In 2008, Wellington was classified as a Gamma World City in the World Cities Study Group’s inventory by Loughborough University. The 2010 Mercer Quality of Living Survey ranked Wellington 12th in the world. In 2011 Lonely Planet Best in Travel 2011 named Wellington as fourth in its Top 10 Cities to Visit in 2011, referring to the New Zealand capital as the "coolest little capital in the world".
There is one leaflet called 'I Love Wellington' which has been prodced by local talent. It is available for free pickup at many places including the Interislander ferry terminal office.
To Do and See in Wellington
Arts, culture, fine dining and breathtaking natural scenery - that's what Wellington's all about.
New Zealand’s capital city is nestled between rolling hills and a stunning harbour, and has a vibrant and compact downtown area that's best explored on foot.
The city is home to Te Papa, the national museum, which tells the story of New Zealand’s history through bold and interactive exhibits. In Wellington you’ll discover an amazing range of cafes, art galleries, theatres, attractions and a humming nightlife. The gourmet and wine experiences of the Wairarapa region are also just a short drive away.
With so much to see and do in Wellington, we’ve selected a few of our top picks to make sure you tick all the boxes on your next visit to Wellington and make sure you...
- Visit the dynamic and interactive National Museum of NZ - Te Papa on the waterfront.
- Get your city bearings and some of Wellington’s best views at the Mount Victoria Lookout
- Ride the historic Wellington Cable Car to the Botanic Garden
- A city tour is the best way to get acquainted quickly with Wellington. Enjoy the experience with one of many local companies offering Wellington sights’ tours
- Taste your way around the city. Wellington is said to have more bars and restaurants than New York and is also considered the craft beer capital courtesy of a trail of specialist brew bars
- Hear the birdsong and spot a tuatara as you walk through Zealandia: The Karori Sanctuary Experience
- Get an inside peek into Wellywood at The Weta Cave in Miramar
- Go stargazing and check out the amazing planetarium show at Carter Observatory
- Seeking hidden treasures? Many of Wellington’s best night spots are tucked away for your finding, such as Motel, Library or Duke Carvell’s Swan Lane Emporium
- Head to Cuba Street for a slice of Bohemia, boutique shopping and some of the best coffee in town.
Weather in Wellington
You may have heard Wellington called by its nickname Windy Wellington - and it's true, it can be windy there and being the only capital city in the world located in the 'Roaring Forties' it will certainly do that.
Wellington's beautiful setting has been carved out by nature, and we wan't you to enjoy it, so please refer to the followingweather information that will help you decide when to come:-
- Typical summer daytime maximum air temperatures range from 19°C to 24°C, and seldom exceed 30°C. Annual sunshine hours average about 2000 hours, more than many of the other major centres.
- Winter is normally the most unsettled time of the year. Typical winter daytime maximum air temperatures range from 10°C to 14°C.
- Frost occurs inland during clear calm conditions in winter. Due to Wellington's exposure to weather systems from the Tasman Sea, it can get windy.
- The north-westerly airflows prevail in Wellington. Sea breezes occasionally occur along the coast during summer.
It always pays to bring a waterproof or windproof jacket for colder days, but don’t forget your sunhat and sunscreen too. Our summers can be scorching!
Travel to Wellington
Wellington is a compact city located on the edge of a stunning harbour. Situated in the centre of New Zealand, at the very bottom of the North Island, the city is served by major highways, the main trunk railway, inter-island ferries, and regular international and domestic air services.
More Tourist Information
For more information on Wellington and the surrounding area please visit the official Wellington tourist web site at www.wellingtonnz.com