Wellington is New Zealands Capital city but is not just known as its political centre. It is also rich in artistic and cultural heritage which offers visitors an array of activites certain to keep you occupied during your stay. Situated on the southern tip of New Zealands North Island, Wellington is surrounded by hills, a rugged coastline and a picture perfect harbour setting. On a clear day visitors will also be able to see the snowcapped Kaikoura Ranges to the south of the city. The compact set up of the city means you will never be to far from all the main sites, whether it be art galleries, boutique shopping or fine foods and lively entertainment. This energetic blend of culture and History mean you will need a few days to truly take in this remarkable destination.
Being New Zealand’s political hub Wellington houses the national parliament and all the ministirial departments linked to the government. It is also home to one of New Zealand’s major tourist attractions, the museum of Te Papa Tongarewa. This innovative museum gives visitors an interactive guide to the History of New Zealand and the cultural heritage which it was founded on. Wellington authorities have also invested in maintaining the many bush walks and reserves which litter the city surroundings. Overall the Wellington region has nearly 500 square Km of parks and forests which host some of New Zealands rarest and most loved fauna.
Wellington has a moderate climate that can be very unpredictable. It is often referred to as ‘Windy Wellington’ based on the fact that it is windy all year round, this can sometimes make the temperature feel a lot cooler than it really is. The best months to travel to Wellington are in the summer, from November to the end of March. Wellington has an array of things to do for all travellers, from backpackers to culture and historical enthusiasts. Its easily accessible countryside mean yoou can even take in a spot of wine tasting whilst you are here. Wellington has become more famous in the last few years as the lord of the Rings triology was produced in the city and hosted the world premiers of the blockbuster.
Wellingtons picturesque reputation is often centered around the natural harbour. The harbour lies along an active geological fault which is clearly evident on its western coast . The land to the west rises high ensuring the Wellingotn suburbs sit high above the city centre. The Online Hotel Company compare over 50 Hotels in Wellington so you’re sure to find the best deal that suits your stay, you can even compare for budget or luxury hotels using out advanced hotel search program.
Top Things to do
Wellington Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
Te Papa is New Zealand’s national museum, renowned for being bicultural, scholarly, innovative, and fun. Collections include five areas: Art, History, Pacific, M?ori, and Natural Environment. Exhibitions are interdisciplinary and interactive, with dynamic events and education programmes. Entry is free (apart from some special exhibitions) so is a great place to escape on a rainy day
Museum of Wellington City and Air
The museum offers a social, cultural and maritime history of New Zealand’s vibrant capital city.Traditional displays sit alongside the latest technology with interactive exhibits, holographs and a giant cinema screen that stretches up three floors. Wellington’s maritime heritage is celebrated in a dedicated floor and is complemented by exhibitions to take you from early settler and Maori history through to the 20th century and today. The Museum is housed in The Bond Store building which dates back to 1892 when it was a cargo warehouse. Careful restoration has preserved The Bond Store’s striking facade, as well as solid timber beams and the original flooring inside.
Bolton Street Memorial Park
Bolton Street Memorial Park is located in central Wellington and contains the city’s original burial ground commonly known previously as Bolton Street Cemetery. It commemorates many early pioneers and important historical figures from the 19th Century. Bolton Street Memorial Park, newly named in 1978, is an excellent example of a colonial cemetery, using imported and local stone, iron and wood. Its iron memorials, wooden tablets, picket fences and wrought iron surrounds are particularly significant and comparatively rare in New Zealand.
Wellington Zoo
Wellington Zoo is not a large zoo but is both facinating and highly memorable. The staff are always helpful and it caters to a wide range of people of different ages and backgrounds. The kiwi talk is a must see, especialy for those who are not from NZ and have probably never seen a live kiwi before. If you want to get a little more up close and personal the zoo does fantastic close encounters including the big cat and cheetah shows.
Visit the Beehive
Given Wellington is New Zealands central hub it is worth taking a visit to some of its political buildings. The most notable of which is the Beehive. It is said that the Scottish architect Basil Spence designed it on the back of a dinner napkin in 1964 while dining with Sir Keith Holyoake, then Prime Minister and later Governor-General. Building started in 1969, and was completed in 1981. The top floor houses the cabinet offices. The Prime Minister’s offices occupy the ninth and part of the eigth floor, and further down are the offices of the cabinet ministers. On the first floor is a banquet hall. In the basement are the country’s main civil defence headquarters (National Crisis Management Centre). A tunnel links the Beehive with Bowen House on the opposite side of Bowen Street. This building houses parliamentary offices.
