10 Amazing Free Things To Do In Wellington, New Zealand
- Helen
- Jan 26, 2019
- 6 min read
Wellington in New Zealand is not the largest city in the country (that award goes to Auckland) but it is the nation's capital and when it comes to visiting Wellington it truly packs a punch in all it offers to see and do.
Wellington has culture, heritage, history, art, shopping (and much more); all set within a compact, friendly city nestled in stunning surroundings on the water's edge.
Another benefit to visiting Wellington is that a lot it offers the visitor to see and do are all absolutely free, so your trip here need not empty your pockets!!
I loved Wellington and certainly did not find myself at a loss for things to do...
To prepare you for your trip to Wellington, here are the very best free things to do in the city.
10 Amazing Free Things To Do In Wellington
1. Take A Tour Of New Zealand Parliament
As a capital city, Wellington is the home to New Zealand's Parliament and it is free to take a tour of the Parliamentary buildings.
Guided tours run daily every hour between 10 am and 4 pm. The tours are fascinating - you learn about the buildings, New Zealand's history and it's Parliamentary processes today.
Three distinctly different buildings make up New Zealand's Parliament and the tour takes you around each. There is also the opportunity to see within the main Parliamentary house, or if the house is currently in session you can remain behind to observe the MP's in action at the end of the tour.
Whether you are interested in politics or not, I highly recommend this tour...
The tour guide was interactive and fun and it's a great chance to see inside official buildings!
In school holiday time there is also a kid's tour aimed at 5 to 12 year olds.
Tours can be booked in advance or you can turn up on the day to book for later that day (they usually have availability).
2. Mount Victoria Lookout
Rising 196 metres above Wellington to the east is Mount Victoria. For some of the best 360 degree views of Wellington, the ocean and nearby islands Mount Victoria is the place to go!
Visiting Mount Victoria can be a good way to understand where Wellington sits geographically and get your bearings. Try to visit on a clear day for the most breathtaking views!
To access the lookout you have a few options.. the easiest way is to drive up - there is a good sized car park at the top. You can also catch a bus (number 30) from the city which will drop you off a very short walk from the summit.
Of course, if you are feeling very energetic you can also walk from the city's CBD along the Southern Walkway to the lookout (approx 2.5 km).
However you reach Mount Victoria Lookout, you will not be disappointed when you get there... just ensure you have your camera!
3. Wellington's Botanical Gardens
Set upon another hill in Wellington are the city's Botanical Gardens.
Making up 25 hectares, this unique collection of plants and wildlife is free to visit and worth exploring.
The Botanical Gardens have been at this site for 150 years and today offer plenty to explore. Attractions here include diverse plants from around the world, bush walks, a begonia house, garden shop, rose garden, cafe and areas dedicated to children.
From the top of the gardens (which you can access from the city's cable car) you will also be rewarded with fantastic views back to the city.
On a pleasant day (weather wise) spend some free time getting back to nature in these beautiful gardens.
4. Cathedral of Old St Paul's
One of Wellington's (and New Zealand's) greatest heritage sites is Old St Paul's Cathedral.
Found just a short distance from the city's Parliamentary buildings, this timber built cathedral is a captivating place to visit.
Originally built between 1865 and 1866, the cathedral here has survived earthquake and threat of demolition when the new Cathedral of St Paul was built in the 1960s (located around the corner and also worth a free visit!).
Today Old St Paul's has been painstakingly restored and is said to be one of the world's best examples of Gothic Revival architecture. Unassuming but eye-catching from it's exterior, the interior is a must see.
Free to visit, although they do of course welcome donations!
5. Enjoy The Waterfront
The waterfront in Wellington is a long pedestrianised stretch with plenty going on and it is easy to spend many a relaxed hour here.
Stretching from the ferry terminal on the west side to Oriental Parade and beach on the east of the city, there are many cafes, restaurants, bars, pop up stalls, shops and buskers to entertain.
On a good day you will find people relaxing in the outside spaces and children happy in the playground areas.
Of course being on the water's edge, the waterfront offers views across the water and space to watch the boats sailing past or sitting in the harbour. There are also often people taking part in various water sports at the waterfront to observe.
Along the waterfront you will find the iconic Solace in the Wind statue and views back to the city skyline.
Definitely take time on your visit to Wellington to enjoy the waterfront and soak up the atmosphere with the locals.
6. Te Papa Museum
Already covered in my post on the top museums* in Wellington (read it here), but worth another mention because it is such an incredible place (and free to visit) is the Te Papa Museum (or Museum of New Zealand).
Situated on the waterfront, this beautiful building houses the must not miss Gallipoli Exhibition (until April 2019) alongside exhibitions about the history of New Zealand, Maori heritage and art and an outside 'Bush City' living area in the grounds.
Definitely take time to see Te Papa.
*also note that many of the museums in Wellington are free to visit and you can read about the best the city offers in my previous post!
7. Weta Cave
If you are a Lord of the Rings fan then you probably already have the Weta Workshop on your list of places to visit when you are in Wellington.
Weta Workshop is the Oscar winning studio where props and effects are made for many film and TV companies and are famed for creating the special effects and props in the Lord of the Ring films.
To tour the full workshops is not free, but you can visit Weta Cave for free.
The Weta Cave is located at the workshop in Miramar and is a shop incorporating life sized sculptures, fun props and a mini museum. Even if not taking part in the full tour, the cave here is still worth seeing.
While taking the trip out to Miramar also look out for the 'Wellington' sign on the hillside - who needs Hollywood!
8. Absorb The Vibes On Cuba Street!
Another area of this diverse and cool city to spend some time is Cuba Street.
Cuba Street in Wellington is a largely pedestrianised street that offers colour, entertainment and a truly funky vibe.
People from all walks of life can be found here soaking up the bohemian atmosphere and enjoying the sights, sounds and smells!
The street is home to the iconic bucket fountain that adorns many a postcard of Wellington and entertains kids and adults alike. Buskers can be found on the street here (of varying talent!) and there are a range of independent shops, cafes, bars and restaurants worth exploring.
When enjoying Cuba Street, also look out for Wellington's first rainbow crossing and be sure to look up at the building facades for some great architecture and some vibrant street art.
9. Enjoy Wellington City's Markets
Covered in full detail in my previous post were the city markets that Wellington offers. See the earlier post for much more information on these!
Wellington is home to a variety of covered and outside markets selling street foods, locally produced farm produce, fruit and veg and arts and crafts.
If you enjoy milling with local people and soaking up a good market when you travel then Wellington has 5 great ones to spend time at for free (well, you might want some pocket money for any purchases!).
10. Wellington Writers Walk & Street Art
Wellington is a city in which art and literature are celebrated and you need not enter a museum or library to find it!
As you spend time in the city, you will find street art, murals and sculptures on every street.
Enjoy the art and sculptures on the incredible City to Sea bridge, statues and monuments dotted about the city and the incredible painting and murals on many public buildings.
At the waterfront in Wellington you can also find 23 sculptures of quotes dotted in unexpected places that make up Wellington's Writers Walk. The quotes are from 23 of New Zealand's best known authors and aim to commemorate the place of Wellington in the writers' lives or of their place in Wellington.
Seeking out these plaques and sculptures can be challenging as some are well hidden but see how many you can find!
Visiting Wellington, even if you are short on cash, need not be an expensive experience as there is so much to see and do in this city for free.
We know that Wellington is, 'the coolest little capital' and enjoying some of these free experiences will more than demonstrate that fact!
Any thoughts on Wellington? What else should be on this list?
**To make my travels possible and affordable I do so through international house-sitting, using both Trusted Housesitters and Kiwi Housesitters**
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