Aro Valley Travel Guide
Wellington
Popular places to visit
Te Papa
See, smell and touch the exhibits at New Zealand’s hi-tech and interactive free national museum.
Cuba Street Mall
Enjoy artisan coffees, sample specialty foods, browse through vintage shops or hunt for retro bargains in Wellington's bohemian heart.
Wellington Central Business District
Wellington Central Business District is just one of the places to see in Wellington, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Experience the fascinating museums and acclaimed art galleries in this walkable area.
Courtenay Place
Shop, wine and dine in this culinary hot spot on one of Wellington's most fashionable streets.
Michael Fowler Centre
Wellington’s main stage for conferences and indoor events features award-winning architecture and a year-round calendar of music and arts events.
Zealandia
Your best chance of seeing rare native species in the wild, this eco-attraction is a fenced valley that protects many native bird species.
Things to do
Wellington's Original HD LOTR Experience - includes Weta Tour
Seal Coast Safari - Exclusive access to Wellington's secret coast
Wellington Remutaka Rail Trail eBike Cycle Tour
Full Day Tour of Wellington
Wellington: Original LOTR Half-Day Experience with Weta
Top hotels in Aro Valley
Willis Wellington Hotel
Clean room, convenience area to walk around Cuba street, very comfortable stay
Reviewed on 13 Nov 2025
James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
Great location and staff. Loved Wellington!
Reviewed on 12 Nov 2025
Rydges Wellington Airport
Aircon not functioning well. Asked for help in adjusting. Didn't happen. Telephone not working, had to go to reception to ask for blanket
Reviewed on 14 Nov 2025
Rydges Wellington
Staff were friendly, breakfast had decent choices, room had everything I needed for a short stay
Reviewed on 12 Nov 2025
Gilmer Apartment Hotel
Room was clean and the washer and dryer were good to have
Reviewed on 13 Nov 2025
Bolton Hotel
Great service, clean and tidy room
Reviewed on 13 Nov 2025
Other neighbourhoods around Aro Valley
Brooklyn
Though Brooklyn may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Basin Reserve and Central Park.
Te Aro
Te Aro is known for its popular shops, and with sights like St James Theatre and Cuba Street Mall, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Wellington.
Mount Cook
If you're spending some time in Mount Cook, Basin Reserve and Central Park are top sights worth seeing.
Kelburn
While visiting Kelburn, you might make a stop by sights like Botanic Gardens and Zealandia.
Wellington CBD
If you're spending some time in Wellington CBD, Wellington Cable Car and Museum of Wellington City and Sea are top sights worth seeing.
Wellington Waterfront
The abundant dining options and interesting museums are top of the list for many visitors to Wellington Waterfront. A stop by Te Papa or TSB Bank Arena might round out your trip.
