Sights

Wellington Cable Car
A popular attraction for tourists and transport buffs alike is the Wellington Cable Car. The red cable cars can be seen from a number of points throughout the city and run from the beating heart of the CBD right to the peak of the Wellington Botanic Gardens. It’s fair to say that this is one of the best views of the city and harbour on offer. Check out the Cable Car Museum directly opposite the drop-off point for a crash course in this charming mode of transport.
280 Lambton Quay, Wellington 6011. (+64 4 472 2199 www.wellingtoncablecar.co.nz). Contact +64 4 472 8904 or museumofwellington@wmt.org.nz for bookings.

ZEALANDIA
If you want to get in touch with nature and experience New Zealand’s diverse flora and fauna without getting lost in the wilderness, ZEALANDIA: The Karori Sanctuary Experience is the answer. Take a spellbinding stroll through regenerating forest areas or come up close and personal with some of the country’s most unusual residents such as tuatara, saddleback and hihi. Check out over 30 different types of New Zealand bird species including the iconic Kiwi bird, or jump on board one of ZEALANDIA’s educational tours for a home schooling on all things wild. This sensational attraction will bring out the untapped Attenborough in everyone who visits.
End of Waiapu Rd, Karori 6012. (+64 4 920 9200 www.visitzealandia.com).

Parliament
Pollies can be a little boring but the buildings that house them are often rather spectacular. Wellington’s parliament district is made up of four historic buildings: Parliament House, the Parliamentary Library (a little bit of Hogwarts right in the middle of Wellington), Bowen House and the somewhat odd-looking Beehive – all of which are set on the rose and camellia-filled Parliamentary Grounds. Free, daily, one-hour guided tours of Parliament kick off every hour at the Visitor Centre in the foyer of the Beehive (Executive Wing) and are well worth the visit for the beautiful architecture and insight into New Zealand history.
City Centre, Wellington 6011. (+64 4 817 9503 www.parliament.nz).

Hutt Valley
One of the unique features of this great city is that the stunning backdrop of lush native forest areas is always within your reach. The Hutt Valley is a 15-minute drive from the city centre and serves up delightful riverside wanders and forest strolls that highlight New Zealand’s unique flora and fauna. Once you’ve tapped into your inner earth child, a myriad of the Hutt’s other treasures await you, including TheNewDowse Gallery and the hip and happening Jackson Street precinct in Petone, which is spilling over with funky shops, fabulous ethnic eateries and super-cool cafes. Don’t even think of leaving Wellington without getting acquainted with the Hutt.
Hutt City i-SITE Visitor Centre, The Pavilion, 25 Laings Rd, Lower Hutt 5010. (+64 4 560 4715 www.huttvalleynz.com).

The Wellington Writers’ Walk
Bookworms, history buffs and visitors searching for a little culture al fresco will love this unique attraction along the waterfront. Opened during the New Zealand International Festival in 2002, the Writers’ Walk is a collection of 15 text sculptures that pay homage to the many writers who have contributed to the city’s literary history. You’ll find inspirational quotes about Wellington from an array of authors and perhaps even discover something that sums up the way you feel about Wellington.
Wellington Waterfront (between the Dominion Post Ferry Wharf and Point Jerningham, Oriental Bay), Wellington 6011.

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