Wellington Waterfront and Te Papa Museum
Once the centre of Wellington's bustling port, the Wellington Waterfront is one of the city's most distinctive and attractive precincts. Separating central city from sea, the Waterfront is home to many bars and restaurants, galleries and museums (including the wonderful Te Papa Tongarewa, see below), and a meeting place of choice for those just wanting to spend a couple of hours in the sun, be it reading a book, people watching or just going for a stroll.

Website: www.wellingtonwaterfront.co.nz

Te Papa Tongarewa (Museum of New Zealand)
Wellington's star attraction, Te Papa (affectionately known as ‘Our Place') has been described by the Washington Post as ‘one of the most ambitiously eclectic museums in the world'. A fascinating museum right on the harbour, there is no better place to learn about the country's culture, its history and its people. Don't miss it.

Cable Street, Waterfront
Tel: (04) 381 7000.
Website: www.tepapa.govt.nz
Free admission.

Wellington Botanical Garden and Cable Car
Take the cable car from Lambton Quay and spend half a day exploring over 25 hectares of exotic forests, native bush, colourful floral displays and gorgeous specialist gardens of Wellington Botanical Garden. Great views of the city can be had from the top of the hill. Don't miss the award-winning Lady Norwood Rose Garden and the historic Bolton Street Memorial Park, where many of the city's pioneers are buried. Gardens are open daily sunrise to sunset and entry is free.

Glenmore Street
Tel: (04) 499 1400.
Website: www.wbg.co.nz
Free admission.

Parliament Buildings
A visit to the capital city would not be complete without a visit to New Zealand's beautifully refurbished Parliament Buildings. Located in the historic suburb of Thorndon, the complex is made up of three architecturally distinctive buildings: the Edwardian neo-classical Parliament House, the Victorian gothic Parliamentary Library and the striking 1970s style Beehive building. Although much of these buildings are usually closed to the public it is possible to take a free guided tour to discover where New Zealand's politicians work.

Corner Lambton Quay & Molesworth Streets
Tel: (04) 471 9999/9503.
Website: www.ps.parliament.govt.nz
Free admission.

Wellington Zoo
Wellington Zoo is the oldest in the country (it opened in 1906) and is home to over 500 animals, including meerkats, red pandas, Malayan sun bears and Sumatran tigers. African, Asian and native wildlife (tuatara, kiwi, kea among them) are all well represented.

200 Daniel Street, Newtown
Tel: (04) 381 6750.
Website: www.wellingtonzoo.com
Admission charge.

Museum of Wellington City & Sea
The Museum of Wellington City & Sea is an excellent introduction to New Zealand's capital. The museum is housed in an 1892 warehouse and contains eight galleries over three floors with exhibits on the city's history, including interactive exhibits and short films about Wellington. There is also a 20th century gallery.

Queen's Wharf
Tel: (04) 472 8904.
Website: www.museumofwellington.co.nz
Free admission.

Old St Paul's
Constructed entirely of native timber in the mid 1850s, this is a fine example of 19th century gothic revival architecture adapted to colonial conditions and materials. The stunning wooden arches and stained-glass windows are particularly impressive. Various memorial items and displays tell the early history of Wellington. Tours by arrangement.

34 Mulgrave Street, Thorndon
Tel: (04) 473 6722.
Website: www.historic.org.nz/OldStPauls/History.html Free admission.