Wellington

A harbor capital where you can spend a day in museums and cafés, then take the ferry to the South Island.

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Wellington is New Zealand's capital, on the south-western tip of the North Island. It is the world's southernmost capital of a sovereign state and the country's third-largest city. Parliament, the Supreme Court and most public services are based here, though the capital role rests on long-standing convention rather than statute. People come for the coffee and the arts scene, and Cuba Street and Newtown are the places to browse creative shops and eat.

Wellington suits a two or three day city break, or a stop between the islands, since Cook Strait ferries run from here to Picton. Pack for wind: the average wind speed is 27 km/h, and winter southerly blasts can make the air feel much colder than the thermometer shows. Annual rainfall averages 1,250 mm, with June and July the wettest months. Summers are warm, so December to February suits a walk up Mount Victoria, a 196 m summit with views over most of the city.

Wellington in five

Give Te Papa half a dayThe national museum on the waterfront is free for New Zealanders and residents. International visitors aged 16 and over pay an entry fee, and paid exhibitions cost extra.
Ride the Cable Car to the Botanic GardenThe Cable Car climbs from Lambton Quay to Kelburn, and you can walk back down through the Botanic Garden.
Book the Cook Strait ferry aheadFerries to Picton take about 3–3.5 hours. Car spaces fill in summer, and rough weather in the strait can cancel sailings.Transport planning
Dress for the windWellington is one of the windiest cities in the world. A windproof jacket matters more than an umbrella.

Things to do in Wellington

See all attractions in Wellington

Museum · WellingtonKatherine Mansfield House & GardenWeekdays may be quieter and allow more time to speak with staff.

Sight · WellingtonNational Library of New ZealandCheck the library website to find and request research materials; some files need to be requested a week ahead.

Museum · WellingtonMuseum of New Zealand Te Papa TongarewaArrive early if you want to explore before the busiest part of the day.

Free trip plannerPlan a trip to WellingtonPut the places you like in Wellington on a map, give them days, and let one button order each day. Free, with no account.Plan a trip

Need to know

Airport: Wellington (WLG), about 20 min to the center
Getting there: Flights; trains and buses from Auckland; ferry from Picton
Getting around: Walking, buses and the Cable Car
Best base: Te Aro or the waterfront for walking
Time needed: 2 days

Weather by month

Rainy days

Best
Good
Mixed

JanuaryPartly cloudy8 rainy daysHigh19°Low15°Warm, breezy
FebruaryClear7 rainy daysHigh19°Low15°Warm, settled
MarchPartly cloudy10 rainy daysHigh18°Low14°Mild, calm
AprilPartly cloudy9 rainy daysHigh16°Low13°Mild
MayPartly cloudy12 rainy daysHigh15°Low12°Cool
JuneRain12 rainy daysHigh13°Low10°Cold, windy
JulyRain14 rainy daysHigh12°Low9°Coldest
AugustRain13 rainy daysHigh12°Low9°Cold, wet
SeptemberRain12 rainy daysHigh13°Low10°Windy
OctoberPartly cloudy12 rainy daysHigh14°Low11°Windy, changeable
NovemberPartly cloudy11 rainy daysHigh16°Low12°Mild
DecemberPartly cloudy11 rainy daysHigh18°Low14°Summer starts

Average daily high and low in Wellington, 2016–2025. Rainy day: 1 mm of rain or more.

Right now in Wellington

Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.

Feels like: 8°
Humidity: 89%
Wind: 35 km/h
Chance of rain: 32%

Wellington

09:38 AM

Tuesday, November 3

GMT+13

Today17°14°32%Tuesday: Cloudy. High 17°, Low 14°. Chance of rain 32%.
Wed19°13°4%Wednesday: Cloudy. High 19°, Low 13°. Chance of rain 4%.
Thu20°14°12%Thursday: Cloudy. High 20°, Low 14°. Chance of rain 12%.
Fri19°15°52%Friday: Drizzle. High 19°, Low 15°. Chance of rain 52%.
Sat19°15°60%Saturday: Drizzle. High 19°, Low 15°. Chance of rain 60%.
Sun19°14°25%Sunday: Drizzle. High 19°, Low 14°. Chance of rain 25%.

Updated 06:56 AM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com

Money

Mid-market rate1 USD = 1.778 NZD

Amount

Converted to

NZD · New Zealand Dollar

Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API

Day trips by train

Kāpiti Coastby suburban trainGolden beaches to the north, reached on the Waikanae line of the suburban rail network.
Wairarapaby car or Masterton trainEast over the Remutaka Range, the Wairarapa is known for its wine, and the Masterton train is an alternative to driving.
Matiu/Somes Islandby ferry, daylight hours onlyA conservation island in the harbour, but ferries run only during daylight hours, so check times before you go.

Before you go to Wellington

Stays on the waterfrontWalk to Te Papa and the Cable CarCheck availability

Zealandia and city toursWildlife sanctuary and harbor viewsCompare tours

eSIM for WellingtonCheck ferry delays on the moveRead the guide

Insurance for Cook Strait crossingsCover for ferry cancellationsRead the guide

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Rules for Wellington, checked

Te Papa charges international visitors aged 16 and over NZ$35 for museum entry; New Zealand residents enter free.Checked Oct 1, 2026 · Source

Plan around Wellington

All of New Zealand

Both islands, entry rules and the best months

Read the guide Auckland

The arrival city, by flight, train or bus

Read the guide Rotorua

Geothermal parks in the central North Island

Read the guide Queenstown

A direct flight south to the lakes

Read the guide NZeTA explained

Who needs one and what the visitor levy covers

Read the guide Best time to visit New Zealand

Wind, ferry crossings and the calmer months

Read the guide Napier

Art deco city on the Hawke's Bay coast.

Read the guide

Wellington FAQ

How many days do I need in Wellington?

Two days covers Te Papa, the waterfront, the Cable Car and Zealandia or Mount Victoria. Add a day for the Wairarapa wine region.

How long is the ferry from Wellington to Picton?

About 3–3.5 hours across Cook Strait. Book ahead with a car, and check for weather cancellations on the day.

Is Wellington worth visiting?

Yes, for the museum, food and walkable center, and it is on the way if you travel between the North and South Islands by ferry.

Do I need a car in Wellington?

No. The center is compact, buses reach the suburbs and the Cable Car handles the hill. Rent one to explore beyond the city or on the South Island.

Can I take a rental car on the Cook Strait ferry?

Many rental companies do not allow it and offer a drop-off and pick-up on each island instead. Check your contract before booking, since a car on the ferry also costs extra.