Wellington is New Zealand’s cool little capital.
With a great coastal location, surrounded by hills, and a popular cafe culture it’s a fantastic place to visit.
Couples will love strolling along the waterfront of the city, which has plenty to do but isn’t big or overwhelming.
Here are 21 of the best things for couples to do in Wellington.
1. Wine Tasting in Martinborough
Martinborough is only a 90 minute drive from Wellington, one of the best wine tasting regions in New Zealand.
Go on a private romantic date as you sample the finest wines.
Along the way, enjoy the natural scenery of Hutt River and Remutaka Ranges.
Stop at the summit for panoramic views of the region, perfect for capturing photos of your intimate date.
When you arrive in Martinborough, there are a few wineries to choose from.
We recommend Zozo Travel tours who know exactly which wineries offer the best value for your romantic date.
You can even organise bespoke private tours by contacting them directly.
Alternatively, for couples on their first date, a small group wine tour might be more appropriate!
Zozo Travel Group Tours
- Martinborough Winery Tour – Visit three of the best wineries in Martinborough.
- Martinborough Winery & Foodie Tour – Sampling wine, beer, cheese, olives and chocolate.
- Wine & Wild Coast Tour – Enjoy stunning scenery in the Kaitoke Regional Park and Remutaka Ranges, before tasting the best wine in Martinborough.
2. Romantic Helicopter Flight from Wellington
Splash out on a romantic helicopter flight with your loved one.
During the 15 minute flight you will see amazing views over the city and it’s dramatic coastline.
Attractions you will see from the air include the Beehive, Te Papa and Westpac Stadium.
On a clear day you will easily see the Marlborough Sounds on the South Island.
Also you will enjoy a stop off at a view point where you can enjoy a glass of bubbly.
Inclusions
- 15 minute flight.
- Glass of bubbly during a 15 minute stop at a scenic location.
3. Wellington Cable Car Ride
Wellington cable car is a one of the most romantic things to do in Wellington for couples.
Not only is it a historical attraction as it’s been running since 1902, it’s also a scenic one.
From the top you will have amazing views over Wellington harbor and inland to the beach side suburbs.
In addition, there is a small museum with one of the original carriages and it’s sloping seats.
Also, the cable car passes through the beautiful botanic gardens before reaching central Wellington.
Most sightseeing tours include a visit to the Cable Car, giving you plenty of options to visit it.
Wellington Cable Car details
- Address: 280 Lambton Quay, Wellington, 6011
- Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 7am – 10pm; Saturday 8:30am – 10pm; Sunday 8:30am – 9pm.
4. Wellington Hop-on Hop-Off Bus Tour
To see the best of wellington in a short time, a hop on hop off bus is the perfect choice.
Along with your partner you will visit 10 of the best places to visit in and around Wellington.
These include Zealandia bird sanctuary, where you can see Kiwi and other native birds.
Also visit the Beehive parliament buildings, Zoo, Cable car, Te Papa museum, Lady Norwood Rose Garden, and central Wellington.
The 90 minute minibus ride includes live commentary, and you can stop off at any of the attractions.
Inclusions
- Hop on hop off minibus tour.
- Live Commentary.
5. Wellington Romance on an Electric Bike
Hop on an e-bike for a scenic ride around Wellingtons beautiful coastline and viewpoints.
With wide pathways and scenic coastal roads, you will be able to relax and enjoy the sights.
Beginning at the waterfront, you will head past sights such as Te Papa.
Continue along past Oriental Bay, Wellingtons popular central beach.
Then follow a quiet, scenic coastal road along rugged coastline and small picturesque bays.
Stop at the popular chocolate fish cafe for an intimate drink and snack before heading up to a stunning viewpoint.
Finally return to wellington and Te Wharewaka o Pōneke, a Maori cultural building for an introduction to Maori culture.
Inclusions
- Bike helmet, and equipment hire.
- Tea or coffee at Chocolate Fish cafe.
- Guided bike tour.
6. Remutaka Rail Trail Cycle Tour
Couple history and beautiful countryside on a cycle tour of the Remutaka Rail trail.
During the 6 hour romantic trip you will travel through native forest, over bridges, through tunnels, and scenic farmland.
The tour is great for couples who enjoy seeing natural beauty and history.
Enjoy an intimate picnic lunch at the summit, with lovely views before descending to Cross Creek.
With a choice of mountain bikes or e-bikes, this tour is suitable for all levels of fitness.
Inclusions
- Transport, including hotel pick up and drop off.
- Bikes, helmets, and all equipment.
- Picnic Lunch, snacks, and water.
- Knowledgeable and friendly host.
7. Eastern Bays by Tandem Bike
Hop on a tandem bike and pedal together as you explore the eastern bays, across from Wellington Harbor.
You’ll be meeting at Pencarrow Bike shed.
From there, you can cycle the Pencarrow coastal trail.
At Pencarrow head you can see the 2 lighthouses built to warn ships of the peninsula.
The first, built at the top, couldn’t be seen in heavy fog so a second was built on the shore line.
There are also pretty lakes and historic WWII bunkers to see.
Alternatively, cycle back along the scenic coastal road towards Eastbourne and the beautiful bays there.
Inclusions
- 2 or 4 hour rental (choose 4 hours for the lakes, bunkers and light houses)
- Tandem bike hire, helmets, and necessary equipment.
8. Wellington Walking Tour
Wellington is a small capital, which makes it perfect for exploring on foot.
Join a guided walking tour of the city centre you will see many highlights of Wellington.
Some popular tours will take you around for food tasting so you can try all the local cuisines.
Alternatively, for movie enthusiasts, check out the Weta Cave Workshop to see props from Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit trilogies.
Along the way marvel at interesting street art and enjoy the cool cafe vibes.
This is an ideal date for couples to explore the city like a local.
9. Lord of the Rings Tour
New Zealand was the perfect place to film the famous Lord of The Rings Trilogy.
With beautiful forest, stunning mountains and open plains, natural New Zealand is amazing.
Much of the filming was done in and around Wellington, so LOTR fans will love discovering the movie locations.
Even if you are not a huge fan, these are beautiful places to visit, and you will learn insider knowledge about the movies.
The half day tour includes Mount Victoria look out and various movie locations.
It will also stop at the Weta Workshop which created the costumes, props and effects from the movies.
Alternatively choose the full day to include a LOTR themed lunch, and visit Rivendell, Helms Deep and Minas Tirath movie locations.
Inclusions
- Local pick up and drop off.
- Weta Workshop admission and tour.
- Local guide.
- Native forest walk.
10. Weta Cave Workshop
The WETA workshop is home to movie special effects and well worth a visit for movie buffs and LOTR fans.
Famous for their work making costumes, props, and effects for LOTR and the Hobbit movies.
Other popular movies they have worked on include Thunderbird’s, The Chronicles of Narnia and District 9.
However LOTR remains their most popular movie, and during the tour you will discover more about their work.
If you want to find out more about how they create such awesome costumes and props, take your date to the sculpting workshop.
Inclusions
- 45 minute Weta cave tour.
- Sculpting Workshop (if chosen)
Book Tour Sculpting Workshop Official Site
11. Wellington Food Trip
Wellington is known for its coffee culture and craft beer, so it’s the perfect place for a food tour.
Choose a 5 or 7 hour tour to visit the best cafes and sample some delicious craft beer that Wellington has to offer.
Rub shoulders with locals as you visit popular foodie places.
The small group tour (8 people max) is perfect for couples wanting to taste Wellingtons fantastic food.
In addition, the 7 hour tour includes visit to a cheese importer and spice shop.
If you both love trying new food, this is an ideal option for a romantic time in Wellington.
Inclusions
- Hotel pick up, drop off, and transport by minivan.
- Food tastings and bottled water.
- Local guide.
12. Seal Colony Tour
One of new Zealand’s iconic animals is the New Zealand Fur seal.
Luckily, they can be seen in many places around New Zealand, including Wellington’s dramatic, rocky coastline.
After pick up you will drive through Wellington to the rural coast and TeraWhiti Station.
This is a historical sheep and beef farm still operating today.
To reach it, you will embark in a 4WD along rocky coastline and go around scenic headlands.
On a clear day you may get views of the South Island as well as the seal colonies.
Inclusions
- Hotel pick up, drop off and transport.
- Local guide.
- Snack, tea or coffee and bottled water.
13. Palliser Bay and Coastal Delights
Visit local rural New Zealand in this off the beaten track romantic tour.
Highlights include the largest fur seal colony on the North Island, Cape Palliser Light house and Lake Ferry.
Enjoy a scenic drive from Wellington through Lower Hutt and Upper Hutt.
Along the way stop off at Kaitoke regional park, and see LOTR movie locations in the native forest.
Continue through the impressive Rimutaka and Tararua ranges, through rural towns to Lake Ferry Settlement.
Enjoy lunch at the fantastic inn, famous for it’s ‘Fish n’ chips’.
Next travel to Cape Palliser bay to see the seal colony, and if you choose, climb the steps to the light house for stunning views.
On your return enjoy a stop at Martinborough and visit to one of the many wineries.
Inclusions
- Hotel pick up, drop off, and transport.
- Lunch at Lake Ferry.
- Wine tasting.
14. Zealandia by Night
Zealandia is an oasis in the city, a sanctuary for native wildlife, many of which are nocturnal.
A night tour is one of the best ways to experience local wildlife in its natural habitat (and it’s incredibly romantic).
Begin your evening with a short film at the visitor centre.
During your night tour follow your guide through the valley and native forest.
Along the way look out for little spotted kiwi and other native nocturnal wildlife.
As the sanctuary is completely predator free you have a good chance of seeing Kiwi in its natural habitat.
Inclusions
- Entry to Zelandia
- Guided night walk with torches provided.
15. Overnight Stay in Kapiti Island
Kiwi birds are New Zealand’s iconic native bird.
Kapiti Island is one of the best places to see them in the wild, as it’s one of the oldest and largest pest free sanctuaries.
Choose when to catch your ferry, returning at the same time the following day.
During the day you can explore the trails on the Island, which range from an easy 1 hour track to steeper longer trails.
In the evening enjoy a quiet, intimate meal at the lodge, specially prepared with local ingredients.
After dinner, embark on a Kiwi spotting nocturnal stroll with a guide.
Away from light pollution you will experience a magical stroll looking for nocturnal wildlife under the stars.
Inclusions
- Return ferry transport.
- All meals and refreshments at the lodge.
- choice of accommodation (cabin, tent).
- Evening Kiwi spotting tour.
- Evening of food, wine and conversation with local Maori family.
16. New Zealand Scenic Farm Experience
Farming is a huge part of rural life in New Zealand, and a great way to experience New Zealand.
Only 20 minutes from Wellington is a stunning farm with amazing sea views and variety of animals.
During your visit you can feed wild horses, pet sheep and see cattle.
In addition you can feed eels and visit a 111 meter tall wind turbine which helps power the city.
Included in your tour is a complimentary afternoon tea at the shepherds cabin.
Inclusions
- Entry to Ohariu Valley Equestrian Centre
- Snacks, tea/coffee and bottled water.
17. Adrenalin Forest Obstacle Course
The Adrenalin forest is an awesome activity for fearless, adventure loving couples.
Test your skills through a course of various challenges and obstacles in Wellington’s Adrenalin Forest.
With over 100 challenges at 7 height levels, you will have plenty to tackle.
As you progress through the course, each obstacle will get harder.
Complete the challenge by climbing, swinging and jumping at heights of up to 20 meters.
Inclusions
- Entry to theme park
- Safety equipment and instructions.
18. Space Place at Carter Observatory
See Wellingtons starry night skies at the Carter Observatory.
Located in the beautiful botanic gardens overlooking the city you will find Wellingtons Observatory.
Gaze at the stars including the Southern Cross, which is on New Zealand’s national flag.
As well as seeing the stars of the Southern Hemisphere learn about astronomy.
Including solar flares and cosmic hurricanes, your guide will help you discover space.
Share a magical romantic evening of stargazing with your loved one at this popular couples attraction.
19. Wellington Botanic Garden
Head to Wellington Botanical Gardens for some peace and serenity.
Stroll along the paths with your partner through native plants as well as exotic ones.
There are several different areas, including the peace gardens, rose gardens and sculpture trail.
Choose weather to take a picnic and find a quiet spot or visit the cafe.
With 62 acres to explore there is lots of see in this intimate and romantic Botanical Gardens.
Wellington Botanical Gardens details
- Address: 101 Glenmore St, Kelburn, Wellington.
- Opening hours: Daily 24 hours.
20. Cuba Street Stroll
Cuba Street is popular with locals and visitors for its chic vibe.
Part of the street is pedestrian only, which is great for exploring Wellingtons culture.
With plenty of chic cafes, funky bars and boutique shops, a stroll down Cuba street is perfect for soaking up Wellingtons hipster vibe.
Also you are likely to see buskers and street performers.
Whether you visit during the day or at night it’s a great place for a romantic wonder and see local culture.
21. Te Papa Museum
No visit to Wellington is complete without a visit to Te Papa, reputedly New Zealand’s best museum.
With multiple levels and areas, it’s everything a museum should be.
As well as wildlife both native and exotic, discover nature and volcanoes.
Also learn about Maori history and culture, including ancient weapons and the treaty of Whitianga.
In addition, there is an outside area with native plants.
Choose to visit independently for free, or take an introductory tour to see the highlights.
Wellington is a small, vibrant, fun city to explore and discover.
With a cool cafe, craft beer and artisan food culture, its a brilliant place to stroll the streets soaking up the romantic atmosphere.
As well as it’s beautiful coastal location and all that it has to offer, there are scenic inland areas and islands to explore.
Alternatively head on a thrill seeking adventure or sightseeing activity bike ride.
In addition, there is lots of LOTR and the Hobbit film locations around for movie fans to discover.
With so much to see and do it’s a great city for couples to explore
How will you see it?!
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