Things to do in Wellington with kids

Things to do with kids in Wellington lean towards wildlife, museum tours and hands-on making, with a family-friendly river trip for the adventurous. They sit within the wider things to do in Wellington, and the national list of things to do with kids covers other cities if you are travelling on.

Wildlife days out in Wellington

For kids who like animals, the Zealandia guided walk is the obvious start: a small group of up to 10 on a 2-hour tour of a wildlife sanctuary in Karori, with native wildlife such as the busy tīeke (saddleback) and the ecological history behind it. Tours leave daily at 10am, 11am and 1pm from 53 Waiapu Road, and the Rata Café is open from 9am to 4pm. Bring sturdy footwear, layers and a waterproof jacket, since the walk is outdoors.

Museum tours that keep kids interested

Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand, runs one-hour guided tours pitched at kids and grown-ups alike. The Gallipoli exhibition tour walks through sculptures 2.4 times human size, which make history feel real, and tells the stories of eight everyday New Zealanders. The Māori highlights tour uses taonga (treasures) and easy storytelling to introduce Māori history, values and traditions.

An art narratives tour at Toi Art takes in two levels of contemporary New Zealand art, with moving images, hands-on surprises and a playable video game. Each tour comes with 48-hour general admission, so the exploring can continue after the guide leaves.

Hands-on movie magic

Wētā Workshop has been making things for film since 1987, and its creative workshops let visitors do the making. The 1-hour sculpting workshop turns modelling tinfoil and plasticine into a creature, which goes home to be finished with extra effects. Small groups mean more time with the crew. Leatherwork and special-effects makeup workshops run in the same small-group style.

Outdoor adventures near Wellington

The Hutt River north of the city has family-friendly rafting. A Grade 2 scenic rafting trip is an introductory tour that kids can join, with small rapids, rock jumps and wetsuits, helmets and life jackets supplied. For a view over the city, the Cable Car ride to the Botanic Gardens features in Wellington tours such as the half-day sightseeing loop.

When it rains

Museum tours and workshops keep a wet day moving. For more wet-weather ideas, rainy day activities in Wellington run from film-making workshops to guided museum tours.

Frequently asked questions

What are good things to do with kids in Wellington?

Kids in Wellington can see native wildlife on a guided walk at Zealandia, join a one-hour guided tour at Te Papa, make a sculpture at a Wētā Workshop creative workshop, or try Grade 2 rafting on the Hutt River.

What age can kids do the Wētā Workshop creative workshops?

The sculpting and leatherwork workshops are listed for ages 12 and over. Children on the Wētā Workshop guided transfer tour must be accompanied by an adult aged 14 or over.

Is Zealandia suitable for kids?

The Zealandia by Day guided tour is listed as suitable for all ages with a moderate level of fitness, and it is wheelchair friendly. The Zealandia by Night tour is for kids aged 12 and over.

Are the Te Papa guided tours good for kids?

Yes. The Te Papa Gallipoli, Māori highlights and art narratives tours are each pitched at kids and grown-ups alike, run as one-hour tours and include 48-hour general admission.

What can kids do in Wellington when it rains?

Museum tours at Te Papa and hands-on workshops at Wētā Workshop work well on wet days, and Zealandia advises dressing for the conditions with a waterproof jacket and sturdy footwear.

Wellington suits families who like their days short, specific and a little bit hands-on. Pick the animals, the museum or the workshop bench, check the session times, and book.