Wellington Short break:
ten great things to do

Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision @lofiframes

Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision

Nga Taonga Sound & Vision (Film Archive).  Watch a movie for free -any movie  (150,000 titles they have at the Nga Taonga Sound & Vision). Their doctrine is, “Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision is a charitable trust. We care for an ever-growing collection of films, radio, television, sound recordings, props and documents spanning 120 years of Aotearoa New Zealand’s sound and moving image history. Definitely check out their online collections before visiting, here Online Exhibitions.

‘We are committed to the principles of Te Tiriti O Waitangi. We actively develop relationships with whānau, hapū, iwi and Māori organisations to ensure appropriate long-term care of and access to sound and moving image taonga. Are you interested in viewing or listening to items from the archive? A number of items from the collection can be accessed by visiting one of our branches. Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision also maintains a medianet digital access network which enable access to sets of material from the collection more widely across New Zealand.’

The venue has a cafe, gallery, cinema and an extensive media library. Location:84 Taranaki Street

Duration 1-2 hours.

Cuba St, iconic bucket foundation

You are walking to Cuba Street, complete with buttoned up raincoats (Wellington winter insurance) and your Blunt umbrellas. Cuba Street is where a selfie, in the rain (or shine) with the iconic bucket fountain is a must. Leisurely amble along Cuba Street ducking in and out of establishments, shops, cafes, galleries and pop up installations. You could easily find that your day is sorted. There are independent art galleries, an assortment of secondhand clothing stores, one of kind artisan and craft outlets and a fruit shop that has been in the area forever. Cuba Street’s vibe and sound has absorbed the day into Cuba joy and the place is still hopping at night.

Cuba street food @pop_core_n

The Cuba Street night markets are a delicious feast of scent, savour and taste. Not expensive, all ages get to choose exactly what they want and it’s fun with the rattle and din of cooking pans and bustling locals intent on hitting their favourite pop up stall.

Duration 3-4 hours.

Old St Pauls Cathedral exterior

A short walk, from Parliament  to Thorndon Quay is Old St Paul’s Wellington’s Anglican Cathedral and if you are in town on a Tuesday there is a variety of Wellington venues offering free lunchtime concerts in a range of musical genres. Turn up and listen to some local musicians for free.

The Historic St Paul’s Church events,  Every Tuesday throughout winter. Concerts and performances | Venue hire | Old St Paul’s | Wellington | Places to Visit | Places.

Old St Pauls is undergoing seismic strengthening consequently check the website for up to date opening details. Antrim House | Wellington | Places to Visit | Places was a statement of Edwardian success for the founder of Hannah’s footwear. Surrounded by lawns and trees you can imagine its panoramic views of the city before the high rises got in the way. The house is a small garden oasis in the city.

Old St Paul’s Gothic Revival architecture 19th century

Cable Car Museum

You are walking to Cuba Street, complete with buttoned up raincoats (Wellington winter insurance) and your Blunt umbrellas. Cuba Street is where a selfie, in the rain (or shine) with the iconic bucket fountain is a must. Leisurely amble along Cuba Street ducking in and out of establishments, shops, cafes, galleries and pop up installations. You could easily find that your day is sorted. There are independent art galleries, an assortment of secondhand clothing stores, one of kind artisan and craft outlets and a fruit shop that has been in the area forever. Cuba Street’s vibe and sound has absorbed the day into Cuba joy and the place is still hopping at night.

Cuba street food @pop_core_n

The Cable Car entrance is on Lambton Quay and here is a chance to take a look at The Cable Car Museum, wander Lambton Quay looking for the pavement signs where the original waterfront was. Lambton Quay is relatively sheltered from the weather with the hustle of the city making it a welcoming retail street. Catch the cable car up to terminus (Upland Rd) Kelburn, look at the turbulent harbour and the storm clouds. The views of Wellington regardless of the weather are spectacular. The Museum is free.  Located in the original winding house for the cable car system and set over two floors, the museum houses the winding mechanism operational from 1902 until 1978. It’s also home to two of the original grip cars that operated on the line. Step back in time see how Wellington’s most iconic transport system has developed.

Duration 1-2 hours.

Lambton Quay

You have returned to Lambton Quay via a cable car descent. Stroll from Lambton Quay to Te Papa with the Wellington Library, Wellington Art Gallery, Wellington Museum as tempting places, check out our Wellington travel guide for details. Retail stores range from local and international designer stores to bookshops, arts and crafts next to cafes catering for the chattering crowds of government workers. Avoid 12.00 – 1.30pm for a leisurely lunch as the offices empty into Lambton Quay.

Old Bank Arcade Edwardian interior now an upmarket shopping centre

Old Bank Arcade, built in 1901 by Thomas Turnbull, now has a great food court and upmarket stores is located on Lambton Quay. The Arcade is unmissable due to its elaborate nineteenth century facade.  The Old Bank Arcade is part of the intriguing story of the Plimmer’s Ark. The remains of the hull timbers of the ship Inconstant were discovered during renovations. The vessel had foundered at the entrance of Wellington Harbour in 1849. Businessman John Plimmer had salvaged it and beached it at the southern end of Lambton Quay. It became a warehouse and was soon dubbed Plimmer’s Ark. The ship’s remains were a major find that captured the public’s imagination. A piece of history was restored.

Old Bank Arcade @chelebanks

The Old Bank Arcade is the place to visit to get some retail therapy, re energize at the food court and admire the city’s most exquisite mechanical clock.  You cannot miss the massive clock situated in the main old entrance.  Your day finishes in the heart of Wellington.

You are in the vicinity of Wellington’s transport networks. The train system connects to the Hutt Valley, Porirua and the Kapiti Coast, the public bus. Perhaps an evening meal in Cuba Street again as you didn’t have room for the delicious looking Mexican stall as you were indulging in Middle Eastern kebabs the night before.