Wellington Attractions

Te Papa - New Zealand's fun filled museum

Advantages: Fun, educational, entertaining, hands on
Disadvantages: Very big (can't see it all), can't take pictures of exhibits

Te Papa Tongarewa museum ("Te Papa" or "Our Place" for short) is New Zealand's national museum and is right in the heart of Wellington next to the docks. If you only have time to visit one thing in Wellington, visit Te Papa. Many of the collections are online, so if you can't make it all the way to New Zealand, then have a look at the web pages instead. Originally dating from 1992 (or 1998 for the present incarnation in its iconic building), this ...
...earthquakes). I've been to Te Papa twice - once in November 2006 and once in April 2009, and so can recommend firsthand that it is worth going again even if you've already been - there were quite a lot of new exhibits that weren't there the previous time that I went. The most exciting of these new exhibitions was the colossal squid - it's worth going to see this alone. You get to see the preserved squid itself, as well as learning about its origin, ...

beckyXX 27.09.2009 · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Te Papa Tongarewa (Museum of New Zealand), Wellington

Hanging Gardens of Wellington

Advantages: Nice stroll, good plants
Disadvantages: Steep

...free afternoon to spend in Wellington (New Zealand's capital city), then I strongly recommend the Botanic Garden for its plants, scenic views and pleasant strolls. For everyone else, I'd still recommend it, but only after you have taken your fill of the Te Papa museum (which is my number one "must-see" recommendation for Wellington). The gardens span some 25 hectares and if you are anything like me, they will fill as much time as you have to spare ...
...gardens and Lambton Quay. The Wellington Cable Car is the subject of another planned review, so for now I'll just recommend it strongly for its scenery and quaintness as being a good way of getting there! Plus at NZD$5 for a return trip (about £2-£2.50), it won't break the bank. There are many additional entrances and exits to the gardens, so if you have driven there, take good care that you remember exactly where you have left the car so you don't ...

beckyXX 28.12.2009 · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Wellington Botanic Gardens

Family day out at Wellington Zoo

Advantages: Well planned for families
Disadvantages: On a hill so be fit

...programmes which go on at Wellington Zoo and this augurs well for some of the species which need a little help from man. I've taken my children and grandchildren to Wellington Zoo and over the years it has improved hugely. They've all loved the little train which takes you around the lake and gives a glimpse into the world of the wild-foul. Keen photographers will be happy-snappy with the digital camera when peeking into the mere-cats arena, get ...
...it costs to go to Wellington Zoo nowadays but I do think any money you spend on taking the family there will be a good investment. Get to Wellington Zoo by bus, which runs from the centre of the city , but if you take the car, be prepared to walk a way to get to the entrance. Wellington is New Zealand's capital city, it's slogan is ABSOLUTELY POSITIVE. Its zoo is quite honestly an Absolutely neat place where there is a POSITIVE effort to find a ...

Writing321 14.08.2005 · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of Wellington Zoo, Wellington

Eagle eye views of the prettiest capital city

Advantages: unbeatable panoramic views of the capital
Disadvantages: bit of a climb if you walk up

Whilst in Wellington, I had the lucky fortune to actually live on the side of Mt. Victoria. As a country that values its high seismic activity as an asset, it is not surprising that even the capital city makes way for a number of hills, the most prominent and well-known being Mt Victoria, to the East Side of the City. It stands at 196m in height, and it is a must-see for anyone interested in getting a great view of the city centre, the beautiful ...
...regions of the city, and indeed, the very scarily positioned aiport! I made a number of trips to the summit, both in the daytime and at night, and there is a nice manmade viewpoint with telescopes, a cannon and a giant sundial sculpture. On a clear day you can see to the south island, and if the sun is shining the twinkling blue waters of the harbour next to the shadowed bumps of the hills make a picture postcard view. Children and big kids alike ...

heathertastic77 02.09.2006 · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of Mount Victoria, Wellington

The Museum

Advantages: Lots to see and do, brilliant garden to explore outside. Plan for two half day visits to get most out of it. And its FREE.
Disadvantages: On 2nd floor have to pay to 'experience' rides. Maori folk tale rather than scientific facts.

Had a Lord of the Rings expo on at the same time - informative, however, ends on April 20th 2006, worth a visit if it tours around. The rides which can be experienced on the second floor are to go with; Past Future Not scientifically based, however, are fun for the kids. Not worth an adult going on them alone. They were about $14 per adult to go on both rides. Could also experience for payment; a bungy jump sheep sheering water skiing on ...
...at the time. It was $6 for the bungy jump experience, and then either $2 or $3 for the others. Shop inside the museum which compared with other shops, was ok value for money. Museum does not open till 10am in the morning ! Museum right on the harbour front. We tend to walk everywhere anyway, so walked around town, and to the harbour. You'll have to get a taxi or bus from the airport as too far into town - taxi approximate cost = $25 to $30. ...

13283 26.04.2006 · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful
Review of Te Papa Tongarewa (Museum of New Zealand), Wellington