New Zealand‘s capital city packs an incredible amount into a compact space, making it ideal for a focused two-day visit. During a work assignment in Wellington, I discovered why this notoriously windy city has earned its reputation as the ‘Capital of Cool.’ Here’s your complete 2 day Wellington itinerary, including insider tips on the best places to eat, shop, and explore in this fascinating city.

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Quick overview of your 2 day Wellington itinerary

  • Day 1: Cuba Street food scene, vintage shopping, Te Papa Museum and waterfront
  • Day 2: Wētā Workshop tour, cable car to Kelburn lookout and Wellington’s creative neighbourhoods
  • Perfect for: First-time visitors wanting to experience Wellington’s highlights without rushing
  • Best area to stay: Cuba Street for easy access to everything
  • Getting around: Wellington is perfectly walkable for your entire visit

Planning your 2 day Wellington itinerary

Wellington may be compact, but this works perfectly for a two-day visit. Encased by mountains, the city can’t expand like Auckland, which means everything you need is concentrated in just a few key streets. This makes Wellington ideal for travelers who want to experience the city’s highlights at a comfortable pace.

Before diving into your day-by-day plans, here’s what you need to know about the city’s famously unpredictable weather. Known as ‘Windy Wellington’, locals advised me not to buy an umbrella because “it will either turn inside out or the wind will get caught inside it and you’ll be blown down the street.” During my week there, I experienced a few earthquake aftershocks that made buildings wobble slightly, but don’t worry – this is just part of Wellington’s character as part of the ‘Shaky Isles.’

Day 1: Cuba Street Culture and Te Papa Museum

Your first day focuses on Wellington’s cultural heart, combining the eclectic Cuba Street scene with the world-class Te Papa Museum.

Morning: Vintage Shopping

One of my highlights of my time in the city was browsing through the racks of the wonderfully colourful second hand clothing stores. Though I was annoyed that I had no space in my luggage to splash out on some purchases. A friend in Sydney told me that her clothes-obsessed pals will in fact fly over to Wellington for their fashion fix, as you can pick up some great unique pieces. Next month will be New Zealand Fashion Week and I noted that the majority of finalists in their young fashion designer of the year competition are from Wellington.

Don’t miss the charmingly retro record shops where people happily rifle through racks for their favorite vinyl records and CDs. These shops are especially meaningful now that there are hardly any high street music shops left in many countries.

Lunch: Wellington’s Asian Food Scene

Wellington has some amazing sushi places and an incredible variety of Asian cuisine. For lunch, head back toward Cuba Street or explore the surrounding blocks for more dining options. During my week, I opted for Thai on several occasions – a rich beef penang curry with vegetable spring rolls was particularly memorable. Another day I chose Japanese – miso soup with chicken katsu curry and rice.

The timing of my visit coincided with the start of Wellington on a Plate food festival, with events and pop-up stalls all over the city. I spotted a takeaway oyster van just off Cuba Street that always had a long queue – clearly a local favorite worth trying if you’re visiting during festival season.

The variety is impressive – you can choose from Malaysian, Thai, Japanese, or traditional New Zealand fare. On one morning, I tucked into chicken satay and barbecue pork noodle soup at a Malaysian restaurant, which was a welcome reminder of my culinary adventures in Southeast Asia.

Early Afternoon: Te Papa Museum

My favourite part of my Wellington experience was visiting Te Papa Museum of New Zealand. Contemporary, cool, and thoughtfully designed, its exhibitions span art, culture, and the natural world. This is where your Wellington itinerary gets truly special.

Te Papa’s most famous resident is the infamous colossal squid. Even though it looks rather old, dry, and stitched together like a Frankensquid, it’s the world’s only intact specimen on display. Its 2007 discovery in Antarctica attracted worldwide interest, and seeing it up close is genuinely impressive.

The museum easily deserves three hours of your day, and it’s completely free to enter the permanent exhibitions. Special exhibitions may have entry fees, but they’re usually worth the cost.

Reserve your spot on a Wellington walking tour that includes Te Papa highlights.

Afternoon: Explore the city’s waterfront and street art

Take a leisurely stroll along Wellington’s waterfront. This is where I spotted a charming little seal snuggling up among the rocks – an unexpected wildlife encounter right in the city centre.

Wellington has some unusual street art that adds character to your afternoon walk. I came across some interesting creatures painted on walls, though I wasn’t quite sure what they were meant to represent. This ambiguity is part of Wellington’s artistic charm.

The waterfront walk gives you perspective on how the city sits encased by mountains, creating that intimate feeling that makes Wellington feel more like a large town than a capital city. The harbor views are particularly beautiful, and you’ll understand why locals are so protective of their compact but perfectly formed home.

Evening: Dinner and nightlife

Cuba Street comes alive in the evening with its bars and nightlife scene. The street has a relaxed, creative energy that makes it perfect for ending your first day in Wellington. You can bar-hop easily since everything is within walking distance.

Day 2: Wētā Workshop and Wellington Heights

Your second day takes you behind the scenes of movie magic and up to Wellington’s best viewpoints.

Morning: Wētā Workshop Experience

At the Wētā Workshop and the Wētā Cave you can get a behind-the-scenes look at movie making magic in action. This is filmmaker Peter Jackson’s hometown where the studios are based, making Wellington the heart of New Zealand’s film industry.

The workshop tour reveals how the incredible special effects, costumes, and props for Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, and other blockbuster films come to life. You’ll see artists and technicians working on current projects, making this a truly dynamic experience that changes with each visit.

Reserve your spot on this Wētā Workshop tour, which includes lunch.

Afternoon: Cable Car and Kelburn Heights

Take a cable car ride to the Kelburn lookout for expansive harbor views. This historic funicular railway has been operating since 1902 and delivers you to some of Wellington’s most spectacular viewpoints.

At the top, you can explore the Wellington Botanic Garden for a peaceful escape from the city streets, or simply enjoy the panoramic views that showcase why locals are so passionate about their compact capital. The contrast between the bustling harbor below and the serene gardens above perfectly captures Wellington’s dual personality.

Mount Victoria also delivers excellent panoramic views if you have time for additional exploration. The elevated perspectives help you appreciate how the city sits nestled between harbor and hills.

Book a guided tour of Wellington including a cable car ride for comprehensive city exploration.

Evening: Farewell Dinner

End your 2 day Wellington itinerary with dinner at one of the city’s excellent restaurants. You’ll have discovered favourites during your stay, or you might want to try something completely new for your final meal.

Where to Stay for Your 2 Day Wellington Itinerary

For your two-day visit, staying on or near Cuba Street puts you in the perfect location. You’ll be walking distance from the best restaurants, vintage shopping, and nightlife, plus it’s easy to reach Te Papa Museum and the waterfront.

The fabulously stylish Bolton Hotel has a fitness center and spa pool for those wanting upscale comfort. If you’re looking for somewhere more affordable, try the superb Marion Hostel, which is centrally located and has a cool roof terrace.

See the map below to find the latest accommodation prices and availability in Wellington for your dates@

What’s the weather like in Wellington?

I’d been told so many great things about Wellington before and during my travels – the culture, the art, the nightlife, the people. It is New Zealand’s self-declared ‘Capital of Cool’. I’d also been warned about the weather. There was an earthquake in Wellington shortly before I arrived. A few times I felt buildings wobble, as if I’d had slightly too much to drink, but these were just aftershocks (or foreshocks)… I’d missed the big one by just a couple of days.

Known as ‘Windy Wellington’, the gusts and blustery conditions endured by people here are well known. Advice given to me had included ‘don’t buy an umbrella’: it will either turn inside out or the wind will get caught inside it and you’ll be blown down the street. Perhaps I arrived on a good week in Wellington but, while it was mostly overcast and rainy at times, I didn’t notice any unusually strong breezes. Just the occasional movement of the ‘Shaky Isles’.

Day Trips from Wellington

Wellington’s central location makes it an excellent base for exploring the surrounding region. Here are the best day trips from Wellington to enhance your visit.

Kapiti Island Nature Reserve

Take a ferry to Kapiti Island (1 hour each way) for exceptional wildlife viewing and hiking trails. This predator-free island sanctuary is home to rare native birds including takahē, kākā, and little spotted kiwi. You’ll need to book in advance as visitor numbers are limited to protect the ecosystem. The island has excellent hiking trails with stunning views back to the mainland.

Martinborough Wine Region

Just over an hour’s drive from Wellington, the Martinborough wine region is famous for its world-class Pinot Noir. Take a wine tour to visit multiple vineyards, learn about local winemaking techniques, and enjoy tastings paired with local produce. The compact size of Martinborough village means you can easily cycle between wineries.

Kapiti Coast Beaches

Drive 45 minutes north to the Kapiti Coast for beautiful beaches and seaside towns. Paraparaumu Beach and Waikanae Beach are perfect for swimming, walking, and relaxing. The drive itself is scenic, following the coastline with views of Kapiti Island offshore.

Upper Hutt and Rimutaka Rail Trail

For outdoor enthusiasts, take a train to Upper Hutt (45 minutes) and explore the Rimutaka Rail Trail. This converted railway line offers spectacular views as you cycle or walk through native bush and over historic viaducts. The trail can be done as a day trip or you can explore shorter sections.

Frequently asked questions about Wellington

Is 2 days enough for Wellington?

Two days is perfect for experiencing Wellington’s highlights including Te Papa Museum, Cuba Street’s food scene, vintage shopping, Wētā Workshop tour, and cable car rides. You’ll have time to explore without feeling rushed while still seeing everything the city is famous for.

Can you do Wellington in 1 day?

While possible, one day feels rushed for Wellington’s highlights. You could focus on Te Papa Museum and Cuba Street in a single day, but you’d miss experiences like Wētā Workshop and the cable car that make Wellington special.

How many days do you need to visit Wellington?

Two days is ideal for first-time visitors. Three days allows for day trips from Wellington to wine regions or nearby islands. Four to five days lets you explore at a leisurely pace and discover Wellington’s hidden gems.

What are some free things to do in Wellington?

Wellington has many free attractions including Te Papa Museum’s permanent exhibitions, walking the waterfront, browsing Cuba Street’s vintage shops, enjoying street art throughout the city, and exploring the harbor area. The city’s compact nature means most sights are within walking distance.

Is Wētā Workshop worth visiting in Wellington?

Absolutely. The Wētā Workshop tour provides behind-the-scenes access to the movie magic that created Lord of the Rings and other blockbuster films. As Peter Jackson’s hometown, Wellington is the heart of New Zealand’s film industry, making this a unique experience you can’t get elsewhere.

When is the best time to visit Wellington?

Wellington can be visited year-round, but be prepared for wind and changeable weather regardless of season. The city’s indoor attractions like Te Papa Museum make it perfect for any weather conditions.

What should I pack for Wellington?

Layers are essential due to unpredictable weather. Don’t bother with an umbrella – locals advise against them due to the strong winds. Comfortable walking shoes are important for exploring the city’s streets and the cable car journey.

Final thoughts on the best 2 Day Wellington itinerary

Wellington is indeed a cool little city, with ‘little’ being the operative word since there seem to be only a few streets that everything centers around. After my week there, I understood why people fall in love with this place. The combination of incredible food, unique shopping, world-class culture at Te Papa, movie magic at Wētā Workshop, and that indefinable creative energy makes Wellington special.

I didn’t see the city at its best due to overcast weather – locals told me that when the sun shines, it’s a beautiful place. But even on gray days, Wellington’s personality shines through. The concentrated energy of having everything within walking distance, the passionate food scene, and the creative spirit that permeates every street corner make this a destination that delivers far more than you’d expect from New Zealand’s capital.

This 2 day Wellington itinerary gives you the perfect amount of time to experience the city’s highlights without feeling rushed. Two days allows you to discover why Wellington has earned its reputation as the ‘Capital of Cool’ while leaving you planning your return visit.

Next up, check out my itinerary to see more of New Zealand’s North Island highlights.