Discover Wellington

New Zealand's free national museum on the harbor combines natural history, Māori culture and interactive exhibits, including a full-size giant squid model and striking exhibits on the Battle of Gallipoli designed by Weta Workshop artists.

The historic red funicular has carried passengers from the center up to the Kelburn lookout since 1902, offering a sweeping panoramic view over the harbor and city, along with a small museum about the railway's history.

The world-famous special effects and props studio behind films like The Lord of the Rings and King Kong offers workshop tours where visitors can see costumes, weapons and creatures from the films up close and learn more about the elaborate craftsmanship behind them.

Known as Windy Wellington, the capital sits on one of the windiest harbors in the world, giving the waterfront with its cafés, sculptures and walkways along Cook Strait a lively, often wind-whipped character.

Wellington International Airport lies only about 8 kilometers southeast of the center and is reachable by bus in about 20 minutes. Domestic flights from Auckland also run several times daily in about an hour.

New Zealand's free national museum on the harbor combines natural history, Māori culture and interactive exhibits, including a full-size giant squid model and striking exhibits on the Battle of Gallipoli designed by Weta Workshop artists.

The historic red funicular has carried passengers from the center up to the Kelburn lookout since 1902, offering a sweeping panoramic view over the harbor and city, along with a small museum about the railway's history.

The world-famous special effects and props studio behind films like The Lord of the Rings and King Kong offers workshop tours where visitors can see costumes, weapons and creatures from the films up close and learn more about the elaborate craftsmanship behind them.