Te Papa museum, coffee and film-making
Wellington
Wellington · Creative capital on a windy harbor
MuseumsCoffeeFilm
New Zealand’s compact capital packs a punch — a walkable harbor city of craft coffee, a superb national museum and a thriving film industry led by the Weta workshops. Colorful houses climb the surrounding hills.
Top sightsSights
01
Te Papa Museum
The excellent, free national museum.
02
Wellington Cable Car
A historic funicular to the Botanic Garden.
03
Weta Workshop
Film-effects studio tours for movie fans.
04
Cuba Street
A bohemian strip of cafes, bars and vintage shops.
05
Mount Victoria
A lookout over the harbor and city.
What to eatFood
Flat white
Wellington rivals any city for coffee craft.
Craft beer
A dense scene of local breweries and taprooms.
Kaikoura crayfish
Prized crayfish from up the coast.
Good to know
- Ride the cable car up and walk back down through the gardens.
- It’s famously windy — hold onto your hat.
- Te Papa is free and worth half a day.
Getting there
Wellington Airport (WLG) is close to the city and links the two main islands by air and ferry.
Next city
Christchurch