
Enjoy Wellington on a budget
When you are in Wellington you can enjoy lots of things. But if you save money too that can be handy for you and let you enjoy more with the money you saved. Here is the list of 20 things under $20 that you can do and enjoy.
Table of Contents
1. The Wellington Cable Car

If you want to take a ride to enjoy some awesome landscape of the city on the Wellington Cable Car you can do so for $7.50 only. This is one of the things under $20.
A benchmark in engineering when it opened over 100 years ago. This Wellington Cable Car is New Zealand’s only remaining funicular railway.
2. The Great War Exhibition

Going back to some history of the city or World War you can go for two great exhibitions- The Great War Exhibition on Buckle Street with only $15 per adult and Gallipoli the Scale of our War at Te Pap for free which is brought to life by famous movie makers like Sir Richard Taylor and Sir Peter Jackson. This is one of the things under $20 in Wellington.
3. Visit Wellington Museum to Know the History

Want to know about Wellington’s secrets, stories, and treasures you can do so at Wellington Museum on the waterfront all free. This is one of the things under $20. You can walk along Wellington’s waterfront and come across one of New Zealand’s most architecturally prominent buildings.
4. Hire a Crocodile Bike for a Ride

You can pedal around Wellington’s scenic waterfront on a quirky Crocodile Bike. This is one of the things under $20. Here you can hire a two-seater for 30 minutes of cruising for $15 or grab a few mates and get a four-seater for $40 for 1 hour with four people for just $10 each.
The Crocodile Bikes are great fun for the entire family, they even offer birthday parties with the bikes. You do not have to book the Croc Bikes in advance, just turn up.
5. Visit The City Gallery for Contemporary Arts

You can get your culture fixed at City Gallery, which is home to an ever-changing collection of contemporary art from Aotearoa and abroad.
All exhibition entries are free. This is one of the things under $20. Also, find art and design books, activities, and toys for creative kids, New Zealand–made homewares and jewelry, plus much more—all tastefully selected for the art-and-design-lover who loves to shop.
6. Parliament Building

You can get the inside word on New Zealand’s system of government and learn all about their work inside, on a guided tour of Parliament Buildings all free. It consists of three architecturally amazing buildings, there’s the Edwardian neo-classical Parliament House, the Victorian Gothic Parliamentary Library, and the distinctive 1970s-style Beehive building.
7. Explore Zealandia Eco-sanctuary

If you are a nature lover then visit Zealandia Ecosanctuary for $18.50 per adult and watch the cheeky kaka or spot the tuatara and have some fun here. This is one of the things under $20. Visit a lush forest full of rare native animals. Discover this eco-sanctuary home to find 40 rare native species.
Explore the outdoors with an expert guide who will show you the best places to spot wildlife like kākāriki, tuatara, and takahē. Relax at Rata café with delicious food made from sustainably sourced ingredients and admire the views over the lake.
8. Find Stars at Space Place

Interested in astronomy then gaze into the skies above Wellington and learn all about astronomy at Space Place at $12.50 only. This is one of the things under $20.
Located on the edge of Wellington Botanic Garden at the top of the cable car, step inside and you’ll get to know about planets, galaxies, stars, and constellations through interactive galleries and exhibits, and discover more about the Southern Hemisphere’s star groups.
9. Visit Weta Cave

Enter the Weta Cave all free the home of movie-making magic and take a tour of Weta Workshop at $25. This is one of the things under $20. It crafts physical effects for some of the world’s most popular films and TV shows.
10. Eat Burgers

Feeling hungry after your tour then land on the Ekim Burgers and find an affordable and delicious menu just for $8- $15. Everybody loves a burger, and Burger Liquor can offer a burger to suit almost everyone – regardless of age or dietary requirement.
This is one of the things under $20. Most of Burger Liquor’s delicious menu is under $20 and the atmosphere is amazing and fun.
11. Tommy Millions Pizza

To grab a pizza visit Tommy Millions where a pizza slice can cost $5 each. Tommy Millions has become an inseparable part of nightlife in Wellington and a slice of Tommy’s features at the beginning, middle or end of many good nights out in the capital. This is one of the things under $20.
12. Stop by Wellington’s Boutique Soda Factory

Want to enjoy some soda then take a tour of Wellington’s boutique soda factory, Six Barrel Soda, and sample their specialty sodas for $20. This is one of the things under $20. This boutique soda factory serves up natural soda, brewed coffee, and small bites to Wellingtonians.
13. Get Some Chips and Crumbed Fish

For a quick bite to eat that’ll have all your fellow lunchmates envious, try Mt Vic Chippery’s Express Lunch. Taste some crumbed fish, crinkle-cut chips, and slaw all at $10.
14. Taste Italian chocolate from Scopa on Cuba Street

Have hot chocolate to warm up if in winter that too Italian chocolate from Scopa on Cuba Street for $6. It’s the perfect thing on a winter’s afternoon or to round out an Italian feast at this favorite Wellington Italian eatery on Cuba Street.
15. Grab Hot Waffle from The Littel Waffle Shop

Grab a hot waffle loaded up with fresh cream, white chocolate drizzle, fruit, and vanilla ganache from The Little Waffle Shop for $7 each and $5 on Wednesdays.
16. Enjoy Movie at Light House Cinema

Want to enjoy some movies then get on a two-seater couch and enjoy at the boutique Light House Cinema, Cuba for $17.50 per person. Grab a two-seater couch and enjoy a movie at the boutique Light House Cinema which has three theatres around Wellington. Adult tickets are $18 every day and only $12 each Tuesday or $9.5 on Monday.
17. Visit Chow’s Cocktails

For cocktails visit Chow’s that are insanely good like the Rosebud. Plus which comes in at $13-$18. Chow offers a cocktail list of piña coladas, from frozen to mulled, zombies to alcohol-free cocktails which are the perfect match to compliment your food.
18. Enjoy Milkshake at Five Boroughs

Enjoy some tasty milkshakes at Five Boroughs for $7.50 and enjoy flavors like Jelly Tip, Bounty, and Triple Chocolate. Owners Bronwyn Kelly and Katie Richardson, and their friendly team serve up a mix of unforgettable fare – tasty and wholesome salads, melt-in-the-mouth baking, the longest, thickest milkshakes, and hot food from the kitchen, you’ve probably ever seen.
19. Visit Burger Liquor for Burger

Every day from 2-5 pm at Burger Liquor get a standard burger, crinkle-cut fries, and a cold tap bevy or bootleggers soda as part of the standard deal at $15 only.
Wellington’s first Burger Bar. This is one of the things under $20. It serves great burgers, along with the burger’s favorite accompaniments; fries, cocktails, hard shakes, and beers, and with a great selection of bourbons and rums.
20. Visit Garage Project Cellar Door to taste beers

For free beer go to Garage Project Cellar Door and taste a few beers from their eight-tap line-up and enjoy. This is one of the things under $20. Previously not open to the public, the company’s central Te Aro brewery on Furness Lane is now home to the Wild Workshop Cellar Door, allowing visitors to soak up the sights and smells of a working brewery and enjoy tasting flights and bottle pours in the place that they were made.
Conclusion
Wellington offers a plethora of budget-friendly activities, ensuring an enriching experience without breaking the bank. From exploring the city’s history at the Wellington Museum to enjoying a scenic ride on the Wellington Cable Car, there are numerous options under $20.
Dive into the world of movie-making magic at the Weta Cave, witness the stars at Space Place, or savor affordable yet delicious burgers at Ekim Burgers.
Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or simply enjoying good food, Wellington has something for everyone, making it an ideal destination for those seeking both adventure and savings. Plan your budget-friendly escapade and make the most of what Wellington has to offer.
FAQs
Are there outdoor activities in Wellington within budget?
Absolutely! You can pedal around Wellington’s waterfront on a quirky Crocodile Bike, explore Zealandia Eco-sanctuary for $18.50, or gaze at stars at Space Place for $12.50, providing affordable outdoor experiences.
Where can I enjoy affordable food in Wellington?
Wellington has several options for budget-friendly dining. Ekim Burgers, Tommy Millions Pizza, and Mt Vic Chippery’s Express Lunch offer delicious meals under $20.
Can I learn about movie-making in Wellington on a budget?
Yes, you can visit the Weta Cave for free, the home of movie-making magic, and take a tour of Weta Workshop for $25, providing insights into crafting physical effects for popular films.
Are there options for budget-friendly entertainment in Wellington?
Enjoy movies at the boutique Light House Cinema for $17.50, indulge in cocktails at Chow’s with prices ranging from $13-$18, or visit Garage Project Cellar Door for free beer tastings.
What outdoor activities are available for nature lovers in Wellington?
Nature lovers can explore Zealandia Eco-sanctuary for $18.50, find stars at Space Place for $12.50, and even hire a Crocodile Bike for a scenic waterfront ride starting at $15.
Where can I enjoy affordable and unique beverages in Wellington?
Try the boutique soda factory, Six Barrel Soda, for a $20 tour and sampling experience or savor tasty milkshakes at Five Boroughs for $7.50, featuring flavors like Jelly Tip and Bounty.
How can I get around Wellington on a budget?
Utilize affordable transportation options such as the Wellington Cable Car for $7.50 or explore the city on a quirky Crocodile Bike starting at $15 for 30 minutes.
What budget-friendly options are there for families in Wellington?
Families can enjoy a two-seater couch movie experience at the Light House Cinema for $17.50 per person or opt for a fun and affordable four-seater Crocodile Bike ride at $40 for one hour.
Where can I learn about Wellington’s history and secrets on a budget?
Visit the Wellington Museum on the waterfront for free to uncover the city’s secrets, stories, and treasures, offering an informative and budget-friendly experience.
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