New Zealand's Capital, the windy city of Wellington, is a melting pot of activity in the arts and music world. Wellington combines the flair and flavours from many different cultures across the globe, and transcends boundaries by blending old and new in a way that makes the city a social and cultural highlight of New Zealand.
Famous for its cafe culture, the Te Papa Museum and its splendid architecture, Wellington's diplomatic significance has seen the city blend its role as national capital with influences from many cultures, its Maori heritage and its vast population of university students.
Getting in and around Wellington
Wellington Airport
Wellington International Airport is located seven kilometres southeast of central Wellington. The airport handles over 5.1 million passengers a year, and is relatively small given the volume of passengers that passes through annually. Wellington Airport has become world-renowned for its windy autumn landings, and the Wellington Airport Corporation likes to use the slogan "wild at heart" to describe itself. The airport terminal has a fantastic range of healthy food options at reasonable prices - refreshing for an airport whether you are health or cost conscious.
Wellington Transport
You're practically guaranteed a pleasant experience with Wellington's taxis. Buses and shuttles are available from the airport and CBD to all over the region, including traditional spots like Courtenay Place, Lower Hutt and Upper Hutt.
Wellington Car Hire
Rental car hire is available at the airport from the usual suspects including Hertz, Thrifty, Avis, Europcar and Budget. You will find the desks for each of these companies on the Ground Level of the main terminal building, near the baggage claim.
^ Back to top
Wellington accommodation
Luxury
Sofitel Wellington is situated near the lush botanic gardens and offers luxury rooms and suites.
InterContinental Wellington is conveniently nestled in the heart of Wellington's vibrant city centre. It's the perfect base for any trip to the nation's capital.Duxton Hotel is situated right in the heart of the city, close to the Convention Centre, Courtenay Place and the Te Papa Museum. The Duxton is an immaculate hotel with all the trimmings you’d expect from a 5-star hotel in the national's capital.
Intercontinental Hotel is conveniently nestled in the heart of Wellington’s vibrant city centre. It is the perfect base for any trip to the nation's capital. The hotel has two restaurants, a health club and limitless other conveniences for your stay.
Mid-range
Rydges Wellington is centrally located along the waterfront close to Lambton Quay, Queens Wharf and Sky Stadium. This four star hotel offers a great range of comforts and facilities for business and holiday travel.
Wellesley Boutique Hotel. Built in 1929 and designed by Gray Young, the restored heritage hotel is an affordable luxury.Holiday Inn is centrally located along the waterfront close to Parliament House and the Victoria University of Wellington. This new hotel offers a great range of comforts and facilities for business and holiday travel.
Wellesley Boutique Hotel is renowned for its fine dining and wine bar. Built in 1926 and designed by Thomas Young, the restored heritage hotel is an affordable luxury.
Budget
Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman is located between Cuba street and Victoria University and provides tremendous value for money.Mecure Hotel Willis Street is located in the Cuba Quarter of Wellington and provides tremendous value for money.
Backpackers
YHA Wellington provides room types to suit all needs and is situated in close proximity to the waterfront, Te Papa and Courtenay Place.Rowena’s Lodge provides camping and hostel accommodation in the tranquil surroundings of Mount Victoria. Within easy walking distance of Courtenay Place and the CBD provides an ambient atmosphere for its guests.
^ Back to top
Things to do in Wellington
Te Papa Museum. Te Papa Tongarewa is translated to mean "container of treasures". The museum features many significant New Zealand plants and animals, historical stamps from the New Zealand Post Archive, historical clothing and information from New Zealand and the surrounding Pacific Islands, photography, and a range of information and archives of New Zealand's history.
Arts and music. Wellington is notable as the music and arts capital of New Zealand, with the city responsible for having produced many high-calibre performing artists including Fat Freddy's Drop, Flight of the Conchords, and the Black Seeds. Wellington has a growing live music scene which has popularised reggae, jazz and indie rock throughout New Zealand.
Festivals. Wellington is famous for its cultural festivals, including the CubaDupa Festival (each March), New Zealand Festival of the Arts (February/March), New Zealand Fringe Festival (February/March), the Wellington Folk Festival (October), the New Zealand International Comedy Festival (April/May) and numerous others.
Cafe culture. Wellington often boasts that it has more cafes per capita than New York; it may have more bars per capita than any other city, too! Wellington is renowned for its strong cafe and bar culture, so while you're here you'll want to venture out and enjoy the friendly vibe of the local cafes and bars.
^ Back to top
Day trips in and around Wellington
Wellington Cable Car. The cable car takes you on a scenic trip from Lambton Quay in Central Wellington to Kelburn, a hillside suburb that overlooks Wellington. The cable car gives you a beautiful view of the city and is regarded as a must-see sight.
^ Back to top