Nairn Street Cottage Tour

Old world charm five minutes from the city. Open Saturday–Sunday.


Discover central Wellington’s oldest home, Nairn Street Cottage. Built in the late 1850s, the cottage was home to the Wallis family for three generations and now operates as an immersive museum, open Saturday – Sunday over the winter

Step inside and explore what it meant to “make a home” in Aotearoa, through a range of Māori and Pākehā perspectives. Each room reflects a different era, guiding visitors through the changing decades from the 1850s to the 1970s.  

New this season are our guided tours which now include a short introduction to the heritage garden at the rear of the cottage. Our Gardener Thomas will be on hand to connect with manuhiri and share stories of the garden and whenua, highlighting how early life in New Zealand relied on seasonal plants for food and medicine. 

Entry by tour only. Please note: Nairn Street Cottage operates as a cashless site. We encourage all visitors to book online in advance.

Tours start at 12pm, 2pm & 3pm, Saturday–Sunday.

Adults (ages 14+)   

Children (ages 4–14)


EFTPOS-only door sales available, booking recommended.

Book online or contact Wellington Museum:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +64 4 472 8904

  • A long shot through the cottage's corridor as a woman enters through the front door.
  • The pianola of the sitting room is against the pale green wall. The mantel piece in the foreground hold trinkets and is out of focus.
  • A woman walks along the hallway of Nairn Street Cottage. She is framed by an open bedroom door. She appear blurry with movement.
  • One of the cottage's bedrooms featuring soft pink. patterned wallpaper. Light comes through the window on to the made bed with white sheets and an iron frame.
  • A door is open to the 1970s themed kitchen. The autumnal colour scheme is found on the graphic table cloth and curtains.
  • A chest sits at the foot of the bed in the bedroom with pale blue patterned wallpaper.