New Zealand's
capital city and home to the nation's uniquely designed government house
(the Beehive).
With a population of
approximately 450,000 people,
Wellington is a relatively compact
city bursting with vitality and
culture. With it's trolley busses and
hilly terrain, is often found to have
similarities to San Francisco. This
cosmopolitan harbour city has a great
range of shops and cafes and is home
to a thriving arts community with a
diverse array of cultural activities,
scenic attractions and affordable
shopping.
Having an international
airport, Wellington is a gateway city
to the world and to the North and
South Island with frequent sailings
of the passenger and
vehicle ferries including the
Lynx and Interislander which cross
Cook Strait to
Picton in The Marlborough
Sounds.
Central Wellington has
many places of interest easily
accessible within walking distance.
Oriental Bay, Courtenay Place, Cuba
street and Lambton Quay link up to
form Wellington’s main shopping
area within the commercial heart of
the city where you will find a
variety of popular shops and
colourful arcades with a vibrant
cafe' culture. By night Wellington
has a range very lively activities
with many bars and entertainment
venues.
New Zealanders
are people with great pride and
portray this through their heritage
which you can discover by visiting Te
Papa, (situated on the
waterfront), Te Papa is New Zealand's
national museum where you will find a
great range of stunning and often
interactive exhibits including natural
history. You can view videos of the
eruptions of Mount Ruapehu and learn
about other earth changes, or indulge
yourself in a fascinating range of
art exhibitions, interactive cultural
and educational displays many of
which are designed for young
children.
A stroll along the
scenic Queens Wharf and Oriental
Parade gives spectacular harbour
views, and Mt Victoria gives a total
panorama.
Alternatively from Lambton
Quay, take the cable car to Kelburn,
the botanic gardens and The Carter
Astronomical Observatory, and stroll
down through the botanic gardens,
Tinakori Road and the tour of
government house. Or just use the
yellow bus to get about down town.
Wellington plays host to
the International Festival of the
Arts, and national entertainment
including Dragon Boat Racing, the
Royal New Zealand Ballet and the
National Opera of New Zealand,
Wellington is home to many
professional and amateur theatre
companies and there are frequent
displays and performances.
Wellington makes a great
base to explore The Kapiti Coast, where you can
by advance booking visit Kapiti Island, one of New Zealand's few
predator free" nature
reserves. Get there on the frequent
city train services which also run to
the Hutt Valley and the cities of
Upper and Lower Hutt. Further beyond
the Hutt Valley is the spectacular
wine region of Wairarapa.
Your stay in Wellington
will provide a lifetime of positive
memories. The friendly folk and
exciting array of activities are sure
to beckon your return to a fabulous
city that portrays its fun loving and
funky attitude through its logo: Absolutely
Positively Wellington!
New Zealanders
are people with great pride and
portray this through their heritage
which you can discover by visiting Te
Papa, (situated on the
waterfront), Te Papa is New Zealand's
national museum where you will find a
great range of stunning and often
interactive exhibits including natural
history. You can view videos of the
eruptions of Mount Ruapehu and learn
about other earth changes, or indulge
yourself in a fascinating range of
art exhibitions, interactive cultural
and educational displays many of
which are designed for young
children. 
Alternatively from Lambton
Quay, take the cable car to Kelburn,
the botanic gardens and The Carter
Astronomical Observatory, and stroll
down through the botanic gardens,
Tinakori Road and the tour of
government house. Or just use the
yellow bus to get about down town.
