Local Attractions and Activities in Wellington, New Zealand

Cinema

5 Park Road Miramar, 04 388 5555 The Roxy Cinema complex now houses two luxurious state-of-the-art cinemas, the 60-seat licensed Coco at the Roxy restaurant and café (with stunning interior features created by the extraordinary team at Weta Workshop). The cinema began life as The Capitol Theatre in 1928, before being converted into a shopping mall, Capitol Court, in the late 1960s.

The Roxy Cinema is co-owned by some of Wellington’s most dynamic and creative residents: Oscar-winning editor Jamie Selkirk and wife Ann, Weta Workshop founders Tania Rodger and Sir Richard Taylor, local foodies Valentina and Daminda Dias. All are passionate about film, food, and Wellington!

The Roxy Cinema is open seven days a week from 9 am to late.

It is open all year round (only shutting for Christmas Day) and doesn’t charge public holiday surcharges.

55 Cable St, Te Aro, Wellington (10min drive)

Te Papa is New Zealand’s national museum, renowned for being bicultural, scholarly, innovative, and fun for all age groups. The success of the museum is built from relationships with an ability to represent the community.

Their collections span five areas: Art, History, Pacific, Mâori, and Natural Environment. With exhibitions that are interactive, it is a great place to visit while exploring the countries history in Wellington. Te Papa is located on Wellington's waterfront. Open every day from 10 am to 6 pm and until 9 pm on Thursdays. General admission is free.

1 Weka St, Miramar, Wellington (7min drive)

Located in Miramar, Weta Workshop is a multi-award winning conceptual design and physical manufacturing facility servicing the world's entertainment and creative industries.

The Weta Cave provides a behind-the-scenes look at Weta and screens interviews with Weta co-founders Peter Jackson, Richard Taylor, Tania Rodger, and Jamie Selkirk. You will be given an exclusive insight into the creativity and imagination that goes into crafting the art of Weta. In Weta's mini-museum, you come face to face with some of the characters, props, and displays from your favorite movies. Read the stories of how they were brought to life and learn about the artists who created them. Entry to the Weta Cave with its museum and film screening is absolutely free. You can also purchase from a wide range of Weta related movie and TV merchandise they have on display. Tours run every half an hour from 10 am to 5 pm, 7 days a week.

Visit scenic locations used during filming for the RINGS movies.

A full day tour includes 9 locations, Orc sized picnic lunch at Rivendell, a souvenir map and a storytelling guide bringing to life the making of LOTR. Explore with New Zealand's best location tour.

200 Daniell St, Newtown, Wellington (7min drive)

Check out the animals at Wellington Zoo, New Zealand’s first zoo.

The zoo sits on 13 hectares in Wellington city’s green town belt. Ranging from endangered species to New Zealand native wildlife, it provides natural habitat environments for all of its animals. The zoo is also actively involved in international captive breeding programs for both native & exotic endangered species. The zoo is open daily from 9:30 am - 5 pm, except Christmas Day. There are keeper/ guide talks of different animals starting from 10 am each day. Check the Zoo entrance board for locations & time.

Waiapu Road, Karori, Wellington (23min drive)

Throughout the year experience the wonders of New Zealand's native forest at night.

This two-hour guided tour encompasses the dusk chorus then the distinctive calls of the morepork, weak, and New Zealand's treasure, the little spotted kiwi. The sound echoing through the valley, while stargazing and enjoying the extensive glowworm show, is truly a unique opportunity. Added to this if you're really lucky, there is always the possibility of seeing a kiwi! An absolute must do for every nature lover.