Short time in Wellington? We have you covered. New Zealand’s capital is compact making it easy to get around. You most likely won’t find yourself on longer than a 10-minute stroll from place-to-place. Before you step foot into this unique city, you must first know that it is recognized for its excellent coffee shops, outstanding restaurants, and craft beer scene. All of these sites to enjoy are accompanied with rich waterside walkways, hilly bicycle paths, and a sanctuary home to some of the country’s rarest wildlife. Here is how to pack it all in to 48 hours:
DAY 1
Breakfast at Loretta
Congrats you survived the rocky flight into Wellington! Head to Loretta for some breakfast to fuel up for the day. Start your day off early as this Cuba Street restaurant opens promptly at 8 am. Tip- They’re known for their homemade crumpets which come with a generous side serving of curd or honey & butter.
Botanic Gardens
After your filling breakfast, head to the beautiful botanic gardens to spend your next hour or two. Stroll through the Exotic Forest, Herb Garden, Hydrangea Gully, Begonia House and the Australian Garden. Take your time to enjoy the sights in the moment and when you are ready to head back into the hustle and bustle of your day, hop on the gondola back down into the heart of Wellington.
Stroll Down the Waterfront for Lunch
Head to the Wellington Waterfront and enjoy the sculptures and hidden poetry as you seek where to grab a bite for lunch. If you're not ready to indulge just yet, there are plenty of waterfront activities to enjoy as you work up an appetite. Try something new by zorbing on the water, canoeing, kayaking or something else active! After one of these, you’ll definitely be ready for some local cuisine. Fitting for the waterfront location, seafood is your best bet for a delicious meal. If you are looking for more of an upscale lunch spot, head to Shed 5. If you are in the mood for something more relaxing, head over to Crab Shack.
Te Papa Museum of New Zealand
No trip to Wellington is complete without a trip to Te Papa Tongarewa. This world-class museum with FREE entrance will leave you entertained for at least 3 hours. The list of exhibits is nothing but extensive, but we can highlight a few for you here. The museum’s most famous resident is the Colossal Squid that was fished on the coast of New Zealand and still stands as the largest one of its kind captured to date. You should also definitely check out the Battle of Gallipoli exhibit which brings to life the Anzac campaign through the stories of eight New Zealanders in sculptures 2.4x human size. Throughout your afternoon here, you will be immersed in New Zealand’s past, present, and future.
Dinner & a Show
Head to the world-famous restaurant, CoCo, followed by a film at the Roxy for the perfect way to spend one of your limited evenings in Wellington. The Roxy is partly owned by Jamie Selkirk, who is the Oscar-winning editor of The Lord of the Rings, so be confident that you’re in for a proper cinematic experience. The Roxy is equipped with two state of the art screens and sound systems, making it the ultimate spot to catch a movie. Between the Roxy being one of the best-looking cinemas in the world, and Coco serving as one of Wellington's best-kept foodie secrets, this is a popular night out for locals and tourists combined.
DAY 2
Breakfast at Flight Coffee
This breakfast spot will start your second day in Wellington off mighty. This airy, industrial space will leave you full and satisfied with their wide selection ranging from eggs, steak, bagels, salmon, hash brown, etc. New Zealanders like their coffee STRONG, so grab a cup and head on with your day.
Scorching Bay
Treat yourself to a morning on the beach at one of Wellington's finest coastal spots. Scorching Bay is a great spot to relax since it is sheltered by Wellington’s famous northerly winds. Soak up some rays and count the ships floating by on the white sand before continuing on with your busy day.
Lunch at Scorch O Rama
After relaxing on the clear waters of Scorching Bay, it is only appropriate to head to Scorch O Rama for lunch. This off-the-beaten-path café is consistently rated as one of the best in the area. Popular menu items include the Sammy the Salmon Bagel and the Hulk Smash for vegetarians.
Weta Workshop
Spend your last afternoon in Wellington at this world-famous film-making workshop. Weta Workshop is an award-winning design and model workshop that’s known for its effects work on The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, and Avatar. Take a 45-minute guided Weta Cave Workshop Tour that gives you hands-on access to props from some of your favorite films. On the tour you will meet one member of the 22-person team who specialize in props or make-up. After your night at the cinema, this is the ultimate behind-the-scenes experience.
Rugby Game
No better way to close out your time in Wellington than with a game of rugby. Westpac Stadium is home to the Wellington Hurricanes so try and plan your visit around one of their rowdy games.
Think you can pack this all in 48 hours? Let ACanela help with your planning to New Zealand to really maximize your time there!
Post written by: Kirsten Cusack, @kirqsak