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.
Immerse yourself in sophisticated Wellington this spring and enjoy its array of cafés, bars, shops and galleries. Experience the delights of this beautiful harbour city and its neighbouring wine regions. Be there in just three hours.
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.
Browse our collection of images to see what the region has to offer:
A capital place for culture
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.
MEMORY: Submitted by Mylene Taruc from United States of America
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I've lived in New Zealand for almost 7 years and I consider myself very lucky for having lived in a place I literally call, "a land of milk and honey."
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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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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.
WellingtonNZ.com Visit WellingtonNZ.com to see what’s on, where to eat, drink, shop, and to book your flights and accommodation.
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New Zealand Museums & Collections The NZMuseums site details the various museums and art galleries you can visit around New Zealand, along with many of the collections and works on display.
Clear spring days provide the perfect opportunity to mountain bike through the native bush of Makara Peak. Or take your bike out to the Hutt Valley and ride one of the many tracks along the river or through the hills.
Spring in New Zealand means Christmas is not far away – look for the iconic kiwi Christmas tree, the Pohutukawa. Its distinctive bright red flowers can be seen throughout the streets and along the beaches of the Wellington region.
Festivals of every description are flourishing from September until the end of November. Revel in New Zealand's passion for wonderful food, wine, art and gardens.
