Top 10 things to do on a day trip to Wellington

Begin at Wellington Railway Station and head for the waterfront. If you're travelling with young children it will be hard to get them past the newly re-opened Frank Kitts park with the lighthouse slide and animal friends. Keep an eye out for the art installations on the way - the Len Lye Water Whirler, Solace in the Wind and the Writer's Walk to name a few. Keep an eye out for our favourite, the kina. You can also spot wildlife - seals often hang out on the rocks and rays in the Whairepo Lagoon.

People often overlook the Wellington Museum on their way to Te Papa but it is well worth a visit. It is dedicated to the history of Wellington, and does have a nautical flavour, having started life as Wellington Harbour Board Maritime Museum in 1972. It is housed in the Bond Store where goods arriving by ship were held until the customs duty was paid. It is one of Wellington's oldest remaining buildings, built in 1892. You can even see the old Harbour Board offices. Museum staff run regular tours, including the Cup of Curiosity tour where you can find out stories of odd treasures in their collection.

Become the "i" in Wellington

Wellington's favourite Instagram moment.

You can easily spend a day in Te Papa - starting with Quake Breaker, the base isolators underneath the museum that protect taonga (the museum's treasures) from the odd earthquake, to Rongomaraeroa, the marae or meeting place on Level 4. Don't miss Gallipoli: the scale of our war, WWI Gallipoli campaign through the eyes of eight ordinary New Zealanders. Te Taiao tells the stories of New Zealand's unique wildlife such as kiwi and moa, and our active geological landscape. There is a special exhibition "Vivienne Westwood & Jewelery" on until 27th April.

Walk along Lambton Quay from the Beehive, maybe a spot of shopping on the way. Keep an eye out for the Cable Car sign pointing to Cable Car Lane. If there is a cruise ship in town you won't miss it - look for the queue along the road. Since 1902 the cable car has been carrying Wellingtonians up the steep incline to Kelburn and the Botanic Gardens. You won't have to wait long - cars run every 10 minutes. There are stunning views of Wellington harbour and CBD from the top.

There is currently a display of props and costumes from Wēta Workshop and the Lord of the Rings in the Kelburn station, making the 25th anniversary of the movie's release.

If you have caught the Cable Car up to Kelburn you may as well smell the roses in the Botanic Gardens. We are so lucky to have 25 hectares of green space in the middle of our beautiful capital city. These gardens have been here even long than the Cable Car - they were first laid out in 1869! Visit the Begonia House, particularly on windy days. Stop for a coffee at Picnic Cafe - their smashed avocado with beetroot hummus on multigrain comes highly recommended.

If you have time walk down the hill through the Bolton Street Cemetery, one of New Zealand's oldest graveyards. It is also part of the Botanic Gardens and has heritage roses planted throughout.

Cuba Street is Wellington's funky cultural heart - the inspiration for Cupa Dupa, the rainbow crossing, art galleries and an assortment of recycled fashion boutiques. There is definitely much more than the Bucket Fountain to encourage a visit. The restaurants and cafes are so good they have their own cookbook - Florditas, Midnight Espresso, Loretta, Logan Brown (for a treat), Noble Rot (for wine connoisseurs), Lola Rouge in the eclectic Naumi Hotel, Scopa for pizza, Ombra for a Venetian cafe vibe, Kisa for middle  eastern, Aunty Mena's for vegetarian Asian, Rogue & Vagabond for craft beer, Kazu Sushi (they still have a train), and so many more. Cuba Street has something for everyone. 

If you need saffron, vanilla beans, Ottolenghi's latest spice range, or 1/2 kilogram of smoked salmon you need to head to Wellington's foodie paradise, Moore Wilson's. For over 100 years this family owned stored has been supplying Wellington homes and restaurants with great quality produce, fresh bread, coffee, cheeses and bulk bags of staples. Not to mention a vast selection of wine, spirits and beers.

Head down one of the laneways off Dixon Street and Courtenay Place and you will find more treats. Wellington Chocolate Factory offers chocolate experiences and their latest flavour is Banana, Cardamon and Coconut. Right next door try the salted caramel cookie from Leed's Street Bakery. Down on the waterfront is Mojo's HQ and Roastery for a coffee fix.

There is always something going on in Wellington. Check out the Te Papa and Tākina for the latest exhibitions and events.