The hottest city in the world? 9 must-visit tourist spots in Wellington

Do you know Wellington, the capital of New Zealand? For some, it might not be a familiar destination for tourism. However, in 2015, Wellington was ranked the number one "hottest city in the world" by the BBC, and it’s been gaining global attention ever since. Wellington offers a blend of an urban atmosphere with towering buildings, while also being blessed with the beauty of the sea and nature.

Wellington is known for its vibrant café culture, with stylish cafes scattered all over the city. The artistic architecture seamlessly integrates into the city, creating a charming atmosphere. Here are 9 hand-picked tourist spots in this captivating city, Wellington!

1. New Zealand National Museum "Te Papa Tongarewa"

Opened in 1988, the New Zealand National Museum, known as "Te Papa Tongarewa," is a popular museum among tourists that showcases the culture and history of New Zealand. The unique name "Te Papa Tongarewa" comes from the Māori language, spoken by the indigenous Māori people of New Zealand, and it means "the place of treasures."

As the name suggests, the museum holds an impressive 25,000 exhibits that captivate visitors. The museum makes use of digital technology, such as giant touchscreens, to create engaging and easy-to-understand exhibits for all ages.

There are six floors of exhibitions, each with a different theme to help deepen your understanding. In the outdoor Bush City area, you can see the bones of the extinct giant bird called the moa, which stood 3 meters tall. There are also displays of a 21-meter-long pygmy blue whale and various insects native to New Zealand. This museum is enjoyable not only for children but also for adults.

2. Wellington Underground Market

Held every Saturday, the Wellington Underground Market is a popular spot for tourists. Located at the scenic waterfront area called "Jervois Quay," the market operates from 10 AM to 4 PM.

At first glance, it might seem like an ordinary spot, but once you descend the stairs, you’ll find a spacious bazaar. Local Wellington designers, craftsmen, and artists showcase cute accessories, candles, trinkets, and clothing.

Visitors can chat with the artists and creators while shopping, making the experience more personal. In addition to trinkets, the market offers handmade organic creams, perfumes, insect repellent sprays, and more. For those looking for gentle skincare products, this is the perfect place. Since everything is handmade, the market is ideal for anyone looking for one-of-a-kind items. It’s also a great place to find souvenirs to take back home.

3. Parliament Buildings

Among Wellington’s most distinctive landmarks is a building that looks like an art museum but is actually the Parliament Buildings. Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, is the country's political hub.

While the Parliament Buildings are an important location for government operations, they are also a well-known tourist destination, frequently mentioned in international travel guides. Due to its beehive-like appearance, the building is affectionately known as "The Beehive."

Every day, free tours of the Parliament Buildings are offered, giving visitors a chance to explore rooms that are normally off-limits. Although photography is not allowed inside, visitors can admire the grand interior design and view portraits of former prime ministers.

4. Mount Victoria

Standing proudly in the heart of Wellington, Mount Victoria reaches a height of 196 meters. It’s easy to access, with the option to hike up from the city center or take a bus. Loved by locals as a casual walking trail, it’s a great spot for a spontaneous trip whenever you feel like it.

Mount Victoria is a must-visit for tourists in Wellington, and the secret to its popularity lies in the stunning views from the summit. From the top, you can enjoy panoramic views of the entire city, harbor, and surrounding landscapes. It's also famous for its beautiful night views, making it a romantic date spot after dark! Offering a different experience during the day and night, Mount Victoria is bustling with tourists and locals alike, especially on weekends.

5. Wellington Botanic Garden

Located at the Kelburn station, the last stop on the Wellington Cable Car route, you’ll find the Wellington Botanic Garden. It’s also accessible by foot.

Spanning a vast 25 hectares, the garden is lush with greenery. A must-see attraction is the Lady Norwood Rose Garden, where over 300 varieties of roses bloom from November to May. The garden also has playgrounds, ensuring children won’t get bored.

During the summer, there are almost daily events featuring performances by local Wellington artists in the garden’s central square, so it’s worth checking out. People of all ages enjoy dancing to the lively music. With so much to offer, it's amazing that you can explore this beautiful garden for free!

Around Kelburn station, there’s also a unique perfume shop where a skilled perfume sommelier creates custom fragrances. It could make for a one-of-a-kind souvenir!

6. Oriental Bay

Located on the southeastern waterfront of Wellington, Oriental Bay is a tourist-friendly spot within walking distance from downtown.

It boasts a well-maintained man-made beach, making it a popular hangout for both tourists and locals. Despite being close to the city center, the water is impressively clear, and visitors are often amazed to spot large manta rays swimming gracefully.

A favorite for families, kids can be seen having fun jumping into the sea from the nearby hills. It's also an ideal location for jogging, walking, or cycling while enjoying the fresh sea breeze. Lined with pine trees, the bay offers plenty of shaded areas for relaxation, and the scenic views of the sea can make you forget the stresses of daily life. There are also charming restaurants and stylish cafés nearby to satisfy your appetite.

7. Cuba Street

If you want to fully enjoy Wellington, Cuba Street is a must-visit. This vibrant street is lined with stylish cafés, atmospheric bars, and delicious restaurants.

At different times of the day, you can enjoy street musicians and performers. Every Friday, there’s a night market featuring international food stalls, offering a wide range of dishes. There's also a caricature artist on the street, so why not get a fun souvenir?

The buildings along Cuba Street have unique architecture that’s worth admiring on its own. Wellington is known for its café culture, so you can also explore various cafés—some of which have even been visited by Hollywood stars! There are also souvenir shops where you can pick up a memento of your trip.

8. Wellington City Library

The stylish Wellington City Library, located in the downtown area, is a large and easily accessible public library. Its unique exterior and modern interior make it stand out.

The library’s café is also popular, providing a space where you can relax with a coffee while reading a book. Locals often use the library as a peaceful spot to study or unwind. With free Wi-Fi available, it’s a convenient spot to spend time. The library also has a children’s section, so both adults and kids can enjoy their visit.

The area around the library is beautifully landscaped, with plenty of spots to sunbathe. There are also artistic monuments, and a nearby art gallery that offers free admission, providing a nice break for visitors. A tourist information center is just around the corner, so you can pick up a Wellington guidebook and plan your next adventure.

9. Weta Cave

The world-renowned film production company Weta, known for movies like The Lord of the Rings and Avatar, is based in Wellington. Weta’s workshop, located in the Miramar district, is a popular tourist spot for fans from around the world.

The Weta Cave itself is designed like a cave, filled with exhibits showcasing famous films and behind-the-scenes details that movie fans will love. They also offer a "Window into Workshop" tour where staff provide insights into movie production. You can also purchase exclusive merchandise, making it a must-visit for film buffs!

◎Summary

What did you think? Wellington is a city, but it's also rich in nature, and is a fashionable city where art and streetscapes blend together. It is also known as the "windy city" because it has the strongest wind speed throughout the year. On days like these, it's nice to stop by one of the cafes scattered around the city and relax with a delicious cup of coffee. Enjoy Wellington, the hottest city in the world, to your heart's content!