​​Wellington - the politcial, film & arts capital of New Zealand's North Island, caters to the cultured heart.

 

​The country's arts and culture capital is home to many museums and art galleries, including a thriving theatre and film scene.  When it comes to art New Zealand’s national museum - Te Papa Tongarewa Museum of New Zealand - is a show of contemporary pieces and innovative and interactive displays.

 

Within Te Papa are showcases of New Zealand’s diverse art and visual culture in collections such as  history, wildlife, Māori culture and contemporary art and culture. 

Before European settlers visited the shores of New Zealand, the sheltered harbour of Wellington had been the home to generations of Māori tribes. On sites all around the Wellington peninsula there is evidence of early Māori settlement and cultivation.

 

Unearthed in 2005, The Te Aro Pa visitor centre, in downtown Wellington, houses remnants of an ancient Māori pa / village from the mid-1800s.



Wellington’s original name is Te Upoko o te Ika a Maui translated as ‘the head of Maui's fish’ referencing how "Aotearoa" New Zealand was created.

Māori legend tells the tale of a Polynesian navigator named Maui who hooked a giant fish that, when pulled to the surface, turned into the land now known as the North Island.



Wellington has nature and wildlife experiences which are a major draw-card.  

Only minutes from the city centre is Zealandia, a sanctuary for endangered native birds and New Zealand wildlife.

 

On the West Coast north of Wellington, is Kapiti Island, an internationally famed nature reserve enabling visitors to mingle with rare native birds.

 

 

Wellington Region consists of 19 main townships, all within 3 sub-regions. Wellington, Wairarapa & Kapiti Coast.

 

Please click on the sub-region below to go to the area applicable, within the box you'll find the towns relative to the sub-region in question. Travel distances between sights in each region average between 30mins to 1hr.