Makara Travel Guide
Wellington
Popular places to visit
Interislander Ferry Terminal
Explore the waterfront in Wellington with a trip to Interislander Ferry Terminal. Discover the top-notch restaurants and fascinating museums in this walkable area.
TSB Bank Arena
Located on Wellington’s picturesque waterfront, this multipurpose venue hosts many events, including concerts, trade shows, art exhibitions and more.
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.
Te Papa
See, smell and touch the exhibits at New Zealand’s hi-tech and interactive free national museum.
Sky Stadium
Catch an event at Sky Stadium during your trip to Wellington. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.
Things to do
Wellington's Original HD LOTR Experience - includes Weta Tour
Wellington city heights shared sightseeing tour
Half Day Lord of the Rings Tour
Discover Wellington 3 hour City Tour
Seal Coast Safari - Exclusive access to Wellington's secret coast
Wellington: Return Cable Car Ticket
Top hotels in Makara
James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
Great location and easy access to main streets. Outside of buildings run down but it doesn’t reflect the atmosphere inside. All staff we dealt with were great. We will stay again
Reviewed on 6 Apr 2026
Rydges Wellington Airport
Wonderful staff. Excellent dinner in the restaurant. Very convenient for the airport and good discounts from the EVT program.
Reviewed on 6 Apr 2026
Rydges Wellington
The hotel is well sighted - convenient, parking using valet service a real plus, easy to get to Staff were really helpful Room was good
Reviewed on 5 Apr 2026
Oaks Wellington Hotel
The breakfast was epic, the staff were competent (Yetkin was exceptional), and the rooms are honestly excellent. Very impressed!
Reviewed on 4 Apr 2026
Bolton Hotel
Always a good stay.
Reviewed on 4 Apr 2026
Naumi Studio Wellington
Only went to bar for pre theatre drinks, staff were great and made the wife a cocktail that wasn’t on the list
Reviewed on 30 Mar 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Makara
Karori
If you're spending some time in Karori, Karori Arts Centre and Wrights Hill Fortress 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.
Thorndon
If you're spending some time in Thorndon, Lambton Quay and National Library are top sights worth seeing.
Mount Cook
If you're spending some time in Mount Cook, Central Park and Basin Reserve are top sights worth seeing.
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.
