Makara Travel Guide
Wellington
Popular places to visit
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.
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 acclaimed art galleries and fascinating museums in this walkable area.
Hnry Stadium
Catch an event at Hnry Stadium during your trip to Wellington. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants 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.
Lambton Quay
During your visit to Wellington, you can do some window-shopping at Lambton Quay. Stroll along this family-friendly area's waterfront or simply enjoy its restaurants.
Things to do
Wellington's Original HD LOTR Experience - includes Weta Tour
Wellington: Return Cable Car Ticket
Half Day Lord of the Rings Tour
Seal Coast Safari - Exclusive access to Wellington's secret coast
Wellington: Guided City Tour with Cable Car Ticket
Wellington Remutaka Rail Trail eBike Cycle Tour
Top hotels in Makara
James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
"Great location nice room exclusive entry to a separate hotel lounge to relax good range of choices for breakfast"
Reviewed on 19 May 2026
Rydges Wellington Airport
"Great value, modern, comfortable and a very convenient annd stress free option for catching an early flight."
Reviewed on 19 May 2026
Naumi Studio Wellington
"Great location and friendly, professional staff. Room was exactly what we needed, clean, and well appointed."
Reviewed on 17 May 2026
Gilmer Apartment Hotel
"Great stay"
Reviewed on 17 May 2026
Rydges Wellington
"Wonderful location especially"
Reviewed on 17 May 2026
ibis Wellington
"Room was fine for an older hotel - clean with standard amenities. Air conditioning barely functioned which made for uncomfortable sleeping. For the price, the room was okay."
Reviewed on 18 May 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.
Brooklyn
Though Brooklyn may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Central Park and Basin Reserve.
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.
