Wellington
New Zealand
Backpacking Wellington
Information on Wellington, sights to see, nightlife, activities and more.
Every backpacker passes through Wellington City at some point to catch a ferry to the South Island or get a flight, but New Zealand’s capital city is well worth staying for a few days. Many people on working holiday visas choose Wellington as a place to work for a while. With tons of character from the artwork all over the city to cool and quirky streets, we can’t really blame them. The creativity continues into Wellington’s movie scene. The city has a number of filming locations as well as the infamous Weta Workshop, which brought the magic of The Lord of the Rings to life. The more you walk around Wellington city center the more you discover. There are artwork and sculptures lining the waterfront, but some artwork is more prominent than others. Quotes are carved into obscure places like under walkway bridges and in the water as part of the Wellington Writer’s Walk. Heaps of great movies have come out New Zealand, many of which have had some filming done in Wellington or been produced by production workshops in the city. The city and surrounding areas are inexpensive to film in, making it a great hub for movie-making. What is nice about Wellington is how compact the city center is. It only takes about 20 minutes to walk from one side of the center to the other. The majority of bars and clubs are on Courtenay Place while Cuba Street has a reputation for being a bit quirky, a bit hipster, and a bit bohemian. There are many options here for a bite to eat. Head to Wellington’s CBD on Lambton Quay for a wealth of shops including all the New Zealand retail chains you could think of. Surrounded by a hilly green belt, there are some different vantage points you can get of the city without having to go too far. Mt Victoria, on the east side of the city, has 360 views with the center on one side the ferry terminal on the other. There are even a couple of sculptures and memorials on the lookout. Another vantage point is from the Botanic Gardens, which can be accessed by the historic cable car. Wellington has a whole lot more to offer than the city center. If you have time, why not take some day trips to the surrounding suburbs and districts all with their own charms. Take a trip down the Kapiti Coast to do some beach-hopping. Make your way to the Wairarapa to see the rugged coastal areas of Cape Palliser and Castlepoint. It’s also home to the Wellington wine-growing region, meaning there are plenty of jobs for backpackers and plenty of excuses to drink some New Zealand wine. Finally, not too far from Wellington city is the Hutt Valley, especially good for exploring hiking tracks in the forests.
Must See
Mt Victoria - Reach the lookout on Mt Victoria for views of Wellington city. Additionally, part of the walk was used in The Lord of the Rings when the Hobbits hide from the black riders outside of The Shire.
The Waterfront - Wellington's waterfront area is an attractive district right in the hub of the central city. Both Queen's Wharf and Frank Kitts Park are surrounded by fine buildings, including the Civic Centre and the Museum of New Zealand. From Frank Kitts Park, there is a good view of Wellington Harbour, and the park hosts a market every Saturday. There are plenty of cafés and restaurants in this area, so it's a great place for a pit stop while strolling the central city.
Must Do
Go to the Beach - Wellington city is blessed with many awesome beaches. Whether you want to try out surfing or just feel the sand between your toes, you won’t have to travel far to find a good beach. Check out the beach on Oriental Parade with its waterfront just off the coast, head to Scorching Bay for a picnic, or walk along Lyall Bay followed by coffee and/or ice cream!
Explore Lord of The Rings Filming Locations - Wellington was a central hub for the making of The Lord of the Rings. Although The Lord of the Rings and were filmed all over New Zealand, you’ll find many locations right here in Wellington. From the outskirts of The Shire to the final battlefields of Minas Tirith, you can find Lord of the Rings locations spanning across every movie of the trilogy here in Wellington. Some locations you can find by walking from the city centre, taking the bus, hopping on a train, or going with a knowledgeable tour guide.
Nightlife
In New Zealand’s cool little capital, one of the most cultural cities in New Zealand, you’re bound to have a night out like no other! Whether you’re looking for a place to dance on the tables, somewhere to sip with sophistication on cocktails, drink some famous New Zealand craft beer, get your gay on, or watch some raw comedy, there’s something for everyone in Wellington’s nightlife. The main party district in Wellington is along Courtenay Place with a mix of nightclubs, bars, cocktail bars and pubs. A few “underground” alternatives can be found along Cuba Street. The waterfront also has a host of nightlife venues with spectacular views of the harbour.
Get started now on planning your backpacking trip with personalized recommendations from our advisors. Your plan will include: accommodation options, food/nightlife recommendations, tours or attractions to see with recommendations for best operators, 24/7 assistance with bookings, answers to any questions and more.