Wellington

Family-Friendly Shopping Destinations in Wellington

1. Lambton Quay and Willis Street

   • Why Visit? These central shopping streets are home to a mix of high-street stores, local boutiques, and department stores. Families can enjoy browsing for clothing, books, toys, and souvenirs.
   • Family-Friendly Features:
     • Whitcoulls and Unity Books are great for children’s books and educational games.
     • Farmers Department Store offers a wide range of children’s clothing, toys, and baby essentials.
   • Cost: Free to browse; prices vary by store.
   • Parking: Paid parking is available at nearby parking buildings like the Clifton Terrace Car Park.
   • Tips: Bring a stroller for younger children as the area is pedestrian-friendly but involves some walking.

2. Wellington Underground Market

   • Why Visit? This weekend market (held on Saturdays) at the waterfront is a treasure trove of locally made crafts, toys, and unique gifts.
   • Family-Friendly Features:
     • Handmade toys and art that appeal to children.
     • Food stalls with kid-friendly options like crepes and ice cream.
   • Cost: Free entry; items range from $5 to $50+.
   • Parking: Limited parking nearby; consider using public transport or parking at the Te Papa Museum car park.
   • Tips: Arrive early to avoid crowds and secure the best finds.

3. Queensgate Shopping Centre (Lower Hutt)

   • Why Visit? Located about 20 minutes from central Wellington, this large mall has a variety of stores, a food court, and entertainment options.
   • Family-Friendly Features:
     • Stores like The Warehouse and Kmart for affordable toys and clothing.
     • A Timezone arcade for kids and teens.
   • Cost: Free to enter; arcade games start at $1.
   • Parking: Free parking available.
   • Tips: Combine shopping with a visit to the nearby Hutt River for a picnic or walk.

4. Capital E Store

   • Why Visit? Located in the heart of Wellington, this store specializes in creative and educational toys, books, and games for children.
   • Family-Friendly Features:
     • A curated selection of items designed to inspire creativity and learning.
   • Cost: Free to browse; items range from $10 to $50.
   • Parking: Paid parking nearby.
   • Tips: Pair your visit with a trip to the Capital E entertainment venue (see below).

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Family-Friendly Entertainment Venues in Wellington

1. Te Papa Tongarewa (Museum of New Zealand)

   • Why Visit? This world-class museum is highly interactive and perfect for families.
   • Family-Friendly Features:
     • The Discovery Centre and Te Taiao Nature Zone have hands-on exhibits for kids.
     • Free entry to most exhibits.
   • Cost: Free general admission; some special exhibits may have a fee (usually $10–$20 per person).
   • Parking: Paid parking available in the museum’s car park.
   • Tips: Allocate at least 2–3 hours and bring snacks or visit the on-site café.

2. Wellington Zoo

   • Why Visit? A compact, family-friendly zoo with over 100 species of animals.
   • Family-Friendly Features:
     • Close-up animal encounters (book in advance).
     • Play areas and picnic spots.
   • Cost: Adults $27, children (3–14 years) $12, family passes available for $65.
   • Parking: Free parking on-site.
   • Tips: Wear comfortable shoes and bring sunscreen, as much of the zoo is outdoors.

3. Zealandia Ecosanctuary

   • Why Visit? A unique wildlife sanctuary where families can explore native flora and fauna.
   • Family-Friendly Features:
     • Guided tours and night walks to spot nocturnal animals like kiwis.
     • Interactive exhibits in the visitor centre.
   • Cost: Adults $24, children (5–17 years) $10, family passes available for $52.
   • Parking: Free parking on-site.
   • Tips: Book tickets online to secure a spot, especially for night tours.

4. Capital E

   • Why Visit? A creative hub for children offering workshops, performances, and interactive exhibits.
   • Family-Friendly Features:
     • Digital workshops where kids can create animations or music.
     • Live theatre performances tailored for young audiences.
   • Cost: Workshop and performance fees vary ($10–$20 per child).
   • Parking: Paid parking nearby.
   • Tips: Check their website for schedules and book tickets in advance.

5. Wellington Cable Car and Space Place

   • Why Visit? The cable car ride is a fun experience for kids, and it leads to the Botanic Garden and Space Place planetarium.
   • Family-Friendly Features:
     • Interactive space exhibits and planetarium shows at Space Place.
     • Playgrounds and picnic areas in the Botanic Garden.
   • Cost: Cable car tickets: Adults $5 one-way, children $2.50. Space Place: Adults $14, children $9.
   • Parking: Limited parking at the top of the cable car; consider public transport.
   • Tips: Combine the cable car ride with a walk through the Botanic Garden.

6. Staglands Wildlife Reserve

   • Why Visit? Located about an hour’s drive from Wellington, this reserve allows families to interact with animals in a natural setting.
   • Family-Friendly Features:
     • Feed and pet farm animals.
     • Picnic and BBQ areas.
   • Cost: Adults $28, children (4–16 years) $14, family passes available for $75.
   • Parking: Free parking on-site.
   • Tips: Bring your own food for a picnic, as the café can get busy.

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Practical Considerations for Families in Wellington

1. Weather: Wellington is known for its windy weather, so dress in layers and bring a windproof jacket. Many activities are outdoors, so check the forecast before heading out.

2. Transport:

   • Public transport (buses and trains) is reliable and family-friendly. Consider getting a Snapper card for easy payment.
   • If driving, plan for parking fees in the city centre.

3. Booking Tickets: For popular attractions like Zealandia, Wellington Zoo, and Capital E workshops, book tickets online in advance, especially during weekends and school holidays.

4. Food Options: Most venues have cafés with kid-friendly menus, but bringing your own snacks can save money and cater to picky eaters.

5. Accessibility: Wellington is generally stroller-friendly, but some areas (like Zealandia’s trails) may be challenging. Check with venues for accessibility options.

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Sample Itinerary for a Family Day in Wellington

• Morning: Start with a ride on the Wellington Cable Car and explore the Botanic Garden.
• Lunch: Have lunch at the Cable Top Eatery or pack a picnic for the garden.
• Afternoon: Visit Te Papa Museum for interactive exhibits.
• Evening: Head to Queensgate Shopping Centre for dinner and some arcade fun at Timezone.

With this guide, your family is sure to have a memorable time exploring Wellington’s shopping and entertainment options!