Mt Victoria Lookout
A change of scene is closer than you think
Food worth travelling for, waterfront wandering, galleries, gigs, shopping and plenty packed into a few very walkable kilometres.
With multiple direct flights every day on Air New Zealand, Wellington is an easy hop from Hamilton. Fly direct and make the most of a weekend in the capital.
Eat, drink, Wellington
Wellington has a lot packed into a small city, and its food scene is no exception. Start with seriously good coffee, find lunch down a laneway, settle in somewhere on Cuba Street, or follow the waterfront to dinner and drinks.
The best approach? Come hungry and see where you end up.
Images via WellingtonNZ.com (colourful coffees at Glou Glou)
48 hours in Wellington
You don't need a weekend away to feel like you've been somewhere fantastic!
Day one
Morning - Hamilton to Wellington flights are just over an hour, so you can be exploring the city before you know it. Wellington's coffee is legendary, so start with a quality brew and something sweet then grab a window seat and watch the city go by.
Lunch - take in the sea air with a stroll along the waterfront, then grab lunch at one of the many cafes dotted along the way.
Afternoon - head for the hills on the Cable Car and explore Wellington Botanic Garden at the top.
Evening - head into the city for dinner and cocktails, then catch a show at St James Theatre or the Opera House, or see what's on at the Michael Fowler Centre.
Day two
Morning - start with a relaxed Wellington brunch and another excellent coffee. You'll be spoiled for choice.
Late morning - head to Wētā Workshop in Mirimar for a behind-the-scenes tour look at the props, costumes, sets and special effects that have bought many blockbusters films to life.
Afternoon - make your way to Lyall Bay for a late lunch or something sweet by the coast before heading to the airport.
Then - head back to Wellington Airport for your direct flight home to Hamilton.
Or do Wellington your way ...
Foodie weekend
Laneways, restaurants, craft beer, coffee
Culture fix
Te Papa, galleries, live shows, film and plenty of character
Couples' escape
Great food, boutique stays, waterfront walks, lazy mornings.
Friends & family
Sometimes the best reason to fly south is already waiting there.
City, coast or culture?
From waterfront wandering to great food and windswept coastlines, Wellington packs plenty into a weekend.
What's on in Wellington
Orchestra Wellington (30 May - 28 November) More info here.
Wellington on a Plate (1-31 August) New Zealand’s largest food festival is bringing a taste of the USA to the capital this August. More here.
World of Wearable Art Show: GLO! (17 September - 4 October) See creativity unleashed in this dazzling fusion of art and performance. Book tickets here.
Matilda The Musical (27 September - 11 October) It’s won over 100 international awards and delighted more than 11 million audience members worldwide. Now Matilda The Musical is flying into the capital for a limited season in 2026. The smash-hit show is inspired by Roald Dahl’s beloved book and features original songs by Tim Minchin. More info here.
For more awesome things to do in Wellington, check out WellingtonNZ
Mākara Peak Mountain Bike Park offers mountain bikers a range of trails over 45km of varied terrain.Image via Caleb Smith Photography - WellingtonNZ.com
Wellington FAQs
Can you fly direct from Hamilton to Wellington?Yes. Air New Zealand operates direct flights from Hamilton Airport to Wellington Airport.
How long is the flight from Hamilton to Wellington?Around 1 hour, 15 minutes.
Which airline flies from Hamilton to Wellington?Air New Zealand operates Hamilton to Wellington flights direct from Hamilton Airport.
How far ahead should I arrive at Hamilton Airport?Check out our Hamilton Airport Traveller Guide.
Where can I park when flying from Hamilton Airport?Hamilton Airport has two car parks, both just a few minutes walk from the terminal. Check out our parking page.
