Nestled between a harbour and rolling green hills, Wellington is New Zealand's vibrant capital city and cultural heart. Known for its eclectic mix of arts, history, and culinary delights, Wellington offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty. Whether you're exploring the bustling streets lined with cafés and boutiques, delving into the rich history at Te Papa Museum, or taking in the panoramic views from Mount Victoria, Wellington promises an unforgettable experience.
On the outskirts of Wellington, at the very bottom of the North Island, are the cities that make up the Wellington Region. Upper Hutt, Porirua, and Lower Hutt all have their own unique flavour. Set against the hills, Upper Hutt is located 30 kilometres northeast of Wellington, and the locals’ go-to place for all outdoor activities.
Explore the hiking and cycling trails, fish for trout, or simply relax on the banks of the Hutt River. A little further south is Lower Hutt. Known for its museums, art galleries, coastline, and the Rimutaka Cycle Trail. Get in touch with the Maori culture and spot native Kiwis in their natural habitat.
Porirua is located on the Kapiti coastline and surrounds the harbour. Making it a popular playground for windsurfing, waterskiing and jet skiing. Be sure to visit the Pataka Art and Museum, to dive deep into Maori and Pacific Island culture and art.
A vibrant and compact city, bursting with an array of things to see and do. Located at the bottom of the North Island, overlooking Cook Strait, and the spectacular hills and valleys of the South Island. Despite its size, Wellington has the highest ratio of cafes per person in the world. Pop by Wellington’s bohemian, Cuba Street for a superb range of cafes, vintage shopping and a local weekly market (Friday nights).
Visit Te Papa, New Zealand’s national museum and gallery, and soak up Maori culture, art heritage and fascinating history. Or take the cable car to the botanical gardens for a cosy picnic. Take a stroll along Wellington’s waterfront and Oriental Bay. Known as the ‘windy city’ but when the sun's out and the wind dies down, its pure bliss. The locals have a saying “you can’t beat Wellington on a good day” - and you truly can’t! Climb Mount Victoria for views over the city, or check out the parliament building - The Beehive.
Upper Hutt is a 30-minute drive from Wellington. It is a city ideal for outdoor fun - hike or bike in the hills, fish in the river and stroll some 50 parks and reserves. Upper Hutt boasts an abundance of bush walks and mountain biking tracks. Meet New Zealand’s quirky animals at Staglands Wildlife Park, or search for elves around the replica elvish archway from Lord of the Rings at Rivendell in Kaitoke.
The best part about Upper Hutt is that it is home to Wellington’s only craft beer village, Brewtown. It is the focal point of the region’s top breweries with a boutique distillery. They have their very own entertainment complex called Daytona which is complete with go-carting, ice skating, paintball, ten-pin bowling and a trampoline park.
This sunny coastal town is the main town on the Kapiti Coast. Paraparaumu offers plenty of everything for visitors from golf and gourmet foods to scenic flights.
Depart from Paraparaumu Beach on a trip to Kapiti Island. Explore the area with scenic flights or glider rides and if you love old cars, the local car museum has one of the largest collections in Australasia.
Wellington is brimming with must-visit spots. Start your journey at Te Papa, the national museum, where interactive exhibits bring the country's rich history and culture to life. Wander through the lush Wellington Botanic Garden, or take a scenic ride on the historic Wellington Cable Car for stunning city views.
Discover the charm of Cuba Street with its eclectic shops, cafés, and vibrant street art. Don't miss the Zealandia eco sanctuary, a haven for native wildlife, or the stunning coastal scenery at Red Rocks. For a taste of local life, visit the bustling waterfront and the vibrant Sunday Harbourside Market.
At TravelEssence, we specialise in crafting custom-made holidays that take you off the beaten path and create memories to last a lifetime. We believe in connecting with the heart and soul of a place, introducing you to the locals who call it home. Engage in conversations with fascinating individuals who will share their stories, traditions, and way of life, leaving an indelible mark on your journey.
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