A capital place for culture
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| In Wellington, walk from one world to another on the City to Sea Bridge. |
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Wellington is New Zealand’s capital city, and it’s also known as our arts and culture capital. A special blend of heritage buildings, museums and galleries, fine food and live entertainment opportunities make this city a great place to visit in any season.
Part of Wellington’s charm is its close proximity to nature. The central city is nestled between a beautiful harbour and forested hills. Wildlife sanctuaries, islands, seaside villages, ocean beaches and regional parks provide huge scope for outdoor fun.
Many visitors choose to base themselves in the vibrant inner city, where it’s easy to walk to boutique shops, art galleries, trendy cafés and restaurants. Dominating the spectacular waterfront is Te Papa Tongrewa - the interactive, innovative museum that’s one of New Zealand’s key cultural attractions. At night, the city stays up late to enjoy live theatre, music and dance performances.
Wellingtonians love their city, and we’re sure you will too. Allow at least a couple of days here to get an insight into New Zealand’s history, contemporary culture and creativity.
Key Features
Between harbour and hills
Wellington's geography has created a compact city. The central city, only 2 kilometres wide, is nestled between the harbour and the hills. Wild, untouched landscapes can be found within minutes of your city hotel.
The home of heritage
Wellington is home to many of New Zealand's most significant heritage attractions. Among these are the national museum Te Papa, Parliament and the National Archives, which displays the original Treaty of Waitangi.
A city with four flavours
Downtown Wellington is divided into four distinct quarters, making it easy for visitors to experience the different personalities of the city. The fashions, flavours and faces change with every quarter.
Key Tips
- Wellington has an international airport, ferries connecting the North and South islands and an extensive train and bus network.
- Wellington’s compact size means it only takes 20 minutes to walk from one side of downtown to the other.
- Visitors are often surprised by how much there is to see and do in Wellington - ensure you allow enough time.
- Venture out to Kapiti, Hutt Valley and Porirua - each area has unique experiences to offer travellers.
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MEMORY:
Submitted by Celeste Gregoire from USA
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Vibrant, beautiful, and easy to navigate, Wellington is a city with an irrepressible energy.
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www.newzealand.com Pages
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Wellington Airport
Find out about Wellington Airport's facilities and transport options to the city.
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New Zealand Food and Wine
Take a gourmet journey through the North and South Islands and discover your appetite for New Zealand.
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World of WearableArt
Step into a world where art and the human form combine, where dance, music and lighting tell a story of the body as a canvas; where the lines of fashion and art blur and merge as one…
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Art and Culture
Wellington is home to memorable arts, cultural and heritage attractions including the national museum, Te Papa.
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The Lord of the Rings
Home to the cast and crew for over three years, Wellington has a cosmopolitan richness and compactness that allows you to be in the city one minute and leafy lanes the next.
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Other Sites
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Winter in Wellington
Indulge yourself in Wellington this winter. Settle in by a roaring fire at one of Wellington's many lounge bars. Experience all the delights that this sophisticated city and its neighbouring boutique wineries have to offer. You can be there in just three hours. Visit www.WellingtonNZ.com to plan your short break now.
WELLINGTON
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Population: 423,800
City Area: 290km 2
Wellington City Map
(PDF 643KB)
Seasonal Tips
DURING YOUR VISIT
Downtown Wellington offers a warm escape from winter. The many restaurants, bars, cafes and galleries provide cosy shelter from the elements. Winter is an ideal time to explore the city’s art galleries and museums. Be sure to explore Te Papa, the Museum of Wellington City & Sea and the City Gallery Wellington. Or head out to Pataka in Porirua and The New Dowse in Lower Hutt.
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| NEW ZEALAND INTERNATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL 2008 |
From the deeply serious to the seriously fun, the 2008 New Zealand International Arts Festival hosts the best in international and New Zealand culture.
Photo credit: New Zealand International Arts Festival
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