Mount Victoria

A small mountain rising nearly 200m above sea level right in the center of the city, this is the place where many scenes from The Lord of the Rings were filmed. If you enter from the Oriental Bay side, you’ll find signs that guide you along the filming locations, allowing you to walk in the footsteps of your favorite characters. When you reach the summit, you’ll also be rewarded with a sweeping panoramic view of the entire city of Wellington.

Weta Cave

A must-visit destination for any fan of fantasy films, the Weta Cave is the public face of Weta Workshop, the world-renowned studio behind The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Inside, you’ll find a screening room that tells the story of Weta’s history and a mini-museum with an incredible collection of actual movie props and collectibles. Guided tours, which take you behind the scenes to see how the sets and props are made, are also available, but it’s best to book these well in advance.

Kaitoke Regional Park

This beautiful park was the filming location for Rivendell, the elven city in The Lord of the Rings. While the original film sets have been removed, several replicas were later built for visitors, making it a perfect spot for commemorative photos. Located just a 45-minute drive from downtown Wellington, it’s also a popular spot for locals who come for camping and hiking.

Te Papa Tongarewa

Te Papa is New Zealand’s national museum, and it offers a dynamic look at the country’s natural environment, its indigenous Maori culture and the layered history of its migration and settlement. It also hosts a variety of special exhibitions throughout the year. With outstanding hands-on spaces and educational facilities for children, it is a perfect destination for families.

• TIP This former port city is surrounded by the sea on three sides. Before or after your museum visit, take a stroll along the seaside path that stretches from Queens Wharf to Oriental Bay.

Wellington Botanic Garden

Established in 1868, this sprawling 250,000m² urban garden is a cherished space for locals and tourists alike. Here, you can see international and native flora, and a wide variety of birds. And thanks to the garden’s varied topography, which includes both flat areas and rolling hills, it naturally serves as a scenic viewpoint.

• TIP The main entrance is on the other side of the city center, so the best way to get there is to take the cable car from Lambton Quay.

Customs Café

Wellington’s coffee culture is second to none; the city is often cited as a possible origin of the widely popular “flat white.” Among its many great cafés, Customs, which is run by the famous roaster Coffee Supreme, is a true city icon. While you can find Supreme’s coffee beans in most supermarkets, this is the place to experience them at their absolute best.

• TIP Customs is just around the corner from Cuba Street, Wellington’s most vibrant and eclectic street. Be sure to take a stroll and soak in the energy.