 Attractions
Botanic Gardens: 26 hectares of specialist gardens, native bush and lawn areas that were established in 1891. An education and environment centre combined with the World Wide Fund for Nature. The Lady Norwood Rose Garden is very popular and there are garden tours available. Located in the centre of the city.
Harbour City Cable Car: Get whisked up from the bustling shopping area of Lambton Quay to the Botanic Gardens by this unique mode of transport. Experience stunning harbour and city views from the historic cable cars.
Karori Wildlife Sanctuary: A beautiful valley set around Karori Reservoir with an area of 250 acres. It is a historic site with many small goldmines dating back to the days of European settlement. It offers many relaxing, guided walks.
Wellington Maritime Museum and Gallery: Housed on Wellington's waterfront, it features ship models, paintings, photographs, videos and maritime artifacts reflecting New Zealand and international maritime history.
Old St Paul's Cathedral: A fine example of an 1866 Gothic style church adapted from traditional stone to timber. Built of native timber, it features stained-glass windows and a beautiful interior. The church served as the city's main cathedral until 1964.
Mt Victoria Lookout: As part of the "Southern Walkway", it offers views of the harbour, city, airport and Byrd Memorial. A breathtaking view that should not be missed if driving past.
Old Government Buildings: A beautiful building with a classic facade made of kauri built in 1876, originally to simulate a stone style. It was formerly the seat of the New Zealand Government but is now used as Victoria University's Law faculty. It is the world's second largest wooden building.
National Archives of New Zealand: Holding important documents from New Zealand's constitutional development, it also includes the Treaty of Waitangi, New Zealand's founding document, and legislation giving New Zealand women the vote, the first country to do so. The New Zealand Portrait Gallery is also here.
National Museum of New Zealand: Opening
1998. Star attraction on the waterfront. An interactive museum quite unlike any other in the world, it is the largest museum currently under construction in the Southern Hemisphere. Visitors will be able to take simulated rides into the country's past, be chased by a dinosaur, experience an earthquake, and flee from roaring lava flows. You can experience a bungy jump without actually doing it- as well as waterski, visit a farm, shear a sheep and explore a glow worm cave, complete with remains of extinct prehistoric birds, and a wetland zone.
Wellington Harbour Cruise: There is no better way to appreciate the beauty of Wellington Harbour than by taking a harbour cruise.
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