Top 10 Things to do in Wellington, New Zealand

Experience the whole of New Zealand in one building! Te Papa is New Zealand's bold, innovative and interactive national museum. Explore the great treasures and stories of this country, its unique natural environment, Maori culture and taonga (treasures), dynamic art heritage, and its fascinating history. Te Papa is located on Wellington's spectacular waterfront. Open 10am to 6pm every day except Christmas Day. General admission is free.

The Great War Exhibition, created by Sir Peter Jackson, commemorates the role played by New Zealand in the First World War. Journey through the War, year by year, meeting the challenges faced by brave young soldiers. Experience the gritty hardship and the horror of the Battlefields as seen by those caught in the conflict. Entry into The Great War Exhibition is $15 for adults. Children 16 and under are free. The Exhibition also offers you guided tours for a small fee. These depart every twenty minutes and are a great way to make the Exhibition come alive. So we always remember.

High lookout point along Wellington's Southern Walkway gives visitors a spectacular view of the city and its surroundings.

Staglands Wildlife Reserve & Cafe is less than an hour from Wellington and a 'must see' attraction for anyone either living in or visiting Wellington. Staglands offers a unique experience for people of all ages to feed and freely interact with a wide range of native and exotic birds and animals in an environment that has been created with nature's materials. Open daily 9:30am-5pm. Adults $22, Children $11 (3 and under no charge)

Be embraced by the beauty of this gorgeous wooden Cathedral - still sacred, welcoming to all, in the heart of Wellington's heritage precinct. Breathtakingly beautiful - Wellington's famous Old St Paul's, constructed entirely of native timbers, is one of New Zealand's greatest heritage places. Experience the wonderful and sometimes quirky stories of this former Cathedral church, its historic location and its people. Gaze at Old St Paul's unique colonial architecture, admire its exquisite embroidered furnishings and be awed by the colours of its beautiful stained glass windows. It is a magnificent example of timber Gothic Revival architecture. Visit the Gift and all-year-around Christmas Shop at Old St Paul's, which features exquisite gifts, NZ keepsakes and beautiful Christmas decorations, advent calendars and nativity scenes.There is something to suit every taste. The site where Old St Paul's stands was formerly part of Pipitea Pa. For almost 100 years, Old St Paul's served as the parish church of Thorndon and the Anglican Cathedral of Wellington. It remains a place of spiritual significance to many and also has become a popular venue for a wide variety of cultural events.

Otari Native Botanic Garden and Wilton's Bush Reserve is the only public botanic garden in New Zealand dedicated solely to native plants. The Garden is a unique plant sanctuary and forest reserve and includes 100ha of native forest and 5ha of plant collections. Some of Wellington's oldest trees are here, including an 800-year-old rimu. It is classified as a Garden of National Significance by the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture. Just a 10-minute drive from the CBD or take the no. 14 bus bound for Wilton and get off at the Warwick St/Wilton Rd stop. Tell the bus driver and they will be sure to stop.

ZEALANDIA is a heaven of tropical bliss right on the doorstep of Wellington City. Affectionately referred to as a hidden gem ZEALANDIA received international acclaim for the groundbreaking predator free 8.6km fence. Since the completion of the fence in 1999 ZEALANDIA has brought a number of native birds, reptiles and wildlife back from the brink of extinction where they now roam freely through the 225 hectare valley. A visit to ZEALANDIA is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and a must for anyone visiting Wellington. There are a number treks to saunter, suitable for any fitness level. Alternatively step back in time with our interactive exhibition center or take a load off at the atmospheric Rata Café.

Wellington Museum is housed in the Bond Store, an 1892 heritage building designed by leading architect Frederick de Jersey Clere. Set over four floors, the Exhibitions tell the myriad stories of our city and region. Wellington Museum's newest permanent exhibition, The Attic, opened in late 2015. Set in the newly open to the public fourth floor, The Attic features some of the curious and quirky tales from our past. From lions to artwork, steam engines to UFO sighting flies, Vampires and a time machine (Nga Hau), the Museum shares our fascinating stories.