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.
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.
Things to do
Wellington's Original HD LOTR Experience - includes Weta Tour
Seal Coast Safari - Exclusive access to Wellington's secret coast
Wellington's Original LOTR Experience - includes Weta and Lunch
Full Day Tour of Wellington
Top hotels in Kelburn
Rydges Wellington Airport
The only thing that made this room good was location to the airport, unfortunately there were too many negatives. The shower was filthy, the sheets weren’t overly clean. No restaurant or even “snack” option as we arrived after 10pm and to top it off we were right next to a generator that went on ...
Reviewed on 27 Feb 2026
James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
All the above
Reviewed on 28 Feb 2026
Rydges Wellington
N/a
Reviewed on 28 Feb 2026
Gilmer Apartment Hotel
The location is excellent and so central. There are shops, restaurants and amenities such as the cable car moments away.
Reviewed on 24 Feb 2026
Naumi Studio Wellington
Room was very funky and clean. However, it was a lot smaller than expected.
Reviewed on 28 Feb 2026
West Plaza Hotel
Room and bathroom fine, bed comfortable. Only issue was no milk only creamer but not a major issue
Reviewed on 27 Feb 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, Sky Stadium and Archives New Zealand are top sights worth seeing.
Karori
While Karori isn't home to many top sights, Zealandia and Botanic Gardens are some notable places to visit nearby.
