Why Australians Love Wellington: Best Things to Do, Eat and Explore

Wellington – the cool little capital of New Zealand – is often nicknamed “Windy Wellington”, and we quickly learned why.
As our plane descended, the gusts gave us a few heart-racing bumps that had the kids gripping the armrests and squealing with a mix of fear and excitement. The pilot fought the wind like a pro, and we all cheered once the wheels touched down safely.

That dramatic arrival set the tone for our 48 hours in Wellington, a vibrant harbour city packed with food, art, and waterfront adventures. In this guide, I’ll share the best things we discovered to see, eat, and explore – perfect for fellow Aussies planning a short Wellington stop before heading to explore New Zealand’s stunning South/North Island.

Waterfront Walk

The best thing about the Wellington waterfront is that you can walk the entire stretch or hire one of those fun four-seater pedal bikes and ride along as a family. Kids absolutely love it – the laughter and the wind make it even better!

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also take the East by West Ferry across the harbour for a short cruise. Tickets can be booked right at the waterfront. On a sunny day, you’ll quickly understand why locals say, “no city can beat Wellington on a beautiful day.”

Te Papa Museum of New Zealand

f you’re visiting Wellington, Te Papa Tongarewa is a must-see. It’s New Zealand’s national museum and one of the most popular attractions in the country. Entry is free for children under 16, while adults (including international visitors) pay a small admission fee – well worth it for what’s inside.

The highlight for us was the Gallipoli: The Scale of Our War exhibition, created by Weta Workshop. The giant, hyper-real soldiers are so lifelike that you can see every detail on their faces and uniforms. It’s emotional, powerful, and beautifully done.

Rainy or windy day? Te Papa is the perfect spot to spend a few hours exploring Māori culture, New Zealand’s natural history, and interactive displays that kids actually enjoy.

Mount Victoria Lookout

No trip to Wellington feels complete without standing at the Mount Victoria Lookout. It’s one of those places that makes you stop and take a deep breath – the entire city, harbour, airport, and hills stretch out in front of you. We drove up just before sunset, and the light was magical, painting the water in soft blues and golds.

It can get really windy up there (true Wellington style!), so hold onto your hats and cameras. But that breeze and the 360-degree views make it one of the best lookout points in all of New Zealand.

Tip: There’s a small parking area near the top, and you can walk a few short trails for different photo angles.

Brunch at Spruce Goose Café

If you’re after good food with a view, head to Spruce Goose Café, right across from Lyall Bay. It’s one of those places where the atmosphere is just as good as the food – planes taking off from Wellington Airport behind you, surfers catching waves in front, and a laid-back Kiwi vibe all around.

We ordered burgers, fries, and milkshakes, and honestly, everything tasted even better with the sea breeze and sunshine. It’s a local favourite for weekend brunches, and I can see why relaxed, friendly, and perfectly Wellington.

Dinner at Dockside Restaurant & Bar

For our final evening in Wellington, we chose to dine at Dockside Restaurant & Bar, right on the waterfront. The atmosphere was elegant yet relaxed, with soft lighting, hanging plants, and views of the boats gently rocking in the harbour. It’s one of those spots that makes dinner feel like an occasion.

The food was delicious, the service friendly, and the waterfront breeze added the perfect touch. After a busy day exploring, it was the ideal place to unwind and enjoy a quiet meal with the sound of the water outside.

💡 Travel Tip:
Parking is super easy here – there’s a Wilson Parking lot just two minutes’ walk from Dockside, so you don’t have to worry about finding a spot along the busy waterfront.

Wellington Botanic Garden

After riding the famous Wellington Cable Car to the top, we spent a peaceful afternoon wandering through the Botanic Garden. It’s a calm escape right in the middle of the city filled with vibrant tulips, roses, and native plants. During spring, the garden bursts into colour, and every corner feels photo-worthy.

The kids loved exploring the winding paths, while we enjoyed the views over the city and harbour. It’s one of those spots that perfectly blends nature and city life, making it a must-visit on a sunny day in Wellington.

Where We Stayed – Rydges Wellington

We stayed at Rydges Wellington, which turned out to be the perfect base for exploring the city. The hotel is right in the heart of Wellington – close to the waterfront, Te Papa, and the Cable Car so we could walk almost everywhere.

The rooms were spacious, modern, and had a great view of the harbour and city lights at night. The indoor heated pool was a huge hit with the kids after a day of walking around. The staff were friendly, check-in was smooth, and breakfast had everything from fresh fruit to pancakes.

If you’re visiting Wellington with family, Rydges makes everything easy – location, comfort, and convenience all in one.

If You Have More Time in Wellington

One of the must-visits is Cuba Street, the city’s most colourful and creative strip. It’s full of quirky cafés, street art, and boutique shops – the kids loved the Bucket Fountain, and we found some great coffee spots nearby.

Another highlight is Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne, a beautiful wildlife sanctuary just 10 minutes from the city. It’s an incredible place to walk among native birds and lush forest, and it feels like stepping back in time to what New Zealand once looked like.

If you’re into movies, don’t miss the Weta Workshop Experience in Miramar – a fun behind-the-scenes look at props and creatures from The Lord of the Rings and other famous films.

Wellington might be small, but it’s full of personality – a perfect mix of nature, food, art, and adventure that makes you want to come back again.