Wellington
Wellington: Te Papa, the cable car and Cuba Street
A walking day in New Zealand's capital: Te Papa Tongarewa, the national museum, for natural history and Māori and Pacific collections, the Wellington Cable Car up to the Botanic Garden, then coffee and food around Cuba Street and the waterfront. It suits culture, food and budget channels, and it works in any weather because the anchor is indoors.
Why it films well
Wellington is compact, so one day gives you harbour, hills, a red cable car climbing above the city and a café street with real character. Te Papa gives the context that makes the rest of a New Zealand series make sense: how the islands formed and who lives here.
What the hosted activity covers
- A guided introduction to Te Papa, if agreed in the itinerary
- Cable car ride to the Botanic Garden
- A food and coffee stop around Cuba Street, as agreed in the itinerary
- Airport transfer in a private licensed vehicle
Before you film
Shooting notes
- Museum rules
- Personal photography is allowed in many areas of Te Papa, but some exhibitions and taonga (treasured objects) restrict it. Follow the signs and staff, and ask before filming staff or other visitors.
- Wind
- Wellington is famously windy. Bring a wind muff for your microphone and keep a hand on lightweight tripods on the waterfront.
- Drones
- Wellington Airport is close to the city, and council parks set their own drone rules. Assume no drone shots unless they are agreed in writing.
- Cafés and faces
- Ask before filming baristas and café staff, and buy from the places you feature.