Laidback and carefree, life in Wellington is a breeze. Celebrated for its cultural richness and powerful diversity, the city shines as the country’s cultural and creative heart. A dynamic city at the forefront of change, the country’s capital prides itself on innovation, opportunity, and sustainability applying a holistic approach to solving matters. A little city with a lot of soul, Wellington continues to top the charts as one of the world’s most liveable cities.
Only a few roads lead in and out of Wellington's concentrated community making life in the fast lane sometimes feel a little underwhelming. Yet life with your rental car has only just begun, with a plethora of grand attractions across the city. As the gateway to the South Island and one of the most beautiful cities in the country, the world is your oyster on this adventure of a lifetime.
Delve into the Soul of New Zealand’s Cultural Heart
As the creative hub of New Zealand’s rich cultural heritage, the city features one of the greatest collections of contemporised artistry and historical antiquity across the country. The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa – Wellington’s premier attraction delves into the stories surrounding New Zealand’s origins, Māori culture, colonial history, and the natural world with all perpetual exhibitions free of charge. Six storeys of state-of-the-art displays and interactive exhibitions nestled on the picturesque Wellington Waterfront is what holds Te Papa in such high regard as the most visited museum in all of Oceania.
Only a short distance away stands the Wellington Museum, set in an 1892 Victorian-style building on the city’s wharf precinct. Tales of the land and sea are harboured through the deft use of special effects and innovative interactive exhibits exploring Wellington’s unique societal and maritime history. The popular museum plays an outstanding role in encapsulating the city’s evolution as the nation’s capital over the last 150 years and the best part – it’s free.
In a city brimming with treasures, you will be hard-pressed to see them all. Fortunately, the City Gallery Wellington presents a space for visitors to support and appreciate a gifted array of local and international artists through a variety of thought-provoking contemporary artworks. A salute to New Zealand’s war heroes can be seen at the Pukeahu National War Memorial down on State Highway 1. A deeply spiritual and sombre aura envelops the park, a place of mourning where New Zealanders gather to pay their respects.
For a colonial experience unlike no other, the 1850s Nairn Street Cottage adjacent to Central Park is Wellington’s oldest surviving house. Completely restored to its former glory, the Colonial Cottage Museum takes visitors on a guided journey through the home and what life in New Zealand was like in the mid-19th century. Experience life in Wellington as a pioneer and the societal changes that helped shape 3 generations of Wallis between 1857 – the 1970s.
Unlock a Treasure Trove of Attractions in and around Wellington
New Zealand is often regarded as one of the most scenic countries in the world – and in Wellington, things are no different. The best way to see the sights without a steep climb up Lambton Quay is Wellington’s iconic little red car – the Wellington Cable Car. Labelled as ‘poetry in motion’, the popular cable car takes visitors on an interpretive journey from Lambton Quay to Kelburn with unrivalled views of Wellington’s dazzling cityscape. Ride the cable car at dusk and watch the city transform, a sea of shimmering lights illuminating the night sky.
At Hertz, we understand your time is ‘precious’, with nothing more valuable than a visit to Weta Cave. Only a 15-minute drive in your rental car from the Wellington City Centre, transcend to Middle Earth and see how Peter Jackson and the team helped breathe life into some of your favourite movie characters. Entry is free, with the haunt hosting many spectacular artefacts, movie props and unique memorabilia from the world of film. Furthermore, join a Weta Cave Workshop Tour for a spellbinding experience learning the ins and outs of film and the creative processes that bring these characters to life.
For a slight change of scenery head to Zealandia Ecosanctuary on the outskirts of downtown Wellington. Set within a verdant valley beneath the hills, the 550-acre award-winning eco sanctuary presents a safe space predator-free for a variety of native birds and national icons – the Tuatara. In a bid to go predator-free, Zealandia plays an important role in safeguarding many of New Zealand’s highly vulnerable native bird species with a strong dedication to conservation. Traverse over 32 kilometres of incredible walking trails through the park with a range of fantastic tour options available daytime or night.
No matter how near or how far, everything is within reach in your Hertz rental car. As the gateway to the South Island and beyond, explore everything this great nation’s capital has to offer in wonderfully wild Wellington.
