Wellington – The Capital of Cool

Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand lays claims to being the Capital of Cool. Right in the centre of New Zealand, on the south of the north Island, picturesque Wellington boasts all you could need in 8 hours, plus a whole lot more.


Spectacular scenery is abundant, whether it is from the water as your ship cruises into the harbour, as you travel up into the rolling hills, through the local bushland or as you stroll through a city that loves its culture and arts and has public and contemporary sculpture pieces displayed throughout this modern city.


Wellington’s love for culture dates right back to their roots, starting with the history of New Zealand and the original Indigenous habitants people of New Zealand, the Maoris. The Museum of New Zealand, Te Papa Tongarewa has many exhibits and interactive displays that share with its’ visitors New Zealand’s geology and natural environment, the stories of the Maori people, New Zealand’s diverse art and has many top-rating international exhibitions. Today, the modern forms of arts remain a strong focus in the city. Enjoy the Wellington Writer’s Walk, a series of 15 concrete text sculptures that capture the city with their words, or head to ‘The Weta Cave’ a mini-museum, shop and theatrette that allows visitors see into the genius minds of co-founders Peter Jackson (Lord of the Rings director), Richard Taylor, Tania Rodger and Jamie Selkirk.


Some people may find that culture is found in the art of shopping. Wellington is a world of quality New Zealand designed and produced items. Beautiful artworks including pottery, paintings and ceramics and glass from galleries such as Kura, fashionable New Zealand designs made from beautiful knitted fabrics and quaint stores full of pretty items and unique pieces. Head to the buzzing Cuba Street, Willis Street or the Golden Mile on Lambton Quay.


For those of whom shopping holds very little interest, take heart and consider that the major shopping strips are dotted with cafes and restaurants of some of New Zealand’s finest. Wellington is just a short trip from Marlborough, one of famous sauvignon blanc regions and with fresh seafood, lamb, fruit and vegetables you know you will have an amazing meal, especially if you choose form one of the establishments that has taken out NZ’s top restaurant – placing Wellington at the top of the table for the last three years running.


For those who appreciate the outdoors more, then Wellington will also have plenty of appeal. Head to the top of Mount Victoria for a brilliant outlook of the city including the harbour and your ship in port, ride the historic cable car to the top of Upland road for another lookout and if you enjoy walking, take a stroll through the Botanical Gardens. For those who enjoy heading further afield enjoy the beautiful Wellington coastline, Scorching Bay Beach or the seals at Red Rocks.


Wellington port has two cruise ship piers. The first, Aotea Quay is the primary docking area and located approximately 25 minutes walk (2.3km) from the city centre or 20minutes walk (2km) from popular Lambtom Quay. Queens Wharf is just 1km from the city, but its smaller size means that it can only be used for smaller ships. For both piers complimentary shuttles buses are provided to the city centre.


DID YOU KNOW?
- Wellington has over 400 cafes and restaurants. That puts Wellington right up there with New York on the per person scale.

- Wellington receives more than 2000 hours of sunshine per year.