Things to do while house sitting in Wellington

Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand, is well known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, stunning natural beauty, and delicious food and drink. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning local, here are just a few of the many things to see and do whilst pet and house-sitting in New Zealand’s capital city.

Visit the Te Papa Tongarewa Museum

One of the must-see attractions in Wellington is the Te Papa Tongarewa Museum. This world-class museum tells the story of New Zealand’s culture, history, and natural environment through interactive exhibits and powerful storytelling. Visitors can explore the museum’s many galleries, which cover everything from Maori history and art to the country’s natural wonders. The museum also features a number of temporary exhibitions. Te Papa is open every day 10am–6pm (except Christmas Day). Admission is free for everyone, but charges apply to some short-term exhibitions and events.

Explore Zealandia Sanctuary

Zealandia Sanctuary is a Wildlife refuge in Wellington, New Zealand and is truly a beautiful and unique eco-attraction. It’s a great place for visitors to see native New Zealand wildlife, including birds, reptiles, and insects. The sanctuary is surrounded by a predator-proof fence, which allows visitors to see the animals in a natural environment. The sanctuary also has a number of walking trails where visitors can explore the sanctuary and learn more about the animals that call it home. To self-guide around the sanctuary, buy a Zealandia General Admission ticket. This gives you access to over 32km of tracks where you can spot abundant wildlife among the regenerating forest.

Experience the Great Outdoors

If you’re looking to explore the outdoors, be sure to make use of the beautiful surrounding hills, which are great for hiking and walking trails. Mt Victoria Lookout is a popular spot that offers stunning views of the city, harbour, and surrounding hills – perfect for a photo op. The Botanic Garden is another great spot to explore, with a variety of gardens and walking trail, featuring 25 hectares of unique landscape, colourful floral collections and stunning views over the city. Plus its dog friendly too!

If you’re looking for a more thrilling adventure, why not take a scenic flight over the city, go bungee jumping, or even take a jet boat ride on the harbour? There are also plenty of water sports, such as kayaking, windsurfing, and stand-up paddle boarding.

Dog Sitting in Wellington

Take the Dog to Owhiro Bay! Thinking of a beach escape with your new furry friend? Be sure to check out one of the best dog-friendly beaches in Wellington – Owhiro Bay. Located on the south coast of Wellington, Owhiro Bay offers a wide stretch of sand with a designated off-leash area for dogs. The beach is surrounded by beautiful coastal walkways and the water is relatively calm, making it a great spot for swimming. During low tide, you and the dog can even take a walk to the nearby Island Bay.

Foodies

Indulge your inner foodie at one of the wide ranges of restaurants and cafes in the city. Here you’ll everything from traditional New Zealand cuisine to international dishes. The city’s many farmers’ markets, such as the Harbourside Market, are a great opportunity to sample the fresh produce from the surrounding Wellington areas. If you’re a coffee lover, be sure to visit the many independent coffee shops and roasters throughout the city.

Arts and Culture

Wellington is home to a vibrant arts and culture scene, with a number of theatres that feature a wide range of performances, including plays, musicals, and stand-up comedy. The Opera House and St James Theatre are two of the most popular venues in the city, offering a wide range of performances all year round. There are also a large number of art galleries and museums in the area, including two of the most popular being the City Gallery (situated in the heart of Te Ngākau Civic Square) and the National Museum of New Zealand (like most museums, this one is free to enter).

Go Shopping

If you’re planning a shopping trip, you’ll find a wide range of shops and boutiques in the local area – offering everything from designer clothing to unique handmade crafts. The Cuba Street area is a popular spot for shoppers, with many independent shops and vintage clothing stores. If you’re looking for a shopping experience on a larger scale, there are also a number of shopping centres, such as the Westfield Shopping Center, which offers a wide range of shops, restaurants and entertainment.