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What travellers are saying
- PazA32 contributionsFound on the waterfront, Te Papa is one of the must visit places in Wellington.
International visitors will have to pay to enter and the museum takes cash/card.
The Museum has 4 floors which house various exhibits from the Māori to local flora and fauna.
We booked a guided tour to better understand the layout and exhibits. Our guide was Cici and she was brilliant.
The tour took us from the entrance to the museum up to see an artistic wharanui used in Māori ceremonies and then to learn about the whaitungi or tetiriti (treaty).
The tour overran but it didn’t matter as we were given more information about exhibits that we were interested in like the Māori people, their history and customs.
We would really recommend visitors take the tour for a good overview of the museum as it can be a little overwhelming with reading many different information boards.
Other items of interest within Te Papa include the baby giant squid which is the only complete one in the world and copies of tetiriti which are controversial still because they were written overnight and badly translated by the British which has negatively impacted the Maori.
Also worth visiting is the poignant exhibit on Gallipoli with bigatures created by the local Weta Workshop. Learn about what Gallipoli was about and how it impacted on kiwi’s.
For a great time, visit Te PapaWritten 14 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - PazA32 contributionsWe heard about Zealandia while we were in Wellington and decided to visit. In short, it is amazing!!
For those new to this, Zealandia is an eco sanctuary which is entirely enclosed and pest free. The sanctuary is designed to protect species that were at risk in Aotearoea including Tui, Takahe, Tuatara and Kiwi.
Zealandia runs 2 electric shuttles which are free but you can also donate to them using the box within the shuttles.
The shuttles pick up from opposite the Anora hotel near iSite (where Weta and other day trips also do pick ups and drop offs) and also from the top of the cable cars. Both gave their own timetables which I can pick up either from iSite, Zealandia or the cable cars.
Visitors have the option of entry alone or various different guided tours in the day, evening or night.
We opted for entry and were amazed at how beautiful and stunning the sanctuary is.
Visitors will have to conduct bio security checks on their clothing/bags prior to entry but once inside there are various different paths to view the sanctuary and wildlife.
Visitors can travel to a heritage area with viewing tower for some great views.
Along the way, there are feeding stations where you can see Kaka and another enclosure where tuatara lie waiting for sunlight.
At weekends there is a boat which runs and also relies on donations.
You are guaranteed to see and hear the vast array of wildlife at Zealandia and we would recommend visiting to learn more about why New Zealand’s wildlife needs protecting.Written 14 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - PazA32 contributionsLocated just off Lambton Quay (find the street sign with a red cable car on top and follow in the direction it is pointing) is the Wellington Cable Car.
The Cable Car is a must do experience for anyone in Wellington.
Tickets are really cheap with a return at $12.
Cash and card can be used at the kiosk and the kiosk offers souvenirs which aren’t available at the museum at the top of the hill.
The cable cars run every 10 mins and do stop along the way.
The journey takes about 5 mins with commentary and coloured lights along the way.
At the top are stunning views of the city, a couple of LoTR costumes and the Cable Car Museum, Cable Top Eatery, Botanic Gardens and the Zealandia Shuttle.
Be aware that there is no ticket office at the top of the Cable Car so when you come down you can either pay the driver cash for a ticket or buy one at the kiosk when you come back down.
For a fun ride, use the Wellington Cable Car.Written 14 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - iowacityiaiowa city, ia2,993 contributionsWe visited around 10:30am, as part of our bus tour shore excursion from Princess cruises. A fun drive up and down on the tour bus, and a lovely view from the top. Worth the time spent.Written 24 February 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Van & my two ladiesWellington, New Zealand72 contributionsA fantastic gardens. Loads of thought for children has gone into the design. The fairy path is very enchanting for children. & the summer magic trail for kids was far better than we expected with really helpful volunteers showing us how the puppet mechanisms worked. The toilets are always clean. Kākā can be found enjoying the exotic trees and playing in the one of the few original remnants of forest in the city.Written 20 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jean1963Plainfield, IL18 contributionsThe Interislander is a great way to travel between the North and South Islands. These are huge boats and you can even bring your own car. It’s about a three hour trip between Wellington and Picton. I tend to get a bit seasick, but not if I’m able to stand outside and enjoy the gorgeous views. I’ve seen plenty of seabirds, including an albatross, and dolphins following along side. I was in NZ in 2023 but didn’t take the Interislander this trip. I have a few times in past visits.Written 29 April 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Van & my two ladiesWellington, New Zealand72 contributionsThe only thing I can add to the outstanding review below is hiring a croc bike is a great fun way to explore the bay. Kids love it. Their advertised pricing is for winter onlyWritten 10 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- webcam13Seattle252 contributionsWe were treated to a lovely tour of the “wooden Gothic Revival” structure known as Old St Paul’s. Highly recommended for a 30 minute stop.Written 5 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Dunedin traveller6 contributionsBetter than expected. Great talks at various times about most animals. We went in the morning and managed to see most animals out and about. It is really well laid out with clean well kept large enclosures and plenty to experience. The giraffes in particular were very up close.
Had a really nice day thereWritten 26 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - PazA32 contributionsWe had heard about Wellington Museum which is sometimes overlooked for its neighbour across the harbour, Te Papa.
Located nearby to The Beehive by the harbour, this museum is a great little taonga (treasure) for those wanting to learn about Wellington and its history.
International visitors will have to pay for entry and cash/cars are accepted.
We booked a tour which takes place every hour and were not disappointed.
Our guide was amazing at giving us information about Wellington and its history from Kupe to Maui and the Māori tribes and customs including their toko (wood carving) and weaving.
The museum houses many fascinating stories about Wellington including Paddy the dog, Mrs Chippy the cat and also has an attic which contains miscellaneous items including various sporting memorabilia from local sports stars.
This museum is a great way to spend about half a day learning about the Maori and Wellington.Written 14 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - flyingeagle2223Dunedin, New Zealand357 contributionsIt's lovely to walk around the area I have yet to go on the tour inside parliament but that will be next for me to go and do, otherwise a lovely place to look aroundWritten 2 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- SebastianAuckland99Australia41 contributionsA very iconic and interesting place in Wellington! Got a great atmosphere and lots of interesting and unique shops. Extremely close to public transport!Written 23 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- AllanJGJWellington, New Zealand4,358 contributionsThis is a fine public space which will be even better when the earthquake strengthening work is completed on the Carillon and the Hall of Memories. There are a number of unique war memorials including the red sandstone Australian and British oak and pohutukawa shelter. But for me the words of Ataturk on the Turkish memorial are perhaps the most moving. Don't miss the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior and the 'Man with the Donkey' sculpture up the stairs towards the Carillon. At the moment you'll only need 20-30 minutes to have a good look around the site. Well worth it if you find war memorials moving places.Written 13 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- RuthyGlasgowGlasgow904 contributionsFabulous place to visit and go to one of their planetarium shows. We did the Astronaut one which turned out to be more interesting than I thought it would be. With Ewen McGregor narrating, so easy to hear rather the young girl commentating on the other part of the show The Universe. It was difficult to make her out at times? Great laid back chairs though wished we'd sat at the back as we felt being in the middle we had to squint our necks a bit to be able to see the full screen above. Great place.Written 19 February 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- natclayQuinns Rocks, Australia217 contributionsWe thoroughly enjoyed our drive to this remote lighthouse. The scenery is beautiful and the drive itself is part of the adventure. The fur seals are an added delight, lying in the sun so close to the road. The climb up the steps to the lighthouse at the top of the hill is hard going but worth it for the view. A fantastic way to spend a couple of hours.Written 12 May 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
