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2 nights, 3 days

Wellington 3-Day Itinerary (2 Nights)

A 3-day route through Wellington grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

Distances are straight-line, so actual transit times will differ. Feel free to reorder the stops. · Updated August 15, 2026

The whole route at a glance

Map and place data © OpenStreetMap contributors Lines are straight connections, not actual routes.

DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3

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1

DAY 1

Around Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa · Museums & galleries·Culture & venues

Directions in Google Maps
  1. Morning
    Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

    Museums & galleries

    The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa is the country's national museum, located on Cable Street in Wellington. It brings New Zealand's history and culture together under one roof.

  2. After lunch
    St James Theatre

    Culture & venues · 0.3 km from the previous stop

    A large performance venue on Courtenay Place in central Wellington, home to the Royal New Zealand Ballet. Built in 1912, the theatre still hosts a wide range of performances today.

  3. Afternoon
    Opera House

    Culture & venues · 0.3 km from the previous stop

    The Opera House is a theatre on Manners Street in Wellington, facing Te Aro Park. It's a great venue for enjoying New Zealand's leading stage performances.

  4. Evening
    Te Ngākau Civic Square

    Parks & gardens · 0.3 km from the previous stop

    A square located between downtown Wellington and the Te Aro entertainment district, a good place to pause while getting around the city. It's an open space right in the heart of downtown.

2

DAY 2

Around Sacred Heart Cathedral · Temples & religious sites·Museums & galleries

Directions in Google Maps
  1. Morning
    Sacred Heart Cathedral

    Temples & religious sites

    Sacred Heart Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral on Hill Street in Wellington, serving as the seat of the Archdiocese of Wellington. It's close to the New Zealand Parliament Buildings, making it easy to combine both on a walking tour.

  2. After lunch
    Wellington Cathedral of St Paul

    Temples & religious sites · 0.1 km from the previous stop

    An Anglican cathedral in Wellington's Thorndon district, near the Parliament Buildings. It's a peaceful place to explore the chapel.

  3. Afternoon
    Old St Paul's

    Temples & religious sites · 0.2 km from the previous stop

    Consecrated in 1866, this historic Wellington church stands in the Pipitea district near Parliament. It showcases colonial-era Gothic Revival architecture.

  4. Evening
    Katherine Mansfield Birthplace

    Museums & galleries · 0.7 km from the previous stop

    The childhood home and garden of Katherine Mansfield, one of New Zealand's foremost writers. Located in the Thorndon neighborhood of Wellington, it's a heritage-listed building open for visits.

3

DAY 3

Around Wellington Zoo · Zoos & aquariums·Nature

Directions in Google Maps
  1. Morning
    Wellington Zoo

    Zoos & aquariums

    A zoo set in the green hills above downtown Wellington, opened in 1906. With its long history, it's a favorite among families.

  2. After lunch
    Evans Bay

    Nature · 2.3 km from the previous stop

    Evans Bay is a bay in Wellington Harbour, located between the Miramar Peninsula and Hataitai. Once home to an international flying boat terminal, it's now a great spot for a peaceful waterfront walk.

  3. Afternoon
    Embassy Theatre

    Culture & venues · 2.5 km from the previous stop

    A theatre at the eastern end of Courtenay Place in Wellington, at the foot of Mount Victoria. Opened in 1924, it has been renovated several times and still operates as a cinema today.

  4. Evening
    St Gerard's Church and Monastery

    Temples & religious sites · 0.6 km from the previous stop

    This church and monastery sit atop Mount Victoria in Wellington and are considered one of the city's landmark sights. Recognized for their historical value, they have been registered as a heritage site.

Where to stay for this itinerary

Around Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, the anchor of day one. Staying here keeps your first day's travel shortest.

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Tours & tickets for this itinerary

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