Top 10 Family Attractions In Wellington
Wellington has plenty of attractions for the whole family to enjoy. To help you get the best day out with your family, we've put together our guide to the top 10 family attractions in Wellington.
1. Zealandia
Zealandia is a 225 hectare sanctuary to some of the rarest wildlife in New Zealand. This natural habitat also features some of the best walking tracks in the Wellington area with over 32 kilometres of trails. With an interactive exhibition presenting New Zealand's ecological history and guided night tours, Zealandia is a must visit family attraction.
Location: End of Waiapu Road, Karori.
2. Te Papa Museum
Te Papa Museum is New Zealand's national museum and a world-class tourist attraction. Situated on the waterfront, the museum features five interactive zones: History, Art, Maori, Pacific and Natural Environment.
Location: 55 Cable Street.
3. Adrenalin Forest
Great family fun can be had in New Zealand's largest Adrenalin Forest adventure park. There are 125 challenges, including climbing rope ladders, ziplining on the flying fox and walking high in the trees above you.
Location: Okowai Road, Porirua.
4. Space Place at Carter Observatory
The Carter Observartory is a planetarium, obervatory and multimedia exhbition, located at the entrance to Wellington's beautiful botanic gardens. Take the scenic cable car ride, experience a planetarium show, followed with a walk back down through the botanic gardens for a great family day out.
Location: Top of Cable Car:
5. Weta Cave
Fans of fantasy films like Lord of the Rings will enjoy a trip to the Weta Workshop in Miramar. The workshop itself is not open to the public, but the Weta Cave offers a glimpse into the world of Weta creators and their impressive models.
Location: Corner of Camperdown Rd and Weka St, Miramar.
6. Wellington Zoo
Compact Zoo close to the city centre. Wellington Zoo features 'close encounters' which gives visitors the chance to get close to many of the animals including cheetahs, giraffes and lions! Given its city location, it's best advised to catch a bus. (Number 10 departs from the Railway Station via Cuba Street, number 23 bus runs from Mairangi via Kelburn and Lambton Quay).
Location: 200 Daniell Street, Newtown.
7. Cable Car
The Cable Car is a scenic 612 metre cable ride that the kids will enjoy. The short ride takes you up past Kelburn Park, Victoria University and up to the entrance of Wellington Botanic Gardens. It's a great way to take in the much photographed views of Wellington City and harbour.
Location: Cable Lane, Lambton Quay.
8. Botanic Gardens
The Botanic Gardens are 25 hectares of gardens, plants, forest and sculptures for the family to explore. The walk down leads to either Thordon or to Lambton Quay, depending on the route you take.
Location: Top of Cable Car ride.
9. Seal Coast Safaris
Enjoy a four wheel drive safari, exploring the natural beauty of Wellington's coastline and the opportunity to get up and close to seals. Seal Coast Safaris offer a three hour guided tour adventure to Tongue Point, the site of a colony of fur seals. With comfortable vehicles, snacks and refreshements, and lots of opporuntities to spot the wildlife, it's ideal for a families.
Location: 101 Wakefield Street.
10. Days Bay
On a sunny day, catch the 20 minute ferry (or 25 minute drive) over to Days Bay and enjoy a day at the beach. Kayaks can be hired, boats chartered or enjoy a spot of lunch at the small collection of cafes and restaurants. The ferry is a good opportunity to soak up the harbour views, while the drive gives you the flexibility to explore the other bays in close proximity.
Location: Day's Bay, 1 mile north of Eastbourne.
