Attractions

Wellington for Free

Take in the Scenery from Mount Victoria: Take a leisurely drive to the top and enjoy the spectacular views in all directions, or allow an hour or so to walk up the well-marked tracks, enjoy the sights, and return down a different route.

Savor Botanic Beauty: Enjoy the lush greenbelt in the heart of the city. Check out the Carter Observatory and the sculptures in the gardens.

Explore Te Papa: Don't overlook the possibility that one visit to the stunning Te Papa National Museum of New Zealand simply may not be enough!

Tour the Beehive: Hope that a Parliamentary session coincides with your visit and stay and listen to the debates. Enjoy the artwork, too.

Wander Along Oriental Parade: Amble along the waterfront, enjoying the architecture, the cafes, the views, and the buzz of activity as Wellingtonians race past on in-line skates and bikes.

Get Wet in the Bucket Fountain: A popular city landmark since 1969 when it was unveiled as the centerpiece of the new Cuba Mall, the fountain surprises, soaks, and delights adults, children, and dogs alike.

Especially for Kids

If you're ready to let the kids loose, head for Capital E, Civic Square, Victoria Street (tel. 04/913-3720; www.capitale.org.nz), daily from 10am to 5pm. This wonderful place combines a varied program of exhibitions, events, and theater especially designed for families. It's all about fun, entertainment, and education. Call for current programs and admission prices.

Lollipop's Playland & Café, Level 1, Wellington Trade Centre, Victoria and Ghuznee streets (tel. 04/384-4466; www.lollipops.co.nz), is another Inner City fantasyland that has been created to entertain children up to age 12. It has a merry-go-round, a model racetrack, indoor basketball, a bowling alley, dress-up clothes, climbing frames, and facilities for drawing and collage-making. Best of all is a maze of tubular staircases and slides that ends in a sea of over 11,000 plastic balls. Children need to be supervised, or you can hire a "playcarer" to make sure the kids are safe while you enjoy a break in the cafe. Admission is NZ$10 (US$7.10/£3.60) for ages 3 to 11; NZ$7 (US$5/£2.50) for ages 12 months to 23 months. They're open Monday through Friday 9:30am to 5:30pm and weekends 9:30am to 6pm.

Story Place, at Te Papa, Cable Street (tel. 04/381-7000; www.tepapa.govt.nz), is a magical world of dress-ups, storytelling, songs, and art activities for children 5 years and under. There are daily 45-minute sessions from 10:15am to 4:30pm and admission is NZ$4 (US$2.85/£1.45). Tickets can be purchased at Te Papa's Information Desk on Level 2 of the museum.

Older kids will get a buzz out of Wet & Wild, Frank Kitts Park, The Waterfront (tel. 04/235-9796), where they can let loose on in-line skates, in paddleboats, or on water bikes. It's open daily December through February, weather permitting.