WellingtonSee & Do
Two smiling people sit on a wooden bench petting a lemur during a Close Encounter experience at Wellington Zoo.

Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo

The first carboNZero-certified zoo in the world, Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo puts conservation at the centre of everything it does.

Set into the hills of the city-fringe suburb of Newtown, Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo is a thoroughly modern institution dedicated to conservation and sustainability. From solving a lion’s itchy ears to keeping native penguins well-fed, the team of veterinarians and keepers know how to keep animals happy and put their welfare first.

A red panda eating out of a person's hand during a Close Encounter at Wellington Zoo.
Two giraffes at Wellington Zoo.
A close-up of a lion's face.
The chimpanzee enclosure at Wellington Zoo.
A snow leopard lies on a rock at the Wellington Zoo.

Walking around the 13-hectare zoo, you’ll see a happy group of well-looked-after creatures in habitats designed for their specific needs. The staff at Wellington Zoo prioritise animal welfare in everything they do. With more than 500 animals on site, the keepers have their hands full.

There’s always plenty to take in when you visit. See a gibbon hanging from a tree or a lion basking in the sun. Spy native birds like kea soaring overhead in their free-flight habitat, or hop into the Australian precinct, where kangaroos roam.

Two people use sticks to scratch capibaras during a close encounter experience at Wellington Zoo.

A close-up experience

Visitors to Wellington Zoo can book an experience behind the scenes as well. The Close Encounters programme allows you to meet a wide range of animals. You’re joined by a specialist Zookeeper. They will share their knowledge of the animals, answer your questions, and keep you safe. There are 12 encounters to choose from, including otters, ring-tailed lemurs, tigers, and sun bears. Some allow the animals to interact with you (capybara), while in others, you get to prepare for feeding time (snow leopards).

Leading the sustainability pack

Wellington Zoo’s commitment to making the world a better place goes beyond its animal programmes. It is consistently recognised as a leader in sustainability. This is a thread that runs through everything it does, down to the staff uniform suppliers and the souvenirs sold in the gift shop.

Wellington Zoo is also the world’s first Toitū carboNZero certified zoo, meaning it’s officially carbon neutral. It’s programmes like this that make Wellington Zoo so wonderful. Everything it does respects the natural environment, animal welfare, sustainability, and conservation. Setting an example for visitors and locals alike.

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The interior of Seashor Cabaret, a diner located on The Esplanade and Sidney Street in Petone, with four vintage arcade games, two taxidermy deer heads on the wall, two large tables with eight chairs each and three wood booths with eight customers seated.

Seashore Cabaret

Eclectic and quirky, Seashore Cabaret serves up fun and fast diner food with views across the Petone foreshore.

The teal-coloured Ika Rere electric ferry leaves its berth on the Wellington waterfront to head out into the harbour. The Wellington skyline is behind it.

East By West Ferries

Experience Wellington from the water, explore the eastern bays and an island nature reserve on the city’s only harbour ferries.

A kākā in a tree at Zealandia.

Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne

This pest-proof ‘urban island’ is the closest thing you’ll find to experiencing what New Zealand was like before humans.

Wide of the cable car driving up the tracks with the sun setting over Wellington city and harbour in the background.

Wellington Cable Car

One of the city’s most iconic experiences, Wellington Cable Car leads to some of the best views of the capital.

The exterior of Maranui Café, inside the Lyall Bay surf lifesaving club. The building is white with red accents and cars are parked outside.

Drink in the views at Maranui Café

Hearty breakfasts come with a side of incredible views and retro décor at this quintessential Wellington experience.

Looking up to the stands and roof of the St James Theatre, the red seats and gold fixtures can be seen, as well as the very large light on the roof.

Wellington Historic Theatre Tours

Discover hidden stories, architectural splendour, and rich theatrical history on a behind-the-scenes tour of two of Wellington’s iconic venues.

A young child looking through a book at the new Zealand police museum.

New Zealand Police Museum

Telling the stories of how police have dealt with some of the country’s most infamous crimes, disasters, and other events.

A family walking through the trees of Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre.

Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre

Explore the forest, meet native birds, and learn about the connection to the land at a unique conservation centre in Mount Bruce Reserve.

A family with a young child play with piglets on the grass at Staglands.

Staglands Wildlife Reserve

A wildlife reserve where people can interact with rare native species.

A New Zealand fur seal sitting on a rocks surrounded by blue ocean.

Seal Coast Safari

Less than an hour from downtown Wellington you can be on the wild south coast viewing a colony of New Zealand fur seals.