Wellington

Interactive museums, art, and craft beer.

Wellington, New Zealand's capital, has a rich culture, beautiful harbour views, and many outdoor activities.

4.3
out of 5

Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand, is known for its rugged coastal setting and cultural importance. The city is home to the national museum, Te Papa, and a thriving film industry that earned it the nickname "Wellywood". It's small enough to walk around and large enough to have an active urban scene.

The landscape is marked by steep hills and a striking coastline, offering beautiful views for walkers and outdoor enthusiasts. Wellington's weather is changeable; sunshine can quickly turn to winds and rain, which residents have learned to accept.

As the political center of New Zealand, Wellington houses the well-known Beehive building, the center of government activity. Guided tours offer insights into New Zealand's political history. The commitment to environmental preservation is evident at the Zealandia sanctuary, an effort to return a section of the landscape to its original state before human impact.

Wellington's food scene reflects its cultural variety, with choices ranging from Maori hangi to expertly crafted coffee. Cuba Street is the artistic heart of the city, with independent shops and street art.

Fans of movies will enjoy the Weta Workshop, showing the production of movies like "The Lord of the Rings". Readers can explore the city and its cafes, connecting with the lives of New Zealand writers.

Transportation is well-served by a thorough public system, including buses and the Wellington Cable Car, which goes from Lambton Quay to the Botanic Garden, giving views from the city center.

While Wellington may not be the biggest city, it captivates with its mix of natural beauty, arts, and culture, making it an important place to visit in New Zealand.

Average temperatures during the day in Wellington.
May
11°
Jun
10°
Jul
9°
Aug
9°
Sep
11°
Oct
12°
Nov
14°
Dec
16°
Jan
17°
Feb
17°
Mar
16°
Apr
14°

What people say about Wellington

4.3
People
5
Food
4
Spaces
4
Value
4
Safety
4

What to do in Wellington

The 20 happiest cities in the world

Article from November 2024 with 21 places

Why are people happy in Wellington?

Wellington is the capital and second most populous city of New Zealand. It is consistently among the top cities in various happiness indexes. This is partly due to its temperate climate and being surrounded by natural beauty, which contributes to a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle, and the city offers plenty of outdoor activities, such as hiking and kayaking. Wellington also has a vibrant arts and culture scene, with many festivals, events, and galleries to explore. There is a strong sense of community, with many volunteer opportunities and social activities available to residents, and low levels of crime with a strong focus on looking out for one another. Finally, the city is commited to sustainability, with initiatives such as the Greenest City 2040 plan in place to ensure that Wellington continues to be a healthy and happy place to live.

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Places to visit in New Zealand

Article from September 2024 with 15 places

Welcome to Wellington – the capital and third biggest city on the island. Museums, concerts and shopping are some of the things to enjoy here, before grabbing the ferry to the south island. Do you want to get to know more about the Mauri people? The national museum Te Papa Tongarewa, a several floor museum in the core of the city, is worth a visit.

The city is built up by the water and the neighbor to a huge area of nature. There you can bike in Mākara Peak Mountain Bike Park or take a group photo at any of the view-points.

With a half an hour in the car or 40 minute hike it is possible to reach the Red rocks reserve. On a good day a seal or two are laying on the rocks and being lazy in the sun.

Over hundred locations on the south and northern island were a part of the filming of the Lord of the Rings. Therefore the fans can be lucky to know that several of them can be explored close to Wellington. Mount Victoria, the Hutt River and the Wētā Cave are some examples of spots – just pick and choose.

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The best places for women to travel alone

Article from October 2024 with 16 places

Even the beautiful nature is safe here

Wellington is an exciting and welcoming destination for female tourists with its vibrant culture, unique attractions and activities, and variety of eateries and shopping spots. Wellington has a great selection of museums, art galleries, and theaters to explore, as well as beautiful natural attractions like the Zealandia wildlife sanctuary and the botanic gardens. There are also plenty of outdoor activities, from kayaking on the harbor to hiking and biking the trails. One big benefit compared to its neighbor Australia is that no animals want to eat or kill you in New Zealand.

The city is known for its café culture, craft beer, and award-winning food and wine, so it’s an excellent place to try new things and relax. Wellington is also widely considered one of the safest cities in New Zealand, so female tourists can feel comfortable and secure while exploring the city.

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Lord of the Rings filming locations

Article from February 2023 with 11 places

Filming locations, studios, and world premieres

Parts of Lord of the Rings were filmed in and around the capital Wellington because of the stunning landscapes and varied terrain. The area was the setting of the volcanic plains of Mordor and the stunning forests, rivers, and mountains of Rivendell. Common filming locations included Mount Victoria and Kaitoke Regional Park.

The city of Wellington also provided the production team with access to a number of world-class studios and post-production facilities. And the almost 100-year-old Embassy Theatre was the location of the Return of The King world premiere after being renovated especially for that evening.

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Places nearby Wellington

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