Wellington is a small city with big cultural attractions, from world-class galleries and museums to a trendy craft beer scene. There's plenty of Victorian architecture to admire down by the harbour, as well as waterfront promenades, hillside lookouts and windswept beaches to explore.

Things to do

Te Papa is New Zealand's national museum packed full of interactive exhibits, including the larger-than-life Gallipoli: The Scale of Our War exhibition. For a glimpse of New Zealand's rich cultural history, don't miss browsing the treasure trove of Maori artefacts on display.

If you love art, the acclaimed City Gallery is a must. It secures high-profile international exhibitions in addition to showcasing local artists. It's housed in Wellington's grand old library building in Civic Square, where you'll find a handful of public sculptures celebrating ancient Maori customs and folklore.

Tucked away in the Wellington hillsides, Zealandia treats visitors to unique nature. It's home to more than 30 native bird species, including the little-spotted kiwi, rare takahe, saddleback, hihi, kaka and tuatara.

No visit to Wellington is complete without sipping your way through its craft beer scene. The city is peppered with everything from bohemian breweries to hip bars. Hidden down an unassuming laneway, the Little Beer Quarter is one of Wellington's best with rustic decor, tasty pizzas and a carefully curated tap list.

Getting around

Wellington is serviced by an efficient public transport network, including Metlink buses and Tranz Metro trains. There are plenty of taxis in the city centre, with Uber also available. You can arrive by plane to Wellington International Airport, while Wellington Harbour welcomes large ferries that cruise into the city via the windswept Cook Strait.