Te Aro buzzes with creative energy as Wellington's entertainment heart. Cuba Street's eclectic boutiques and colorful murals lead to Courtenay Place's neon-lit nightlife strip. Art lovers can explore galleries and catch performances at St James Theatre or Circa Theatre. The impressive Te Papa museum showcases New Zealand's diverse cultural heritage through interactive exhibitions that'll keep you fascinated for hours. The neighborhood serves up everything from quick $15 bites to fancy dining experiences in bustling laneways. You'll find boutique hotels and backpacker hostels within walking distance of major attractions. Getting around is a breeze with frequent buses and Wellington's famously walkable streets.

Thorndon charms visitors with its blend of colonial history and political significance in Wellington. The neighborhood showcases well-preserved Victorian villas alongside the iconic copper-domed Beehive parliament building. History buffs will love exploring Old St Paul's Church with its timber Gothic architecture and Katherine Mansfield House, birthplace of New Zealand's renowned author. Cozy cafes in converted heritage buildings serve modern Kiwi cuisine, perfect for refueling after walks along tree-canopied streets. The area is easily accessible by Wellington's bus network with frequent services to the city center. Parliament tours offer budget-friendly activities while boutique bed & breakfasts in restored villas provide charming accommodations.

Oriental Bay delivers prime Wellington waterfront living with a golden sand beach right at your doorstep. Joggers, cyclists, and families fill the curved promenade while sailboats dot the sparkling harbor. When you're not swimming at the beach, take in stunning views of the Wellington skyline or grab brunch at a waterside café. Upscale restaurants serve fresh seafood and New Zealand cuisine along the bay. Modern apartment towers and boutique hotels offer premium harbor-facing accommodations, though budget options are limited. The neighborhood connects easily to downtown via frequent buses, but most visitors prefer the scenic 10-minute walk along the waterfront.

Perched on a lush hillside, Mount Victoria gives you front-row seats to Wellington's best harbor panoramas. The lookout crowns the neighborhood with jaw-dropping views worth every step of the climb. Victorian and Edwardian wooden homes in cheerful heritage colors line the winding streets. Walking trails through the Town Belt green space offer peaceful escapes just minutes from downtown buzz. Hungry explorers will need to head to nearby Courtenay Place for serious dining options. Accommodation ranges from charming boutique B&Bs to vacation rentals in character villas. Frequent buses connect to the city center in minutes, though the steep terrain rewards walkers with unexpected harbor glimpses between the historic homes.