The capital city of New Zealand, Wellington is situated on a splendid
harbour at the southern tip of the North Island. Often maligned by its northern
counterparts for its ill-tempered weather, Wellington is a lively city of
culture, arts festivals and great ethnic restaurants and cafes. It is also home
to the country's government and national treasures.
Buildings of interest include the modernist Beehive , the old Government
Building (one of the largest all-wooden buildings in the world), the National
Library, and the Katherine Mansfield Memorials. In addition, there are museums
(including the excellent new Te Papa museum), a zoo and stunning views of the
city from the top of Mt Victoria. Cuba Street has great shopping, Thorndon has
historic sites of interest, Lambton Quay is the primary business street and Mt
Victoria is the place to go for cheap accommodation and dining. The treetop walk
at the Native Plant Museum is also worth the time. Activities include bungee
jumping and the fly-by-wire ride in nearby Paekakriki on the Kapiti Coast.
Wellington is built around a hilly landscape with houses clinging to steep
hills and high rises occupying the precious flat space in the downtown area.
The hilly terrain also prevented a lot of the suburban sprawl that you find in
Auckland, making it an easily walkable city.
The city is compact and interesting, nestled between a dramatic harbour and
bush clad hills. Great views can be found at the top of Mount Victoria, or by
catching the cable car up to the Botanic Gardens. Downtown Wellington is ideally
explored on foot. Made up of four quarters each with their own distinct mix
of shopping, cafes, transport, accommodation, Wellington's intense urban
experience is unrivalled in the country.
The central city area of Wellington is the place to see performing arts,
particularly ballet, theatre and musical performances. Local cuisine is
sophisticated and inventive - an abundance of excellent cafes and restaurants
are within walking distance of all the major hotels. The waterfront has been
transformed into a graceful promenade with shops, restaurants, activities and
elegant landscaping making it a real draw card for visitors and locals alike.
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