Wellington is New Zealand’s little capital, famous for its persistent winds, politicians, and a top-notch café and dining scene. It’s not New Zealand’s largest city (that would be Auckland), but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in cultural cachet. At least, Wellingtonians think it’s pretty cool. With impressive museums, chic boutiques, numerous beaches and bays, lovely gardens and nature reserves, and more ways to drink espresso than you can shake a teaspoon at, there are many things to do in Wellington, whatever the weather.
Located at the southern end of New Zealand’s North Island, Wellington has a temperate climate that is often wet and extremely windy, in any season. Thankfully, Wellington has an abundance of indoor cultural and dining attractions, so you don’t need to be out in the bluster for long. If you happen to be in the city during a calm, sunny summer’s day, you’ll find the locals enjoying the beaches and promenades, and this is a great time to visit.
Central Wellington is compact and easy to get around on foot. There’s no need to rent a car unless you’re on a road trip through New Zealand. Many visitors use the Wellington Cable Car from Lambton Quay to Kelburn and the Wellington Botanic Garden. To reach outer suburbs such as Miramar, Lyall Bay, or Island Bay, buses are the easiest and most economical option. To reach the outer suburbs of the Hutt Valley and Kapiti Coast, take the train.
Wellington’s wind is not exaggerated. The city’s location between mountains and the Cook Strait creates a wind funnel. Flyers should be aware that flights into and out of Wellington are usually turbulent and may be delayed or canceled when the wind is particularly strong. The same goes for the Cook Strait ferries to and from Picton in the South Island. The seas are often rough and ferries canceled or delayed. Give yourself buffer days in your itinerary, if possible.
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Wellington is known for its creative arts scene, which contrasts with its more straight-laced governmental and civil service work scene. It’s also popular for its cafes and restaurants. Art galleries, national museums, local and international music concerts, and creative local designers draw crowds in Wellington.
...MoreMany travelers find that 3–5 days is an ideal amount of time in Wellington. Split your time among the galleries, museums, shops, restaurants of the central city, as well as on excursions to outer suburbs along the coast.
...MoreTop attractions in Wellington are New Zealand Parliment Building (the Beehive), the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa (Te Papa), Wellington Cable Car, Wellington Botanic Garden, Weta Cave Workshop, Zealandia Ecosanctuary, City Gallery Wellington, and the Cuba Street mall for shops and restaurants.
...MoreSpend one day in Wellington in the central city area, checking out the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa (Te Papa), City Gallery Wellington, shops and restaurants around the Cuba Street mall area, and—if the weather’s fine—the beaches of central Oriental Bay.
...MoreThere are plenty of indoor attractions to enjoy in Wellington during winter. Wander the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa (Te Papa) for hours. Also check out the City Gallery Wellington, take a tour of the Weta Cave Workshop, or hunker down in one of the city’s top-notch restaurants.
...MoreYes. Wellington is worth visiting. There are many attractions to enjoy, whatever your interests, from museums and galleries to shops and restaurants to outdoor pursuits not far from the city.
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