Things to Do With Kids in Wellington

Wellington is a great city to explore with kids. From the wild and windy coastline to the vibrant inner city, there is something for everyone! Whether you’re looking for a day of adventure or a lazy afternoon in the sun, here are 12 unique things to do with kids in Wellington.

1. Botanic Gardens

The Wellington Botanic Gardens is a stunning 25 hectares of lush gardens, native bush and natural beauty. Kids will love exploring the winding paths and discovering the Garden’s hidden gems. There are plenty of spots for picnics and the friendly resident Tuis perching in the trees. The Carter Observatory is also nearby, offering an insight into the stars above.

A great activity for kids is the Discovery Trail, a one-hour interactive tour of the gardens. They’ll learn about the history and ecology of the Gardens, as well as some of the interesting plants, animals and fungi that call the gardens home.

The Lady Norwood Rose Garden is also a must-visit. With over 4000 roses in bloom during the summer months, this fragrant garden is a great place to explore and take some beautiful photos.

2. Wellington Zoo

Wellington Zoo is a great place to take the kids for a fun and educational day out. Home to more than 500 animals from over 100 species, the Zoo provides a unique learning experience for the whole family.

Kids will love getting up close with the animals, from the inquisitive meerkats to the majestic lions. They’ll also learn about animal conservation and the importance of looking after our environment. The Zoo also offers a range of interactive experiences, from animal enrichment activities to behind the scenes tours.

If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous, the Zoo also offers a range of animal encounters. From feeding the giraffes to swimming with the seals, it’s a great way for kids to get up close and personal with some of their favourite animals.

3. Take a Ferry Ride

Wellington is blessed with an abundance of beautiful waterways, and what better way to explore them than on a ferry ride! The East by West Ferry takes passengers across Wellington Harbour, from Queen’s Wharf to Matiu/Somes Island. It’s a great way to take in the sights of Wellington on a sunny day.

On the island, kids can explore the historic Fort Dorset or take a guided tour of the wildlife sanctuary. There are plenty of activities to keep them occupied, including beach walks, kayaking and fishing. Kids will also love the resident seal colony, which can be seen lolling around in the shallow waters.

If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous, why not take a night cruise? The ferry operates from 8pm to 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays, offering a unique way to see the city lights.

4. Te Papa Museum

Te Papa Museum is New Zealand’s national museum and a great place to take the kids for a day of discovery. With interactive exhibits and fascinating artefacts, it’s a great way to learn about the country’s unique history and culture.

Kids will love exploring the museum’s galleries, from the natural history galleries to the modern art galleries. They’ll also get to take part in interactive activities, from virtual reality tours to virtual reality games. There are also plenty of educational programmes on offer, from science classes to art classes.

If you’re looking for something a bit different, why not take a tour of the Museum’s Collections Centre? Here, kids can get up close and personal with some of the museum’s rarest and most fascinating artefacts.

5. Weta Cave

Weta Cave is a must-visit for any fans of Lord of the Rings. Here, kids can learn all about the world-famous movie trilogy and its creators, from the effects studio to the props and sets. They’ll also get to explore the museum’s impressive collection of movie memorabilia.

A highlight of the Weta Cave experience is the Weta Workshop Tour. Here, kids can explore the behind-the-scenes of the movie-making process, from the creature design to the set construction. They’ll also get to check out some of the props and costumes from the movies.

If you’re looking for something a bit more interactive, why not take a Weta Workshop Tour? Here, kids can get up close and personal with some of the team’s most iconic creations.

6. Wellington Cable Car

The Wellington Cable Car is a great way to take in some of the city’s most spectacular views. Kids will love the ride up the hill, which takes just five minutes and offers stunning views of the city and harbour. At the top, they can explore the cable car museum and take in the views from the lookout point.

If you’re feeling adventurous, why not take a night ride? The cable car runs until 10pm on Friday and Saturday nights, offering a unique way to see the city lights. Kids will also love the two-minute movie at the top, which takes them on a journey through the history of the cable car.

For a real treat, why not take the Cable Car to the Wellington Zoo? It’s a great way to combine two of Wellington’s most popular attractions.

7. Zealandia

Zealandia is a wildlife sanctuary located just outside the city centre. Here, kids can explore the lush native bush and spot some of New Zealand’s native birds and animals. They’ll also learn about the importance of conservation and the unique ecology of the sanctuary.

Kids will love the guided tours, which take visitors through the sanctuary’s wetlands, forests and valleys. They’ll also get to take part in interactive activities, from bird-spotting to bug-collecting. For a real treat, why not take a night tour? Here, kids can spot some of the sanctuary’s rarest and most elusive creatures.

If you’re feeling adventurous, why not take a canoe trip around the sanctuary? It’s a great way to explore the wetlands and spot some of the sanctuary’s resident wildlife.

8. Family Fun at the Museum of Wellington City & Sea

The Museum of Wellington City & Sea is a great place to take the kids for a day of learning and fun. Home to a range of interactive exhibits, the museum provides a unique insight into the city’s history and culture.

Kids will love exploring the museum’s galleries, from the colonial history galleries to the maritime galleries. They’ll also get to take part in interactive activities, from virtual reality tours to interactive games. There are also plenty of educational programmes on offer, from science classes to art classes.

If you’re looking for something a bit different, why not take a tour of the museum’s shipwrecks? Here, kids can explore the sunken remains of the city’s historic ships and learn about Wellington’s maritime history.

9. Seal Coast Safari

The Seal Coast Safari is a great way to explore Wellington’s rugged coastline. Kids will love taking in the stunning views of the South Coast, from the wild and windy beaches to the rugged cliffs and rocky shores. They’ll also get to spot some of the area’s native wildlife, from seals to dolphins.

The safari includes a stop at the Red Rocks Reserve, where kids can get up close and personal with some of the area’s most fascinating creatures. Here, they’ll get to feed the seals and spot some of the area’s rarest and most elusive birds.

If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous, why not take a night safari? The safari operates from 8pm to 11pm on Friday and Saturday nights, offering a unique way to explore the area’s rugged coastline.

10. Wellington Waterfront

The Wellington Waterfront is a great place to take the kids for a fun-filled day out. From the bustling harbourside to the beachfront promenade, there’s plenty to keep them occupied. Kids will love exploring the pedestrian-friendly precinct and taking in the views of the harbour.

The Waterfront is also home to a range of attractions, from the Museum of Wellington City & Sea to the Cable Car Museum. Kids will also love the interactive exhibitions, from the virtual reality games to the giant sandpit. There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants to keep them fuelled up.

If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous, why not take a cruise? The Wellington Harbour Cruise takes passengers around the harbour, offering a unique way to explore the city’s sights.

11. Wellington Museum

The Wellington Museum is a great place to take the kids for a day of learning and fun. Home to a range of interactive exhibits, the museum provides a unique insight into the city’s history and culture.

Kids will love exploring the museum’s galleries, from the colonial history galleries to the maritime galleries. They’ll also get to take part in interactive activities, from virtual reality tours to interactive games. There are also plenty of educational programmes on offer, from science classes to art classes.

If you’re looking for something a bit different, why not take a tour of the museum’s shipwrecks? Here, kids can explore the sunken remains of the city’s historic ships and learn about Wellington’s maritime history.

12. Wellington Chocolate Factory

The Wellington Chocolate Factory is a great place to take the kids for a day of sweet treats. Here, kids can learn all about the art of chocolate-making, from the bean-to-bar process to the intricate chocolate designs. They’ll also get to sample some of the factory’s delicious creations.

Kids will love participating in the interactive activities, from creating their own chocolate bars to decorating their own chocolate creations. They’ll also get to take part in a Chocolate Tasting Class, where they’ll learn all about the different flavour notes of chocolate.

If you’re feeling adventurous, why not take a Behind the Scenes Tour? Here, kids can explore the factory’s production room and learn all about the art of chocolate-making.

Conclusion

There are plenty of fun and exciting activities to do with kids in Wellington. From exploring the lush Botanic Gardens to discovering the city’s history at the Museum of Wellington City & Sea, there’s something for everyone. Why not take a ferry ride around the harbour or explore the wild and windy coastline on a Seal Coast Safari? There’s plenty to keep the kids entertained in Wellington!