 New Zealand’s capital, Wellington, has a deserved reputation as the country’s cultural, artistic and entertainment centre. True, it’s also the political hub of New Zealand, but this scenic seaside city on the southern tip of the North Island has a lot more to it than stuffy debate chambers. There’s a perceptible buzz of creative energy in Wellington which manifests itself everywhere from the picturesque harbour district to the suit-filled commercial downtown core.
 One thing that has helped propel Wellington into the entertainment forefront is its role as New Zealand’s centre for filmmaking. Movies like the Lord of the Rings trilogy helped put this corner of the world on the global travel map, but Wellington had been a popular cosmopolitan destination long before this series hit the screens. The natural beauty of the North Island starts right at the edge of the city. With its lovely harbour on one side and a wall of steep hills on the other, the natural realm is nicely integrated with Wellington’s urban landscape.
The city centre, with its handsome blend of modern and historic buildings clustered around the stately Parliament district, is compact enough to explore on foot. But the waterfront strip along the harbour is where Wellington really shines. With colourful sailboats bobbing in the water and a wealth of wining, dining and shopping venues lining the promenade, it’s obvious why so many people linger around this part of the city. Dominating it all is the world-class Te Papa Museum, a must-visit for every visitor.
It’s easy to get out of the city and explore the verdant landscape made famous by the Lord of the Rings movies. A cable car to the Botanic Gardens offers big views across the harbour, or rent a car and cruise through the Hutt Valley or the peak of Mount Victoria.
Wellington offers a range of accommodation to suit every traveller. Stay in the midst of the entertainment action around Cuba street and Oriental bay, or splash out for a room with a view over the harbour. Thorndon is another great historic neighbourhood with classy hotels and a conveniently central location. Wherever you stay, know that this city is called Windy Wellington for good reason. Bring a sturdy jacket and a warm hat for those days when the wind blasts a chill through the urban air.
History
If you ask the Maori, Wellington was discovered in the 10th century by the famous Polynesian explorer Kupe. He named this tip of land the ‘Great Harbour of Tara’ and founded the first settlements along the water.
 The European Abel Tasman arrived in 1642, as did the equally famous British explorer Captain James Cook in 1773. But both men were deterred by the fierce winds which ripped through the strait. When Cook arrived, Wellington already had dozens of Maori villages lining the harbour and hills. Although the Maoris were eventually displaced by the Europeans, a number of important historic Maori sites remain in and around the city today.
Wellington received its name in 1840 by British pioneers wanting to honour Duke Wellington, who had supported early colonisation efforts by the New Zealand Company. In true colonial fashion, the Maori sold the entire city area to the British leader Wakefield for a few provisions and trinkets. A massive earthquake in 1845 nearly leveled everything that had been built, but it also raised the harbour’s shoreline by four feet. The undeterred settlers began an earnest effort to reclaim the waterfront and develop the town.
By the beginning of the 20th century, warehouses and wharves lined the waterfront on land reclaimed by the engineering skills of the first settlers. Once the shipping industry had waned in Wellington, the waterfront area was transformed into the wonderful public commercial district we see today. By 1865, Wellington overtook Auckland as the nation’s capital. The impressive Old Government and Parliament buildings were constructed during this boom period, and still anchor the heart of the city.
The 1980s brought with them a reconstruction effort to replace old buildings with newer, more earthquake-proof structures. Yet many of the old buildings were allowed to stay, creating the interesting mix of historic and modern buildings that make up today’s city core. Wellington continues to grow as a popular travel destination thanks to the still-intact scenic beauty and urban charm which first attracted people to the area.
Weather
Windy Wellington certainly lives up to its nickname, with brisk winds whipping through the city throughout the year. Its geographical location at the tip of the North Island ensures that the weather here is constantly in flux, creating reliably unpredictable climate conditions. Be sure to come prepared with a good range of clothing including a rain jacket, warm hat and sweater, regardless of the month.
The winter season, which falls between June and August, is the wettest time of year in Wellington. Due to its southernmost location, it also sees some of the coldest temperatures on the North Island. The summer months from November through April are the best time for a visit. The temperatures are warm and slightly humid, and there isn’t as much rain as at other times of the year. Conditions reach their driest and most pleasant towards the end of summer as autumn approaches.
| 
