Top things to do in Wellington

The best things to do in Wellington sit in a compact harbour city at the bottom of the North Island, so most of them are a short walk, cable car ride or drive apart. Te Aro holds the museums and the departure points for the day tours, Miramar is home to Wētā Workshop, and Karori borders a fenced wildlife sanctuary where little spotted kiwi live in the bush.

Past the city edge, the Remutaka Range separates Wellington from the Wairarapa, and Martinborough's pinot noir country is just over an hour away by road. Wellington food and drinks experiences also stay in town, with craft breweries, chocolate and Asian food walking tours, plus winery tours for the Martinborough day trips.

On the river, water sports in the Hutt Valley run from gentle Grade 2 floats to Grade 3 white water, and Wellington tours take in everything from Lord of the Rings filming locations to a 4WD run out to a fur seal coast. For museums, film workshops and wildlife, Wellington attractions start in the city.