Rydges Wellington Airport

Lyall Bay is home to Wellington’s most popular surf beach. The beach, which is the largest in Wellington central, is also a popular swimming destination in summer and features two Surf Lifesaving Clubs, Maranui and Lyall Bay. Lyall Bay also has a playground. The suburb is very close to the Wellington Airport, with the runway visible from Lyall Parade and beach. This local surf spot became a favourite of Viggo Mortenson and Billy Boyd during filming of The Lord of the Rings. If you need some gear or lessons, RealSurf Shop will sort you out. Be sure to stop by Maranui Café or Spruce Goose afterwards for a hearty feed. It is a short walk from the beach to Dorrie Leslie Park on the western side of the bay, and beyond the Airport at Moa Point a coastal walkway leads to Tarakena Bay and the Eastern Walkway.

Recognised as a world-leader in museum experiences, Te Papa lets you experience the nation’s art, culture and science. New Zealand’s geology and natural environment, and the stories of New Zealand’s indigenous people, the Maori, are celebrated in Te Papa’s permanent exhibitions. An exciting range of exhibitions display New Zealand’s diverse art and visual culture and top-rating international exhibitions tour regularly. Te Papa’s event programme also features free events and entertainment, performances, floor talks, lectures, and more. General admission is free.

Miramar Golf Club has become a championship golf course. The course was re-designed by the renowned Australian Graham Marsh and offers a tough test of golf with a New Zealand slope rating of 124. A Par 70 with 99 pot bunkers rewards the straight hitter while still having to maintain considerable length. Miramar Golf Club over the years has held the New Zealand Open and Amateur events in both Men and Ladies and recently held the North Island Under 19 tournament. Miramar Golf Club is next to Wellington airport and is a great stopping place for either golf or conferences. The club house has three bars and a cafe open seven days all with panoramic views over the course. After your round come in and enjoy the excellent facilities the clubhouse boasts where our friendly staff take pride in providing the best possible service to make your day enjoyable.

Home to over 500 animals, many of which are native to New Zealand, Wellington Zoo is the perfect place to connect with wildlife and learn more about how the zoo works to save animals in their environment. Discover the beloved Kororā little blue penguins, sheep, kunekune pigs, bees, eels, grand and Otago Skinks, Maud Island frogs and kea. you can see the only bears in New Zealand, the beloved Kororā little blue penguins and many other New Zealand species, as well as lions, tigers, giraffes and many more. Sharing the Zoo’s love story to New Zealand, this new space celebrates native wildlife, domesticated locals and our amazing unique environment and is home to You can also get up close to animals from across the ditch in the Australian walk-through, Neighbours. Stroll with the kangaroos, wallabies and emu, and check out Tasmanian devils and dingos.

One of Wellington’s most popular tourist attractions, the historic cable car departs every 10 minutes and takes you on a short historical journey, from Lambton Quay in the city centre to the charming suburb of Kelburn. The construction of the Wellington Cable Car was completed in 1902, and it has been operating continuously since. Along the way, you’ll travel under the corporate towers of The Terrace, past Kelburn Park and Victoria University of Wellington. Emerging at the top, check out the lookout and Cable Car Museum or walk through the Wellington Botanic Garden. You’ll also be a short walk from Space Place at Carter Observatory. The view from the lookout takes in the city’s central business district, Mount Victoria and out across the harbour to the Hutt Valley and Eastbourne. Return trips are available or you can take a leisurely walk through Wellington Botanic Garden and historic Bolton Street Cemetery, to Parliament.