Overview
Take a Trip to Wellington on your New Zealand Vacation
Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand located at the southwest tip of the North Island and known as the country’s centre for arts and culture. It was named after Arthur Wellesley, the first Duke of Wellington. Being the political centre, one will see, on a New Zealand Vacation, numerous government buildings. It is also a university city. In recent years, it has become an important centre for New Zealand’s film industry.
This compact picturesque city is nestled between a stunning harbour and rolling green hills adorned with tiered suburbs of colonial villas. The best place to really “view” Wellington is from Mount Victoria Lookout where parts of some of the Lord of the Rings movies were filmed. Wonderful views are also available by taking the Wellington Cable Car which takes you to the Botanic Gardens and the Carter Observatory on Wellington Tours.
It is a very walkable city with all of its restaurants, cafes, bars, galleries and shops in close proximity to each other. This is evident in central lively Courtney Place where cultural and nightlife activities abound. There are a number of museums and art galleries including the Katherine Mansfield Birthplace Museum, all to be enjoyed on New Zealand Tours. As far as dining is concerned, there is an excellent choice of European, Asian and Polynesian cuisines from which to choose as well as local New Zealand dishes. For wine connoisseurs, not far away is Martinborough Wine Village where you can sample one of the world’s best pinot noirs.
At a Glance
Languages
English, MaoriCurrency
New Zealand Dollar (NZD)What do the experts say?
The food in New Zealand is incredible, and New Zealanders are rightly proud of their paddock to plate cuisine. Almost everything is sustainably grown and processed, from lamb and seafood to vegetables and fruit.
About 20 percent of New Zealand is made up of National Parks, Forests, and Nature Reserves. And they’re all free to enter!
The Māori cultural experiences and performances offered throughout the North and South Islands are well worth seeking out. If the opportunity presents itself, definitely take part in a hāngī
Looking for a great restaurant in New Zealand? Try The Bunker in Queenstown, Plato in Dunedin, Manu in Christchurch, and Oppies Fish & Chips in Rotorua
All Blacks rugby is huge in New Zealand. If you’re a sports fan, be sure to check out a home game. The All Blacks typically play their home test matches during the months of July, August, September and sometimes October
Twilight over Wellington harbour and an photo o...
Wellingtons skyline
Parliament library of Wellington
An aerial view of central Wellington
Parliament and Beehive office buildings in cent...
Most Popular Time to Travel
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Place
Conditions
Daily max temperatureMonthly rainfall
WellingtonOccasional Showers
17°C / 62°F
53mm / 2.1"
Weather data is based on monthly averages.Popularity rating
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