Things to Do
Carter Observatory
The Carter Observatory is a fun attraction for both children and adults who are staying near the Wellington Airport in New Zealand. Visitors will truly "get into space" at this top observatory in the country. View stars and planets that are located throughout our solar system and learn a little bit about each one. View planetarium shows in the state of the art planetarium and take a journey into outer space. Guests can even take a look through a 144 year old telescope for an up-close view into the sky.
Moari Arts Gallery
The Moari Arts Gallery is known as "New Zealand's premium supplier of Maori art". Visit the gallery and take a look at some fine pieces created by local artists. These traditional Maori arts and crafts can also be purchased and displayed in your home. Bone framed art, canvas paintings, carvings reflecting ancient patterns, feather art, and greenstones are just a few type of artwork that visitors will see when browsing the Moari Arts Gallery. Uniquely shaped pendants made from paua, greenstone, bone, and mother of pearl each represent their own meaning and can be worn to show your beliefs.
TAROT Zamm
Those who need spiritual help, guidance or simply would like some insight into their life can visit TAROT Zamm, a Wellington Tarot Card Reader. After your flight into the airport or before your flight out, take a stop at this attraction to see what the future holds for you. Get a reading and learn about the possibilities of your life, see if your worries and doubts are a concern and see if your soulmate if really who you think they are. Tarot card readings can provide you with everything from exploring your past life to gaining answers about your current situations. Zamm will read your tarot fortune for you and uses two different decks depending on your needs.
Blackmore & Best Gallery
Jane Blackmore is a Wellington artist that showcases her work at the Blackmore & Best Gallery. The gallery shows current work, recent work and small works on display that are for sale. These oil and acrylic paintings represent different emotions. Some works of art that you may see in the gallery include paintings of the ocean, landscapes, and sunrises.
Adrenalin Forest
Head to the Adrenalin forest and live life on the edge. This multi-level aerial obstacle course both challenges you and allows you to have fun in a unique environment. Make your way through ropes and across ziplines to see how far you're prepared to go.
Getting Around Wellington
By Taxi
Those flying in and out of the Wellington Airport in New Zealand can take advantage of taxicab transportation services. This airport offers an excellent taxi service with a modern fleet of vehicles directly from the airport's main gates. Each taxi driver is fully licensed and knows his or her way around the Wellington area with ease. There is no destination that these drivers are unable to find. Head to the baggage claim area to pick up a taxi and get to your desired destination. Taxicab operators located at the airport include Green Cabs, Wellington Combined Taxis, and Corporate Cabs.
By Shuttle
Groups of individuals who are traveling to the same destination such as a hotel or attraction, can take advantage of riding aboard the Super Shuttle. This method of transportation can also be found at the baggage claim area of Wellington Airport. Those who do not mind sharing a ride can take advantage of the affordable rates and discounts for shared-ride fares. This method of transportation is fast, efficient and takes you directly to your destination.
By Airport Flyer Bus
This Airport Flyer Bus is an express bus service that is available to board at the Wellington Airport. This bus service can be found at the far southern end of the main Wellington International Airport terminal. Buses typically run once every 15 minutes and will take visitors from the airport all the way to Upper Hutt. Make stops at Hutt Valley, the centre of Wellington, Queensgate, and then Lower Hutt. This public transportation service provides guests with comfortable leather seating, lots of legroom, excellent luggage racks, TV screens, and automatic stop announcements. Even take advantage of using the free wireless Internet access that is available aboard the bus.
By Car
There is no better way to see Wellington and additional areas of New Zealand than by driving through them yourself. Car rental services are available at the baggage claim area of the airport from major companies such as Thrifty Rental Cars, Hertz Rent a Car and Avis Rental Cars. Those who want to do their own touring while in Wellington may consider renting a car. Vehicles are available to rent in all models, sizes, and budgets. Rent a car for the whole family to fit in or choose something more sporty and stylish to show off in while in the country. Having your own car gets you to where you need to go, exactly when you need to be there.
Wellington Shopping
Old Bank Arcade
The Old Bank Arcade is one of the places for shopping near Wellington Airport, New Zealand. This shopping arcade in Wellington's Golden Mile shopping district has clothing stores and a few specialty stores. Women can purchase clothing at Andrea Moore and the Taylor Boutique. Workshop sells casual clothing for men, women, and children. I Love Paris offers women's shoes. Clothing, linens and items for the home are available at Wallace Cotton. Women can purchase personal care items such as shower gel, lotion, and moisturizer at L'OCCITANE. Chocoholics will be thrilled with the selection of handmade Belgian chocolates at de Spa Chocolatier. Travelers can take buses to all the shopping centers in the Golden Mile.
Capital on the Quay
Capital on the Quay is also in the Golden Mile. Stores here sell a variety of clothing and footwear. Suits and casual wear are available at Farrys. Casual wear is also sold at Line 7. Hannahs and Overland offer a wide variety of footwear. Footwear and handbags are available at Mi Piaci. People who enjoy cooking will appreciate the selection of kitchen items at The Homestore.
Kirkcaldie & Stains
Kirkcaldie & Stains is one of the department stores in the Golden Mile. Clothing and footwear for adults and children are sold here. Shoppers can also purchase accessories, toys, cosmetics, and jewelry. Novelty gifts sold here include puzzles, board games, and figurines. Shoppers can purchase wrapping paper, ribbons, and card to go with the gifts in the store's stationery department. Gift wrapping is available in the store.
Paper Plus
Paper Plus is one of the shops at Lambton Square in the Golden Mile. Books sold here include fiction and nonfiction for adults and children. The store also sells stationery. Other stores in Lambton Square sell clothing and accessories.
Cuba Street
Shoppers can take buses to Cuba Street. The six blocks of this street are lined on both sides with shops selling a variety of merchandise. Shoppers can purchase clothing and footwear at Farmers. This department store also sells cosmetics and accessories. Books, jewelry, gifts, and collectibles are available at smaller stores in this area.
The Warehouse
People who visit The Warehouse will find a variety of merchandise under one roof. This store sells clothing and accessories for men, women, and children. Readers can buy the latest bestsellers. Children will be thrilled with the selection of toys. Shoppers will also find decorative items and linens here. Shoppers can reach The Warehouse by bus.
Special Events in Wellington
Zealandia
One of Wellington's biggest festival/cultural events is Zealandia, a marvelous array of exhibits and entertainment dedicated to the natural history of New Zealand. The exhibits include prehistoric bird displays, the amazing sanctuary valley that houses many of the country's endangered species, and interactive gallery workshops where visitors can meet some of New Zealand's most prominent animal conservationists.
The exhibits have been on display at the new Zealandia display grounds, located north of the city center in the Karori district. Night tours can be arranged with reservations required. The exhibit and cultural events are just a 20-minute drive from Wellington International Airport.
Carter Observatory
National Geographic has teamed with city officials to present the Wildest Weather in the Solar System exhibit and workshops, held at the Carter Observatory. This event brings to life the extraordinary natural forces at work within the solar system. Visitors witness a 400-year-old hurricane on Jupiter, watch methane rain showers on Saturn's moon Titan, and fly through the thick atmosphere of Venus. The computer-generated visual effects are stunning. The event is ongoing and is open to the public. The Carter Observatory is located in the botanic gardens west of downtown Wellington.
Kermadec Exhibition
The exciting Kermadec exhibition is a collection of art and sculpture from several noted artists who sailed through the Kermadec waters north of New Zealand. The team visited some of the most remote and untouched natural areas in all of Oceania. The event is held at the City Gallery Wellington and includes exhibits from all of the artists who made the voyage. Paintings, poetry, and sculptures all come together at this exciting event, open daily to the public.
Italian Film Festival
The annual Italian Film Festival is one of Wellington's biggest, focusing on unseen independent films from the country of Italy. Film classifications include comedy, drama, and documentary. The event is held at several venues in and around downtown Wellington including the famous Paramount Theatre. Visitors can travel the 20 miles from Wellington International Airport by car or shuttle, stay at one of the downtown hotels, and take in as many as 20 films in less than three days.
Museum of New Zealand
The Museum of New Zealand is home to the Slice of Heaven cultural event. This is an assortment of exhibits, storytelling sessions, and short film presentations detailing the entire human history of New Zealand. Major themes include social diversity, the role of New Zealand during the Second World War, and the rights of minorities. The museum is located in downtown Wellington, just a short drive from the airport and train station.