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C – Attractions & Things To Do
Wellington has one of the world’s most beautiful harbors. The waterfront area between downtown and Oriental Bay is a popular recreation area for visitors and city residents alike.
Wellington is located in the centre of New Zealand at the southern end of the North Island. The capital city is surrounded by Wellington harbor and hills arrayed in the lush, dense, subtropical vegetation of the New Zealand bush. From the city centre it is only a quick drive to mountains, open countryside and rugged coastlines.
Wellington’s collection of historical timber houses is displayed on the green hills surrounding the harbor. The wooden theme is carries over to Old St Paul’s Church, Katherine Mansfield Birthplace, Antrim House, historical Thorndon, and the Old Government Buildings (which are the largest wooden structure in the Southern Hemisphere).
The area’s early settlers, the Maori inhabited this land about 1000 years ago. Their culture and traditional way of life included hunting, hungi (a feast) and marae (a communal ‘plaza’ area that includes a wharenui (meeting house) and wharekai (dining room). Today Maori people live throughout New Zealand, and many are actively involved with keeping their culture and language alive. Within any Maori community, the marae provides a focus for social, cultural and spiritual life.
Traditional carvers also help to keep Maori culture alive by creating intricate works that pay respect to the past. Every piece carved tells a story, which can be read by those who know how. The shape of the heads, position of the body as well as the surface patterns work together to record and remember events. The ancient beliefs of Maori culture are recognized and respected by New Zealand’s leaders today.
Wellington is the cultural heart of New Zealand and is home to the Royal New Zealand Ballet, the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, the National Opera and the National dance and drama schools. All perform regularly in the city. Three professional theatres offer audiences a range from alternative to Pacific Island, New Zealand, or international productions. There is a live show every night in Wellington.
At the southern end of Lambton Quay there is an array of noteworthy structures starting with the parliamentary buildings. The Victorian Gothic Parliamentary Library, the Edwardian neo-classical Parliament House, and the 1960s style ‘Beehive’ (the executive wing of the parliamentary complex) all contribute architecturally to the historic interest of the site.
Walk around Queens Wharf to Oriental Bay for a swim at the golden sand beach. Try sea kayaking, rollerblading and rock-climbing. There are many additional walking trails to follow, from coastal tracks to hikes through the hills. Mountain biking is also a popular Wellington sport, and rental bikes are available.
A popular family venue is Otari-Wilton’s Bush, the only public botanic garden in the country devoted entirely to the cultivation, study and preservation of native plants.
From Lambton Quay a cable car runs up to the Wellington Botanic Garden, where there are 26 acres of remarkable gardens, native bush, and lawn areas to examine and enjoy. There are many sculptures and carvings in the gardens. Artists featured include Henry Moore, Andrew Drummond, and Chris Booth. There are also several unique fountains and sundials given by other countries. The Peace Garden’s eternal flame comes from a fire created by the atomic bomb that dropped on Hiroshima. The flame was presented by the people of Japan as a salute to New Zealand’s efforts to halt the spread of nuclear weapons. The Botanic gardens also houses the Carter Observatory and Planetarium and a unique children’s play area and family picnic grounds.
From that vantage point, atop Mount Victoria, one can look out over Wellington city, the harbor and the Cook Strait. Back down in the city centre, it is only a quick drive to mountains, open countryside and rugged coastlines. Take the Cook Strait ferry for a trip across to the South Island. Take in the hot, dry climate of Marlborough before heading over the Southern Alps to the rugged West Coast. Drive south and take a journey through to Fiordland, the Southern Lakes and onto Stewart Island with its crystal-clear waters and scenic walking tracks. Wellington is ideally located for exploration of both the North and South Islands.
Wellington is the gateway to many unique travel adventures, and is an outstanding vacation destination.
Wellington is New Zealand’s centre of government and the world’s southernmost capital city. It is also New Zealand’s cultural capital.
The city is home to many museums, theatres and arts festivals, including Te Papa Tongarewa (the Museum of New Zealand), the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, the Royal New Zealand Ballet, and the biennial Festival of the Arts.
Wellington is also a leading centre for creative industries, such as film and computer technology, and it is the home of the New Zealand Stock Exchange (NZX).
The city is situated alongside Wellington Harbour and surrounded by natural beauty. From the central business district, it is only a quick drive to find stunning countryside and rugged coastlines.
Area
| Wellington city: | 28,990 hectares |
| Wellington region: | 813,005 hectares |
Nearly all Wellington residents live within three kilometres of the coastline, and the city has 102 parks and playgrounds.
As a region Wellington has a diverse range of landscapes including 50,000 hectares of regional parks and forests.
Population
As of 30 June 2007, the current population of Wellington city was estimated to be 190,500.
About 460,000 people live in the Wellington region.
| 1991 | 1996 | 2001 | 2006 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wellington city | 148,440 | 157,646 | 163,824 | 179,466 |
| Numeric change (over 5 years) | 729 | 9,206 | 6,178 | 15,642 |
| Percentage change (over 5 years) | 0.5% | 6.2% | 3.9% | 9.5% |
| New Zealand | 3,373,927 | 3,618,302 | 3,737,277 | 4,027,947 |
| Numeric change (over 5 years) | 110,643 | 244,375 | 118,975 | 290,670 |
| Percentage change (over 5 years) | 3.4% | 7.2% | 3.2% | 7.8% |
Wellington city’s population accounts for 4.45% of the New Zealand population and is expected to see steady growth over the next decade.
The Wellington region contains 11.1% of New Zealand’s population.
Climate
| Warmest month: | February (17°C average) |
| Coldest month: | July (8.7°C average) |
| Average daily maximum for mid-summer: | 20.3°C |
| Average daily minimum for mid-winter: | 5.9°C |
| Average annual sunshine: | 2025 hours |
| Average annual rainfall: | 1270mm |
Wellington has more sunshine hours than London and less rainfall than Auckland.
Economy
(September 07 quarter)
| Average hourly earnings: | $28.85 |
| Average sale price for dwellings: | $419,500 |
Note: This information comes from Statistics New Zealand.
Public Holidays
| New Years Day: | 1 January |
| Day after New Years Day: | 2 January |
| Wellington Anniversary Day: | Closest Monday to 22 January each year |
| Waitangi Day: | 6 February |
| Good Friday: | Varies |
| Easter Monday: | Varies |
| ANZAC Day: | 25 April |
| Queens Birthday: | 1st Monday in June |
| Labour Day: | 4th Monday in October |
| Christmas Day: | 25 December |
| Boxing Day: | 26 December |
C – Attractions & Things To Do
Te Papa Tongarewa (Museum of New Zealand)
Cable Street
Wellington
Location Downtown Wellington
Phone Number 04 381 7000 Friday to Wednesday 10am – 6pm
Thursdays 10am – 9pm.
An Introductory Te Papa Tour provides an overview of the Museum in 45 minutes, and runs daily at 10.15am and 2pm, more frequently during the high season (November to April).
Te Papa is New Zealand’s national museum, offering visitors a unique and authentic experience of this country’s treasures and stories. Prepare to be engaged, stimulated, and surprised! At the heart of Te Papa are the stunning long-term exhibitions. They are enhanced by diverse short-term exhibitions and a captivating and distinctive events program – performances, talks, lectures, entertainments, and more.
The Original Settlers of Wellington: The Maori People
Maori people define themselves by their iwi (tribe), hapu (sub-tribe), maunga (mountain) and awa (river). Whanau is the name given to family – the term embraces immediate family, in-laws and all those connected by blood ties.
In recent years, the introduction of Maori language nests (kohanga reo) has revived the Maori language. At kohanga reo, preschool children are encouraged to speak in Maori. Primary and secondary schools build on this early immersion by including Maori in the curriculum.
Mount Victoria
Address: Top of Mt Victoria
Wellington
Location City Suburbs
+64 0(4) 802 4860
Free of charge
High lookout point along Wellington’s Southern Walkway gives visitors a spectacular view of the city and its surroundings.
Parliament Buildings Beehive Parliamentary House and Library
Corner Lambton Quay and Molesworth Streets
Wellington
04 471 9503
Weekday hours: 10 am to 4 pm (last tours depart at 4 pm), Weekend hours: Saturdays 10 – 3 pm, Sundays 12 – 3 pm (last tours depart at 3 pm), Closed: New Year’s Day & 2 January, Waitangi Day, Good Friday, Christmas & Boxing Day. Private tours (10 or more) can be pre-booked by arrangement. Free guided tours leave on the hour.
A visit to the Capital City would not be complete without a visit to New Zealand’s beautifully refurbished Parliament Buildings. Located in the historic suburb of Thorndon, the complex is made up of three architecturally distinctive buildings: the Edwardian neo-classical Parliament House, the Victorian Gothic Parliamentary Library and the unique 1970’s style Beehive building. Free entry. These buildings are a prime example of New Zealand art and an outlet to the world of politics in Wellington.
Katherine Mansfield Birthplace
25 Tinakori Road
Thorndon , Wellington
Location City Suburbs
04 473 7268 04 473-7268
Open Daily (except Monday) 10am-4pm. Closed Mondays, Christmas Day, Good Friday.
The childhood home of New Zealand’s most celebrated author and one of the world’s best-known short story writers. Nestled on historic Tinakori Road, the exquisitely restored house and the heritage garden provide an excellent background to Mansfield’s writing and give a unique opportunity to experience New Zealand society of the time. (Number 1 in the Thorndon Heritage Trail).
Museum of Wellington City & Sea
Located in downtown Wellington at “The Bond Store”, In front of Queen’s Wharf
Wellington
Open Monday to Sunday 10am – 5pm
Closed Christmas Day
04 472 8904
The restored Historic Places Trust Category One building, originally an 1892 Bond Store (customs house), utilizes traditional museum techniques combined with holographic special effects, re-creations, interactive exhibits, and a giant cinema screen to take visitors on a journey through Wellington’s past, present and future. The heritage of Wellington is displayed through exhibits that cover the city’s Maori roots to its modern times. Tours available
Wellington Zoo
200 Daniell Street
Newtown, Wellington
04 381 6755
New Zealand’s oldest Zoo, Wellington Zoo offers unique experiences in an interactive and exciting environment of conservation, learning and fun.
Book a “Close Encounter” and interact with Tigers, Lions, Red Pandas, Giraffes and many other engaging animals.
Founded in 1906, Wellington’s zoological gardens have all the traditional attractions. Zoo management has recently extended and upgraded the facilities to include such features as the Tropical River Trail, New Zealand’s newest and largest habitat exhibit. Zoo inhabitants include New Zealand natives such as the kiwi, the giant weta, the black stilt and the tuatara, as well as the more exotic species such as the North American bison, the Nepalese red panda and the Sitatunga antelope.
Karori Wildlife Sanctuary
At the End of Waiapu Road
Karori, Wellington in the City Suburbs
04 920 2222 or 04 920 9200
Open every day (except Christmas Day) from 10am to 5pm (or 10am to 4pm on weekdays during April to Nov). Visitor Centre is at the end of Waiapu Road, Karori (first left after the Karori tunnel). Waiapu Road junction is on Bus routes 12, 17, 18, 21, 22 and 23.
The Sanctuary is a world first conservation attraction where a unique protected natural area is being faithfully restored. Some of New Zealand’s rarest and most endangered wildlife has been released inside the Sanctuary such as the little spotted kiwi, saddleback, stitchbird and kaka.
Take a leisurely stroll around natural bush, lakes and historical buildings or book a guided tour during the day or night. You can walk across a unique historic dam, see a 19th century goldmine carved deep into the hillside, and take a scenic ride on an electric boat or picnic on the lawns by the wetlands.
The Karori Wildlife Sanctuary is an ambitious 250 hectare project intended to restore and protect native flora and fauna within the city environment. A ground-breaking fence to deter predators has been especially designed and constructed and a weka breeding program is well established. Kiwis were recently released in the area. The secluded inner city valley will eventually incorporate educational facilities and a network of tracks.
Lyall Bay
+64 4 802 4860
If riding waves by board, or just jumping in them is what you like, then this is the beach for you. With a breakwater at one end to create waves for riding, rocks at the other end for clambering over and safe swimming in between, this beach will keep you amused for hours. Watch the ferries pass by while you relax on the white sand.
Mt Kaukau
+64 4 802 4860
Mt Kaukau rewards those who take the time to conquer its steep slopes, with stunning 360 degree panoramic views of the Wellington harbor basin and Cook Strait beyond. If ever you are likely to see the South Island, it will be from here. Entry points at Simla Crescent, Ngaio and Woodmancote Streets, Khandallah.
Bungy Extreme
Corner of Courtenay Place and Taranaki Street
Downtown Wellington
+64 4 382 8438
Up to 3 people are strapped into an open capsule which is connected to two bungy cords winched to two 40m towers. The capsule is then catapulted 55m into the air at speeds of up to 160km per hour in less than two seconds, experiencing 5gs.
This adventure is situated right in the entertainment sector of town. It is controlled by an electric console, and all safety features are observed. If you have ever wanted the bungy experience without jumping, this could be the thrill for you.
City Circular Bus Route
+64 4 801 7000
This distinctive yellow double-decker bus stops at the city’s ten top spots. For a modest fare you can do the circuit and get a feel for the town’s layout and attractions. Then decide at which downtown highlight you will start: Te Papa, Kirkcaldie’s, the Cable Car, or maybe the Parliament Buildings. Buses leave every 10 minutes from the Railway Station. They then continue to the Customhouse and Jervois Quay and the top of Oriental Parade. The return trip travels along Courtenay Place and down the shopping mile at Lambton Quay.
East by West
+64 4 499 1282
The Evening Post ferry, operated by this company, provides commuter and leisure transport to the Eastern bays. A day excursion is highly recommended for a unique perspective on the city, harbor and its environs. Watch out for dolphins. The ferry departs from Queens Wharf and stops (subject to demand) at Somes Island before continuing to lovely Days Bay.
Cable Car
+64 4 472 2199
For something completely different, why not take a trip on Wellington’s beautifully restored flaming red cable car! A vital commuter link between Lambton Quay and the leafy inner-city suburb of Kelburn, this route has been operating since 1902. This is a popular form of transport for the thousands of students attending Victoria University and is a favorite inclusion in the typical Wellington itinerary providing easy access to the Botanic Gardens and sweeping panoramic views of the city
Island Bay Marine Education Center
64 4 383 8285
The laboratory has indoor and outdoor tanks enabling you to learn about, see and touch the marine wildlife in a safe learning environment. Children can pick up the spider starfish, feel the sea cucumber, and handle a hermit crab. Admire the large array of seahorses the laboratory breeds. The crayfish are abundant too, although not for eating.
Area Attractions outside Wellington
Cape Palliser
+64 4 802 4860
Located on the far south-eastern coast of the Wairarapa and the wind-swept bays of Cape Palliser, is a different world, that of Cape Palliser. Climb the 250 steps to the lighthouse for 360 degree views! The North Island’s largest breeding seal colony is situated below. Do not get too close as they move fast and have been known to bite. Visit the fishing village of Ngawi with its houses nestling under the cliffs.
Southward Car Museum
+64 4 297 1221
A short drive up Wellington’s lovely “Gold coast”, is the largest collection of cars and motorbikes in New Zealand. Once the largest private collection of cars (now a charitable trust) the Southwards car museum holds more than 200 cars and 125 motorbikes. With cars dating from an early (1890s) Benz, the collection is outstanding.
Rangitikei River Adventures
+64 800 655 747
Three hours north of Wellington there are two river adventures of one hour and three hour duration, and a white water jaunt. Experienced guides who provide instruction and safety gear accompany all trips. Also overnight camps in New Zealand’s most beautiful canyons. If the rafting is not enough then a bungy drop into the canyon or a quick jet boat spin will provide an adrenalin filled experience.
Khandallah Summer Pool
+64 4 479 6644
Views, bush picnic, a park and a pool – what more could you want? Set in 60 acres of native bush in the affluent suburb of Khandallah you will find these two outdoor pools. The main pool is 30 meters long and the small children’s pool is 30 centimeters deep. This unique facility includes walking tracks, picnic areas, streams and a children’s play area. Changing rooms and a small shop are onsite and lifeguards patrol the pool during the summer open season. Admission and parking areas are free.
Island Bay Marine Education Center
64 4 383 8285
Discover Wellington’s marine life without getting your feet wet. The laboratory has indoor and outdoor tanks enabling you to learn about, see and touch the marine wildlife in a safe learning environment. Have the kids pick up the spider starfish (yes like it sounds: long black legs and black body), feel the sea cucumber and handle a hermit crab. Admire the large array of seahorses the laboratory breeds. The crayfish are abundant too, although not for eating.
Mt Kaukau
+64 4 802 4860
Lesser known to Wellington visitors but favored by locals, Mt Kaukau rewards those who take the time to conquer its steep slopes, with stunning 360 degree panoramic views of the Wellington harbor basin and Cook Strait beyond. If ever you are likely to see the South Island, it will be from here. Entry points at Simla Crescent, Ngaio and Woodmancote Streets, Khandallah. This treat is also part of the Northern Walkway.
Wellington Zoo
04 381-6750
Founded in 1906, Wellington’s zoological gardens have all the traditional attractions. Zoo management has recently extended and upgraded the facilities to include such features as the Tropical River Trail, New Zealand’s newest and largest habitat exhibit. Zoo inhabitants include New Zealand natives such as the kiwi, the giant weta, the black stilt and the tuatara, as well as the more exotic species like the North American bison, the Nepalese red panda and the Sitatunga antelope.
Karori Wildlife Sanctuary
+64 4 920 9200
The Karori Wildlife Sanctuary is an ambitious 250 hectare project intended to restore and protect native flora and fauna within the city environment. A ground-breaking fence to deter predators has been especially designed and constructed and a weka breeding program is well established. Kiwis were recently released in the area. The secluded inner city valley will eventually incorporate educational facilities and a network of tracks.
Te Papa Tongarewa (Museum of New Zealand)
64 4 381 7000
Te Papa is New Zealand’s national museum, offering visitors a unique and authentic experience of this country’s treasures and stories. Prepare to be engaged, stimulated, and surprised! At the heart of Te Papa are the stunning long-term exhibitions. They are enhanced by diverse short-term exhibitions and a captivating and distinctive events program – performances, talks, lectures, entertainments and more.
The Museum is a forum for the nation to present, explore, and preserve the heritage of its cultures and knowledge of the natural environment in order to better understand and treasure the past, enrich the present, and meet the challenges of the future.
The Original Settlers of Wellington: The Maori People
Maori people define themselves by their iwi (tribe), hapu (sub-tribe), maunga (mountain) and awa (river). Whanau is the name given to family – the term embraces immediate family, in-laws and all those connected by blood ties.
In recent years, the introduction of Maori language nests (kohanga reo) has revived the Maori language. At kohanga reo, preschool children are encouraged to speak in Maori. Primary and secondary schools build on this early immersion by including Maori in the curriculum.
January to February
Summer City Programme, Wellington, which is a series of festivals around the city
February
2nd weekend in February
Wine Marlborough Festival ( Blenheim)
February, even-numbered years only;
New Zealand Festival (Wellington), an entire month of national and international culture
February
Cuba Street Carnival
Cuba Street
A truly fantastic spectacle of floats, bands, dancers, and performers takes over Cuba Street for one weekend in February.
March
Capital E National Arts Festival
Capital E
Quality performers from all over the world, carnivals and free events create a two-week arts blast for children aged 3-14 years and their families.
March
Golden Shears Sheep-Shearing Contest; Masterton), a must for lovers of sheep and sweat
April
Rebel Sport Super 14
Westpac Stadium
The new and improved Super 14 rugby tournament kicks off annually, with the Hurricanes playing six home games at the Westpac Stadium.
Armageddon
The Events Centre
Armageddon Pulp Culture Expo returns to the capital, featuring huge gaming displays, as well as cult television and movie celebrities.
June
The NZI Opera Season opens at Westpac St James Theatre
July
Royal New Zealand Ballet
Westpac St James Theatre
With refreshing energy and infectious charm, the Royal New Zealand Ballet presents a bold new triple bill.
September
Montana World of WearableArt Awards Show
The Events Centre Wellington
Artists from throughout New Zealand and around the world enter truly amazing garments that are presented in a two hour show of movement, sound and light.
October
Golden Oldies World Rugby Festival
Various locations, Wellington
Teams from around the world will gather as Wellington hosts the biggest rugby festival in the world.
November
Royal New Zealand Ballet
Westpac St James Theatre, Wellington
Arts and Entertainment
Circa
1 Taranaki St
Wellington
New Zealand
04 801 7992
Over 20 plays a year are produced. Each Circa play is actually a Single Venture Partnership of Actors, Directors and Theatre Personnel, and each production is produced by individual dramatic partnerships. It has been hugely influential in keeping theatre alive in New Zealand. It has a highly motivated team that ensures a superior standard and actively demonstrates a wide range of talent and abilities. The theatre has run successfully for over 30 years.
Downstage
12 Cambridge Terrace, corner of Courtenay Place and Cambridge Terrace
Wellington
Ticket Office: Located on the ground level of the Theatre,
Hours: Mon – Fri 9am till show time or 5pm if no show, Sat 12pm till show time or 5pm if no show. 04 801 6946
Celebrating over 40 years, Downstage is New Zealand’s longest running professional theatre. It is an intimate theatre which seats approximately 250 people. Iit is situated centrally in New Zealand’s capital city and cultural hub.
With a uniquely flexible auditorium, Downstage has at least 7 different configurations. This means that the position of the stage and seats may move around from show to show.
BATS
1 Kent Terrace
Wellington, New Zealand
BATS Theatre is an intimate venue located in the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes building. BATS is an acronym for the Bain and Austin Touring Society, (named after Rodney Bane and David Austin, the founding members of BATS). BATS Inc began as a prolific amateur theatre company, producing school tours and shows, achieving a string of main-bill successes.
The Basic Policy for BATS has been:
“To rekindle the popularity and accessibility of theatre for young people and to provide a venue, a training ground and a way in for young people struggling to forge careers in the difficult world of professional theatre.
These aims were achieved in recent years by:
Keeping ticket prices for students on a par with cinema admission and video hire rates.
Programming the theatre with entertainment value as a priority
Ensuring a consistently high standard of work
Keeping the doors open for young theatre practitioners.
Promoting the theatre along the lines of inexpensive but good entertainment “
BATS is currently New Zealand’s strongest developmental theatre. It has an annual program of between 50 to 60 shows with at least 90% of those shows being New Zealand and world premieres.
The fundamental philosophy of BATS has stayed true to its former ambitions. It constantly seeks to build a new young audience for theatre by presenting diverse, relevant and challenging theatre. It focuses on being accessible for both its audience and incoming theatre companies. BATS gives support to many developing arts practitioners.
Sports
New Zealand Cricket Museum
Old Grandstand, Basin Reserve
Wellington
04 385 6602
Summer Hours: (1 Nov-30 Apr) Open 7 days 10.30 – 3.30.
Winter Hours: (1 May-31 Oct) 10.30 – 3.30 weekends only.
Have a look at the history of one of New Zealand’s favorite pastimes. NZ and international cricketing memorabilia from 1743 to present day are displayed. Education Programs, brochure, and guided tours are available.
Westpac Stadium
Waterloo Quay
Suburb: Wellington Central
Phone: 04 495 8485
This 34,000 seat stadium is the principal venue for Wellington sporting events. The Westpac Stadium is New Zealand’s only world class, purpose built Stadium and Corporate Hospitality venue. Above the playing area is New Zealand’s biggest TV Screen, an 84 square metre giant backed up by on-site sound and vision production facilities.
The main entry points:
• The pedestrian walkway is approximately 680 metres long.
• It takes between 5 and 10 minutes to walk the length of the walkway.
• There are three main access points
– from Thorndon Quay just north of the railway station
– from near Shed 21 on the port.
– directly from the railway platforms
• The walkway will take you to the ticket sales booth, turnstiles and security checkpoint.
Cricket, rugby, football and the 2Hot2 Handle Motor Show are all favorites at the stadium. In December there is a Christmas Carol Event.
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