If you’re visiting Te Whanganui a Tara / Wellington on holiday, you’ll be delighted with the amount of family-friendly, interactive, and engaging activities that the city offers. From driving through the scenic landscapes in your Dollar rental car to learning all about native animals at the Wellington Zoo, there’s an adventure here for everyone to enjoy. We’ve listed the best places to visit when exploring Te Whanganui, a Tara with family and friends. 

To start off your week in Te Whanganui a Tara, head to the city for an experience unique to Wellington that the whole family can enjoy. The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa is located on the Wellington Waterfront, with Waitangi Park nearby - perfect for a family picnic by the Harbour. Step inside the museum to discover recent and ancient history across four different levels. The Nature Exhibition Zone focuses on native New Zealand animals and plants - including the only colossal squid on display in the world - as well as showcasing the country’s unique geology in The Quake House. The Museum also highlights important Māori culture, with the Treaty of Waitangi exhibit where visitors can read the founding document of modern Aotearoa New Zealand, and at Te Marae, an authentic and inclusive traditional meeting place. With dedicated children’s zones like StoryPlace, a day out at the Museum is an excellent outing for kids and adults of all ages.

From tots to adults, everyone enjoys a day out at the zoo, and the Wellington Zoo is the perfect place to explore while staying in town. The oldest in New Zealand, the Wellington Zoo is home to a wide range of reptiles and invertebrates, mammals and birds, and tours are available for those wanting to see it all. Enhance your experience by booking a close encounter with animals such as giraffes, tigers, and lions, and take note of the timetable for daily talks with keepers and vets. Plus, there are opportunities to get even more out of your visit by registering for a behind-the-scenes experience. A day out at the zoo calls for a filling lunch to keep the whole family energised, so when it’s time to eat, bring along some snacks for a picnic on the lawn or grab a bite from the banana bar. With so many animals to see, a day spent here guarantees family fun for all and an experience you won’t forget.

A region full of stunning scenery and rolling hills, Wellington is known for being one of the many filming locations for The Lord of the Rings films in New Zealand. But did you know that many of the props and special effects costumes for these films - and more - were created here as well? Take a short drive in your Dollar rental car to the Wētā Workshop in Miramar. Here you can undertake a guided tour or book into a creative workshop for a one-of-a-kind experience. Wētā has worked on projects including The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies, King Kong, The Chronicles of Narnia, Avatar and more, so you can expect to learn all about the making of movie effects and get to see costumes and props up close on a guided tour here. Plus, if your family is interested in having a go at sculpting, special effects, or leather work, you can book into a creative workshop to learn from the skilled team at Wētā.

After a week full of animal adventures and educational activities, head to the Red Rocks Reserve in Ōwhiro Bay, a 30-minute drive from Wellington in your rental car. If you’re looking for one last family activity to wrap up your time here, explore the area on foot on the 7.4km Red Rocks Coastal Walk. Taking two to three hours in total, this walk showcases the best of the bay’s rugged coastline. Remember to bring along some lunch and wear comfortable footwear to ensure the whole family has an enjoyable venture out. Boasting more than just amazing views, Red Rocks Reserve is home to a fur seal colony, so keep your eyes peeled and admire the adorable sea creatures from a distance.

Enjoy your adventure to ‘Windy Wellington’ with a visit to one or more of the attractions listed above. Suitable for all ages and abilities, kids and adults will both enjoy the many experiences that Te Whanganui a Tara has on offer - and the best way to venture through the country’s capital is with Dollar. Book your vehicle from one of our three locations in Wellington to get your holiday started.