Exploring Downtown Wellington on Foot
Downtown Wellington, located in one of the few flat areas of Wellington, is compact yet vibrant, with a rich urban experience. Exploring this area on foot allows you to fully appreciate its historical and cultural landmarks.
Thorndon and Government Precinct
Begin your exploration in Thorndon, the original heart of Wellington. Visit the Katherine Mansfield House on Tinakori Street to immerse yourself in a history dating back over 100 years.
Cross the motorway at Hobson Street and stroll through the scenic Katherine Mansfield Memorial Park to reach Hill Road. This path leads you into the government precinct, home to the iconic Beehive and Parliament buildings. Nearby, you can take short detours to the relatively modern Cathedral of St Paul and the historic Old St Paul’s, a wooden cathedral from the 1860s. Opposite the modern cathedral, the National Library houses the He Tohu exhibit, showcasing the Declaration of Independence (He Whakaputanga), the Treaty of Waitangi, and the Women’s Suffrage Petition.
If you are interested, you can go inside the Parliament Building. After that, continue to the Central Railway Station and Old Government House. Then, head up Bowen Street to the City to the Sea Walkway. This path crosses the motorway to the Boulton Street Cemetery, now a historical site with beautiful gardens overlooking the city.
At the cemetery's summit, you'll find the Dick Seddon memorial, dedicated to an early prime minister who famously described New Zealand as "god’s own country," which was later abbeviated as "Godzone." Continue along the Walkway to the historic observatory and the Botanic Gardens, where you can enjoy various walks. Aim to end your garden tour at the cable car station on the south side, near the centre of Te Herenga Waka / Victoria University.
Shopping and Dining
Take the cable car down to Lambton Quay, the heart of Wellington's commercial and shopping district. From there, head south to Willis Street, then follow Manners Street to Courtenay Place and Cuba Street, known for their dining and bar scenes. At the southern end of Cuba Street, head east alongside State Highway 1 to reach the Pukeahu National War Memorial.
Waterfront Walk and Cultural Highlights
For a different route, walk along the harbour waterfront from the Railway Station to Te Papa, New Zealand's national museum. Then, follow Tory Street south to the war memorial. On your return, stroll through Cuba Street for a well-deserved break.
Getting to Downtown Wellington
You can easily access Downtown Wellington by car or public transport, with the Central Railway Station as a hub. If you're driving, there are several parking options available in the city centre.
Going a few minutes drive beyond Downtown, you can also explore Oriental Bay and Mount Victoria, Zealandia and Wilton Bush.
