Best bits where to go and what to see
Find sunset on Mt Victoria and enjoy across the harbour and Cooks Strait. Capture selfies of the two of you with Solace in Wind public sculpture or the Bucket Foundation as fabulous backdrops. Relish the taste and sound of Cuba Street Friday night or explore Hannah’s Laneway and find out what’s so great about the boutique chocolate store. Wellington has galleries, museums and plenty of indoor venues as well as stunning walks around the harbour. A ride on the beloved local favourite, the bright red cable car is a must. Wellington is absolutely positively a great choice for couples.
SUNSET LOCATIONS
The city’s hills provide endless opportunities for special places where memories are formed, consider:
- Views across Wellington Harbour to Pencarrow from the Te Ahumairangi Hill Lookout. The town belt green zone above Thorndon is a lesser known place and it is peaceful being on top of the city
- Breathtaking winter sunsets with the sun sinking into the ocean before you. Follow the winding climb up to Brooklyn heights and the BROOKLYN WIND TURBINE
- Find out who was the prime minister from 1912 – 1925 and visit his memorial. The MASSEY MEMORIAL commemorates William Ferguson Massey. The memorial has stunning views of the Wellington Harbour providing a great sunset photo moment
- Rain, chilly weather outside, then Space Planet is the place to view the stars
WHERE TO TAKE A GREAT SELFIE TOGETHER
- Solace in the wind sculpture on the Wellington waterfront, your cheeky pose coming right up
- Bucket fountain in Cuba street pedestrian mall
- Street art murals throughout the city
- Oriental Bay boatsheds, white with blue doors and yellow or red accents. The boat sheds are still in use today.
EXPLORE
- Check out the panorama that’s Wellington from the top of Mount Victoria, or Mt Vic, as the locals call it. Your view sweeps around the inner harbour to the Cooks Strait. It is likely a brisk breeze will ruffle the air so throw on some layers. Rising 196m above the city, the Mount Victoria Lookout has stunning panoramic views of Wellington city, harbour and hills and is part of the Southern Walkway. You can drive to the top of Mt Vic or walk there via one of the many trails in the Town Belt. Take a picnic with you, settle in on the hillside and relax while watching ferries and cruise ships sail into the harbour and planes fly in and out of the airport. Mt Vic is also one of the best spots in the city for taking in a sunrise or sunset
- Taste Wellington on a plate, the place is awash with eateries, cafes and interesting places to linger over a coffee together. Start with delving into the foodie scene in HANNAH’S LANEWAY. The former shoe factory is the coolest little laneway in Wellington from Pics Peanut Butter, to boutique chocolates you will not be disappointed
- Beer brewing at The Occasional Brewer. Foodie buffs will love this idea, crafting your own beer together. There is expert advice on hand. Grab a bite from the food truck, a pint of crafted beer and lots of laughter.
LA PETITE CHOCOLATE
Another chocolate heaven for lovers of melt in mouth treats. Interesting flavour bites from chilli & lime or delicate milk chocolate that will satisfy the most discerning palate. La Petite Chocolate – Organic & Fairtrade craft bars and hot chocolates are made in the chocolaterie in Thorndon with organic, fair trade & single-origin couverture, are gluten, soy, palm oil free and are packaged in home compostable packaging. All dark chocolate bars are vegan.
ROMANTIC STUFF TOGETHER
- Ride the iconic Wellington Cable Car. Take in the beautiful bright red colour and hop on board. The cable car is the haunt of students, office workers and visitors alike. The journey is far too short (10 minutes) so a repeat up and down is completely acceptable. The cable car rises 120 metres, length 612 metres. There is a tunnel and views sliding into view making for wow moments.
- Explore street art EGMONT STREET laneway is rustic repurposed industrial brick buildings with vibrant street art murals gracing the sides of the buildings. The Great Egg Heist is childlike joy, and looking for the unicorn mural … definitely romantic. NOTE: The artist actually described the public art … Kelly Spencer pays tribute to the dead horse found on Egmont Street in 1865. Feeling that horses become unicorns when they pass away, Spencer creates a colourful spray-painted unicorn. Reminiscent of the My Little Pony dolls popular during the 1980s, its luscious locks acknowledge the hair salons sitting either side of the work. Wellington City Council online resource
- The city’s coolest transport option delivers the two of you to the Botanic Gardens. The Botanic Garden walk wanders past six sculptures including New Zealand’s only Henry Moore sculpture, Bronze Form. Start at the top of the gardens and slowly make your way downhill past the Rose garden, Begonia House and cafe.
- Weta Workshop crafty moments together fashioning a special something. Delve into your creative souls and find out how to make some movie magic together. Oscar award winning props inspire.
- Savour the international offering at the Cuba Street night market where the beat of the city is captured with live music and entertainment
And you do not need to spend a fortune to romance and pleasure Indulge 10 tips for a romantic holiday location on a budget.
Read more about things to do in Wellington in our Wellington travel guide.
BEST BITS TRAVEL GUIDE
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