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Wellington – the world’s windiest city, the cultural and hipster capital of New Zealand and a city oozing with artsy streets, good food and coffee, live music, sport, vintage shops, historical buildings, winding hills and an abundance of character. Keen to explore New Zealands hippest city? Check out our list of 30 FREE things to do in Wellington.
30 Free Things To Do in Wellington
1. Te Papa, the National Museum of NZ – voted in the top 50 museums in the world and it’s FREE!
2. Take a walk up Mount Victoria for 360 degree views of Wellington.
3. Check out the vintage shops along Cuba Street. Some of our favourites are Recycled Boutique, Slow Boat Records and Cosmic.
4. Check out some of the best walks in Wellington.
5. Pay a visit to Weta Cave – this is where the magic happens! Costumes and Props from Lord Of The Rings and other movies such as King Kong were made here.
6. Explore the Friday Night Left Bank Markets on Cuba Street from 5:00pm until 11:00pm.
7. Stroll around the very scenic Island Bay suburb of Wellington. (Bit of a walk to get there but worth it).
8. Chill with the locals and watch the fire twirlers at Frank Kitt’s Park.
9. Visit the Embassy Theatre – this is where the Lord of the Rings Trilogy premiered. Or check out some of the other theatres in Wellington.
10. Visit the famous Cable Car Museum and enjoy the spectacular views from the top.
11. Go and see the Seals at Red Rock – or you could book a Seal Coast Safari to see them – not free :).
12. Go to the Old St Paul’s Cathedral in Thorndon – this building is absolutely stunning!
13. See if you can find all the poetry blocks along the shore line.
14. Listen to some of the many Buskers normally found in Courtney Place.
15. Pay a visit to the National War Museum.
16. Take a free tour of The Beehive and Parliament Buildings and maybe spot New Zealands Prime Minister.
17. Visit the National Tattoo Museum ‘Underground Arts’ showcasing ‘Ta Moko’ – traditional Maori Tattoo Art.
18. Head to the Shooters / The Grand or Fast Eddie’s Pool Hall Bar for some free games of Pool.
19. Take your camera and snap some photos of Wellington’s original city buildings along Ascot Street.
20. Keen to learn more about Wellington’s artistic history? (Peter Jackson lives here for a reason!) – download the ‘Wellington Writers Walk’ App on itunes.
21. Visit Saint Mary of Angels church on Boulcott Street – a true New Zealand built church
22. On a cold day read a book at the Wellington Public Library.
23. Visit the City Gallery for a showcase of Kiwi and international artistic talent.
24. Go to the Marine Education Centre at Island Bay and check out the Sea creatures, and learn about them too!
25. Chill out in the Wellington Botanic Gardens and enjoy the native flora (and some fauna if you’re lucky).
26. Take a beer or two down to Scorching Bay on a scorching hot day with some friends!
27. See the original Treaty of Waitangi at the National Archives.
28. If you’re brave enough – walk through Bolton Street Memorial – Wellington’s oldest cemetery with over 1300 carved monuments.
29. For the best Sunrise over Wellington – take a walk up Te Ahumairangi Lookout – the walking trail begins from the Botanic Gardens.
30. Visit Petone Settler’s Museum – marking the arrival of Wellington’s first British settlers
If you have a bit of cash then here are the best things to do in Wellington.
Need somewhere to stay? Stay at Nomads Wellington!
