Things to see and do Wellington

It's THE must-see in Wellington and THE must-see museum in New Zealand.

Te Papa Tongarewa means "the place of the treasures of this land". It's one of the country's most interesting museums, and a must-see when visiting the capital. Like most modern museums, it's interactive, with children's areas and lots of fun. The complex is spread over six floors, where you can spend hours or even days discovering the country.

The program includes geological features, flora and fauna, volcanoes, marine life, and even an outdoor reproduction of the bush, complete with native plants.

History and culture buffs will also learn more about the Maori world, the creation of the nation by the Treaty of Waitangi, colonization, the history of immigrants and refugees, and an impressive exhibition on the Battle of Gallipoli told through the experiences of 8 New Zealanders at the front (7 soldiers and a nurse); a must-see, if only for the life-like giant figures of these individuals, created by Weta Workshop. Considered one of the founding acts of the national community, this is an important event for New Zealanders, but also for Australians, who took part.

On the top floor, an art gallery offers a changing program, and there's access to an observation platform with beautiful views over the city. There's also a café and store at reception.

It's a very interesting visit for all film lovers, especially Lord of the Rings fans. Weta Workshop worked hand-in-hand with Peter Jackson to create the sets, props, costumes and special effects for the famous trilogy. The international renown they won there has enabled them to collaborate on many other films since. A 45-minute tour featuring costumes, armor, weapons and models, punctuated by anecdotes and information on the secrets behind the making of the films. Reservations essential.

Frank Kitts Park is very pleasant. You will have the most beautiful views of the capital (night and day) from Tinakori Hill. The view will probably be better from Hawkins Hill to the south, near which a wind turbine was built as part of a "modern" experimental electricity plan (giant wind turbine). Finally, from Mount Victoria, the panorama on the city, the Hutt Valley and the Cook Strait is incoutournable.

Iconic of Wellington, the cable car is a small funicular railway linking Lambton Quay to one of the entrances to the Botanic Gardens on Upland Road. It's part of the city's public transport fleet, and undeniably its most charming vehicle! It's also the quickest way to the top of the hill (5 minutes) and is used daily by many Wellingtonians. The view of the city from the terminus is unmissable, and the small museum dedicated to its history is well worth a visit!

The New Zealand National Parliament is one of the first monuments to see in Wellington. It is composed of several buildings: Parliament House, destroyed by fire in 1907 and rebuilt in 1918, Parliament Library, spared from the 1907 fire but not from the 1992 fire, and finally, The Executive Wing, more commonly known as The Beehive, completed in 1982. The staff is extremely helpful and friendly. It is an interesting and enjoyable tour that lasts 60 minutes. Reservations are strongly recommended.

It's a 45-minute walk to the summit. The trail is well-maintained and easy to follow, with plenty of stairs to test your calves! From up here, the view of the city and its bay is spectacular. On the other side of the slope, there's a magnificent view of the wind farm populating the nearby hills. On a clear day, you can even see the South Island across the Cook Strait. Mount Kaukau is VERY exposed to the wind, so if it's blowing down below, expect to be seriously tousled at the top.