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.
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.
Cuba Street Mall
Enjoy artisan coffees, sample specialty foods, browse through vintage shops or hunt for retro bargains in Wellington's bohemian heart.
Courtenay Place
Shop, wine and dine in this culinary hot spot on one of Wellington's most fashionable streets.
The Weta Cave
Learn the special effects secrets behind films such as The Lord of the Rings and Avatar with a tour through this Academy Award-winning studio.
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.
Things to do
Wellington's Original HD LOTR Experience - includes Weta Tour
Wellington: Return Cable Car Ticket
Seal Coast Safari - Exclusive access to Wellington's secret coast
Wellington Remutaka Rail Trail eBike Cycle Tour
Wellington: Original LOTR Half-Day Experience with Weta
Top hotels in Aro Valley
Willis Wellington Hotel
Neat and clean, had everything we needed, outlets were in strange places!
Reviewed on 16 Dec 2025
James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
The staff were qonderful. We dealt with Kenneth who was fabulous to deal with! Everything was seamless and such clean snuggly rooms with fantastic location right in the middle of Lampton Quay.
Reviewed on 15 Dec 2025
Rydges Wellington Airport
Spotless, all the comforts you need
Reviewed on 10 Dec 2025
Rydges Wellington
The room was very nice. The restaurant food was excellent.
Reviewed on 5 Dec 2025
Gilmer Apartment Hotel
Would recommend Gilmer - I arrived after hours and everything was set up for me including parking which is very easy and convenient. The hotel is easy to access from SH1 which reduces city driving. The room had everything I needed. I didn’t need aircon but there was a fan.
Reviewed on 10 Dec 2025
Bolton Hotel
Wonderful staff
Reviewed on 19 Dec 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 TSB Bank Arena 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.
