Wellington, New ZealandSource: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Wellington_panorama_cropped.jpg
Author: Ben Arnold
Wellington is the capital as well as third biggest city in New Zealand. It is located on the southern tip of North Island overlooking Cook Strait towards South Island. On a clear day, you can see the Kaikoura Ranges across the strait. The metropolitan area of Wellington comprises Wellington City, Porirua City, Lower Hutt City and Upper Hutt City.
New Zealand Parliament Buildings comprising Parliament House on the right and The Beehive on the leftSource: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:NZParliamentbuildings.JPG
Author: Partyzane
Wellington was named after Arthur Wellesley, the first Duke of Wellington of the Battle of Waterloo. It took over from Auckland the role of capital in 1865, as its location was deemed more appropriate as the capital.
Wellington enjoys a temperate marine climate, with temperatures usually staying within a band from 4°C to 25°C. January and February are the warmest months, when average high reaches 20.3°C (69°F) while July is the coldest month, with average low of 6.3°C (43°F). June is the wettest month followed by July, with precipitation of over 136 mm (5.35 inches). February is the driest month, with precipitation of just 62 mm (2.44 inches).
Wellington Cable CarSource: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Wellington_NZ-cablecar-topview.jpg
Author: Brett Taylor
Going to Wellington
The Wellington International Airport is located in Rongotai, about 5 km from downtown, between the Miramar peninsula and Mount Victoria.
From the airport, you can take the Airport Flyer Bus to Wellington City. The fare is NZ$8.00 per adult. You enjoy a 20% discount when you pay using the Snapper electronic ticketing card. (I'll explain what's Snapper in the "Getting around" section.)
Art Ferns & Civic Square, WellingtonSource: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Art_Ferns_%26_Civic_Square.JPG
Author: Donaldytong
Getting around in Wellington
There are two main bus operators in Wellington: GO Wellington and Valley Flyer. Of the two, GO Wellington it the older and bigger company, tracing its history to 1904. Valley Flyer is the other bus operator. Both belong to the same parent, Infratil. When taking these buses, you can pay using the Snapper Card.
Snapper is a contactless stored-value smart card available from retailers throughout Wellington and the Hutt Valley.
Nave of Old St Paul's, WellingtonSource: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Old_saint_pauls_2.jpg
Author: Dean S. Pemberton
Places of Interest in Wellington
- Carter Observatory
National observatory located within the Wellington Botanic Gardens.
- Katherine Mansfield Birthplace
Birthplace and childhool home of the most famous New Zealand author.
- Lambton Quay
The main shopping street in Wellington lined with arcades, plazas and elevated walkways.
- New Zealand Parliament Buildings
A complex of three main buildings at the northern end of Lambton Quay.
- Old Government Buildings
Largest wooden buildings in the southern hemisphere and one of the largest such buildings in the world.
- Old St Paul's
Former cathedral of the Anglican Diocese of Wellington. built in the early English Gothic style.
- Victoria University
Fourth largest university in New Zealand, located in Kelburn overlooking downtown Wellington.
- Wellington Botanic Gardens
Gardens established in 1868 renowned for its massed displays of tulips in spring and early summer.
- Wellington Cable Car
Cable cars that first operated in 1902, and powered by electricity since 1933.
- Wellington Cathedral of St Paul
Cathedral church of the Anglican Diocese of Wellington.
Sights on the Harbourfront
- City Gallery
Gallery in an Art Deco building at Civic Square.
- Civic Square
Paved courtyard featuring a number of sculptures.
- Courtenay Place
Nighttime entertainment precinct of Wellington.
- Michael Fowler Centre
Concert hall and convention centre named after a former mayor of Wellington.
- Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
One of the largest national museums in the world.
- Museum of Wellington City and Sea
Museum chronicling the city's harbour and maritime history.
- Town Hall
1904 Edwardian building with Roman-style portico.
- Wellington Sculpture
A ball hanging in mid air above Civic Square.
Copyright ©
2003-2025 Timothy Tye. All Rights Reserved.
Go Back