historical experience for visitors exploring the North Island's cultural heritage. -
2
Wellington Botanic Garden
Sprawling over 20 hectares, this garden showcases New Zealand’s native flora and curated collections from around the world. Paths wind through themed areas, offering panoramic city views and tranquil spots for reflection. -
3
Matiu / Somes Island
-
4
Mount Victoria
-
5
Wellington Harbour / Port Nicholson
-
6
Red Rocks Scientific Reserve
-
7
Mākara Hill
-
8
Ōtari School - Ōtari-Wilton's Bush
-
9
Southern Walkway
-
10
Zealandia Ecosanctuary
🛍️Shopping
🎈Events
-
Wellington on a Plate (food festival)
-
New Zealand International Film Festival
-
World of WearableArt Awards
-
CubaDupa Street Festival
-
Newtown Festival
-
Wellington Jazz Festival
-
Matariki (Māori New Year)
-
Homegrown Music Festival
-
Wellington Pride Festival
-
Diwali Festival of Lights
Knowledge before you go
- Pack a windproof jacket; Wellington weather changes fast.
- Ride the Cable Car to Kelburn, then walk back through Botanic Gardens.
- Visit Te Papa on a rainy day; it’s huge and right on the waterfront.
- For the best city panorama, do Mount Victoria at sunset – clearer light and fewer tour groups.
How to travel to Wellington
Wellington International Airport (WLG) is just 15 minutes from the city center, with direct flights from major NZ cities and Australia. Intercity buses and trains connect Wellington to other North Island destinations. The Interislander and Bluebridge ferries link Wellington to Picton on the South Island – a spectacular 3.5-hour crossing through the Cook Strait and Marlborough Sounds.
Access summary
- From Wellington Airport (WLG): Airport Express bus or taxi, about 20–30 minutes.
- From Auckland: frequent direct flights, roughly 1 hour in the air.
- From South Island: Interislander or Bluebridge ferry from Picton, about 3–3.5 hours.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay in Wellington
Wellington offers everything from boutique hotels and stylish apartments in the CBD to cozy hostels and B&Bs in funky neighborhoods like Cuba Street or Mount Victoria. Book ahead for major events and summer weekends. For beach lovers, Oriental Bay is a scenic choice, while Mount Cook offers a quieter, local vibe.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
How to get around Wellington
Wellington’s compact center is easy to explore on foot, but hills can be steep. Buses and trains connect suburbs and attractions and the cable car is a must for views. Cycling is popular, especially along the waterfront and to the Botanic Gardens. Taxis and rideshares are widely available and ferries connect to the South Island and Matiu/Somes Island. Parking is limited and expensive downtown – public transport is your friend.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in Wellington are around 9% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to NZD) is 15% better than in recent years. That means travelling now is considerably cheaper compared to the past.
Travel costs
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
Daily cost summary
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation | |||
| 🏨 Accommodation per night, per person | |||
| 🍝 Food per day | |||
| 🚕 Transportation per day |
Food & Drink
| 🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person | |
|---|---|
| 🍛 Lunch Set, per person | |
| 🍟 Fast food combo | |
| 🍝 Preparing your own food, per day | |
| ☕ Cappuccino | |
| 🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l |
Transportation
| 🚌 Public transport ticket | |
|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi | |
| ⛽ Petrol, 1 l |
Other
| 🎞️ Cinema ticket | |
|---|---|
| 👩⚕️ Doctor's consult | |
| 🤧 Cold medication | |
| 💇 Basic haircut |
Safety information overview
General safety
Wellington is very safe, with low crime rates. Standard precautions apply — watch your belongings in busy areas and take care near the waterfront in high winds. Hills and weather can make walking tricky, so take your time.
Health & Medical
Medical care is excellent, with modern hospitals and clinics. Pharmacies are easy to find. No special vaccinations are needed. The wind and weather can be tough on sensitive skin — bring moisturizer and sun protection.
Accessibility
Most attractions, hotels and public transport are accessible, but some steep hills and old buildings may pose challenges. The city is improving accessibility — check ahead if you have specific needs.
Tap water
Tap water is safe, clean and tastes great. Public fountains are available in parks and along the waterfront — refill your bottle as you go, especially on windy days.
Packing recommendations for Wellington
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🌞
Sun cream
summer
🚰
Reusable water bottle
🧥
Waterproof jacket
🕶️
Sunglasses
☂️
Folding umbrella
🎒
Small rucksack
🧥
Windproof jacket
👜
Anti-theft bag
🔋
Power bank
🧥
Fleece mid-layer
for changing weather
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
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