5 Unique Things to Do in Wellington

Wellington is a great little city if you’re looking for one-of-a-kind experiences. However, if you’re like me and every weekend find yourself wondering “what’s something different I can do this weekend?” and then end up doing nothing, this is the article for you.

Croc-bike along Oriental Parade

Photographer: Molly Marshall

Not a huge fan of walking, but keen to take in everything the Wellington waterfront has to offer? The croc-bike is your guy. You can drag along a few of your mates, hire a bike out for anywhere from half an hour to an hour, and pedal your way along Oriental Parade until you give up and return for a mega-shake from the café inside. And yes, yelling at your steerer for doing a poor job is quintessential to the experience.

Visit the Colossal Squid at Te Papa

Source: Te Papa

It doesn’t matter who you are, how old you are, or even how many times you’ve been to Te Papa – the colossal squid is a highlight of the trip every. Single. Time. The 4.2 metre, 495kg squid is a beloved icon of this city and it deserves its crown. I contemplated not adding a picture simply because I didn’t think it would encompass just how beholden the sight of the squid is, but I don’t think it’ll detract from the in-person experience. You’ll enjoy the rest of the exhibits that Te Papa has to offer, but you’ll stand over the squid in awe the longest.

Carlucci Land

About 15 minutes from Wellington CBD, you’ll find Carlucci Land, a quirky site filled with junk and treasures and sculptures galore, accompanied by an 18-hole miniature golf course. Carlucci Land was birthed from the mind of artist Carl Gifford, whose affinity for recycling metals resulted in the creation of this beloved and ever-growing Wellington attraction.

Avoiding the Splash Zone on Cuba Street

We’ve all heard the story about Elijah Wood peeing into one of the buckets atop the infamous bucket fountain on Cuba Street – unless you haven’t, then my sincerest apologies about being the bearer of this news– but I’m not too keen on getting splashed in any facet of daily life, and the bucket fountain is no exception. However, it’s not going to stop me from shopping on Cuba Street. Though shopping is not exactly a unique thing to do, shopping on Cuba is, so I’m making an exception. You’ll be hard-pressed not to find something that tickles your fancy in this special little corner of the world.

Putt-putt at The Witching Hour Mini-Putt and Bar

Source: The Witching Hour

If you didn’t reach your yearly mini-golf quota at Carlucci Land and are a bit of a fiend for all things spooky, then the Witching Hour should be on your Welly bucket list. Boasting ghoulish props, glow in the dark courses and visual illusions, you’re sure to find a good time… unless you’re too chicken, that is.

By Shayzhana La’ulu