Your flight to Wellington takes you to the southern tip of New Zealand’s North Island and the vibrant, southernmost capital in the world. Don’t miss the national Maori museum, Te Papa (Our Place), overlooking Wellington’s magnificent harbour or riding above the city in Wellington’s famous red cable car.
Step back in time viewing Tinakori Road’s Victorian wooden buildings (where Katherine Mansfield was born), or the massive wooden Government Buildings, before coming up to date with Parliament’s distinctive Beehive. Wellington’s vibrant culture is epitomised by its four quarters: Lambton, Willis, Cuba and Courtney, the latter home to New Zealand’s national cultural institutions.
Away from the centre of Wellington, escape into the wine-growing, sheep-rearing area around Lake Wairarapa (Shimmering Waters) or travel the coast from Wellington around Palliser Bay for great views of the South Island and undisturbed forest parks, like Haurangi. Head north to see the rare seabirds on Kapiti Island.
Locals in Wellington love their food and get their caffeine buzz out of home-roasted coffee (Wellington has more coffee bars per head than New York!). As well as great seafood and lamb, try dairy delicacies such as nearby Kapiti’s award-winning cheeses, including the latest on the board, Blue Tamariki. |