Wellington

Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand, a small island country in the south Pacific Ocean. Like the rest of New Zealand, it was originally inhabited by native tribes, especially the Maori, who are an important part of the culture. The Maori name for Wellington is "Te Upoko o te Ika a Maui," which means "The Head of Maui's Fish," since the Maori called the North Island "Maui's Fish."http://www.wellingtonnz.com/visitor_information/essentials

The 2011 Rugby World Cup is set to be hosted by New Zealand, and Wellington is one of the venues selected to hold matches, including two of the quarter-finals.http://rugby.adventureworld.com.au/rugby-world-cup-2011 Teams will play at Wellington Regional Stadium, which can hold up to 40,000 fans.http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/destinationnewzealand/venues/venue=31/stadium.html

In 1773, long before settlers started to make their way to New Zealand, the British explorer James Cook sailed to the opening of Wellington Harbor but weather didn't allow for him to enter it.http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/wellington-region/6 The first European immigrants arrived in New Zealand in 1940 and built houses in a settlement that was known as Brittania, only to have it flood months later. A new location on the hillside of Lambton Harbor was selected, though many plots were arranged in discord with the topography of the area, leading to very steep streets.http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/wellington-region/7/1 This became the town and later the city of Wellington, which was declared the capital of New Zealand in 1865.http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/wellington-region/7

Wellington is located on a shelf of hard gray sandstone that has been uplifted over the last one million years. It is also located along a major tectonic fault line and is prone to seismic activity. Experts predict a major earthquake event in the city is likely and fear the effect it could have.http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/wellington-region/2 Wellington's harbor is another key geographic feature which has played a crucial role in the city's development. It's enclosed nature makes it perfect for maritime traffic and also caters to all types of recreation.http://www.gw.govt.nz/Wellington-Harbour/

The National Museum of New Zealand is known by its Maori name, Te Papa Tongarewa. Exhibit topics range from the art and history of New Zealand to the culture of the Maori people and the natural environment.http://www.tepapa.govt.nz/AboutUs/Pages/AboutTePapa.aspx The museum building itself is also a major point of interest.http://www.tepapa.govt.nz/AboutUs/Pages/Ourbuilding.aspx

The Wellington Cable Car connects the heart of the city with a lookout high above where passengers can take in views of the entire city. Carter Observatory, the Cable Car Museum, and the Planetarium are also located at the lookout station.http://www.wellingtonnz.com/sights_activities/wellington_cable_car

Wellington's City Gallery brings a variety of contemporary art exhibits featuring artists from both New Zealand and abroad. There are also education programs for the public and special galleries for local and native art.http://www.wellingtonnz.com/sights_activities/city_gallery_wellington

A wild animal sanctuary only minutes outside of Wellington, visitors can see and learn about many rare animal species that call the island home. It is also one place to find the elusive Kiwi, the national mascot of New Zealand.http://www.wellingtonnz.com/sights_activities/zealandia_karori_sanctuary_experience

• Jemaine Clement, musician and actorhttp://www.imdb.com/name/nm1318596/bio
• Russell Coutts, professional sailorhttp://www.russellcoutts.com/en/biography/index.php
• Russell Crowe, actorhttp://www.biography.com/articles/Russell-Crowe-9262435
• Peter Jackson, film directorhttp://www.thebiographychannel.co.uk/biographies/peter-jackson.html
• Bret McKenzie, musician and actorhttp://www.fancast.com/people/Bret-McKenzie/250630/biography/about
• Anna Paquin, actresshttp://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2000/aug/06/features.magazine