Wellington Mini Guide
So, Tell me About Wellington
Wellington is the capital of New Zealand and the country’s 3rd largest city. It is a harbour city ringed by mountains and a popular destination for first time visitors to the region.
How Can I get There?
There are flights to Wellington International Airport from airports in New Zealand and
Australia. To get from the airport to the city you can take the Metlink bus 91. If you are travelling from other parts of New Zealand you can catch a train from
Auckland or take an Intercity long distance coach. The city is easy to get around by foot, or you can use the bus and trolley bus system.
What can I see in Wellington?
You can take the Wellington City Sights hop on, hop off bus tour, to find your bearings in the city. Have a picnic at the Botanic Gardens and visit the Carter Observatory to find out more about the New Zealand skies. From here you can ride on the Kelburn Cable Car to Lampton Quay. Take a ferry from Queens Wharf to Matiu or Somes Island, in the past it has been a quarantine centre for animals (and humans!) and also an internment centre for dangerous prisoners during the world wars. To discover more about the city’s history and maritime heritage you can visit the Museum of Wellington City and Sea and the famous Te Papa National Museum that celebrates the country’s culture.
What Else Can I do?
For animal lovers, you can see over 500 different animals at Wellington Zoo and see rare local wildlife at Zealandia. Also, head out to Red Rocks and see the seal colony. If you want to relax in the sunshine, go to Oriental Parade and sunbathe on the beach and enjoy lunch in one of the many cafes there. For something more active, you can walk or skate and climb or jet-ski at Frank Kitts Park. If you want some money off vouchers or free entry to Wellington's attractions, play the cable game online at www.wellingtonnz.com and your prize vouchers will be emailed to you!
What’s the Food Like?
Wellington is a bit of a foodie paradise, even though probably the favourite dish of the city is fish and chips! You can do a coffee tasting at Mojo Central and find out about the different types of coffee bean they grind. Zest Food Tours offer walking tours so that you can experience the best of food in the city. Wild About Wellington has a ‘sites and bites’ tour and a ‘wild about chocolate’ tour, so there is something for every taste. Also you can take a wine tasting tour to Martinborough in Wairarapa, with Tranzit and sample the wine at four vineyards.
How is the Shopping?
Whatever you like to shop for, you will find it in Wellington, there are vintage stores and trendy boutiques, side by side with designers and souvenir shops. Go to the City Market and the Hill Street Farmers' Market and find the best in local produce and internationally sourced food items. For a special gift or souvenir, browse the arts and crafts at Wellington Underground Market. If you want to spend a whole day out and shop till you drop, take the Shopping Deluxe Tour (by Wild About Wellington Tours) and maybe squeeze in lunch with champagne and a beauty treatment.
Out and About
Wellington has so much to offer, you may not want to leave the city! The Kapiti Coast or nature coast as it is locally known has beaches and lush scenery – whether you want to swim or dive or sunbathe and walk, it’s an alternative to the city.
Wellington is renowned as a ‘Capital of Culture’ and the self-styled 'Capital of NZ Cool'. The city is ranked 4th in Lonely Planet’s ‘must visit city list’. It’s home to the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, the Royal New Zealand Ballet and has an internationally acclaimed Arts Festival.
Hiring a car will help you to take in the sights during the day then eat at one of the city’s renowned restaurants before heading off to a show, opera or concert in the evening. The next day you can then take the scenic drive along the natural harbour and walk out to the Miramar Peninsula.