Windy Wellington

Wellington is both the political and cultural capital of New Zealand. The beautiful mountainous city surrounding the majestic Nicholson Bay is also the windiest capital city in the world with gale force winds a regular occurrence. Don’t let this deter you as it is actually one of the city’s many charms!

Boasting no less than four professional theatre companies, the genuinely exciting Te Papa Museum of New Zealand, the National Art Gallery of New Zealand and being home to the Royal New Zealand Ballet, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and New Zealand Opera all justify the city’s claim to being the nation’s cultural capital. Wellington’s population is also the country’s best educated and average incomes are the nations highest. While the capital’s sophisticated elite enjoy the arts there is also a lively club and pub scene and vibrant night life to enjoy as well.

With a population of approximately 370,000 people the trendy city is home to over 400 cafes so you’ll never be far from a latte. The compact city centre has the nation’s best shopping with the local Kirkcaldie and Stains Department Store on fashionable Lambton Quay is a local institution. The two main shopping hot spots are Lambton Quay’s ‘Golden Mile’ and the area around Cuba Mall and Courtney Place. Both are within easy walking distance of each other or you could enjoy a trolley bus ride between the two. Wellington is one of the few city’s in the world to have retained the environmentally friendly electric trolley buses which now give the city added character.
 

Lambton Quay was once Wellington’s main wharf until New Zealand’s most powerful recorded earthquake (8.2 on the Richter scale), raised the harbour 2-3 metres. Most of the present day CBD was below sea level prior to the 1855 quake and Lambton Quay’s curves reflect the original coastline. Wellington’s population grew rapidly following the decision to relocate the colony’s capital from Auckland to a more central location in 1865. At that time it was home to barely 4,900 but the addition of Government jobs brought about phenomenal growth.

While in Wellington you can enjoy a free guided tour around New Zealand’s Parliament Building and famous Beehive, a visit to the magnificent Wellington Botanical Gardens which are reached via the city’s iconic Cable Car and a return trip to Eastbourne on the city’s East by West ferry will be rewarded with breathtaking views of Wellington from the middle of the harbour.

Views from Mt Victoria are unbeatable, especially at night and a Transmetro suburban train trip to either Johnsonville or Paraparaumu provides spectacular coastal and bush views that will make you feel you are far from any city! Wellington has New Zealand’s best public transport and is the only urban region where you can actually get by without a car.

Wellington comes alive during their New Zealand International Arts Festival, a month long celebration of the arts and culture from around the world. The World of Wearable Arts Show is one of the world’s craziest and imaginative fashion shows held each September and a magnet for the country’s fashionista.

Wellington is often overlooked by international tourists but those who visit discover New Zealand’s most interesting city. Wellington has world class accommodation, an abundance of things to see and do and is only three hours from Picton in the South Island by ferry. If you have the time you really should spend at least one full day discovering the charm and culture of New Zealand’s sophisticated capital city.

Because hotel occupancy is busiest during weekdays Wellington’s many hotels often offer weekend discounts to entice visitors, which is the opposite to most tourist locations. Why not take a look now and see what offers are available for the dates that most interest you? You might score yourself a bargain!

Check out our listing of Wellington accommodation. For additional attractions, tours and other information, drop into the local tourism visitor centre.