Wellington is a hilly city, so expect to do a lot of walking. Be sure to pack comfortable shoes because nothing ruins an adventure quite like ill-fitting footwear and blisters! The rest of your packing list will depend on the time of year you plan travel and your proposed itinerary.

Compact but incredibly diverse, the hardest part will be trying to narrow down your to-do list. Some of Wellington's urban highlights include Martinborough, a tiny town famous for wining and dining, and Petone, a seaside suburb with a lively atmosphere and plenty to explore. Greytown is a quaint historic town known for its Victorian architecture, while nature lovers will be drawn to the rural town of Ōtaki (for its excellent hiking) and Kāpiti Island, a nature reserve that is home to some of New Zealand's most endangered birds and marine life. Of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg, Wellington is bursting with incredible places.

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If it’s blissful sun-drenched days and outdoor festivals you seek, summer (December to February) is prime time. The autumn months (March to May) are relatively mild, making them ripe for outdoor adventures including hiking and exploring Wellington’s stunning scenery. Winter (June to August) is traditionally cold and windy with rainfall likely, so unless you plan to spend most of your time indoors by the fire, perhaps wait until spring (September to November) when things thaw out a little and the city is blooming with cherry blossoms.

Wellington is renowned for its creative heart, so be sure to spend some time wandering around the city or riding the Wellington Cable Car taking it all in. For incredible views over the city, head to Mount Victoria Lookout, and foodies, be sure to visit Hannahs Laneway to sample some local culinary delights. In need of a pick-me-up? You’re in luck, Wellington is New Zealand’s coffee capital so there are plenty of good brews (of the caffeine kind as well as the beer kind) to be found. The Lord of the Rings fans can step into Middle-earth and on a movie tour, and for a dose of culture, head to the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. Wine lovers, just one hour’s drive from Wellington is where you will find Wairarapa, one of New Zealand’s most loved wine regions. Bottoms up!

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