Wellington is the capital of New Zealand and it is located at the southern end of the North Island. It has a population of around 449000 inhabitants or about 11% of new Zealands population. The hilly terrain and extensive harbour make Wellington the ideal place to visit or to live. It is a modern city with excellent facilities and some of New Zealand’s best tourist attractions are nearby. The city center is right on the harbour and it is a busy bustling city. On the waterfront you will TePapa which is the national museum and it is one of the best museums you will ever visit. Here you can trace the history of the Maori people and their voyages from the Pacific Islands like Tonga and Samoa. There are beautiful displays of their inter island canoes, their artifacts and weapons and information on their culture and lifestyle. Capt James Cook also rates a mention as the first European to arrive in New Zealand and the original feather cloak that was presented to him by the Maori is on display there. It is a place to spend many hours learning about the history of New Zealand. Wellington was the port where sailing clippers in the 19th century brought the many emigrants from Europe and Britain.

Nearby places of interest include the Volcano’s of the Tongoriro National Park and its skiing resorts of Whakapapa and Turoa which are located there. The beautiful wine growing regions of Hawkes bay and the Martinborough region are also close by and well worth visiting. Cook Straight separates the New Zealand North Island from the South Island and a regular inter island ferry service operates from Wellington. Wellington also has an international airport and is also busy with domestic flights to other major New Zealand destinations. One of Wellington’s most interesting attractions is the cable car that takes both locals and tourists from the main street of the CBD to the top of a local mountain where the botanical gardens are located. The views from the top cover the whole Wellington area and it is quite spectacular.

Wellingtonians are sports mad and both the New Zealand cricket team and the New Zealand all blacks or rugby team play here often. Westpac Stadium is now the home of rugby union in Wellington and the Basin Reserve is the home of cricket here. Both are famous around the world with rugby and cricket playing nations.

Any holiday in New Zealand is not complete unless you include the Wellington region in your itinerary. Stay at the best Wellington hotels.

» Wellington Hotels

Important Travel Information:

• Wiki Travel - Wellington
• New Zealand Travel - Wellington
• Tourism New Zealand
• NZ Weather Forecasts