Region: Wellington

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It is a cosmopolitan city boasting a vibrant cafe scene and an active arts and entertainment sector. The downtown area is wrapped around the Harbour with many of the residential areas built on the cliffs above allowing for spectacular views of the surrounding area.

Wellington is the North Island port for the Interisland ferry between the North and South Islands.

What To See
While construction has changed the skyline with modern skyscrapers, Wellington has also retained many of its historic sites and buildings. Among these are Antrim House, the Colonial Cottage Museum, Old St Paul's Cathedral, Katherine Mansfield's Birthplace, the Parliament Buildings, including the 'Beehive' and the many city villas which cling precariously to the steep hillsides.

Downtown Wellington on Lambton Quay is popular with shoppers. Don't miss a trip on the Cable Car which takes you from Lambton Quay to Kelburn, the Botanic Gardens and superb harbour views.

For a different perspective of the city, take a harbour cruise or a ferry trip to Eastbourne, where there are craft shops, galleries and cafes. Wellington also has a strong yachting fraternity.

The city has long been recognised as the cultural and arts capital of New Zealand. It is home to the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, the Royal New Zealand Ballet, opera companies, theatre and a large number of art galleries, including the Te Papa National Museum of New Zealand. The cosmopolitan nature of Wellington is reflected in the 350 restaurants and cafes serving innovative New Zealand and ethnic cuisine.

Attractions and Activities
Bold, imaginative, constantly changing and always fun, New Zealand's award winning Te Papa National Museum tells the great stories of New Zealand's land and its people. Discover a unique natural environment, trace the diverse history and explore the warmth and vitality of the Maori. While you are there, cheek out the Time Warp for a thrilling ride through time as you blast into New Zealand's past and future. This is serious fun! Admission is free. Open 10am-6pm every day of the year, 9pm on Thursdays.

Touring Information
As the North Island terminal of the Interislander Ferry, a stopover in Wellington is included in several of our tours that include both the North and South Islands, whether it be a group motorcoach tour or one of our independent Resort Connection packages.