Parents’ Guide to a Wellington Weekend
Wellington Museum
Award-winning museum with four floors full of local taonga, curiosities and interactive exhibits. Explore Wellington’s colourful history at your own pace or learn more with a guided tour.
Best for: Tamariki who love storytelling and interactive displays.
What’s on: Fortune – a knitted yum cha banquet by artist Bev Moon is on display until 27 April. The April School Holiday programmes inspired by the textile exhibition are on 16 April for ages 9-12 and 23 April for ages 6-8.
Hot Tip: Seek out local treasures in the Attic like Steven Adams’ basketball boots.
Admission: FREE for NZ residents | $5 – $16 for international visitors 3 Jervois Quay, Queens Wharf Learn more at wellingtonmuseum.nz
Cable Car Museum
A short stroll from Wellington Museum, you can ride the iconic Wellington Cable Car from Lambton Quay. Disembark at the upper terminal and step into the museum dedicated to 120 years of transport history.
Best for: Train enthusiasts and little ones who love a good tram ride.
What’s on: Dizzy Drawing – Cable Car Museum’s free drop-in school holiday programme takes place on 17 and 24 April.
Hot Tip: Head downstairs to see the Victorian model and original winding room.
Admission: FREE
1A Upland Road Learn more at cablecarmuseum.nz
Space Place
Just around the corner from Cable Car Museum you’ll find the capital’s space science museum. Your visit includes a planetarium show and access to the interactive galleries.
Best for: Aspiring astronauts and future scientists.
What’s on: Refurbishment closures commence in March. Space Place reopens just in time for the April school holidays. Tamariki workshop Sound of Science takes place 15 April – 24 April.
Hot Tip: Visit on a clear Saturday night for the chance to stargaze with their telescopes.
Admission: $10 – $16 | Family passes from $49
40 Salamanca Road Open daily with late nights on Tuesday, Fridays and Saturdays Plan your visit at spaceplace.nz
Nairn Street Cottage
Built in 1858, Wellington central’s oldest home is now an immersive museum with each room dedicated to a different era. Travel through the decades from the Victorian nursery to the groovy 1970s kitchen.
Best for: History buffs and kids curious about life before iPhones.
What’s on: Daily tours until 28 February. The cottage is open weekends from 1 March. School holiday programme Stitch and Stuff takes place on 15 April.
Hot Tip: Ask about the Pianola – the cottage’s self-playing piano from the 1920s.
Admission: By guided tour only. Children $4 | Adults $8
68 Nairn Street, Mt Cook For tour times visit nairnstcottage.nz
