10 Free Things To Do in Wellington

Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand and it is filled with fascinating attractions, both natural and man-made. With its vibrant culture and stunning landscape, it is a great place to explore. There are plenty of activities in the city that are free of charge, perfect for those on a budget. Read on to find out 10 free things to do in Wellington.

1. Explore the Botanic Gardens

The Wellington Botanic Gardens is a 25-hectare public garden situated at the top of the city. It features a wide variety of native and exotic plants, including a New Zealand native forest, a rose garden, and a cactus house. There is also an interactive Discovery Garden, with activities for children. The gardens are open from 7am to 8pm daily, except on Christmas Day.

A great way to explore the gardens is to take a guided tour. Tours last for around an hour and a half, and are free of charge. Alternatively, you can take a self-guided audio tour, which is available in several different languages.

The gardens are a great place to relax and enjoy nature, with plenty of winding paths and open spaces to explore. There are also several cafés and restaurants in the gardens, where you can grab a bite to eat.

2. Enjoy the Views from Mount Victoria

Mount Victoria is a beautiful hill, located in the heart of Wellington. It offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding area. The summit is easily accessible, and there are plenty of walking tracks to explore.

At the top of the hill, you can visit the Carter Observatory. Here, you can take part in a free guided tour, or explore the interactive exhibits. The observatory also offers regular stargazing events, with telescopes available for hire.

The summit of Mount Victoria is also a great place to watch the sunset. You can bring a picnic and enjoy the views as the sun sets over the city.

3. Wander Through the Zealandia Sanctuary

The Zealandia Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary located in the heart of Wellington. It is home to a wide variety of native birds and other animals, including tuatara, kiwi, and takahe. The sanctuary is open daily from 8am to 8pm, and entry is free.

There are several walking tracks throughout the sanctuary, offering the chance to spot native wildlife in their natural habitat. There is also an interactive exhibition, where you can learn more about the sanctuary and the creatures that call it home.

The sanctuary also offers free guided tours, which are a great way to learn more about the wildlife and the conservation efforts in place.

4. Wander Through the City Centre

Wellington’s city centre is a great place to explore, with plenty of interesting buildings and attractions. Take a stroll around the streets and explore the iconic Beehive building, the Parliament Buildings, and the National Library.

The city centre is also home to a number of museums and galleries. The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa is a great place to start, and entry to the museum is free. You can also visit the National War Memorial and the City Gallery Wellington, both of which are also free to enter.

If you’re feeling hungry, there are plenty of restaurants and cafés in the city centre. You can grab a bite to eat and watch the world go by.

5. Visit the Wellington Waterfront

The Wellington Waterfront is a great place to explore, with plenty of attractions and activities. Take a stroll along the waterfront and admire the views of the harbour. There are also several cafés and restaurants, where you can grab a bite to eat.

The waterfront is also home to a number of parks and gardens. The Waitangi Park is a great place to relax, with plenty of open space and views of the harbour. The Frank Kitts Park is also a popular spot, with a playground and interactive water fountains.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also take a free ferry ride across the harbour. The ferry leaves from Queens Wharf and takes you to the other side of the harbour, where you can explore the Eastbourne area.

6. Explore the Wellington Museum

The Wellington Museum is a great place to learn about the history of the city and its people. The museum is located in the historic Bond Store building, which was built in 1892. Entry to the museum is free, and it is open from 10am to 5pm daily.

The museum offers a range of interactive exhibits, which tell the story of Wellington and its people. You can explore the city’s history, from its Māori roots to the present day. There is also a range of audio-visual displays, which bring the city to life.

The museum also offers free guided tours, which are a great way to learn more about the city’s history.

7. Visit the Cable Car Museum

The Cable Car Museum is a great place to explore, with plenty of interesting exhibits and interactive displays. The museum tells the story of Wellington’s iconic cable cars, which have been in operation since 1902. Entry to the museum is free, and it is open from 9am to 5pm daily.

The museum features a range of interactive exhibits, which tell the story of the cable cars and their impact on the city. You can also explore the original cable car machinery, and learn about the engineering involved in the design and construction of the cable cars.

The museum also offers free guided tours, which are a great way to learn more about the cable cars and their history.

8. Visit the Old Government Buildings

The Old Government Buildings is a historic building, located in the heart of Wellington. It was built in 1876 and is the largest wooden building in the Southern Hemisphere. Entry to the building is free, and it is open from 9am to 5pm daily.

The building is home to a number of interesting exhibits, which tell the story of the building and its history. You can explore the original furnishings and decorations, as well as the interactive displays. There is also an audio-visual display, which brings the building to life.

The building also offers free guided tours, which are a great way to learn more about the history of the building and its role in the city.

9. Take a Walk Along the Waterfront

The Wellington Waterfront is a great place to explore, with plenty of attractions and activities. Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront and admire the views of the harbour. There are also several parks and gardens, where you can relax and take in the scenery.

The waterfront is also home to a number of eateries, where you can grab a bite to eat. There are several cafés and restaurants, as well as food trucks and street vendors. You can sample the local cuisine and watch the world go by.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also take a free ferry ride across the harbour. The ferry leaves from Queens Wharf and takes you to the other side of the harbour, where you can explore the Eastbourne area.

10. Explore the Wellington Zoo

The Wellington Zoo is a great place to explore, with plenty of animals to see and activities to take part in. Entry to the zoo is free, and it is open from 9am to 5pm daily.

The zoo is home to a range of animals, from lions and tigers to giraffes and rhinos. You can explore the various habitats and see the animals in their natural environment. There is also an interactive exhibition, where you can learn more about the animals and the conservation efforts in place.

The zoo also offers free guided tours, which are a great way to learn more about the animals and the zoo’s conservation efforts.

Summary

Wellington is a great place to explore, with plenty of activities that are free of charge. From exploring the Botanic Gardens to taking a stroll along the waterfront, there is something for everyone. There are also a number of museums and galleries, as well as the Zealandia wildlife sanctuary. Whether you are looking for a relaxing day out or a fun-filled adventure, there is something for everyone in Wellington.