If you google Wellington museum your top results will be for Te Papa. But there is in fact a museum called the Wellington Museum further along the waterfront that is worth checking out. It is much smaller than Te Papa, so you don’t need to commit so much time to a visit. This museum focuses on the Wellington Region rather than the whole of New Zealand. The most interesting exhibition is in the attic, where a bizarre collection of news stories and local intrigues can be found, such as UFO sightings and the first lion from Wellington zoo.

This workshop is where the majority of props for the Lord of the Rings trilogy were created. The workshop specialises in special effects, and created the majority of the costumes, creatures, weapons, sets and miniatures used throughout the filming of the series as well as the Hobbit trilogy. The artists here have also worked on films such as Avatar, King Kong, Mulan, and a number of Marvel movies. The workshop tour gives a fascinating insight into all the work that goes on behind-the-scenes, prop and costume creation and filming techniques. You will see props from a huge variety of movies, including the entire sets of the recent Thunderbirds television show. Even if you’re not a huge Tolkein fan, this tour is a must do.

Cuba Street is the top recommended place for food in the whole city. Havana Bar is the place to go for tapas and live music, while Fidel’s Cafe is a great spot for brunch. Also try Loretta’s, where the menu changes every day, so there is plenty of opportunity to try something new. Don’t miss the iconic bucket fountain situated half way down Cuba Street. This colourful kinetic sculpture was purposely designed to be as splashy as possible.

While Cuba Street is well known and loved by locals and tourists alike, Hannah’s Laneway is more of a hidden foodie gem. Converted from an old shoe factory, this little laneway is home to some fantastic offerings. Family owned Pizza Pomodoro makes the best pizzas in town, in authentic Italian fashion. If you’re in the mood for Mexican, head to the electric green Donnie Taco food truck. For dessert, don’t miss the Wellington Chocolate Factory. Take a tour of the chocolate making process and try some of their newest creations. The hot chocolate here is particularly delicious. Hannah’s Laneway is also home to a particularly good brewery, Fortune Favours. Try a flight of their many beers on tap, and treat yourself to a charcuterie board accompaniment.

The Wellington cable car is not a cable car at all but a funicular railway. The bright red carriage takes you from the central area at Lambton Quay up to a suburb on the hill for great views over the city. From the top you can easily visit the Botanical Garden or Cable Car Museum, before heading back down the hill via the City to Sea Walkway.

According to legend, Wellington harbour was once a landlocked lake, home to two sea monsters who hope to return to the ocean. One monster managed to forge a path through, creating the entrance to the harbour. The other monster, who was called Whataitai, went a different way, and became stranded. It is said that Mount Victoria is home to Whataitai’s soul. At 196 meters above sea level, calling it a mountain is a bit of a stretch, but it is still the highest natural landmark in Wellington and provides a great view of the city. The walk to the top is leisurely and enjoyable, and there are many more trails across Mount Victoria for those that fancy more of a hike.

Every Sunday morning the waterfront fills up with greengrocers, artisans and food trucks. Wellingtonians love food, and love to try new things, so you’ll often find unique creations or international cuisine here. On a sunny Sunday it’s a perfect spot to grab some dumplings or a roti and sit by the water, enjoying the sights and smells of wellingtons most popular market.

This small bar is weirdly situated in the middle of the highway – but sometimes the least impressive looking places are the hidden gems. This pub has the best Sunday roast in Wellington. The place books up fast, especially for dinner time, when the pub also hosts a weekly trivia night. Call ahead to make a reservation, so that you can be sure to have a table to enjoy the home comforts of a tasty roast dinner and pub quiz.

At the end of Tarankai Street, a spiral staircase rises from the ground and appears to lead to nothing. It is in fact a diving board. What makes it so unique is that the board sits above a hole in the ground which opens up to the water below, rather than being situated at the water’s edge. From afar, it looks like people are throwing themselves onto the concrete. There is a higher and lower platform, depending on your bravery.

This cocktail bar has a fun twist: the liquors hang from the ceiling on bungee cords, ready for bartenders to pull down to mix your drink. Aside from being a pretty entertaining spectacle, the cocktail creation at Hanging Ditch is expertly done. Everything on the menu is delicious, from the simple and classic cocktails to the unique creations. You can also find local wines and beers here, so there is a drink to suit everyone. For a snack, try the self-proclaimed ‘probably the best nuts in the world’.

The Interislander ferry takes you from Wellington to Picton (or vice versa), and claims to be not just a mode of transport but an experience in its own right. The ferry ride across the Cook Straight is an excellent opportunity to spot dolphins, seals and maybe even orcas, before entering the picturesque Marlborough Sounds at the tip of the South Island. If you are travelling by campervan, consider signing up for the Top 10 Holiday Park membership, which will get you discounts on campsites across the country as well as 15% off the Interislander ticket. If you’re travelling both ways, this discount will more than cover the membership fee.

“Quirky and Cultural Wellington, New Zealand” was originally published on Wanderdash (follow me @rosroundtheworld)