Our Visitor Experiences
Capital E for Experience, Entertainment and Education
Discover the intersection of creativity and play for tamariki and young people at Capital E.
Capital E ignites and fuels the creative spark in children through the magic of theatre, interactive play areas and immersive digital education experiences.
We connect New Zealand’s vibrant professional performing arts sector with young audiences all over Aotearoa with our touring National Theatre for Children productions. Capital E also hosts the National Arts Festival, an impressive assortment of high-quality homegrown performances and overseas talent.
Under-fives explore their budding creativity in PlayHQ while rangatahi take creative control in the digital realms of OnTV and MediaLab.
Children are at the heart of Capital E. Our accessible experiences and events are designed to inspire the next generation of artists, scientists, explorers, makers and doers.
Address: 4 Queens Wharf, Wellington Website: capitale.org.nz
City Gallery Wellington
From the heart of Wellington in Civic Square, provides locals and visitors with a meaningful, accessible, experience of art
It presents a dynamic programme of changing exhibitions dedicated to the most current thinking, creativity and innovation in art practice in the broadest sense. It is a hub for artistic and cultural activity in Wellington that reinforces the city’s commitment to art and creativity.
City Gallery works collaboratively with artists, galleries, collectors and educators to realise programmes of activity that are relevant, push and test art’s boundaries and both transform and provide insight into our understanding of our world.
Address: Civic Square, 101 Wakefield Street, Wellington Website: citygallery.org.nz
Museums Wellington
Wellington Museum, Space Place, Cable Car Museum and Nairn Street Cottage
Museums Wellington comprises four of our city’s leading visitor experiences. Collectively we tell the stories of Te Whanganui-a-Tara. Each experience invites engagement and curiosity of local taonga.
Our diverse collections and heritage buildings celebrate the Wellington region’s unique identity and contribution to arts, culture, science and history.
Website: museumswellington.org.nz
Wellington Museum – Te Waka Huia o Ngā Taonga Tuku Iho
A treasure trove of Wellington stories
Open daily between 10am – 5pm, our free-entry museum promises learning and fun for the whole whānau.
Housed in a beautiful heritage building on the waterfront, Wellington Museum offers a wonderful insight into the rich social and cultural history of Te Whanganui-a-Tara.
The museum’s four floors are packed with local taonga. Find weird wonders in The Attic, watch Māori Legends come to life, explore our maritime history and experience the waterfront as it was in the 1800s.
On top of our stories and interactive curiosities, the museum regularly runs inclusive events and workshops. Find out What’s On.
Address: 3 Jervois Quay, Queens Wharf Website: wellingtonmuseum.nz
Space Place – Te Ara Whānui ki te Rangi
Discover the stories of our southern skies
Explore the wonders of the universe in our interactive galleries. Learn about planets, stars, Matariki and New Zealand’s contribution to astronomy and space sciences. Touch real asteroids and Moon rocks, learn about Matariki and on a clear night, star-gaze with our giant telescope.
Entry includes a film screening in our stunning full-dome planetarium. Choose from a range of immersive shows including Ngā Tohunga Whakatere – The Navigators, a family-friendly adventure across time and space exploring Māori, Pasifika and early navigation techniques. Aliens, the big bang, the Moon landing, there’s something for everyone! Find the planetarium schedule here.
Address: 40 Salamanca Road, Kelburn Website: spaceplace.nz
Cable Car Museum
All aboard for the trip through time!
Explore the historic journey of Wellington’s iconic rail system at the free entry Cable Car Museum.
The award-wining museum is located within the original Winding House and home to two of the original grip cars. Take a seat on The Relentless Red Rattler, inspect the Victorian Grip Car No. 3 and see history in motion in the kinetic machinery display.
Address: 1A Upland Road, Kelburn Website: cablecarmuseum.nz
Nairn Street Cottage
Old world charm five minutes from the city
Built in 1858, Nairn Street Cottage is one of Wellington’s oldest surviving buildings. Uncover the stories of three generations of the Wallis family women who owned and made the cottage a home.
With entry via guided tours, experience intimate snapshots of Aotearoa through the decades. Each room is dedicated to a different era and illustrates the technological and cultural advances through time.
In the Visitor Centre next door, discover the wider historical context that influenced the Cottage’s construction and changes.
Find the authentically presented heritage garden in the back yard. Complete with a chicken coop appropriately called ‘The Fowl House,’ the garden is a perfect example of living history.
Address: 68 Nairn Street, Mount Cook Website: nairnstcottage.nz