13 of the BEST things to do in Wellington with Kids
- By: Auckland for Kids
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There are lots of fun things to see and do in New Zealand’s capital city for families with children. A weekend in Wellington will give you enough time discover these and wanting to come back again.
1. Visit Te Papa Museum
Wellington’s museum Te Papa Tongawera | Musem of New Zealand known locally as Te Papa will entertain the kids and adults and it is free to get in. Te Papa has fun family-friendly activities and hands on exhibitions for all ages (The Te Taiao | Nature exhibition is pictured above.) Te Papa’s new art gallery Toi Art was officially opened by Prime Minister Jacinda Arden in March 2018. As well as art exhibitions it offers hand-on art activities for children and interactive experiences like a virtual reality visit to an artist’s studio. Te Papa is building an exciting new nature and environment zone, which will open in early 2019.
2. Check out Weta Workshop
Visiting Weta Workshop in Wellington with kids is like stepping into a magical world of creativity and imagination. You need to purchase a Weta Workshop Studio Tours to see the all of the props, gadgets and movie magic. As you enter the workshop, the excitement in the air is palpable, and the children’s eyes light up with wonder. The tour takes you on a behind-the-scenes journey of how some of the most iconic film and television props, costumes, and special effects are created. Kids get to see the intricate craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into bringing their favourite on-screen heroes and creatures to life. From the impressive sculptures of famous characters to the interactive exhibits, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The highlight for many young visitors is the chance to hold replica weapons, try on costumes, and learn about the fascinating art of movie-making. If you are visiting in the school holidays they have school holiday creative workshops for the kids too.
3. Take in the views at the top of Mount Victoria
Head up by car to the top of Mt Victoria for stunning 360 degree views of Wellington. If you time it right watching the sunset can be spectacular. Get a panoramic view of city and harbour, and a great photo opportunity at the Mount Victoria Lookout. Watch the ferries sailing in through the harbour and aircraft taking off from Wellington Airport. You can drive all the way up, or walk through the bush covered town belt. Grab some fish and chips and sit on the grass as the sun goes down and the lights come up.
4. Catch a cable car
The Cable Car is a Wellington icon. It runs from Lambton Quay up to Kelburn, and at the top there is the Space Place at Carter Observatory and the beautiful Botanic Gardens to discover.
As you climb the lush hillsides of this vibrant New Zealand city, enjoy the panoramic views of Wellington’s picturesque harbour. It’s the perfect opportunity to play a game of “I Spy” with the kids as they spot Wellington landmarks like the Beehive and the iconic red roofs of the city.
5. Explore Zealandia sanctuary
Head out to Zelandia the world’s first fully fenced urban ecosancturay in Karori (which is a 10-minute drive from the city centre). Zealandia’s extraordinary 500 year vision is to restore 225 hectares of the valley’s forest and freshwater ecosystems as closely as possible to their pre-human state. As you wander along the well-maintained trails, the native forest echoes with the songs of endemic birds, including the iconic kiwi. Young explorers can embark on a quest to spot these flightless wonders in their natural habitat, learning about the vital role Zealandia plays in preserving the country’s biodiversity. The interactive exhibitions at the visitor centre further enhance the experience, making Zealandia not just a scenic retreat but a place where children can connect with nature and gain a profound appreciation for New Zealand’s ecological heritage.
6. Have lunch at Maranui Cafe and play at the playground in Lyall Bay
The Maranui Cafe at the Maranui Surf Life Saving Club is a fun place for lunch. Plus there is a fun playground on the beach.
7. Visit the Space Place at the Carter Observatory
Space Place shares the stories of the southern skies through multimedia exhibits, interactive galleries and exhibits. See the historic Thomas Cooke telescope and watch a show in the full-dome planetarium.
8. Stroll along the waterfront and stop off at Frank Kitts Park, Waitangi Park and Oriental Bay Park for a play.
Start at Frank Kitts Park with the light house tower (which has since had it’s slide removed) and art sculptures. If you are there on a Saturday you will find a market on too. Further down the waterfront you will come across a skate park at Waitangi Park. If you keep walking you will get to Oriental Bay Park. In summer the kids can swim at Oriental Bay if you bring their togs too.
9. Check out Te Waka Huia o Ngā Taonga Tuku Iho | Wellington Museum
Wellington Museum is a another FREE museum which is great for kids that shares the stories of the Wellington region in a heritage 1892 building. Kids will enjoy pretend playing in the Wellington store fronts in the late 1800s, playing in the rowboat while watching the ship wreck movie. Don’t miss The Attic where the steampunk-styled exhibit space has lions and flying saucers. Wellington Museum shares the fascinating stories of the Wellington region. All housed within the beautiful 1892 heritage building designed by leading architect Frederick de Jersey Clere.
10. Visit Island Bay Education Centre in Taputeranga Marine Reserve
Visit Island Bay Education Centre in the middle of Taputeranga Marine Reserve on the shores of the Cook Straight. It feels like a million miles away from Wellington, but its only 6km from the city centre. Kids will learn about New Zealand’s marine environments with the touch ponds, octopus and more. The centre is only open on Sundays.
11. Explore Cuba Street
Explore Cuba Street’s colourful shops and cafes.. Take a photo with Wellington’s famous bucket fountain. Keep a look out for the street entertainers too.
12. Take in a movie at the Embassy Cinema
Take in a movie at Wellington’s beloved The Embassy Cinema with it’s grand art deco architecture and state of the art facilities on a fun family outing.
13. Catch a ferry to Eastbourne for the day
Take the ferry from downtown Wellington to Eastbourne a charming coastal village just a short ride away. Discover the colourful cafes and art galleries, beautiful beaches, indulge in fish and chips and take in the coastal views of the iconic1859 Pencarrow lighthouse on Pencarrow Head.
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Catherine Shaw says
Just looking for fun activities in Wellington for children aged eight.
Wish you could make Zealandia cheaper for children who live in Wellington. Too much attention paid to tourists and gaining money and not enough to local residents.
Auckland for Kids says
Hi Catherine,
We appreciate your feedback on this, but we don’t have any influence over Zealandia’s pricing. Perhaps you could contact your local board, or Zealandia directly to think them know what local residents think. Auckland for Kids is primarily for Auckland families and visitors to Auckland and as such this article is written for people visiting Wellington rather than families living in Wellington. If you are ever up in Auckland, have a look at our site as their are lots of fun activities for children aged eight, including lots of free ones.