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FijiRegion · Lower North Island
Wellington
Wellington is the capital of New Zealand: the Te Papa museum, the cable car, the waterfront of the harbour where ferries depart for the South Island, and the vineyards of Martinborough in the Wairarapa.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
The region
Get to know Wellington
The Wellington region occupies the southern end of the North Island, next to the Cook Strait. It includes the capital, the cities of Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt and Porirua, the Kāpiti coast to the west, and the Wairarapa, a rural area east of the Remutaka and Tararua ranges.
Wellington spreads over hills around a natural harbour. The national museum Te Papa Tongarewa, on the waterfront, brings together natural history, art and Māori and Pacific culture. The red cable car (Wellington Cable Car) climbs from the city centre to the Botanic Garden, and Mount Victoria has a lookout over the city and harbour. Parliament is in the centre, with the circular building known as the Beehive.
Zealandia (Te Māra a Tāne), a valley fenced against predators a few minutes from the centre, protects rare native birds. In the Miramar neighbourhood are the Wētā studios, which welcome visitors to show the creation of film effects and costumes. The city is also known for its cafés, its craft beer and the wind that blows from the strait.
In the Wairarapa, Martinborough is a wine village known for pinot noir, and Cape Palliser has a lighthouse and a colony of fur seals. North of the capital, Kāpiti Island is a bird reserve that admits visitors with permission and boat transport.
Ferries depart from Wellington for Picton on the South Island, a crossing of about 3 hours 30 minutes through the Cook Strait and the Marlborough Sounds.
When to go
From December to March the days are longer and milder, and the weather tends to be more stable. The wind blows in any season and is often stronger in spring, from September to November. From June to August it is colder and wetter, but museums, cafés and the city’s cultural life continue year‑round.
Getting there
Wellington Airport (WLG), about 8 km from the centre, has domestic flights across the country and flights to Australia and the Pacific. By road, the capital is about 640 km from Auckland via the SH1, and the Northern Explorer train links the two cities. Ferries to Picton depart from the port terminals, and commuter trains connect the centre with Kāpiti and the Wairarapa.
Your questions
Frequently asked questions about Wellington
How many days to stay in Wellington?
Two days allow for Te Papa, the cable car and the Botanic Garden, Mount Victoria and Zealandia. With three or four days, you can go to Martinborough and Cape Palliser or to Kāpiti Island.
How to cross from Wellington to the South Island?
Ferries sail to Picton several times a day, carrying passengers, cars and motorhomes. In summer, book in advance, especially if you plan to take a vehicle. Many rental companies require the car to be swapped on each island; confirm when booking. There are also short flights to Picton, Blenheim and Nelson.
Can you visit Parliament?
Yes. Guided tours are available of the Parliament buildings, including the Beehive; check opening times before you go.
Where to see native birds near Wellington?
At Zealandia, a few minutes from the centre, you can find birds such as the tūī, the kākā and the takahē, and there are guided visits also at night. Kāpiti Island, to the north, is another reserve, reached by boat.