Kelburn Travel Guide
Wellington
Popular places to visit
Victoria University of Wellington
Enjoy the student vibe at Victoria University of Wellington during your visit to Wellington. Discover the top-notch restaurants and fascinating museums in this walkable area.
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.
Botanic Gardens
A horticultural hot spot of color and sweet fragrances features native plants, rare trees and glowing insects.
Carter Observatory
Look at the rings of Saturn, touch rocks that have fallen from space and go on a virtual journey to the farthest regions of our solar system.
Cable Car Museum
This free museum tells the story of Wellington’s cable car since its beginnings at the turn of the 20th century.
Te Papa
See, smell and touch the exhibits at New Zealand’s hi-tech and interactive free national museum.
Things to do
Wellington's Original HD LOTR Experience - includes Weta Tour
Half Day Lord of the Rings Tour
Wellington: Guided City Tour with Cable Car Ticket
Seal Coast Safari - Exclusive access to Wellington's secret coast
Wellington: Return Cable Car Ticket
Full Day Tour of Wellington
Top hotels in Kelburn
James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
Loved everything about the stay. Only problem I had... we didn't know about the James Cook Arcade lift to take you up to the hotel. So we walked all the way around the loop with our luggage. I am 75 and it was a bit tough.
Reviewed on 30 Apr 2026
Rydges Wellington Airport
Quick check-in & out, great rooms, good breakfast
Reviewed on 1 May 2026
Rydges Wellington
Nice rooms. Great location.
Reviewed on 1 May 2026
ibis Wellington
Everything was pretty good. Only inconvenience was having a room for two with only one chair at the desk. Tv was outdated and couldn't connect to apps. Minor things in the grand scheme of life
Reviewed on 29 Apr 2026
Naumi Studio Wellington
Awesome as always
Reviewed on 29 Apr 2026
Gilmer Apartment Hotel
Good basic accommodation. The property is down a steep dead end lane way with limited parking. Facilities and furniture is average but has a clothes washer & dryer. Beds were clean and comfortable.
Reviewed on 30 Apr 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Kelburn
Wellington CBD
If you're spending some time in Wellington CBD, Wellington Cable Car and TSB Bank Arena are top sights worth seeing.
Thorndon
If you're spending some time in Thorndon, Lambton Quay and National Library 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.
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.
Pipitea
If you're spending some time in Pipitea, Hnry Stadium and Archives New Zealand are top sights worth seeing.
Karori
If you're spending some time in Karori, Karori Arts Centre and Wrights Hill Fortress are top sights worth seeing.
