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: Return Cable Car Ticket
Seal Coast Safari - Exclusive access to Wellington's secret coast
Wellington Remutaka Rail Trail eBike Cycle Tour
Wellington: Guided City Tour with Cable Car Ticket
Top hotels in Kelburn
James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
For the money, it was average. Parking was an issue for $35/day. It was hard to get one on the right level.
Reviewed on 5 May 2026
Rydges Wellington Airport
Quick check-in & out, great rooms, good breakfast
Reviewed on 1 May 2026
Rydges Wellington
Breakfast was fine. Plenty to choose from.
Reviewed on 3 May 2026
Naumi Studio Wellington
I love staying at Naumai mainly for the decor but also the staff are so friendly and helpful from the time you walk on the door until the time you leave they are all just so nice. That was my 3rd stay there and I will definitely be back
Reviewed on 4 May 2026
ibis Wellington
Nice breakfast comfy bed and pillows. Only issue was intermittent rushing water noise from the bathroom in the night. Was very loud and would wake me up. Nice and handy to course at vic uni
Reviewed on 5 May 2026
Gilmer Apartment Hotel
A great location, close to the town. Quiet and clean. Just what we needed in the city, and the basic kitchen was a bonus.
Reviewed on 2 May 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.
