Interislander Ferry
Explore
North Island
Wellington
Te Whanganui-a-Tara
Where New Zealand's capital city meets a spectacular harbour and a fiercely creative spirit.
6 Tours Visit Here
Kauri, Koromiko, Kōwhai, Mt Cook Lily, Pōhutukawa, Rimu
Discover Wellington
Set between a stunning natural harbour and bush-clad hills at the southern end of New Zealand's North Island, Wellington is a city that rewards exploration. Colourful streets wind through hillside neighbourhoods, waterfront promenades hug the harbour, and a thriving arts scene gives the capital its distinctive personality. Home to Te Papa Museum and some of the country's best cafés, galleries, and creative institutions, Wellington feels both intellectually curious and effortlessly relaxed. Few cities pack so much culture into such a compact space.
Capital City
Wellington has been New Zealand's capital since 1865 and remains the country's political heart
Harbour & Hills
A dramatic landscape of steep hills and sparkling water shapes everyday life in the capital
Creative Capital
Film, theatre, art, and design have helped shape Wellington's vibrant cultural identity
Cook Strait Gateway
Wellington is the North Island gateway to the iconic Cook Strait crossing and the South Island beyond.
Wellington’s story begins with Te Whanganui-a-Tara, meaning “the great harbour of Tara.” Long before it became New Zealand’s capital, the harbour supported Māori settlements, trade and travel around its shores. The wider region was known as Te Upoko o Te Ika a Māui, “the head of Māui’s fish,” reflecting its position at the southern tip of the North Island.
European settlement gathered pace in 1840 with the arrival of ships organised by the New Zealand Company. Wellington’s central location later made it a natural choice for the capital, replacing Auckland in 1865. Its position on Cook Strait also strengthened its role as the connection between the North and South Islands, while Parliament Buildings and the distinctive Beehive became symbols of national life.
Today, Wellington is both New Zealand’s political heart and a lively creative centre. Museums, universities, theatres, film studios and a thriving arts scene bring energy to its compact streets. Between the harbour and surrounding hills, history, ideas and creativity give the capital a character entirely its own.
What You'll Experience
Some of New Zealand's most treasured experiences, all part of your time in Wellington.
Explore historic Greytown
On the journey south to Wellington, stop in historic Greytown for lunch and a brief opportunity to enjoy the character of this charming Wairarapa village. Victorian colonial architecture lines the main street, where beautifully restored buildings now house inviting cafés, restaurants, designer boutiques and quirky local stores. Take in the elegant streetscape and relaxed village atmosphere before continuing towards the capital.
Greytown has New Zealand’s most complete main street of wooden Victorian buildings.
View New Zealand’s Parliament Buildings
A visit to New Zealand’s Parliament Buildings offers an opportunity to explore the centre of the nation’s political life while admiring some of Wellington’s most recognisable landmarks. Wander through the landscaped grounds, take in views of the iconic ‘Beehive’ building, and discover the statues, gardens, and commemorative features that reflect the country’s history and identity.
The Beehive is one of New Zealand's most recognisable buildings and has even appeared on the country's $20 banknote.
Ride the Wellington Cable Car
Experience one of Wellington’s most iconic attractions with a ride on the historic Wellington Cable Car, which has connected the city centre with the hillside suburb of Kelburn since 1902. From the Kelburn lookout high above the city, enjoy sweeping views across Wellington Harbour before travelling through tunnels and over bridges on the journey down to Lambton Quay in the central city precinct.
The Wellington Cable Car is New Zealand's only remaining funicular railway.
Explore
Explore Te Papa Museum
Located on Wellington's waterfront, Te Papa is New Zealand's national museum and the country's largest museum. Home to more than two million artworks, objects, and specimens, it explores New Zealand's landscapes, wildlife, history, and diverse cultures. Te Papa is renowned for its cutting-edge interactive exhibitions and distinctive bicultural approach, bringing the stories of Aotearoa to life in engaging and innovative ways.
The museum's te reo Māori name, Te Papa Tongarewa, translates literally to "container of treasures".
Explore
Scenic Interislander Ferry journey to the South Island
Wellington is your gateway to the South Island, where one of the world’s most scenic ferry journeys awaits. Sail around Wellington Harbour and across the open waters of Cook Strait before entering the tranquil Marlborough Sounds, where forested hills and winding, ocean-filled valleys create a spectacular approach to Picton. Relax on board, take in the ever-changing views from the outdoor decks, visit one of the onboard restaurants, and keep watch for dolphins along the way.
Cook Strait is the dramatic channel where the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean meet.
ExploreOptional Experiences
These optional experiences are available at an extra cost to passengers joining selected Pure Discoveries® tours.
Booked a Pure Discoveries® tour and interested in adding optional experiences? Get in touch with our team to discuss your options.
Explore optional experiences across all Pure Discoveries® tour destinations
Optional Extra
Image by Lindsay Keats
Image by Lindsay Keats Interislander Premium Lounge Upgrade
Enjoy the scenic ferry cruise between the North and South Islands in style by upgrading to the Premium Lounge ticket. This gives you access to an exclusive onboard lounge with spectacular views, comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi and charging points, delicious complimentary food and beverages, and attentive service, all in a peaceful, child-free setting.
The lounge serves award-winning New Zealand wines and craft beers, with many drinks sourced from Marlborough, Wairarapa and Wellington, offering a taste of the regions along the way.
Where You'll Stay in Wellington
1 night
DoubleTree by Hilton Wellington
Located on Lambton Quay in Wellington's CBD, DoubleTree by Hilton Wellington offers a comfortable city escape in a prime location. Rooms blend modern touches with heritage character in a smart, functional design. Enjoy fresh Italian cuisine at the on-site restaurant, with the waterfront just a short stroll away for dining and shopping.
- City centre location
- On-site restaurant and bar
- Historic building constructed in 1928
- Fitness centre
On Tour in Wellington
See how this destination features on our small-group tours.
How Pure Discoveries® Visits
Journey south through the vineyards and orchards of Hawke’s Bay and the bush-clad ranges of the Wairarapa, stopping to explore historic Greytown and enjoy lunch among its boutiques and Victorian architecture.
In Wellington, view New Zealand’s Parliament Buildings, take in sweeping views from Kelburn and ride the Wellington Cable Car into the heart of the city. You can also choose to explore Te Papa Museum before settling in for an overnight stay in the vibrant capital. The following day, enjoy a scenic Interislander Ferry journey across Cook Strait to the South Island, with the opportunity to upgrade to the Interislander Premium Plus Lounge at an extra cost.
Tours That Explore Wellington
These Pure Discoveries® tours include Wellington in their itinerary.
Both Islands
23Days
Day 10 here
A 23-day guided journey across both islands, designed as the full New Zealand experience. A seamless adventure for travellers who want the complete story.
Featured Experience: Discover the beauty of the Bay of Islands, shaped by its sparkling coastlines
Both Islands
20Days
Day 10 here
A 20-day guided journey across both islands, designed for travellers who want New Zealand's coastal beauty at the heart of the trip, alongside classic New Zealand highlights.
Featured Experience: Discover the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, steeped in New Zealand's history
Both Islands
20Days
Day 7 here
A 20-day guided journey across both islands, designed for travellers who want the classic two-island experience with a deeper South Island ending.
Featured Experience: Journey through native forest on the Driving Creek Railway
Both Islands
17Days
Day 7 here
A 17-day guided journey across both islands, designed as a shorter two-island adventure that still delivers New Zealand's big bucket list moments.
Featured Experience: Discover Cathedral Cove, one of New Zealand's most iconic coastal sights
South Island
14Days
Visits Wellington
A 14-day guided journey through the South Island, designed for travellers who want the complete South Island story in one beautifully paced experience.
Featured Experience: Indulge in Marlborough wine country with a tasting at a world-class vineyard
North Island
11Days
Day 10 here
An 11-day guided journey through the North Island, from top to bottom, designed for travellers who want the full North Island experience woven into one complete journey.
Featured Experience: Discover the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, steeped in New Zealand's history
Nearby Places
More to explore around Wellington
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