Wellington City Travel Guide
Wellington City accommodation, Wellington City activities and attractions, Wellington City maps, transportation to and around Wellington City - the ALL NEW Jasons Wellington City Destination Travel Guide is your complete visitor guide for Wellington City.
Enjoying a spectacular location at the head of Port Nicholson harbour, vibrant Wellington is New Zealand's cosmopolitan capital. The great thing about Wellington is its compact size makes it perfect to explore on foot, yet it's a city that’s big on urban attitude.
During the cooler months, Wellington truly comes into its own as New Zealand's Cultural Capital, with a full calendar of events, sophisticated shopping and dining, and a wealth of arts and cultural attractions to warm up your winter. A must-see on any itinerary is Wellington’s Te Papa Tongarewa on Cable Street. The country's bold and innovative national museum is an ideal place to spend a day exploring.
Shoppers in Wellington are spoilt for choice year round with bustling markets and boutiques to browse – head to Cuba Street for designer boutiques, cutting-edge galleries and chic retro style. Historic Thorndon is another area well worth exploring. Drop by Old St Paul’s and Wellington Cathedral, pay a visit to the National Library or take a tour of Parliament Buildings – the nation’s political powerhouse. After a day of taking in the city sights, you can check out the nightlife in Wellington's lively entertainment and dining precinct, Courtenay Place. After your meal, it's just a short walk to the theatres and clubs.
Down at Wellington’s waterfront, harbour views complement a range of leisure attractions. Hire a kayak at Queens Wharf and go paddling, join the locals for a seaside stroll along Oriental Parade, or discover the city’s maritime history at Wellington Museum. There are cruises out to Matiu/Somes Island, with its scenic bushwalks and city views, or catch the ferry to Eastbourne and Day's Bay for fashionable beachside cafés. For superb city views, climb or drive up the local landmark, Mount Victoria, or catch Wellington's historic cable car up to the Botanic Garden. Walkers will enjoy the winter gardens and walking trails and there are breathtaking views over Wellington Harbour.
Action seekers have plenty of winter options, with rock climbing, laser gaming, 10-pin bowling, skating and kayaking, or hire a cycle or moped and go exploring under your own steam. If that doesn’t appeal, a host of sightseeing tours covers every option, from scenic helicopter flights and gourmet wine escapes to seal coast safaris and tours of The Lord of the Rings locations. Other activities in the Wellington region include windsurfing, kayaking, hiking and mountain biking, and, further afield, you can explore the wineries and heritage towns of the Wairarapa.
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Population
165,000
Climate
Summer average: 19°C
Winter average: 5°C
Average rainfall: 1270mm/year
Getting Your Bearings
Built around the harbour, Wellington's main shopping and business precincts run off Lambton Quay and Willis Street. Off Willis Street, turn down Manners or Dixon Street to head to Courtenay Place, a key entertainment and dining precinct. The
Hutt Valley lies north of Wellington, incorporating both
Lower Hutt (24km north of Wellington) and
Upper Hutt (39km north of Wellington).