3 Days in Wellington, New Zealand
New Zealand

3-Day Wellington Itinerary

The full day-by-day plan is below, stop by stop, with timings. Follow it, or copy it and make it yours.

3 Days
1 Itinerary

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The itinerary

3 days in Wellington, day by day

A real plan from a traveler on Packy AI, copied by 2 other travelers. Follow it as it is, or copy it and change anything.

Day 1: Mount Victoria Lookout and Nairn Street Cottage

  1. Mount Victoria Lookout

    Mount Victoria Lookout offers stunning panoramic views of Wellington and its surrounding landscapes, perfect for photography and nature walks.

    1 to 2 hoursFree
  2. Nairn Street Cottage

    Nairn Street Cottage is Wellington's oldest wooden house, displaying Victorian life in a stunningly restored setting.

    1-2 hoursNZD 10 for adults, children free
  3. Wellington Cable Car

    The Wellington Cable Car offers stunning views of the city and access to the beautiful Botanic Garden.

    1 hourAdult: NZD 4.00, Child: NZD 2.00
  4. Katherine Mansfield House & Garden

    This charming house was the birthplace of renowned author Katherine Mansfield, offering a glimpse into her life and literary genius.

    1-2 hoursNZD 10 per adult, NZD 5 per child

Day 2: Otari-Wilton's Bush and Zealandia

  1. Otari-Wilton's Bush

    Otari-Wilton's Bush is unique as New Zealand's only public native botanic garden, showcasing diverse native flora in a tranquil bush setting.

    2 to 3 hoursFree Entry
  2. Zealandia

    Zealandia is a groundbreaking eco-sanctuary that showcases New Zealand's unique wildlife and conservation efforts in a stunning natural landscape.

    2 to 3 hoursAdults: NZD 19, Children (5-17 years): NZD 9, Family Pass: NZD 45
  3. Cuba Street

    Cuba Street is a vibrant cultural hub known for its eclectic mix of food, art, and street performances, embodying Wellington's creative spirit.

    2-4 hoursFree; costs vary for food and individual attractions.
  4. Weta Workshop

    Weta Workshop is a world-renowned special effects and prop studio, known for its work on films like 'The Lord of the Rings' and 'Avatar'.

    2-3 hoursVarious tours starting from NZD 30 to NZD 100 depending on options chosen.

Day 3: Red Rocks Reserve and St. James Theatre

  1. Red Rocks Reserve

    Red Rocks Reserve offers breathtaking coastal views and a chance to see seals in their natural habitat.

    2-3 hoursFree
  2. St. James Theatre

    A beautifully restored theatre showcasing stunning architecture and historical significance in Wellington's performing arts scene.

    1.5 to 2 hoursVaries by event; typically between NZD 20 - NZD 120
  3. Oriental Bay

    This picturesque beach features stunning views of Wellington Harbour, vibrant beach culture, and a scenic promenade ideal for relaxation and recreation.

    2-3 hoursFree
  4. Matiu/Somes Island

    This unique sanctuary offers stunning views, rich biodiversity, and insights into New Zealand's conservation efforts.

    3-5 hoursFree (ferry fare applies)

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Planning guide

What 3 days in Wellington looks like

3 days in Wellington gives you the perfect balance of must-see attractions and authentic local experiences. You'll have time to explore the famous landmarks, wander through charming neighbourhoods, and discover hidden gems that most tourists miss, all at a relaxed pace.

You'll experiencehidden gemstop attractions

Must-see attractions

Wellington's iconic landmarks and the hidden gems worth your time.

Local cuisine

Where to eat authentic New Zealand food, from street spots to standouts.

A plan that flows

Day-by-day routes that keep travel time low and your days full.

Best experiences

Built around hidden gems and top attractions.

Built from 1 real traveler itineraries on Packy, copied 2 times by travelers. Last updated September 2026.

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3-Day Wellington itineraries

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Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about spending 3 days in Wellington

Yes. The plan on this page fits 12 stops into 3 days, about 4 a day. Travelers on Packy have planned Wellington trips from 2 to 4 days.

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