Hillside homes in Wellington, New Zealand
CAPITALIZE ON NEW ZEALANDS'S CAPITAL

Cruise to Wellington, New Zealand

Wellington, New Zealand's capital, sits at the southern tip of the North Island, roughly the middle of the country. According to Maori legend, New Zealand's two main islands are associated with the god Maui; the South Island is his canoe and the North Island is the fish he caught. Wellington sits in that fish's mouth. Wellington is New Zealand's second-biggest city, after Auckland. Despite its smaller size, it has an abundance of cultural attractions like the National Library, National Archives, theaters and excellent museums. The city is also home to the country's film industry and is nicknamed Wellywood.
National Language English
Currency Accepted New Zealand Dollar (NZD)

Things To Do in Wellington

The Wellington Cable Car in New Zealand

See the Flowers on a Cable Car

The Wellington Cable Car in New Zealand

The Wellington Cable Car in New Zealand

See the Flowers on a Cable Car

Called a cable car, this red train is an on-the-ground funicular rather than a gondola. Take it up to the Kelborn Lookout over the harbor and the botanical garden, the planetarium at the Carter Observatory or beyond via free shuttle to the Zealandia wildlife sanctuary.

Docks near the Te Papa museum in Wellington, New Zealand

Treasures at Te Papa

Docks near the Te Papa museum in Wellington, New Zealand

Docks near the Te Papa museum in Wellington, New Zealand

Treasures at Te Papa

Te Papa is New Zealand's national museum, with free admission. Its full name means "container of treasures" in Maori, and the museum has six floors of cultural and historical treasures with several interactive exhibits.

Beehive parliament building in Wellington, New Zealand
Beehive parliament building in Wellington, New Zealand

The Beehive

New Zealand's parliament buildings are nicknamed the Beehive, since the main building, Bowen House, looks like a skep beehive. Go inside for a free guided tour to see how New Zealand's government works with your cruise to Wellington. Does the building look familiar? It's on New Zealand's $20 bills.

Aluminum containers with Maori Hangi
Aluminum containers with Maori Hangi

Local Cuisine

At Karaka Cafe, try traditional Maori foods like rewena sourdough bread and Hangi, which is cooked in a pit oven using heated rocks. Wellington is New Zealand's craft beer capital, so have a pint if you can tear yourself away from New Zealand's fantastic wines. Wellington has its very own wine country, just an hour's drive or a picturesque train trip from the bustling central city. Wairarapa is a charming rural wine area that's renowned for its world-class Pinot Noir and warm hospitality.

Clothes on a rack
Clothes on a rack

Shopping

The Golden Mile hosts lots of Wellington shopping, beginning at Lambton Quay and then along Willis Street. Lambton Quay also hosts David Jones department store. The historic Old Bank Arcade has the shops of several New Zealand designers. One of the main shopping thoroughfares in the capital, Cuba Street is famous for its bohemian spirit and quirky boutique shopping.

Insider's Tips
Insider's Tips
1 Wellington is the world's windiest city; bring a jacket.
2 Volunteer Wellington City Ambassadors, dressed in yellow and black, are stationed at key spots to help visitors.

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