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Travelers spending One Day in Wellington, New Zealand have just enough time to see the highlights. This Wellington 1-Day Itinerary showcases the best of the city – from scenic landscapes to fascinating museums to local eats.
Wellington – the capital of New Zealand – is a thriving city. It’s big enough, but not too big, and surrounded by spectacular nature. The people are friendly and the craft beer scene is sensational. We’ll show you how to experience the best of Wellington, NZ in our outlined 1-Day Trip Plan!
Is One Day in Wellington, NZ Enough?
Deciding how many days to spend in Wellington is an important first step. We will admit, we fell head over heels for Wellington. We spent two weeks in the city and wished we could have stayed longer. Therefore, we personally don’t think a 1-Day Trip to Wellington, NZ is long enough. Instead, we recommend planning to spend at least 2 – or ideally 3 days in Wellington.
However, we understand that many travelers visit Wellington via cruise ships or are simply transiting on their way to other top New Zealand destinations. So, if a day in Wellington, NZ is all the time you have, then we suggest making the most of it!
Is 1 Day in Wellington Expensive?
Wellington is many things, but a budget destination is not one of them. The steep prices for accommodations, meals and even public transport add up in hurry. No worries (or she’ll be right, as Kiwis would say), once in the city center, there is plenty of entertainment that doesn’t cost a dime. In fact, most of the attractions that we recommend in our 1-Day Wellington, New Zealand Itinerary are free things to do!
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Best 1-Day Wellington Itinerary
We are outlining what to do in Wellington, NZ in one day – from morning until night. Throughout this itinerary, we offer food and drink recommendations, as well as a few alternate trip ideas for you to consider.
Morning on the Summit of Mount Victoria, NZ
Start your day with the best view in the city from the top of Mount Victoria. Mt. Vic stands to the east of the center at a height of 643 feet. The 360-degree view from the summit encompasses the skyline, the sea, Cook Strait and beyond.
Visitors can reach the summit via a challenging hike up from Oriental Bay, catch a taxi or hop on the #20 bus. There is also a parking lot at the top for those with a rental car.
There are two lookout points on Mt Victoria; one reached by a set of stairs, which provides spectacular, all-around views and a second lookout to the south that faces Evans Bay and the Wellington Airport. Informational plaques are posted at both viewpoints so that visitors can learn more about the area’s history.
Mt. Vic Viewpoint #1
The highest lookout point on Mt. Vic delivers an astounding 360-degree view of Wellington. From this vantage point, you can witness how the sparkling city is cloaked in green spaces and surrounded by the dazzling sea. We recommend taking some time in the spherical perch to admire the sights from different angles.
Mount Victoria Lookout Point #2
The second lookout point on Mount Victoria in Wellington focuses on Evans Bay and across to the suburb of Miramar. As a bonus for aviation geeks, the vantage point is at a 45 degree angle with the flight path. Planes descending towards or departing from the airport pass by at eye level with the viewpoint – and it’s an incredible sight.
Mid-Morning Harbor Walk from Oriental Bay Beach
Catch a taxi or bus (or hike down) from Mt Vic to Oriental Bay Beach. This beautiful stretch of shoreline is the perfect place to embark on a coastal walk back into the city. The Wellington Waterfront Walk is a pedestrian trail that extends from Oriental Bay to Queens Wharf.
Lunch at Mt Vic Chippery
Before making it all the way back into the city, however, detour inland (at Waitangi Park) to Mt Vic Chippery for a scrumptious lunch of Fish and Chips. I’s one of the best things to eat in Wellington!
Mt Vic Chippery is an old-fashioned place that ranks as one of the best fish shops in the city. The eatery is known for the large portions of fried fish and chips. Plus, they offer guests the opportunity to choose the type of fish and type of batter (including a gluten free option).
Early Afternoon at Te Papa Museum
Next up on your Wellington, NZ 1-Day Itinerary is the interactive Te Papa Museum. We believe it is one of the best museums in Wellington. From the history of the world to the history of New Zealand, the Te Papa Museum covers it all. The seemingly endless number of hands-on exhibits are fun for both kids and adults.
What makes it even better is that the Te Papa Museum is open 365 days a year from 10am – 6pm daily and it is always free! With numerous engaging exhibits, it would be easy to spend an entire day in the museum – but there is still so much more to see in Wellington in a day.
Top Tip: If it’s a Sunday, don’t miss the Harbourside Market on the east side of the Te Papa. The market is the oldest market in Wellington. Vendors sell just-picked produce and locally made products. In the summer, the market hosts performances by local bands.
Wellington Itinerary One Day Alternate Museum Options
We were enthralled by the Te Papa Museum, but there are other Wellington museums that might appeal to fellow travelers.
The City Gallery displays contemporary works of art by New Zealand artists and thought-provoking exhibitions. History buffs might prefer the Wellington Museum, which outlines the history of the city in an exceptional space. It is free to enter both museums (although donations are appreciated).
Mid-Day Pick Me Up at Karaka Cafe
After visiting a museum in Wellington, swing into Karaka Café for a little energy boost for your afternoon exploration. The café serves traditional food and drinks of the Maori people, the indigenous Polynesians who settled the land thousands of years ago. Order the energizing Taha Tonic – which combines kawakawa tea and ginger.
Top Food Tip: Karaka Café has a robust menu of exquisite cuisine. For a unique taste of New Zealand Maori food, sit down to lunch at Karaka Café instead of indulging in Fish and Chips. Be sure to order the Hangi – the most popular Maori dish.
Mid-Afternoon Cable Car Ride
Next up on your 1 Day in Wellington Itinerary is a cable car ride up the hillside. The Wellington Cable Car dates to 1889; it was built to transport passengers from the city center up the hills of Kelburn on the northwest side of the city.
Hop on a cable car at Lambton Quay for a five-minute funicular ride – and disembark at the last stop, Kelburn. At the top, visit the small Cable Car Museum (free to enter) and take a moment to savor the spectacular views. When you are ready, follow the path into the Botanic Garden.
Afternoon at the Wellington Botanical Garden
For a full dose of nature, head to the Wellington Botanic Gardens, which are just steps from the Wellington Cable Car. Paths wind through 60 acres of trees, plants and flowers. Lookout points offer sweeping views of the city.
Seasonal displays and attractions can be found throughout the park. Not to be missed is the Lady Norwood Rose Garden. The public gardens are open from dawn until dusk and are free for everyone to enjoy.
Late Afternoon Sightseeing at The Beehive
The New Zealand Parliament is housed in the distinctive Beehive building. The unique cylindrical structure – which, you guessed it, resembles a beehive – was built in the 1970s. The fascinating complex is a Wellington must-see sight!
Visitor can tour the grounds of the Beehive on their own with this self-guided tour – but Parliament offers a number of free guided tours for interested guests.
New Zealand Eats for Dinner
Wellington, New Zealand has a diverse cuisine that features an array of native eats and international foods.
When it comes to the most famous food in Wellington, seafood tops the list…and lamb is a close second. The gastronomy in Wellington is often inventive – so you will find things like Kiwi Burgers on menus. This means the burger will be topped with a delicious combination of beets and a fried egg, not bird meat or the funky green fruit.
Indian, Latin American and Asian fare are also abundant – and the restaurants in Wellington range from fine dining to quick bites. Where to eat in Wellington, NZ boils down to your taste and budget.
For waterside dining, Coene’s Bar and Eatery and Shed 5 are good options. Southern Cross Garden Bar is another perennial favorite – however, travelers seeking the best Wellington restaurants should make reservations at one of the hip establishments on Cuba Street.
Evening of Local Craft Beer
There are so many things to love about Wellington, NZ – and craft beer is one of them! Welly is known as the Craft Beer Capital of Brew New Zealand. Microbreweries and dedicated tap rooms blanket the city.
After a long day of sightseeing, slide into a craft beer bar and get a taste of what is brewing locally. Need tips on where to go? Use our guide to the Best Craft Beer in Wellington.
Top Tip: Not into beer? No problem! Wellington, NZ also excels at creating exceptional cocktails (try Hawthorne Lounge or Hanging Ditch) and there are some really cool wine bars (check out The Jayas Wine Bar). Prefer to skip the bars altogether? No worries, go for dessert at Duck Island Ice Cream or an iconic Pavlova at Floriditas.
Alternate Ways To Spend One Day in Wellington
We have outlined what we believe to be the best way to spend 1 Day in Wellington. However, we have a few more ideas that we want to share with you for your trip to the capital of New Zealand.
Self-Guided Electric Bike Tour
Wellington is a fairly compact city, but there is still a lot of ground to cover in just one day. Rather than trekking around on your feet, hop on an electric bike for a quicker way to see the sights. Plus, it may give you the ability to see some of the attractions that are further afield. Get the details!
Red Walks Coastal Route to Sea Lion Colony
We highlighted the best things to do in Wellington City Center – however, we know that not all travelers are interested in urban sights. If you would rather escape the city, head south to the Red Rocks Coastal Trail to the Seal Colony. The flat path hugs the coastline presenting incredible vistas along the way. The 4 mile walk ends at Sinclair Head where hundreds of fury seals sun themselves on the rocks.
Buses transport visitors to Shorland Park, from which there are super views across Cook’s Strait to the snowcapped mountains on the South Island. From there, follow the Esplanade past the teal waters of Owhiro Bay to the Red Rocks Coastal Walk trailhead that leads directly to Sinclair Head and the seals.
Planning a Trip to Wellington, NZ
Let’s go to New Zealand! Before you set off, however, we have a few final travel tips that will help you plan your Best Wellington 1-Day Trip!
Organize your NZ Travel Details
Organization is key when planning any vacation. Use our Printable Travel Planner for an easy way to sort all the important details of your upcoming trip to New Zealand!
Where To Stay in Wellington, New Zealand
Travelers spending a full 24 hours in Wellington, NZ will need to find a place to stay! For such a short trip, we recommend choosing a hotel in Wellington Central. Of course, Wellington hotels are a bit on the pricey side. Use our tips for Booking Hotels at the Best Price and then begin your search on Booking.com.
What You Will Need for a One Day in Wellington Trip
As much as we’d sometimes love to skip it altogether, being prepared and packing are essential parts of traveling! Don’t forget these items in your backpack or suitcase.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Make sure to wear a pair of comfortable and versatile walking shoes. I like these everyday sneakers – but we share more tips and reviews in our article, Best Shoes for Travel.
Travel Camera
Have we mentioned how gorgeous Wellington is? To capture the beauty of the city, use a real travel camera. We shoot with a DSLR Canon Rebel – as it’s a fantastic camera for budget-conscious travelers that comes with heaps of accessories.
Weather Gear
Wellington experiences four seasons (which are opposite in time from the northern hemisphere) – but, overall, the weather in Wellington is generally mild. That said, it can be windy, very windy – so a lightweight windbreaker or raincoat is recommended.
During the summer months (December, January, February), the sun can be strong – so bring sunscreen, your favorite sunglasses or a wide-brimmed hat. Outside of the summer months, rain is often possible, so carry a travel umbrella.
Versatile Day Bag
A good travel day bag is essential for your 1 Day Wellington, NZ Itinerary. We use small backpacks with zippered compartments to keep our everyday travel items organized while sightseeing.
NZ Travel Insurance
Regardless of how well you plan your Wellington in One Day trip, things can go wrong – illness, canceled flights, lost luggage – and trip insurance might help. If you don’t already have travel insurance, check the rates and coverage at World Nomads.
More New Zealand and Australia Travel Destinations
For many travelers, Wellington is just one destination on a longer New Zealand and Australia trip. We have ample free guides on both countries that can help you plan your vacation!
- What To See in Auckland
- Hiking in Titirangi Beach
- Things To Do in Sydney
- What To Do in Melbourne
- Tips for Visiting Cairns on a Budget
- Perth Walking Tour
- Brisbane in a Day
- Tour the Great Ocean Road
Start planning your trip to New Zealand! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want more travel planning tips? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more advice – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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