Wellington Attractions

With $2 from every night spent at the James Cook booked through our website going towards ZEALANDIA’s conservation efforts, we recommend heading up to see the eco-sanctuary and its native wildlife yourself.

The Cable Car is New Zealand’s only funicular railway, and it’s just a few minutes’ walk from James Cook. Take a ride on the Cable Car, and you’ll pass by murals, through the tunnels of lights, and arrive at the top to stunning views by the Botanic Gardens.

Wander through the Wellington Botanic Gardens and enjoy an array of gorgeous gardens and flowers throughout the year. With a children’s playground, duck ponds, native bush walks, amphitheatre, treehouse, and cafe.

Concerts, sports events, exhibitions - Sky Stadium has an event for every crowd. Unofficially known as the Cake Tin, the stadium offers a great viewer experience and is a short walk from waterfront restaurants and bars.

Get amongst the capital’s quirkiness, vibrancy, and foodie culture with a stroll down Hannah’s Laneway. Full of colourful street art and home to several local Wellington businesses including Fix and Fogg Peanut Butter, The Wellington Chocolate Factory, and Leeds Street Bakery.

Whether you’re visiting our fine city from overseas, or you’re just keen to get to know your home country a little better, the James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor offers comfortable, contemporary accommodation close to Te Papa Museum (Te Papa Tongarewa).

Whether you’re cheering on your favourite team, attending an awards night, dancing at a concert or exploring Wellington’s cultural and art exhibitions, stay close to all the action with James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor’s accommodation near TSB Arena.

Located in Miramar - a short ride from the city centre - Weta Workshop is home to the creations of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit (and more!).

Just 15 minutes apart, Lambton Quay and Suba Street offer two very different shopping experiences. Coined as the ‘Golden Mile’, Lambton Quay boasts a high-fashion shopping experience with several branded stores.

Join the locals on a Sunday morning at the Harbourside Market. If you’re after a warm coffee, fresh bread, or some delicious fruit and veg, then this is the place to be.

A trip to Wellington wouldn’t be complete without tastings at one of the many local breweries.

Our hotel is centrally located on The Terrace, with easy access direct from the motorway so you can enjoy a hassle-free arrival. Simply check-in, unpack your bags, and start exploring everything Wellington has to offer.

Tucked just off Cuba Street, follow the sound of local bands on Friday night down the Left Bank alleyway. It’s here that you’ll find live music as well as international flavours, cuisines, and aromas.

Wellington is renowned for its coffee and brunch culture, so head out on the weekend for a taste of the capital at one of the many cafes along Cuba Street.

If you’ve checked all of Wellington’s usual viewpoints off your list, why not check the city out from a different spot with a glass in hand? Dirty Little Secret is a rooftop bar that sits above Taranaki Street, offering a fantastic view over Courtenay Place below. If you’re lucky, you might even catch the live DJ!

This track is most definitely worth the climb! We are just adding to the list of amazing viewpoints that Wellington has to offer but this one has to be near the top of the list.

Whether you are a keen beach babe, mountain biker or walker, Makara has something for everyone. Sitting on Wellington’s west coast, Makara feels a long way from the city with its stunning views

What better way to get the kids walking than the promise of seals. Located South of the city, Red Rocks is a flat walk that weaves around the wild and beautiful coast.

Fancy sinking your toes into golden sand and soaking up the sunshine? Wander down to Oriental Bay for your daily dose of Vitamin D, a dip in the ocean, and that fresh sea breeze.

For a slower pace, cruise on over to Days Bay on the other side of the harbour. You’ll be greeted with artsy galleries, cute cafes and sunny beaches.

Craving local wines, freshly baked croissants and the finest delicatessen goodies? Moore Wilson’s is one of the best places to visit in Wellington for local delicacies.

Martinborough is located a leisurely 1 hour drive through scenic countryside it's the perfect place to visit for a day trip from Wellington. Stunning wineries dot the countryside and the towns are made up with quaint cafes, bookshops, eateries and bars.

No, it’s not a library. It’s a bar that looks and feels like a library! Whether you are after a pre-dinner drink or a cheeky nightcap, The Library has a large section of delicious cocktails and to-die-for desserts.

Explore New Zealand’s history, art collections, the natural world, and much more at the country’s national museum. A trip to Te Papa is ideal for a rainy day, or if you’re looking to learn a little something new.

Its name doesn’t deceive. Wellington’s Bucket Fountain is an iconic feature of Cuba Street. Its colourful buckets brighten up the street and make for a great photo opportunity.

High up on the hill overlooking the city, Mount Victoria offers stunning 360-degree views of the capital.

Plan a fun day out for all at the Wellington Zoo where the lions, monkeys, and otters await!

Another must-do for a rainy day or the history buffs among us, the Wellington Museum will appeal to all maritime lovers.

Rich with history, the Old Bank Arcade is a significant historical building located on Lambton Quay. The National Bank once used the building, but these days it houses boutique stores and cafes.

Just a short boat ride from the city, Matiu/Somes Island is located in Wellington Harbour is a great day trip to visit if you want an escape from the city.

For those ready to adventure a little further afield this walk, also referred to as the ‘stairway to heaven’, reaps amazing views of Kapiti Island and over towards the South Island.

Although most of us try to avoid Wellington’s wind, the Brooklyn Wind Turbine is one place where it is more than welcome! Challenge yourself by walking up to the turbine from Aro Valley or cruise up in the car to a spot with epic views over the Wellington harbour and some history on Wellington’s electricity.

A 20-minute stroll up the hill from the James Cook, Carter Observatory’s Space Place is the perfect night time or rainy day activity.

If you’re in search of an outdoor adventure, e-biking in Wellington could be for you! Hire e-bikes on Wellington’s waterfront from Switched on Bikes and set off towards Scorching Bay beach for a day of fun activities.

Head over to Wellington’s rugged south coast to get a prime view of Wellington’s infamous windy plane landings. Lyall Bay is also home to a thriving surf community, so park up at Spruce Goose or Maranui Cafe and enjoy coffee, brunch, or a beer and take in the view of the surf.

They say you can’t beat Wellington on a good day, and nothing typifies this more than relaxing on bean bags at Karaka Cafe or St Johns Bar and Eatery on the waterfront with a cold beverage in your hand.

For something a little off the beaten track, delve into New Zealand’s wartime history through the army bunkers dotted around the city.

It’s mini-golf with a twist at Carlucci Land. Putt in amongst the sculptures and metal creations for a mini-putt experience like you’ve never seen before! The course requires some extra steady concentration and is perfect for the whole family.

Grab your phone, download the Geocaching app, and be prepared for a treasure hunt on a large scale! Fun for all ages, Geocaching will have you solving brain teasers, hunting high and low for clues and putting your mapping skills to the test.

Got a need for speed? Flamingo and Lime e-scooters will have you zooming around the city in no time. Unlocking a scooter is as easy as pressing a few buttons on your phone, and then you’re away!