Wellington Travel Guide
Located on the southern tip of the North Island, Wellington is the lovely capital of New Zealand and the country's second-largest city. It lies on a splendid harbour and is hemmed in by steep, forest-clad hills, creating a compact inner city with a blend of historic Edwardian and Victorian structures, and modern buildings. This is the entertainment, commercial and political capital of New Zealand, where visitors will find an air of pronounced sophistication and vibrancy. It's also the main departure point for the South Island.
The nickname, 'Windy Wellington', is very much deserved, especially in winter when lashing winds from the Cook Strait whistle through wind funnels created by the high-rise buildings of the central business district. The bustling, pretty waterfront area is a sheltered refuge that features a graceful promenade, shops, restaurants and various leisure activities.
Brightly coloured sails scud across the harbour, with the reliable wind providing excellent sailing and windsurfing opportunities. The ferry to the picturesque Days Bay, one of Wellington's best swimming beaches, affords excellent views of the city from the water. Dominating the waterfront is the Te Papa Museum, the pride and joy of the nation that embodies the quintessence of New Zealand and its people.