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Wellington, New Zealand

Wellington, New ZealandWellington Scenic Highlights

Wellington | Regional Information | Activity Highlights | Scenic Highlights | History

Come and explore Wellington, marvel at the awesome architecture, soak up the culture and genuine kiwi hospitality, and stand in awe of the beautiful scenery.

Wellington Scenic Highlights Overview

Wellington City is unmatched blend of culture, heritage, fine food, and lively arts and entertainment. The city is surrounded by hills, a rugged coastline and a stunning harbour.

Right on Wellington's doorstep is a network of walking and biking trails with beautiful wineries and vineyards just a few hours away. The city brims with energy and vitality, and offers an almost overwhelming array of theatre, music, dance, fine arts and galleries and museums.

» Wellington Attractions Directory

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Exercise Your Walking Shoes Along Wellington's Waterfront

Image Source: Tourism New Zealand. Wellington Waterfront, Wellington, New Zealand
Wellington Waterfront
Photographer: Ian Trafford
(www.iantraffordphotos.com)

Exploring Wellington's waterfront on foot is a pleasant way to spend a morning or afternoon. Start at Queens Wharf and follow the harbour around past Te Papa and Chaffers Marina to Oriental Bay, where you will find cafes and an enticing stretch of golden sand.

Hundreds of millions of dollars have been spent here on waterfront developments over the past ten years. Key historic buildings have been gracefully resurrected as popular seaside restaurants, like Shed 5 and Dockside, as well as apartments and the Museum of Wellington City and Sea, which is housed in the old Bond Store.

Public spaces and pedestrian walkways have been landscaped to allow people to walk at the water's edge and enjoy magnificent views of the harbour. A pedestrian footbridge featuring indigenous artwork links the city to the sea while another one, just completed last year, adds another dimension to the waterfront spaces.

Striking Architecture - Both Old and New

Image Source: Tourism New Zealand. The Beehive, Parliament Buildings, Wellington City, New Zealand
The Beehive, Parliament Buildings
Wellington City
Photographer: Kieran Scott
(www.kieranscott.co.nz)

Nothing defines a city's character quite as aptly as its architecture. In Wellington's case it not only defines it, it distinguishes it as well.

The most striking feature is the collection of historical timber houses perched in the green hills surrounding the harbour. The wooden theme is a consistent one, whether visiting Old St Paul's Cathedral, Katherine Mansfield's birth place, Antrim House, historical Thorndon or the Old Government Buildings—the largest wooden structure in the Southern hemisphere.

On a more recent note, the doors are always open at the refurbished Parliament Buildings (next door to the famous 'Beehive')—a memorable monument to contemporary architecture.

Mountain Tops and Mountain Bikes

Image Source: Tourism New Zealand. Wellington Cable Car, Kelburn Hill, Wellington, New Zealand
Wellington Cable Car
Kelburn Hill, Wellington
Photographer: Ian Trafford
(www.iantraffordphotos.com)

Catch the Cable Car from Lambton Quay up to the Botanic Gardens then wander down through 26 acres of specialist gardens, native bush and lawn areas to historical Thorndon, New Zealand's oldest suburb. Or take in the 360 degree panoramas of Wellington city, harbour and the Cook Strait from the top of Mount Victoria. Drive, catch a bus or walk up via the green belt to the summit.

Wellington City and region are home to numerous scenic mountain biking tracks. In 1998 the world championships were held on Mount Victoria. Hire a bike and burn off some energy on one of Wellington's many mountain biking tracks.

» Wellington Botanic Gardens Information

Useful Wellington Links

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Wellington Region Information

Wellington Tourism Operators

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Featured
 
New Zealand Coach Tours

New Zealand Coach Tours

The largest range of escorted & small group tours

New Zealand road trips - Let's go on an adventure

New Zealand Road Trips

Let's go on an adventure

New Zealand self-drive tours

NZ Self-Drive Tours

Explore NZ on a custom self-drive package holiday

Bluebridge Ferry

Bluebridge Cook Strait ferries

Cross Cook Strait and enjoy Kiwi hospitality.

World Nomads Travel Insurance

Get Travel Insurance

Travel insurance for independent travellers.