10 Luxury Activities in Wellington

1. See Wellington on a Helicopter tour

Take to the skies and discover some of Wellington’s stunning scenery. Wellington Helicopters offers a range of deluxe experiences in the sky.

For instance, fly to the Whaekauhau Country Estate set among lush countryside and rolling hills, where you’ll land and indulge in a five-course gourmet lunch and taste New Zealand wine.

Alternatively, see the outskirts of Wellington, including its seal colonies, the Cook Strait and the Karori Rock Lighthouse on the Wellington South Coast Discovery helicopter tour.

© Wellington Helicopters

2. Tee Off at One of Wellington’s Prestigious Golf Courses

Wellington’s golfing scene is a dream for discerning players, boasting several top-ranked championship courses. The Royal Wellington Golf Club, near Upper Hutt, features a stunning 27-hole parkland layout redesigned by Greg Turner and Scott Macpherson. This premium golfing experience welcomes visitor tee-times, offering a taste of golfing luxury.

For a classic links experience, head to Paraparaumu Beach, widely regarded as one of New Zealand’s finest courses and a frequent host of national Opens. Exclusive options like Boulcott’s Farm Heritage Golf Club and Manor Park Golf Sanctuary in Lower Hutt provide immaculate fairways, refined clubhouse settings, and scenic variety for a truly prestigious round.

See more golf courses worth discovering in our 20 Best Golf Courses in New Zealand.

© NZPocketGuide.com

3. Shop at Wellington’s Designer Boutiques

Treat yourself to a luxurious shopping experience by visiting the stylish boutiques in Wellington. The city’s fashion scene thrives around Cuba Street and Te Aro, where galleries and fashion-forward stores intersect.

For unique finds, check out Jhana Millers Gallery on Victoria Street and Hamish McKay Gallery, which often stock designer jewellery and art pieces.

Vintage enthusiasts will love Ziggurat on Cuba Street, offering high-quality vintage finery for both men and women.

Don’t miss iconic Kiwi designer stores like twenty-seven names, Karen Walker and Kowtow for a true taste of New Zealand fashion.

© NZPocketGuide.com

 4. Visit the Wairarapa Wine Region

Indulge in a luxurious private day-trip to the Wairarapa wine region, just a scenic drive from Wellington. The picturesque Martinborough offers intimate tasting experiences at boutique producers like Le Gra, Tiwaiwaka, Poppies and Escarpment.

Savour single-vineyard Pinot Noir, chat with vineyard owners, and enjoy local-produce platters. According to our editor-in-chief, Laura, it’s a refined gourmet outing.

Either make your own winery-hopping itinerary using our 10 Exquisite Vineyards & Wineries in Martinborough and hire a bike with Green Jersey Cycle Tours to get around.

Alternatively, join Zozo Travel for their half-day wine tour conveniently departing from the Wellington city centre i-SITE.

© Mike Heydon Jet Productions - WellingtonNZ

5. Try Fine Whisky and Cocktails at Wellington’s Reputable Bars

For whisky aficionados, Wellington offers a luxurious journey through premium single malts and fine spirits.

Ancestral presents expert-curated tastings in an ambience of understated elegance, while Portlander boasts an impressive collection of around 120 whiskies, including rare Kiwi releases and aged imports.

For a more intimate experience, Crumpet combines charm with hand-selected bottles and approachable presentation. On the waterfront, Poquito may be low-key but earns high marks for its welcoming staff and knowledgeable curation of cocktails.

Each venue delivers a luxurious yet unpretentious experience, perfect for an evening of sipping and discovery.

© Pivot Photography - WellingtonNZ

6. Join an Exclusive Night Tour of the Zealandia Eco-sanctuary

Experience one of Wellington‘s most popular attractions in a whole new light after dark. The Zealandia night tour offers an exclusive guided walk through Sanctuary Valley by torchlight, revealing Wellington’s native species in their natural nocturnal environment.

Look out for the elusive kiwi, encounter rare tuatara and forest birds, and marvel at shimmering glowworms.

The evening includes access to Zealandia’s interactive exhibition, featuring lifelike models of extinct species. For a more personalised experience, opt for exclusive small-group or VIP tours with deeper insights into New Zealand’s conservation efforts.

Additionally, see more experiences like this in 5 Spots to Experience Wellington Wildlife.

© Zealandia

7. Treat Yourself to a Fine Dining Experience at Logan Brown, Whitebait and More

Discover the exceptional culinary offerings of Wellington at its finest dining venues.

Logan Brown, set in a historic banking chamber on iconic Cuba Street, offers a luxurious yet accessible degustation experience. The set menu features seasonal, locally sourced produce paired with carefully selected wines, all served in a refined atmosphere.

For seafood enthusiasts, Whitebait Restaurant presents an elevated dining experience focused on the freshest catches.

Meanwhile, Highwater Eatery has earned a reputation for its mouthwatering lamb shoulder special. These venues emphasise local ingredients, chef creativity and thoughtfully designed ambience for a truly memorable evening out.

See more restaurant recommendations in our 10 Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Wellington.

© Logan Brown

8. Browse the City’s Thought-provoking Art Galleries

Enjoy Wellington’s vibrant art scene on a luxury gallery crawl through the city’s creative center.

We applaud the Cuba Street arts precinct, where you’ll find gems like Enjoy Contemporary Art Space, McLeavey Gallery, and Thistle Hall showcasing emerging and established Kiwi artists.

Along Victoria and Ghuznee Streets, Page Galleries, Bartley and Company Art, Jhana Millers, and Kura Gallery offer a diverse range of contemporary and Māori artwork.

These well-curated institutions make for a thoughtful luxury art experience in the heart of Te Aro.

Seek out some of the 12 Art Galleries & Museums in Wellington yourself.

© WellingtonNZ

9. Amp Up the Te Papa Museum Experience with a Museum Tour

Don’t just visit Wellington’s most popular attraction, experience it to the fullest!

Te Papa Museum offers immersive private or small-group guided tours for those seeking a luxurious cultural experience. The 60-minute “Introducing Te Papa Tour” provides rich storytelling and cultural context behind Māori taonga, national history and the natural world.

Marvel at the world’s only colossal squid on display and see rare objects from Captain James Cook’s voyages.

These expert-led tours offer invaluable insights into New Zealand’s heritage. After your guided experience, take some extra time to admire the work of Kiwi artists and photographers.

One of the best times to visit is during the early evening when the daytime crowds have thinned.

© NZPocketGuide.com

10. Charter a Private Yacht or Sailing Experience in Wellington Harbour

Discover Wellington from a new perspective with a private yacht charter or sailing cruise.

Megisti Sailing Charters offers bespoke packages that include onboard dining, sunset sails, and guided commentary on harbour landmarks. Whether you’re after a romantic sunset cruise or an exclusive day charter with wine and cheese, this is a serene and stylish way to enjoy the capital’s coast.

You’ll glide past iconic sites like Somes Island, Oriental Bay, and the Miramar Peninsula, all with the city skyline as your backdrop.

According to our very own travel manager, Robin, “There’s nothing quite like seeing Wellington’s twinkling lights from the water as the sun sets.”

© WellingtonNZ