Family fun in Wellington
You can have fun with the whole family in Wellington. Check out the interactive exhibits at Te Papa, meet animals at the Zoo or Zealandia, have fun on the waterfront or see the stars at Space Place.
Visit Te Papa Tongarewa, Museum of New Zealand
Discover the treasures and stories of New Zealand at Te Papa, the bold and innovative national museum. A recognised world-leader in interactive and visitor focused museum experiences, Te Papa lets you experience the nation's art, culture and science all in one breathtaking waterfront location.
Take a ride on the famous Wellington Crocodile Bikes
Pedal around on a quirky Crocodile Bike. Hire a three- or six-seater bike with your family or friends and explore Wellington’s scenic waterfront between Oriental Bay and Kumutoto. You could also grab one of their “crazy” shakes at their waterfront store.
Rockclimb, kayak or hire some skates at Ferg's Kayaks
Try out some indoor rock climbing at Ferg’s Kayaks or hire some roller-blades and glide around the harbour. Situated right on the Wellington waterfront, Fergs Kayaks offers kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, rock climbing, cycling, inline skating, and guided tours. There is plenty to keep the kids entertained.
Go on an adventure with Seal Coast Safari
Enjoy your morning or afternoon on a half day 4WD adventure. Take a Seal Coast Safari across the rugged and remote south coast of Wellington. See animals including ostriches, wild goats and deer as well as a colony of New Zealand fur seals.
Enjoy a ride on the Cable Car
Catch the iconic Wellington Cable Car to the Wellington Botanic Gardens for great views over the city. One of Wellington's most popular tourist attractions, the Wellington Cable Car runs from downtown Wellington to the picturesque Wellington Botanic Garden and Space Place Obserbatory.
Meet the animals at Wellington Zoo
Visit Wellington Zoo and connect with animals. You can watch vets at work saving native wildlife or check out the daily animals talks to get a chance to see the animals up close and hear different stories from the Keepers who care for them every day.
Have a meal at one of the many family friendly restaurants
Wellington has more cafes and restaurants per capita than New York City and luckily for you are many of them are great for families. Check out this list of the best child-friendly eateries and find the restaurants that go the extra mile to cater for families.
Watch a planetarium show at Space Place
At the top of the Cable Car head along to Space Place at Carter Observatory and watch a planetarium show. The kids can discover the stories of our southern skies through Space Place's multimedia exhibition and digital full-dome planetarium.
Visit ZEALANDIA Ecosanctuary
ZEALANDIA is home to some of New Zealand's most rare and extraordinary wildlife. Experience the sights and sounds of ZEALANDIA at night on a Kid’s Night Walk. These are a fun and adventurous experience for families with children to witness the nocturnal species that only come out at night.
Continue to Marlborough
When you are ready to move on, take a 35-minute flight across or a three-hour scenic cruise through the Cook Strait to the Marlborough region. Travel with Interislander and experience one of the most spectacular cruises in the world. Cruise through the magnificent Wellington Harbour, view the rugged lower North Island coastline, cross Cook Strait, before finally enjoying the peaceful Marlborough Sounds.
Travel SouthContinue to Wairarapa
Alternatively, if you are travelling north along the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail you will be heading to the boutique vineyards of the Wairarapa region. This section of the drive is about 75 minutes where you will drive across the Remutaka Ranges.
Travel North