Wellington

Exploring the Cool Capital of New Zealand

We arrived in Wellington and checked back into the familiar comfort of a QT, this time QT Wellington. The hotel’s location is ideal—just on the edge of the CBD, close to the waterfront, a Pak'n'Save, and the main strip of restaurants and shops.

Wellington's Unique Vibe

Wellington surprised us with its atmosphere, a blend of San Francisco, Melbourne, and a distinctly New Zealand flair. Known for its creative and compact city design, Wellington boasts a mix of modern and historic architecture, with charming Victorian wooden houses alongside sleek, urban structures. The compact layout makes it an incredibly walkable city, adding to its relaxed, artsy feel.

Views from the Victoria Lookout

We started our exploration by driving up to Victoria Lookout. Located on Mount Victoria, this spot provides panoramic views of the city, Wellington Harbour, and even the South Island on a clear day. The lookout is a popular destination and a great way to get a feel for the city’s unique geography, which is surrounded by hills and coastline.

Wellington Cable Car & Botanical Gardens

After a lunch stop along the waterfront, we hopped on the Wellington Cable Car. Running since 1902, this historic cable car takes you from Lambton Quay to the hilltop suburb of Kelburn, offering wonderful views over the city. The top station leads directly to the Wellington Botanical Gardens, where we roamed through beautifully curated landscapes and native flora, taking in the tranquility.

Evening Back at the QT

After a full day of exploring, we returned to QT Wellington, where we spent the evening enjoying some drinks at the bar and fitting in a bit of wedding planning. We ended our night with a relaxed takeaway meal, perfectly capping off the day.

Morning at Lyall Bay

The next morning, we headed out to explore Wellington’s rugged back beaches and found ourselves at Lyall Bay. This popular surf spot offers a wild coastal view and an atmosphere of classic Kiwi beach culture. We grabbed breakfast at Maranui Cafe, located in a historic lifesaving/rowing house overlooking the water. With its laid-back vibe and hearty food, Maranui was the perfect spot to start the day.

After a bit more exploring (and seriously considering whether Wellington might just be the place to live), we caught a short flight to Christchurch to continue our journey.