Wellington is a fantastic city for the boozers among us. From bars, clubs and plenty of events– we’ve got it all. But what if you actually don’t fancy a drink for a change? From immersive experiences to family-friendly activities, we’ve rounded 14 of the things to do without alcohol in Wellington.
1. Go behind-the-scenes of movies
The world-famous Weta Workshop is a superb place to learn about Oscar-winning work on Lord Of The Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. From bizarre costumes to mystical creatures, learn how physical effects were created and meet craftspeople, to name a few.
📍 21 Camperdown Road, Miramar, Wellington 6022, New Zealand
2. Play at a board games café
Eat delicious food while challenging a group to hundreds of board games at Counter Culture. Indeed, an nostalgic-inducing activity for all adults to enjoy.
📍 211 Victoria Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
3. Kayak around the Harbour
Fergs Kayaks offers the greatest adventures to hone your water skills through kayaking or paddleboarding. And of course, you don’t need a drop of alcohol. Book your experience here.
📍6 Queens Wharf, Wellington Central, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
4. Enjoy a beautiful sunset
Why not experience the magic of a picture-perfect sunset or sunrise in Wellington this season? It’s a superb no alcohol activity and luckily, we’ve already listed a range of wonderful locations for you to catch the glowing sky.
5. Hone your axe-throwing skills
Sweet Axe is one of the best date ideas in Wellington. Although, you can do it with a group by paying for a group session or private lane, and practicing axe throwing. Indeed, not a drop of alcohol is needed to have fun.
📍60 Cambridge Terrace, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
6. Go on a European food journey
This newly opened restaurant resembles a 20th century European bistro with plenty of continental dishes in a cosy setting. Read all about it here.
7. Visit a chocolate factory
What could be more stimulating than indulging in a chocolate overload? or even making your own chocolate at Wellington Chocolate Factory’s classes? Wonderfully, see our list of the best chocolate factory experiences in New Zealand.
📍 Various Locations
8. Go glamping
As one of our favourite Wellington date ideas, you could totally do this without alcohol. For example, Canopy Camping Escapes have an exclusive Wellington site. Boho Bach offers spectacular views in a beautiful and private setting. Certainly, one of the best things to do without alcohol.
📍 Fortification Road, Karaka Bays, Wellington 6022, New Zealand
9. Xcape Wellington
An escape room experience is a great way to get your adrenaline pumping for the weekend. With only 60 minutes to escape, you must try and unlock the keys by solving puzzles and riddles in a room with your team. If you’ve never done an escape room before, it’s the perfect alcohol-free activity.
📍 69 Pharazyn Street, Melling, Lower Hutt 5010, New Zealand
10. Visit Zealandia
Rediscover the delights of your homeland by heading to this wildlife sanctuary. Opt to bring your own picnic or else tuck into some exclusive Kiwi cuisine at the local café. Surrounded by birdsong and remote bushes, you’ll have a marvellous time minus alcohol.
📍 3 Waiapu Road, Karori, Wellington 6012, New Zealand
11. Get cosy in a boutique cinema
Grab your partner or friend and head to your nearest boutique movie theatre to catch some of the newest blockbusters on the big screen. For example, the Penthouse Cinema & Café has an array of new movies.
📍 Various Locations
SEE MORE: The Best Movies To See In The Cinema Now
12. Eat at Hannah’s Laneway
Foodies will love the world’s tastiest hidden laneway – Hannahs Laneway. They’ve got wonderful deals, where you can satisfy your sweet cravings by eating peanut butter at the quirky peanut butter shop, or eat delicious renowned salted caramel cookies at Leeds Street Bakery, and lots more.
📍 14 Leeds Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
13. Admire wildlife at the zoo
Animal lovers will enjoy wandering through the animal kingdom at Wellington Zoo. Indeed, the zoo is an excellent place to have fun, go on a date or get up close and personal with some much-loved creatures. For more information, visit the Wellington Zoo website.
📍 200 Daniell Street, Newtown, Wellington 6021, New Zealand
14. Go on an ig-worthy food hunt
The foodies will adore our list of the most instagrammable foods in Wellington. Why not check them out for yourself to see if you agree. Certainly, one of the best things to do without alcohol in Wellington.
📍 Various Locations
15. Explore the Te Papa Museum
Avail of many once-in-a-life opportunities to see world-famous art collections. For example, Surrealist masterpieces of artwork on lend from Rotterdam’s Museum, with works by Salvador Dali, Marcel Duchamp, just to name a few.
📍 Te Papa Museum, 55 Cable Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
16. Battle it out in laser tag
Another excellent date idea. Laserforce is also perfect for challenging friends to a game of laser tag. Certainly, you are guaranteed a laugh without any alcohol needed. For bookings, visit the Laserforce website.
📍 133 Tory Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand