Hiking Trails • Geologic Formations
Best Wellington Hidden Gem Attractions
THE 10 BEST Hidden Gem Attractions in Wellington
Best Wellington Hidden Gem Attractions
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Travellers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travellers across the globe.
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16 places sorted by traveller favourites
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Speciality Museums • Children's Museums
Speciality & Gift Shops • Speciality Museums
Kelburn
What travellers are saying
- Bety24Te Kuiti, New Zealand77 contributionsReally nice walk through the valley and the rock formations are really beautiful. Be aware that way there is just up, and walk through the “river” basin could be chalenging for someone. Lookout is really steep hill so be prepared for little hiking.Written 4 February 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Christopher G1 contributionVisiting the Government House in Wellington, New Zealand was an absolute delight! From the moment I stepped onto the grounds, I was greeted with stunning architecture and beautifully manicured gardens. The guided tour provided fascinating insights into the country's history and governance, and I was impressed by the professionalism and friendliness of the staff. Exploring the elegant rooms and learning about the important role the Government House plays in New Zealand's democratic process was both educational and inspiring. The grounds were simply breathtaking, making it a truly memorable experience. I highly recommend a visit to anyone interested in history, politics, or simply appreciating the beauty of New Zealand's capital city. If you get the opportunity to tour you should definitely do it!Written 13 February 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- onitadaWellington, New Zealand277 contributionsWell, yes a beach in winter, still holds the thrill of a swim if you want! Without the mass summer holiday crowds the beach is quite peaceful, so much so that the birds appear in numbers. There a lot of Fantails darting around, Shags bobbing up and down, catching fish near the beach and a Kingfisher, no less!
There are plenty of car parks available, the toilets are clean, and of the old late last century type, I guess.
The Scorcho Rama Cafe is still open for business if you fancy food or a coffee. If you want you can take a walk-up Fortification Road Steps, once achieved, offering vistas. If you arrive at the right time of the year and hour of the day, you can watch the cruise ships pass by, although the ever-present Cook Strait ferries are always evident.Written 9 June 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - onitadaWellington, New Zealand277 contributionsI might have missed the 800 year old Rimu tree by taking a wrong turn and ending up in the Kaori Cemetary staring at a tribute monument to the ships cat, Mrs. Chippy, from Shackletons Antarctic Exhibition, where I knocked back a sip of Old Monk Rum in salute, only to learn that it is easier getting into a cemetery than leaving one, and yet, that is what I managed to do.
A trail took me back into the Otari Reserve where I found myself following a stream bed, along so many trestle bridges, and it was here that I encountered a two-meter-long fin eel, resting in a shoal, thus avoiding the current. I pondered its existence, and mine for that matter. I then came to my senses and continued on.
The path also took me back to the picnic area (with barbeque facilities and toilet), where I looped up over to the main building (with toilet), back down past the waterfall, right down to a trail that led me to the car park from where I ventured from on Churchill Drive, around the condemned trestle bridge.
Such is the nature of the Otari Reserve, that when you enter you may not know where you end up, or where you are going.Written 21 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Ruben L59 contributionsThe track itself was nice and the view was awesome too, unfortunately I didn‘t spot a single seal because apparently they only show up in autumn and winter and only rarely in spring. But like I just said, the track is worth it nonetheless!Written 10 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- wombatdavidHobart, Australia2,683 contributionsI took the 915 ferry over with the intention of staying until 1215. Although I loved the island and the walks, the timings given are huge over estimates unless you are a very slow walker! So I had covered everything I wanted to by 11am so went back on the 1115 ferry.
If you take a picnic, I think 2.5 hours is a good time. If you are just walking then 1.5 hours is enough.
Lovely views and interesting history.
An enjoyable trip from Wellington.Written 3 February 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - john eCork, Ireland6 contributionsClimbed from johnsonville side through the park and up the steps this time, I've been climbing Kaukau since I first visited Aotearoa in 2007, I love it, such a view from summit and it has mana as the maori claim. there's a great feeling in the hills there, the tracks, the gullys. I've climbed Kaukau in every weather and just love the place. I've often gone from jville over summit down to kandallah and back. it's a lovely walk. enjoyWritten 29 November 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jamuel EWellington, New Zealand218 contributionsThis an amazing hidden gem. And it shouldn’t be so hidden it feels tucked away in a corner. That would be my only downside.
This is not a very big flashy exhibit but rather it is more an important one for anyone to visit to learn about one of NZ’s most important events in its history hence the 5 star review. It’s amazing to have these documents in wellington to look at and they have done well to tell the story and history around it. Can’t wait to be back to spend more time here.Written 8 November 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Astrid24 contributionsGreat eacaperoom experience, one of the best rooms i have tried! The room was beautifully decorated, truly an immersive experience. We did the Temple room, it was ranked a 7/10, which felt accurate. Some straight forward and some more tricky puzzles, but nothing far fetched or impossible. A great choice for a rainy or windy day in Wellington!Written 21 March 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- JoAnneWellington, New Zealand2 contributionsI’ve been going to Zamm for several years now, and she never fails to provide me with the insights and direction I’m seeking. You just know she’s onto it and “gets it”. She’s kind, empathetic and constructive, and her advice also always comes from a place of personal and spiritual improvement and development, which is so important when facing life’s ongoing challenges. Highly recommended - she’s always on the nose and delivered!Written 3 August 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Journey632337283461 contributionWe thoroughly enjoyed our experience at The Victorian Parfumery. We appreciated the history, the displays and the fragrances. Would definitely recommend.Written 29 June 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Dianne CWaikanae, New Zealand438 contributionsThere is absolutely nothing at street level to let you know that Hawthorn Lounge is one storey up above your head. But here you are, so open the door. Inside you are faced with steep, dirty stairs. Up. On the landing, more of the steep dirty stairs to the left,and something that looks a bit cleaner and brighter ahead. Ignore clean and bright. Go left. Nearly there. Pause. Read the house rules notice - it gives you a sense of how you are expected to behave in this establishment. Inside is a long bar with a wall of bottles and two rather debonair-looking chaps making drinks, stuffed sofas, a few tables, low lighting, soft jazz. It’s a cocktail bar. Or champagne. There is a small menu of their house specialty cocktails, but you could undoubtedly get anything you wanted. We chose one of the house specials. $25. LOTS of alcohol topped with warm cream and probably whisked egg white, which made it a bit fluffy. The charming waitress repeatedly filled our water glasses so we didn’t get plastered. Open until 3am. I am told (not by them) that when the place is full, they close the street level door to save folk the slog up the stairs only to find there are no seats available. Delighted to find Wellington has such a place. A treat.Written 4 September 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- pakabayAdelaide, Australia2,509 contributionsWe popped into Golding’s yesterday afternoon for a drink and enjoyed a fine Hawkes Bay Syrah or two.
You have to know it there, or just stumble across it by luck - it’s not quite a ‘secret entrance’ but almost.
The delightfully bizarre interior, whilst quite small, will keep you entertained for you entire visit. I won’t say more, experience it for yourself!Written 11 February 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Julian20 contributionsGreat bar with a huge rage of flavoured spirits. Had the lemongrass and ginger gin and the pink watermelon gin. really tasty although I would probably preferr d with a good quality mixer (where is Fever Tree in NZ except for a he bar next door!)Written 15 January 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Nicole C5 contributionsAn unique experience as we traveled in a 4WD going past wonderful scenery. Hillary was a fantastic, knowledgeable and friendly guide. There wasn't a great number of seals as we're told it's breeding season.Regardless, it's a wonderful experience if you want to see seals in their natural habitatWritten 4 January 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
