What can you achieve in 24 hours in Wellington, New Zealand? A surprising amount, as it is a fairly compact city. While many tourists flock to the big-hitters of New Zealand tourism, Wellington is often overlooked. If you can weave 1 day in Wellington (at the very least), you won’t regret it.
Being my hometown, I really should be promoting a much longer stay in Wellington. But in keeping with my theme of 24hr Guides, this is a good starter guide to get whet your appetite. Whether it be a layover or a guide to get your longer stay underway – enjoy your first 24 hours in Wellington!
I have run the timings from midday to midday, and have assumed you are staying somewhere in the city centre that is easily accessible – I hope this gives you lots of fun ideas to start your trip!
Your 24 hour guide to the city of Wellington:
12 Midday – Lunch at Karaka
Start with lunch at the Karaka Café on Wellington’s Harbour Lagoon. This relaxed café and bar utilises lounge chairs and tables out on the lagoon terraces, so that you can truly appreciate a hot summer day in Welly. Their menu shows off fabulous Hāngi style food, the traditional cooking style of the Māori, but with a contemporary twist.
They have a nifty barcode menu and Apple Pay, so you can order from the comfort of your terrace seat.
1:30pm – TE PAPA
No visit to Wellington is complete without a visit to Te Papa, the National Museum of New Zealand. This impressive building gives space for dynamic displays which help bring history and art in New Zealand to life. There are usually engaging and popular touring exhibitions on year-round too.
There is some interesting and thought-provoking discourse about the Treaty of Waitangi (a document signed between the British colonisers and Māori chiefs), a copy of which was recently defaced at Te Papa. The museum has decided to keep this statement of protest. It is this thoughtful space and constantly evolving narrative which makes Te Papa one of the most interesting museums around.
4pm – ART, SHOPPING OR BOTANICS
ART – If you’re up for more art, then head along the waterfront and over Para Matchitt’s whale bridge to the City Art Gallery. This minimalist space hosts touring exhibitions of contemporary art.
SHOPPING – If you’re all ‘arted-out’, head up to Cuba Street for some shopping – this eclectic street has a fantastic array of arty shops, cafes, thrift stores and bars too.
CABLE CAR – If it’s a nice day, a trip up the iconic Cable Car is a must. The route was opened in 1902, and allows people to get to the top of the Botanical Gardens in Kelburn. Offering a great view from the top, plus a museum and cafe, it’s an easy activity to squeeze into a short time in Wellington. Take a walk down the hill through the Botanics and Rose Garden too if you can. If you do this, you will end a short walk from the Beehive and New Zealand’s government buildings.
6pm – COCKTAILS
For your aperitifs, there are a few options, depending on where your wanderings take you:
- The Library (Courtenay Place) – for some laid back cocktails in this well-read lounge bar
- Golding’s Free Drive (Hannahs Laneway, Te Aro) – a vibrant beer joint down a trendy alleyway
- Night Flower Punch House (Ghuznee Street, Te Aro) – a discerning bar for the flâneurs among you
- The Arborist Rooftop Bar (Willis Street) – a fun rooftop bar in the centre of the CBD
8pm – DINNER
You’ll never be found wanting when it comes to fantastic dining options in Wellington. From fish & chips on the waterfront, to trendy world food options, this city has it all. Depending on your preference, here are some delicious options for dinner in Wellington:
- Ortega (Marjoribanks Street) – is known for exceptional fish dishes and steak-frites
- Siem Reap (Ghuznee Street) – Wellington is a melting pot city, and that means you can get almost any cuisine you desire. Siem Reap is my favourite Cambodian restaurant in the city
- Aunty Mena’s (Cuba Street) – Wellington’s favourite vegan restaurant, this little hole in the wall place offers exceptional value for money and delicious vegan Malaysian cuisine
- Mr Go’s (Eva Street) – Bao buns and dumplings in a relaxed atmosphere
- Kisa (Cuba Street & Vivian) – Middle Eastern small plates in a trendy corner restaurant
- Mekong Cafe (Vivian Street) – a Wellington institution, Mekong cafe is great for those craving authentic Vietnamese food at a good price
10pm – LIVE MUSIC
If you’ve got any energy left, head to San Fran (Cuba Street) for some live music and cocktails. Or head to Rubix on Cuba Street – a retro bar with a kitsch 80s theme!
*** Fall into bed at an undisclosed time ***
9am – GREAT Coffee
Get yourself to PreFab (Jessie Street) for some stylish nosh and fabulous coffee. They make their own bread onsite, so get yourself some hangover-curing breakfast and enjoy the smells of baking bread while you dine!
Another breakfast option is the fantastically funky Fidel’s (Cuba Street). Their eggs bene and huevos rancheros are beyond yummy!
If you are staying out by the south coast, head to The Botanist in Lyall Bay for exceptional vegetarian cuisine.
10:30am – Mount Victoria Or Oriental Bay (or both)
There are two options at this juncture, as where I send you next really depends on your level of fitness and energy levels.
Option 1: Mount Victoria
Take a walk up Mount Victoria. This big hill is covered in houses and the green belt forest. But once you get to the top, there is a rather marvellous look-out with views out over the harbour and also over the southern suburbs of Hataitai and the Seatoun peninsula. You could also drive up if you have a car, get a taxi, or take the bus from Courtenay Place.
Option 2: Oriental Bay
Take a leisurely stroll around to Oriental Bay. With expensive apartments overlooking the promenade and bay, it is an exclusive neighbourhood. It is a lovely spot for a walk and affords you views back over the harbour towards Te Papa and around the Quays.
12 Midday – One last meal
For your last meal, head down to the west end of Courtenay Place to a little dive place called Sweet Mother’s Kitchen, where you can munch on soul food and creole classics!
Where to stay in Wellington
My favourite hotels in Wellington are in the mid to upper range level in the city centre. I am a huge fan of any hotel with a view of Wellington Harbour, but these views come at a price, obviously. Ohtel on Oriental Parade has incredible views, and funky 60s decor. The InterContinental Hotel, on Grey Street, has always been one of the most lush inner city hotels, and is an easy walk to the waterfront. For a more boutique feel, try QT Wellington, right opposite Te Papa Museum.
Budget accommodation Wellington
At the budget end of the accommodation spectrum, there are many central hostel options. If, like me, you prefer private rooms and bathrooms, you could try: Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers (Bunny Street), which has both dorms and private rooms, and is located right near the train station.
A good option near Oriental Bay is the Bay Plaza Hotel – despite its location, it is very reasonably priced.
24 hours in Wellington
Wellington truly is a fantastic city to visit, especially for foodies and coffee-lovers. Wellington weekend getaways or stopovers offer amazing cultural offerings, top class dining and theatre, and lots of shopping too. I hope you get to spend more than just 1 day in Wellington, but if you only have a short stay, this guide should get you started.
If you are visiting New Zealand, why not explore more of the North Island? Perhaps Kuaotunu on the Coromandel Peninsula or a road trip around Northland!
All photos © Hannah Henderson and may not be used without permission (sharing this blog post is fine though!).
