Wellington

Nestled between green hills and a sparkling harbour, Wellington is New Zealand’s compact capital city, with a compelling mix of culture, history, nature, and stand-out cuisine.

The city is known for its superb coffee and craft beer, and for wine enthusiasts, there are many stylish wine bars and restaurants to explore. Sample a curated selection of local and international wines, where knowledgeable wine experts can assist you in finding the perfect match for your chosen dish.

Known for

Craft beer, coffee, and award-winning cuisine.

New Zealand’s tastiest city

At the centre of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail, Wellington is where it all comes together on a plate. As a place where all tastes are catered to, you can indulge at award-winning restaurants with the perfect wine pairing, enjoy lunch with harbour views, or explore numerous cafés renowned for their excellent coffee.

The quality of Wellington’s cafés, restaurants, and bars is not confined to the inner city. Check out the raft of great options in the Hutt Valley on your way to or from Wairarapa.

Wellington highlights

There’s so much to see and do in the capital. Whether you fancy a tour through New Zealand’s Parliament, a visit to the world’s first fully fenced ecosanctuary — Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne, a ride in the iconic Wellington Cable Car, or a peek behind the scenes of famous films and television at Wētā Workshop, there’s something to suit every taste. 

Any visitor to Wellington should have the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa at the top of their to-do list. The country’s largest museum is six stories high and contains a vast repository of collections reflecting the country’s identity, history, and culture.

Must-see events

Immerse yourself in the creative energy of the Wellington events scene, offering world-class gigs, captivating performances, and adrenaline-fuelled games.

From the globally acclaimed World of WearableArt Show, where fashion and art collide in spectacular displays, to the soulful rhythms of the Wellington Jazz Festival. Food enthusiasts flock to Visa Wellington On a Plate, while art aficionados are drawn to Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of the Arts, the nation's largest celebration of contemporary arts and culture experiences.

Ready to savour the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail?