Wellington is a gorgeous capital and excellent place to learn more about New Zealand’s history. Visitors can’t help but fall in love with this culturally-rich coastal city on the North Island, which has been described by the Lonely Planet as ‘the coolest little capital in the world’ – and it’s easy to see why!
Wellington’s compact size means it’s easy to get around on foot, but it’s also fun to hop on the traditional cable car which is more than a hundred years old and a real icon of the capital. It can whisk you up to the beautiful Botanic Gardens and an elevated lookout, promising sweeping views of the city and bay. From here you can really take in the beauty of Wellington and its surrounds. What’s more, by basing yourself in Wellington you’ll find it easy to head further afield on day trips – whether that’s to the wineries of Martinborough and Cape Palliser in the Wairarapa Valley, nature reserves such as Zealandia or Red Rock, and of course the South Island, accessible via a three-hour ferry ride to Picton, passing the breathtaking Marlborough Sound along the way.
Back in Wellington itself, you won’t be short of things to do, particularly when it comes to food! The city is a gourmet haven, with exquisite restaurants, food festivals, breweries, bars and artisan cafés to try out. Also not to be missed is the atmospheric harbourfront and the national museum, Te Papa Tongarewa, particularly to gain a greater understanding of New Zealand’s geology, history, art and Maori culture.
