DESTINATION
Destination
Nestled on the water’s edge and surrounded by nature, Wellington is a compact, connected and vibrant capital.
Renowned for its creative and cultural heart, Wellington is home to the national museum Te Papa Tongarewa, award-winning eateries, regional wine and craft beer, and hosts a jam-packed events calendar.
Go ahead and extend your stay
You’ll
want to spend some time exploring this compact city, so enjoy yourself and take
in some of the top activities.
View the discounts available for you as an ASUM25 delegate by clicking below.
Why Wellington?
Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington
Sitting at the heart of New Zealand, the Wellington region has so much to offer. Nestled between green hills and a sparkling harbour, the city is full of things just waiting to be discovered.
Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, sits near the North Island’s southernmost point on the Cook Strait. A compact city, it encompasses a waterfront promenade, sandy beaches, a working harbour and colourful timber houses on surrounding hills. From Lambton Quay, the iconic red Wellington Cable Car heads to the Wellington Botanic Gardens. Strong winds through the Cook Strait give it the nickname "Windy Wellington."
Immerse yourself at Te Papa
The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa dominates the beautiful Wellington Waterfront. Its 36,000 square metres of space spread across six floors contain over 800,000 artworks, cultural artefacts, historical archives, and scientific specimens. The sheer scale and scope of its collections mean you could spend hours there exploring.
Ride the historic Wellington Cable Car
The red cable cars have trundled up the hill between Wellington’s bustling city centre and Kelburn Village for 120 years. They are synonymous with Wellington and a ride in one is a rite of passage for any local or tourist. Hop on, head to the top and enjoy the panoramic views of Wellington.
See native wildlife at Zealandia
This world-first, fully fenced, predator-free urban sanctuary lies on the outskirts of the city centre. A ten minute drive from Lambton Quay and you’re in the wilderness seeing native birds and wildlife thrive in a safe environment. This conservation project has enabled native bird populations to flourish.
Get democracy’s buzz inside the Beehive
Explore the Parliament buildings, learn about the Parliamentary process in New Zealand, and find out how you can participate in our democracy. Along the way, you will see some of the many artworks and objects from the Parliamentary Collection, and get to know the details behind the iconic architecture.
Explore the Parliament buildings, learn about the Parliamentary process in New Zealand, and find out how you can participate in our democracy. Along the way, you will see some of the many artworks and objects from the Parliamentary Collection, and get to know the details behind the iconic architecture.
Have a close encounter
Experience an unforgettable Close Encounter with some of Wellington Zoo’s endangered animals. Pat a lemur or feed a meerkat, see the sun bears up close, hang out with a capybara or tiger. There are multiple encounters that allow you to learn from experienced zoo keepers. The staff always have the animal’s best interests at heart.
Experience an unforgettable Close Encounter with some of Wellington Zoo’s endangered animals. Pat a lemur or feed a meerkat, see the sun bears up close, hang out with a capybara or tiger. There are multiple encounters that allow you to learn from experienced zoo keepers. The staff always have the animal’s best interests at heart.
Drink in the view
The best way to get your bearings in Wellington is by heading to the top of Mount Victoria. Mt Vic, as the locals call it, rises 196m above the city. The lookout has panoramic views of Wellington City, its harbour, and the hills beyond. It’s part of the Southern Walkway track so it’s possible to get there walking. It’s also part of the network of trails in the Town Belt so there are multiple walks to explore once you get there. Take a picnic with you, settle in on the hillside, and relax while watching ferries and cruise ships sail into the harbour and planes fly in and out of the airport.
The best way to get your bearings in Wellington is by heading to the top of Mount Victoria. Mt Vic, as the locals call it, rises 196m above the city. The lookout has panoramic views of Wellington City, its harbour, and the hills beyond. It’s part of the Southern Walkway track so it’s possible to get there walking. It’s also part of the network of trails in the Town Belt so there are multiple walks to explore once you get there. Take a picnic with you, settle in on the hillside, and relax while watching ferries and cruise ships sail into the harbour and planes fly in and out of the airport.
Get the good vibes in Cuba Street
With its heritage buildings and bohemian inhabitants, Cuba Street has many treasures to discover. Eclectic shops and a wide selection of hospitality offerings mean you could easily spend a day exploring. Start with a classic café, pop by a delicious takeaway, and indulge at a fine dining establishment. Make sure you pay a visit to Cuba Street’s iconic Bucket Fountain. An unofficial symbol of the capital, the quirky, interactive sculpture has splashed many visitors snapping a picture in front of it.
With its heritage buildings and bohemian inhabitants, Cuba Street has many treasures to discover. Eclectic shops and a wide selection of hospitality offerings mean you could easily spend a day exploring. Start with a classic café, pop by a delicious takeaway, and indulge at a fine dining establishment. Make sure you pay a visit to Cuba Street’s iconic Bucket Fountain. An unofficial symbol of the capital, the quirky, interactive sculpture has splashed many visitors snapping a picture in front of it.
Watch movie magic happen
Visit the home of movie-making magic in the heart of Wellywood, and see behind the scenes of world-renowned films and television. The design and manufacturing facility combines cutting-edge technology with hand-crafted artistry to serve up Oscar-winning props, costumes, and creature effects. Tours take you on a magical trip through some of the biggest Hollywood blockbusters.
Visit the home of movie-making magic in the heart of Wellywood, and see behind the scenes of world-renowned films and television. The design and manufacturing facility combines cutting-edge technology with hand-crafted artistry to serve up Oscar-winning props, costumes, and creature effects. Tours take you on a magical trip through some of the biggest Hollywood blockbusters.
Wander the Wellington Botanic Gardens
Wellington Botanic Garden ki Paekākā encompasses 25 hectares of specialised plant collections, colourful botanical displays, a protected native forest, and views over Wellington City. It is a vast tract of land that has offered relaxation, playtime, shade, and education about flora and fauna for more than 150 years.
Wellington Botanic Garden ki Paekākā encompasses 25 hectares of specialised plant collections, colourful botanical displays, a protected native forest, and views over Wellington City. It is a vast tract of land that has offered relaxation, playtime, shade, and education about flora and fauna for more than 150 years.
Find your wild on Wellington’s trails
Ringed with a lush town belt and regenerating forest beyond, Wellington is fortunate to have a huge backyard. The extensive network of trails can cater to walkers, runners, off-road bikers, or horse riders. There’s a trail to suit every adventurer.
Ringed with a lush town belt and regenerating forest beyond, Wellington is fortunate to have a huge backyard. The extensive network of trails can cater to walkers, runners, off-road bikers, or horse riders. There’s a trail to suit every adventurer.
Indulge in your way of dining
Wellington is a city brimming with colourful eateries, vibrant markets and tasty laneways. World-renowned for excellent coffee and award-winning restaurants, this is one city that has it all.
Wellington is a city brimming with colourful eateries, vibrant markets and tasty laneways. World-renowned for excellent coffee and award-winning restaurants, this is one city that has it all.
Soak up an abundance of arts and culture
Wellington is home to a huge collection of fine art galleries showcasing artists from Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond. Here are some of the unique galleries that are worth putting on your list.
- Te Papa, as mentioned above
- Located in the heart of Te Ngākau Civic Square, City Gallery Wellington Te Whare Toi offers a dynamic programme of exhibitions and events. It is the best place to experience contemporary art
- A few local favourites include Kura Gallery, specialising in contemporary and traditional Māori art and design, and Peter McLeavey Gallery
- Explore your options with Wellington’s museums
- Indulge in many other arts and culture opportunities to suit your style
CONFERENCE MANAGERS
CONFERENCE MANAGERS
CONTACT US
T 1800 193 405 (Within Australia)
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