Welcome to Wellington, the “coolest little capital in the world.” Tucked between a sparkling harbour and steep green hills, this is a city that famously runs on coffee, creativity, and a whole lot of wind. Learn how to spend spend 48 hours in Wellington.
Wellington’s magic is its compactness. It’s a city where you can walk from the national museum to a bohemian laneway, to the halls of power, all within a single afternoon. While a week wouldn’t be enough to explore every hidden bar and gallery, 48 hours is the perfect amount of time to get a real taste of its vibrant soul.
This ultimate itinerary is designed to be a mix of iconic attractions and local flavor, helping you experience the very best of the city.
Before You Arrive: Essential Wellington Tips
- Getting Around: Wellington’s CBD is brilliantly compact and best explored on foot. For destinations further afield like Weta Workshop or Zealandia, the “Metlink” bus system is efficient and easy to use.
- Where to Stay: For ultimate convenience, stay in the CBD or near the Waterfront. For a bohemian vibe with cafes and bars at your doorstep, look for accommodation around Te Aro and Cuba Street.
- The Wind: They don’t call it “Windy Welly” for nothing. Even on a sunny day, the wind can have a serious chill. A good windproof jacket is your best friend, no matter the season.
Day 1: National Treasures & Bohemian Soul
Morning (9:00 AM – 1:00 PM): Te Papa, The Nation’s Storyteller
Start your trip at Te Papa Tongarewa, New Zealand’s incredible national museum. This is more than a museum; it’s New Zealand’s living room, a vibrant and interactive space that tells the stories of this land and its people. It’s free to enter.
- Don’t Miss:
- The Gallipoli Exhibition: A deeply moving and brilliantly executed exhibit featuring giant, hyper-realistic sculptures created by Weta Workshop.
- Te Taiao | Nature: An immersive and fun exploration of New Zealand’s unique natural environment.
- Mana Whenua: A fascinating exhibition on the history and culture of the Māori people of the Wellington region.
Lunch & Exploration (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM): The Eclectic Cuba Street
From Te Papa, take a 10-minute walk to Cuba Street, the city’s bohemian heart. This is the place to feel Wellington’s creative pulse.
- For Lunch: You’re spoilt for choice. Grab a classic brunch at the iconic Fidel’s Cafe, a beautiful meal at Olive, or a delicious slice from Scopa Pizzeria.
- After Lunch: Wander the street, browse the vintage clothing stores, listen to the buskers, and don’t forget to take a photo with the iconic Bucket Fountain.
Afternoon (3:00 PM – 5:00 PM): Politics, Power & History
Stroll from the creative chaos of Cuba Street to the ordered world of government. It’s an easy walk down The Terrace or Lambton Quay.
- The Beehive: See New Zealand’s distinctive Parliament building. You can take a free guided tour to learn about the country’s political history.
- Old St Paul’s Cathedral: A short walk from Parliament, this stunning 19th-century church is a masterpiece of wooden Gothic Revival architecture. The interior is breathtaking.
Evening (5:00 PM onwards): Sunset Views & Capital Tastes
- For Sunset: For the best panoramic view of the city and harbour, head up to the Mount Victoria Lookout. You can drive, take a bus, or even walk up if you’re feeling energetic.
- For Dinner: You have endless options. For a fine-dining treat, book a table at Shepherd. For incredible Italian food in a buzzing atmosphere, head to Ombra. For a cheap, cheerful, and legendary Wellington experience, grab a takeaway from KC Cafe.
- For a Drink: This is New Zealand’s craft beer capital. End your night with a tasting paddle at a brewery in the Te Aro area, like Garage Project or Fortune Favours.
Day 2: Heights, Harbours & Hollywood Magic
Morning (9:30 AM – 12:00 PM): The Iconic Cable Car & Botanic Gardens
Start your day with a ride on the historic red Wellington Cable Car. It leaves from the heart of the city (Lambton Quay) and climbs to a stunning lookout point over the city. At the top, you’ll also find the Cable Car Museum and the entrance to the Wellington Botanic Garden. Spend the morning enjoying the view before taking a leisurely walk back down to the city through the beautiful gardens.
Lunch (12:00 PM – 1:30 PM): A Quintessential Waterfront Lunch
The Wellington waterfront is the perfect place for a casual lunch. Grab some classic Kiwi fish and chips from a spot like The Chippery and find a patch of grass to enjoy them in the sun, watching the world go by.
Afternoon (1:30 PM – 4:30 PM): Your Choice of Worlds
- Option A: Movie Magic (Weta Workshop): Take a bus or Uber to the suburb of Miramar, a pilgrimage for film fans. The Weta Workshop tour gives you an incredible behind-the-scenes look at the props, costumes, and creatures from films like The Lord of the Rings and Avatar. Booking is essential.
- Option B: City Culture & Art: If movie magic isn’t your thing, spend the afternoon at the City Gallery Wellington in Te Ngākau Civic Square, which showcases contemporary art. Afterwards, explore the trendy boutiques and cafes around Ghuznee and Leeds Streets.
Evening (5:00 PM onwards): Your Farewell Feast
For your final evening, head to Courtenay Place, the city’s entertainment hub, where you’ll find a huge range of restaurants, bars, and the iconic Embassy Theatre. It’s the perfect place to find a final, delicious meal to cap off your 48 hours in the capital.
👉 Need Help Planning Your Trip?
Excursion New Zealand is your ultimate guide to an unforgettable journey. We help you discover top attractions, hidden gems, and local favorites to maximize your New Zealand adventure.
How it works is you enter you starting origin, destination and it will show you an optimized route and any attractions along the way.
From there you can select what attractions you want to see and we provide you with a plan including the travel time required.
