Wellington Vacation

Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, is the southern-most capital city in the world. It was named after Arthur Wellesley, who was the first Duke of Wellington in England and the winner of the Battle of Waterloo. Wellington serves as New Zealand’s center of politics and is also its cultural center, housing its art, film and theater industries, its cafés and its nightlife scene. According to a 2007 study by Mercer, Wellington was ranked as having the 12th highest quality of living in the world and the fourth highest among English-speaking countries. ¹

Fast Facts

1. Country: New Zealand
2. Language: English
3. Currency: New Zealand Dollar
4. Country Code: 64
5. Population: 379,000 ²
6. Climate: 53.6°F (winter), 68°F (summer) ³

Attractions

1. Wellington Cable Car Museum: This museum won the New Zealand Tourism Industry award in 2006 and 2007. Through photos and displays, it details the history of the country's only cable car system left. ⁴
2. The Colonial Cottage Museum: This museum focuses on central Wellington's oldest identified building, which was built by William Wallis, a carpenter, in 1858.⁵
3. Katherine Mansfield Birthplace: Visit the childhood home of Katherine Mansfield, one of the world's most famous authors of short stories. ⁶
4. Wellington Zoo: This zoo, New Zealand's first, was founded in 1906 when a lion cub was given to the city of Wellington by a local circus. Since then, the zoo has grown with the goal of educating people about animals.
5. Wellington Waterfront: Take a stroll down to Wellington's waterfront, much of which has been reclaimed by the sea since the town was developed in 1840. ⁷
6. Te Papa Museum of New Zealand: Te Papa is the national museum of New Zealand and offers information about the country's nature, art, history and heritage. ⁸
7. Otari Native Botanic Garden and Wilton's Bush Reserve: This is the only public botanical garden in the country that features strictly native plants. There is a forest section that includes some of the city's oldest tress, such as an 800-years-old rimu, and a plant section. It is considered a Garden of National Significance by the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture. ⁹

Mahalo Suggests

If planning a trip, please see Wellington Hotels, Wellington Restaurants and Wellington Tours.

More Help for Your Trip

• How to Book a Cheap Flight
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• Packing Tips

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