Te Papa is New Zealand's innovative and interactive national museum, located on the magnificent waterfront of Wellington. Te Papa is the most visited museum in both New Zealand and Australia, and for good reason: with a blend of cutting-edge technology, interactive displays, and classic storytelling, Te Papa educates, entertains, and inspires people of all ages.

Te Papa, which is free to enter, has received over 21 million people since its inception in 1988 and has been a major success with both foreign tourists and Kiwis. The museum's aim is to explore and present New Zealand's cultural and historical identity. The museum houses all of New Zealand under one roof; inside, you may learn about the country's major treasures and tales, as well as its distinctive natural environment, the vibrancy of Maori culture, its vibrant art tradition, and its interesting history. The exhibits are spread across six levels of the museum. The History Collection and the Elgar Collection, as well as cultural artifacts, interactive displays, and things focusing on Maori culture and New Zealand's history, are among the exhibits.

At the end of your tour, there is a terrific shopping experience. Te Papa's store has a great selection of high-quality souvenirs, books, and clothes, as well as treasures made by New Zealand's best artists, jewelers, and craftspeople. For the kids, Te Papa Kids' Store is brimming with interesting gifts, books, dress-ups, puzzles, and toys that are both instructive and uniquely New Zealand.

• Google Rating: 4.7/5
• Website: https://www.tepapa.govt.nz/
• Phone: +64 4 381 7000
• Opening Hours: Daily - 10:00 to 18:00
• Address: 55 Cable Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand

Once a bustling waterfront and busy port, Wellington Waterfront is now a pleasant and beautiful promenade stretching from Frank Kitts Park to Taranaki Street in Wellington, New Zealand. The place is a prominent tourist destination due to the nice environment and the availability of many sports and recreational games at the site. It has breathtaking skyline views and separates the core city from the sea.

The entire promenade is filled with historical and modern aspects that add to the allure of the location. There are several memorial markers and artworks that are worth seeing. From the statue of Kupe to the existing textures of the wharf structures and the wharf furniture, all make the Wellington Waterfront an eclectic and exciting place in the city.

The promenade is also a popular place for skating, biking, and walking. Kayaking on Wellington Harbour is enjoyable and provides a another perspective of the Wellington Waterfront. Besides, the great artwork along the shoreline just adds the attractiveness of the site.

Furthermore, there are a number of restaurants, cafés, and pubs located throughout the promenade or across the street that might satisfy your hunger. Every year in Wellington, there is a Craft Beer Festival for beer connoisseurs. The wine list at St John's Bar and Restaurant in the ancient St John Ambulance building is extensive.

• Google Rating: 4.7/5
• Website: http://www.wellingtonwaterfront.co.nz/
  
• Phone: +64 44957820
• Opening Hours: Daily
• Address: Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand

Old St Paul's Cathedral is one of New Zealand's most stunning historic structures. Visit the cathedral and be taken back in time, as the dark timber walls, stained glass windows, and old furniture create a quiet and ancient environment. Visitors walk beneath soaring arches to appreciate the elaborate decorations, learn about a variety of stories, and find some tranquility.

The Anglican Church erected the church between 1865 and 1866 on the site of Pipitea Pā, a Mori hamlet on Wellington's waterfront. The structure was recognized internationally as a one-of-a-kind example of timber Gothic Revival architecture. It operated as the Anglican Church until 1964, when it was shuttered and threatened with destruction.

The public petitioned against the demolition, and the edifice is still standing today, in its former splendour. Today, the church is regarded as a sacred space, but because it is not linked with any denomination, it is utilized for a variety of activities and welcomes all visitors.

The stunning structure is a favorite venue for weddings, funerals, concerts, and even music videos. The crew at Old St Paul's is open to organizing a variety of events. The high ceilings and wooden interior create superb acoustics, which Dave Dobbyn reportedly called "the greatest in the country," and with a seating capacity of 460 people, this old edifice has become a favorite among local and international artists. It is one of Wellington's most popular tourist attractions, with over 100,000 visitors passing through the doors of Old St Paul's each year. This is a tranquil spot to learn about the local history, and although being 153 years old, the venue keeps up with the times by providing WIFI.

• Google Rating: 4.7/5
• Website: https://osphistory.org/
• Phone: +64 4 473 6722
• Opening Hours: Daily - 10:00 to 16:00
• Address: 34 Mulgrave Street, Pipitea, Wellington 6011, New Zealand

Zealandia, located around a scenic reservoir in Wellington, New Zealand, is a breakthrough wildlife conservation ecosanctuary that spans 225 hectares and is home to some of the world's rarest and most spectacular creatures. The Karori Fauna Sanctuary, as it was originally known, was constructed mainly to safeguard the decreasing forest reserves and natural wildlife.

At this lovely stretch of native woodland only minutes from central Wellington, visitors may spend the day surrounded by nature and birdsong. They have a 500-year plan for this vast tract of land to return the forest floor and freshwater ecology to its pre-settler form. With the exception of a tiny stand of pine, the most of the flora and fauna are already indigenous, as are the birds and reptiles that reside here. Birds on the verge of extinction, including as the tuatara, saddleback, and tiny spotted kiwi, have been saved since the founding of Zealandia.

During your tour to Zealandia, visitors may also wander through the conserved and protected habitat, spotting rare species like saddlebacks and stitchbirds along the way. Tourists can enjoy a variety of recreational activities and fun things to do at the urban sanctuary, such as exploring the scenic trails, taking a boat ride, birdwatching and spotting exotic avifauna, volunteering for guided tours, or simply relaxing with a quiet coffee by the lakeside, among other things.

• Google Rating: 4.7/5
• Website: https://www.visitzealandia.com/
  
• Phone: +64 4 920 9213
• Opening Hours: Daily - 9:00 to 17:00
  
• Address: 53 Waiapu Road, Karori, Wellington 6012, New Zealand

The Princess Bay in Wellington is a beautiful and tranquil location ideal for a romantic stroll. The view of the harbour from the bay is stunning, with its glittering seas, colorful sails, and boats bobbing in the breeze. The adjacent cliffs, with their steep slopes and jagged cliff walls, create a spectacular background.

The curving sandy beach is popular for swimming, and a wide rocky point is a good area to explore rock pools. On a clear day, the peaks of the South Island's Kaikoura Range may be seen across Cook Strait. The bay is part of the Taputeranga Marine Reserve, which is working to restore the marine ecosystem and raise the size and number of fish.

In the evening, the sun sets and creates an orangey-pink tinge across the water, making it a lovely site to view the sunset. Princess Bay is also a popular site for both residents and visitors. People may participate in a range of activities such as kayaking, sailing, and fishing.

There is also a boardwalk that extends along the bay's edge, where tourists may take in the views and sounds of the harbor. The area is also home to a diverse range of species, including seagulls and seals. Whether it is a romantic walk or a fun-filled day with family and friends, Princess Bay in Wellington has something for everyone.

• Google Rating: 4.7/5
• Opening Hours: Daily
  
• Address: South coast, near Houghton Bay, The Esplanade, Wellington, New Zealand

The central city garden, entire 25 hectares of it, is a labyrinth of meandering walkways and stunning views, teeming with bird and insect life. Around every corner, you’ll find something to make you gasp: a cascading waterfall, a magnificent orchid, or a spiky succulent straight out of Dr. Seuss. There are numerous routes to get to the garden from Thorndon, Kelburn, or the CBD. The stately Founders' Entrance on Glenmore Street leads directly into the main garden, which is as ancient as Wellington itself.

The main garden houses the Treehouse visitor center and gift shop, the duck pond, the popular Joy Fountain, and the Soundshell, which hosts community activities and concerts throughout the summer. There are wild zigzag branches on the magnolia trees, a fragrant garden meant to stimulate your senses, and the old stables that appear like something out of a fairy tale.

The seasonal flower beds are renovated and replanted twice a year, and the Spring Festival festivities begin in September, when the tulips are at their peak. The main garden also has one of Wellington Botanic Garden ki Paekk's best-kept secrets: glow worms, which may be seen after dark, particularly after a spring shower. Head up the route beyond the duck pond toward The Glen - you will spot them lurking down near the creek.

• Google Rating: 4.6/5
• Website: https://wellingtongardens.nz/
  
• Phone: +64 4 499 1400
• Opening Hours: Daily
  
• Address: 101 Glenmore Street, Kelburn, Wellington 6012, New Zealand

Walking through Wellington Zoo, located in the Newtown area of Wellington, a short distance from central Wellington, you will observe a variety of incredibly well-cared-for species in comfortable surroundings. The so-called "greatest tiny zoo in the world," with over 500 species, is the ideal site to hand-feed giraffes, romp with a swarm of meerkats, or tentatively stroke a cheetah.

Wellington Zoo has a remarkable collection of the world's favorite wildlife, ranging from common clucky chickens to the rare and endangered Sumatran tiger. Explore the world's woods and deserts with Asia's sun bears and white-cheeked gibbons, America's cheerful capuchins and tamarins, and Africa's raucous baboons, lemurs, and more. Closer to home, renowned Australian classics such as kangaroos and emus feature, as do several New Zealand natives such as kiwis, tuataras, kakas, and keas.

You may hug Charlie the Cheetah, assist lion keepers in training and feeding the monarchs of the jungle, serve lunch to the gentle giraffes, let the lovely red pandas dine right from your hands, or play with a family of meerkats. Conservation is a major priority of the Wellington Zoo; 10% of all earnings from "close encounters" go directly to worldwide dialogue efforts that sustain the exact creatures you are meeting and welcoming.

Taking the bus to Wellington Zoo is an easy way to get there and a stress-free choice on busy days when the parking lot is notorious to fill up. If you are as hungry as a hyena, stop by Mojo at the Zoo for a coffee with your breakfast or lunch, or pick up a small snack from the Tuck Shop in the park's core.

• Google Rating: 4.5/5
• Website: https://wellingtonzoo.com/
• Phone: +64 4 381 6755
• Opening Hours: Daily - 9:30 to 17:00
• Address: 200 Daniell Street, Newtown, Wellington 6021, New Zealand

The Wellington Cable Car has been in operation for almost a century and has long been regarded as an important element of Wellington's heritage by residents. The Cable Car ascends 120m over a distance of 612m in five minutes. It traverses three tunnels and three bridges. From the top, it offers spectacular views of the city below.

This is New Zealand's sole extant funicular railway, which was a feat of engineering when it debuted in February 1902. The two red cable cars, which were originally steam-powered when they began over a century ago, have trundled up and down the hill, through three tunnels, and over three bridges numerous times every day since, halting just once for an upgrade break.

The two cable cars that travel in opposing directions can transport up to 100 passengers each. Begin your journey at Lambton Quay in the city center. Look out the windows for panoramic views of the Wellington skyline, as well as the port and Hutt Valley in the distance. At the end of your voyage, visit the free Cable Car Museum, which chronicles the history of the cable car. The Kelburn viewpoint offers even greater views of the city and port. At the top, you'll find one of the more iconic views overlooking Wellington. If you time it properly, you may get your own blue-skyed panorama of the city, complete with the red cable car in the front.

• Google Rating: 4.5/5
• Website: https://www.wellingtoncablecar.co.nz/
• Phone: +64 4 472 2199
• Opening Hours: Mon to Thu - 7:30 to 20:00, Friday - 7:30 to 21:00, Sat - 8:30 to 21:00, Sunday(Public Holidays) - 8:30 to 19:00
• Address: 280 Lambton Quay, Wellington Central, Wellington 6011, New Zealand

The Executive Wing of the New Zealand Parliament Buildings, located on the junction of Molesworth Street and Lambton Quay in Wellington, is known as the Beehive. It is so-called because its shape is reminiscent of that of a traditional woven form of beehive known as a skep. Sir Basil Spence, a Scottish architect, created the original conceptual design for the Beehive in 1964. Between 1969 and 1979, the Beehive was erected in phases.

The structure is 10 storeys (72 meters) tall with four floors below street level. The entry foyer's core is embellished with marble flooring, stainless steel mesh wall panels, and a translucent glass ceiling. The brown roof of the Beehive is comprised of 20 tonnes of hand-welded and seamed copper. It has developed a naturally weathered appearance. The structure is lavishly ornamented with New Zealand art. A massive painting by John Drawbridge depicting the atmosphere and sky over New Zealand can be seen on the inside wall of the Banquet Hall.

The parliament gardens around the buildings are open to the public and include rose gardens and a monument of Richard John Seddon, New Zealand's prime minister from 1893 to 1906. Between 1998 and 2006, the inside was renovated and modernized according to the ideas of Christchurch architecture company Warren and Mahoney. The roof was fixed and the windows were replaced in 2013 and 2014. Historical New Zealand designated the Beehive as "of exceptional heritage importance for its pivotal role in New Zealand governance" in July 2015.

• Google Rating: 4.4/5
• Website: https://www.beehive.govt.nz/
• Phone: +64 4 817 9999
• Opening Hours: Daily - 9:30 to 17:00
• Address: Pipitea, Wellington 6011, New Zealand

City Gallery Wellington, located in the heart of Te Ngkau Civic Square, is the hub of contemporary art in the capital of New Zealand. The capital's Gallery has a worldwide reputation for presenting artists from Aotearoa and beyond, with a dynamic programme of exhibits and activities. In City Gallery Wellington, you may discover its broad collection of artwork. Each exhibition season, fresh suites of work grace the walls of the seven galleries.

Your day will continue with a visit to the Gallery Shop. Browse a collection of art and design books, activities and toys for creative kids, New Zealand-made homewares and jewelry, and much more—all carefully chosen for the art and design enthusiast who enjoys shopping. Pick up a keepsake to remind yourself of your most recent discovery at City Gallery, and feel good knowing that your purchase supports the Gallery's exhibitions and programs.

Nikau Café, tucked into a sunny nook of the City Gallery, will entice you with the familiar aroma of coffee and tasty cuisine. After an exciting day, nothing beats having a snack and setting down to reflect on your new modern art knowledge.

City Gallery has so much more to offer. In addition to exhibiting thought-provoking art, City Gallery hosts regular free or donation-based events: Gallery Babes for the very young; City Gallery Seniors for more mature art lovers; and Tuatara Open Late for those in between, with a changing programme of art, music, film, and talks served with fine refreshments.

• Google Rating: 4.3/5
  
• Website: https://citygallery.org.nz/
• Phone: +64 4 913 9032
  
• Opening Hours: Daily - 10:00 to 17:00
• Address: Te Ngākau Civic Square, Wellington 6011, New Zealand