Welcome to Wellington, the capital of New Zealand... Wellington is a picture perfect city. Visually stunning, it is imaginatively positioned between a magnificent harbour and rolling green hills offering an unforgettable city experience in a natural setting. There are many things for visitors to do here - the only difficult thing is choosing. Just make sure you allow plenty of time to explore this exciting city. The earliest name for Wellington, from Maori legend, is Te Upoko o te Ika a Maui. In Maori it means 'the head of Maui's fish'. Caught and pulled to the surface by Polynesian navigator Maui, the fish became the North Island. Te Whanganui-a-Tara (the great harbour of Tara) is another Maori name for Wellington. Tara was the son of Whatonga, another Polynesian migrant, who had settled in Hawke's Bay.
Wellington is in the centre of New Zealand - at the bottom of the North Island and just a short plane or ferry ride aboard Interislander from the top of the South Island. Visitors can easily access the wine regions of Marlborough and Wairarapa from Wellington. It is only two kilometers wide so it can be explored easily on foot. Wellington is the world's most southern capital and the only capital in the "Roaring Forties" latitudes. Nearly all Wellington residents are within 3 km of the sea. Sophisticated yet friendly, Wellington has great shopping and nightlife. The downtown area can match New York with the number of cafes and restaurants per head, with its many shops, cafes, restaurants and theatres all within easy walking distance and all close to untouched nature spots. Also experience Middle Earth in all its diversity while you are in Wellington, visiting The Lord of the Rings Locations. Wellington is not only New Zealand's centre of government, but the country's cultural capital as well. Creative visitors will be inspired by the galleries, the public art and the culture of this city. A highlight is the biennial New Zealand International Arts Festival - a month long arts festival. Porirua, towards the west coast, has a reputation for energy, creativity and talent - it is a significant Pacific Island and Maori art and culture centre. You will discover world-class wild life sanctuaries, fantastic golf and gourmet food experiences at the Kapiti Coast which is less than 30 minutes drive from Wellington. The South Coast is one of Wellington's most beautiful places. Visit the New Zealand fur seal colony or just watch the waves. Mountain bike through native bush at Makara Peak, or kayak out to Scorching Bay - the choice is yours. There are stunning nature spots such as the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary for visitors who appreciate New Zealand's beautiful outdoors.
Activities / Sightseeing
Te Papa : Te Papa is New Zealand's national museum, on the waterfront offering visitors a unique and authentic experience of this country's treasures and stories. Prepare to be engaged, stimulated, and surprised! Te Papa is a waharoa, a gateway, to an encounter with the essence of New Zealand's land and people. Wonderful taonga (Maori cultural treasures), art, and objects are presented through fascinating stories, thought-provoking interpretations, and engaging interactive. Over 20 galleries on the five floors of huge building you can explore the breadth of the New Zealand story - from the shaping of its land to the spirit of its diverse peoples, from its unique wildlife to its distinctive visual culture, art, and the vitality of the Maori. Open every day of the year, 10am to 6pm (9pm Thursdays). Free Admission.
Wellington Cable Car : Wellington's cable car gives access from city up the hill to harbour views, botanical gardens, observatory, cable car museum, restaurant and downhill walks via historic Thorndon back to city and waterfront. The Cable Car is one of Wellington's oldest and most popular tourist attractions. The cable car journeys up under the motorway, through the three tunnels, past Kelburn Park and Victoria University and on to the top entrance of the city's Botanic Garden. The Cable Car Museum housing an original cable car and trailer as well as the old winding equipment is located beside the current Upland Road Station. The Museum is open from 9.00 am - 5.00 pm everyday and provides a look at some of Wellington's early history and shows the role the cable car has had on the development of this part of the City. Entry to the Museum is free.
Mt Victoria Lookout : View panoramic sights of the city from the top of Mt Victoria, watch the Interislander sail into the harbour and the planes go in and out of the airport. A superb spot for photos. If you drive to the Mt Victoria Lookout in the evening, enjoy a stunning view of the city at night.
Hutt Valley : Just 15 minutes from Wellington CBD, Hutt City (geographically known as Lower Hutt) is the gateway to the great outdoors of the Wellington Region. Fantastic outdoor recreation opportunities exist literally within minutes of buzzing café strips, top class high street shopping, leading museums and galleries, and heritage sites that tell the story of the first organised European settlement in the country. Hutt City is blessed with fantastic native bush areas, kilometres of coastline and riverbanks, which offer a wealth of outdoor recreation opportunities. Mountain bikers, walkers, runners, and horse trekkers all rave about the scenery and variety of tracks that exist in Belmont Regional Park and East Harbour Regional Park, Rimutaka Forest Park, Wainuiomata Waterworks Recreation Area, along with the Hutt River Trail, and in the cities numerous scenic reserves. There are ample opportunities for water sport enthusiasts as well. Fishing, sailing, windsurfing, and sea kayaking are just some of the activities you can do while in Hutt City. For Golfers there are 6 picturesque courses to choose from, offering fun and challenges for any level of ability.
The Interislander
Travel between New Zealand's North and South Islands by ferry. The 83-kilometre journey between Wellington and Picton is regarded as one of the world's great scenic cruises. The fast ferry - The Lynx - will take you across Cook Strait in approximately 2 hours, 15 minutes. Or you can choose to relax and cruise on The Interislander on a journey lasting 3 hours. The Lynx and The Interislander link with Tranz Scenic train in Wellington and Picton, making it easier for you to book your travel. Travel in comfort and style as you savour one of the world's most scenic ferry journeys. Take a stroll on the decks for the best views, have a meal or even see the latest movies releases. Treat yourself and for a small surcharge, travel in the comfort of our Club Class lounge, a private lounge with couch seating, complimentary newspapers, magazines and refreshments. Taking your vehicle on-board Interislander services is easy, convenient and saves you time - just drive on and drive off!
Not just the link between islands, it's a New Zealand experience not be missed.
DWWT - 1 : Soundsair - Cook Strait Flights
Cost : from $ 85.00 (Adult), $72.00 (Children)
A quick and scenic way to travel between Wellington and Picton with magnificent views of Wellington city and the Marlborough Sounds. Only 25 minutes flying time aboard a 14 seater Cessna Caravan a convenient alternative to the ferry. A free shuttle is provided between the airport and Picton Township (10 mins).
DWWI - 2 : Wine Trail Tour + Interislander Cruise
Cost : from $ 130.00 (Adult), $78.00 (Children)
Enjoy at four of Marlborough's most popular vineyards, after using your free time to enjoy Picton's waterfront cafés, craft shops and museums. This option is ideal for groups who need to keep everyone happy. It offers a flexible slice of Marlborough's charms. Package price includes return travel with Interislander and an escorted wine tour . The cost of lunch is not included.
DWWI - 3 : Queen Charlotte Sound Cruise Day Trip
Cost : from $ 144.00 (Adult), $89.00 (Children)
Become personally acquainted with the beauty and wildlife of Queen Charlotte Sound on a leisurely three hour cruise. You'll explore the secluded bays and coves, pausing to glimpse the homes, hideaways and lodges that are nestled around the edges of the sound. The price includes return travel on Interislander and a 3 hour cruise with The Cougar Line. Complimentary tea and coffee provided. Lunch is not included.
DWWI - 4 : Marlborough Fishing Day Trip
Cost : from $ 125.00 (Adult), $122.00 (Children)
Introduce your friends and family to the joys of calm water fishing. In the sheltered bays and inlets of Queen Charlotte Sound, you can dangle a line in the most scenic surroundings imaginable. The blue cod are nearly always biting! The price includes return travel with Interislander, a skippered fishing trip, all tackle, tea, coffee and biscuits. Lunch is not included
