Experience the whole of New Zealand in one building! Te Papa is New Zealand's bold, innovative and interactive national museum. Explore the great treasures and stories of this country, its unique natural environment, Maori culture and taonga (treasures), dynamic art heritage, and its fascinating history. Te Papa is located on Wellington's spectacular waterfront. Open 10am to 6pm every day except Christmas Day. General admission is free.

Imagine a lush forest full of rare native wildlife. Discover Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne, an ecosanctuary home to over 40 rare native species and 32km of walking tracks. Explore at your own pace or be led by a guide! Our nature experts will show you the best places to spot wildlife like kakariki, tuatara and takahe on a Zealandia by Day tour. Relax at Rātā cafe with delicious food that gives back to conservation, and admire the views over the lake. Browse locally designed art, jewellery, homewares, books, clothes and gifts at the store where the products you buy have purpose and help the sanctuary to operate. For something a little more adventurous, see how the sanctuary transforms after dark on a Zealandia by Night tour and search for thousands of glow worms and over 150 kiwi. Experience this world-renowned conservation success that lies only minutes from Wellington’s CBD. As a not-for-profit, your visit helps us ensure the future flourishing of New Zealand’s native wildlife.

The highlight to any visit to Wellington is a trip on Wellington Cable Car. In just 5 minutes you will reach the top of the Botanic Garden where panoramic views of the city and harbour are the reward. You can also visit the Space Place Observatory here. Before you head back down make sure to visit the Cable Car Museum (free entry), which provides a history of the city's symbolic mode of transport and see the original cars and winding machinery on display. There are walking tracks that start at the top of the Cable Car if you're keen on a stroll back to the city. The Cable Cars leave every 10 minutes and evry 15 minutes before 8pm.

High lookout point along Wellington's Southern Walkway gives visitors a spectacular view of the city and its surroundings.

Visit Wellington Botanic Garden and enjoy its 25ha of unique landscape, protected native forest, conifers, specialised plant collections, colourful floral displays, and views over Wellington city. The garden is a Garden of National Significance by the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture and is an Historic Places Trust Heritage Area. Take the Cable Car up and follow the Downhill path to the city.

Interislander links the North and South Islands of Aotearoa New Zealand with 92km of breathtaking views between Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington and Waitohi Picton, it is one of New Zealand’s most iconic travel experiences. Experience the magnificence of Marlborough Sounds, the twin ocean views of Cook Strait and the rugged beauty of Wellington’s coastline. Travelling on Interislander is a comfortable 3.5-hour journey with spectacular scenery you can only view from the water. Each of the three ferries in the Interislander fleet has outdoor viewing decks, comfortable lounges and a choice of eateries. If you’re travelling with children, there are play areas and activities to keep them happy. All vehicles are welcome - cars, vans, caravans, motorhomes and motorcycles. There are also rental car depots at our terminals, so you don’t have to take your rental vehicle onto the boat. A free shuttle service runs from Platform 10 at Wellington Railway Station 70 minutes before each sailing.

Take a seat in this quiet sanctuary and breathe in the beauty of the architecture, stained glass windows and richly coloured furnishings. Become part of the Old St Paul’s story. Constructed between 1865 and 1866 from native timbers, Old St Paul’s is one of the finest examples of Gothic Revival architecture in the world. The building is a handsome sight from the outside. Inside, it is simply breathtaking. Spectacular lighting gives the interior a rosy glow, enriching the appearance of brass fittings, stained glass windows and exquisite illuminated panels. It is a glorious riot of colour and light, with excellent acoustics a memorable accompaniment. No longer a parish church, but still consecrated, Old St Paul's is non-denominational, and is proudly cared for by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga. Old St Paul’s is a unique venue for musicians, poets, authors, jugglers, thespians, and corporate offerings alike – suitably atmospheric and beautifully dramatic.

Wellington Zoo is New Zealand’s first Zoo, and Wellington’s oldest conservation organisation, caring for animals since 1906. The Zoo is a not for profit charitable trust and we're proud to be the world’s first carboNZero certified zoo. We are guided by our kaupapa Me Tiaki, Kia Ora! We must look after our environment, so all things will flourish. It is up to us collectively to make a difference for animals and the wild places they call home. See our website for entry prices and to plan your visit. If you have accessibility needs, you can find more visitor information on our website.

Wellington Museum houses four floors of local taonga (treasures) reflecting the region’s vibrant history, its people and the future. Open daily, the museum has something for everyone and will keep you entertained for hours. Walk like a giant on the carpet flooring which maps out the region from a satellite image in the new exhibition ‘Te Whanganui-a-Tara’. Experiment with Wellington winds and learn how to introduce yourself in te reo Māori. Explore the city’s maritime history and step inside a real captain’s cabin. Watch Māori legends come to life and get up close to Wellington’s social history. The museum’s award-winning Attic celebrates the capital’s quirky side. You’ll never know what you’ll find. Compare your shoe-size with NBS star Steven Adam’s basketball boots, listen to local UFO reports and experience the time machine! Take the stress out of planning and see more of the city by booking a guided tour with Wellington Museum. Learn more at wellingtonmuseum.nz