New Zealand is sometimes thought of as Australia’s add-on, but nothing could be further from the truth. With a thriving culture, abundant technology and some of the most majestic scenery anywhere. It’s no wonder Peter Jackson chose to film his Lord of the Rings trilogy there. With windswept terrain and lush enclaves he made Middle-Earth come alive and didn’t have to leave the islands.
Speaking of islands, did you know that New Zealand is actually two main islands and over 600 smaller islands? It’s actually considered an “island nation” rather than just an island, which explains it’s biodiversity. It has a varied species of birds and wildlife and a temperate climate that rarely exceeds 90 degrees during the hottest months.
It’s capitol, Wellington, is on the South Island, or Te Waipounamu as the Maori call it. Maori culture is abundant, you can hear Māori language, watch Māori TV, see main-street marae (meeting houses), join in a hangi (Māori feast) or catch a cultural performance with traditional Māori song, dance and usually a blood-curdling haka (war dance). You might draw the line at contemplating ta moko, traditional Māori tattooing (often applied to the face).
Maori culture is prevalent in New Zealand’s art, and Wellington is known for it’s thriving art culture, boasting more bars and restaurants per capita than New York City. It’s also home to a busy harbor and growing technology scene, including Peter Jackson’s famed Wetta film studios, which is open for tours.
Here’s a list of some of our favorite picks for Wellington, shared with us from the Wellington Tourist Bureau:
Enjoy 360-degree views from the top of Mount Victoria
Get a panoramic view of city and harbour, and a great photo opportunity at the Mount Victoria Lookout. Watch the ferries sailing in through the harbour and aircraft taking off from Wellington Airport. You can drive all the way up, or walk through the town belt greenery. Grab some fish and chips and sit on the grass as the sun goes down and the lights come up.
Taste your way around the city
Wellington is said to have more bars and restaurants per capita than New York City, and with rich farmland to the north and ocean’s bounty to the south, those restaurants are spectacularly good. We’re also known as the craft beer capital, and as for our coffee…it’s legendary.
Cruise down Cuba Street
Home to hipsters, artists and lovers of vintage, Cuba Street is a bohemian haven with some of the city’s most colourful shops, bars and cafes. Street entertainers might play percussive guitar, put on a marionette show, or play with fire. Don’t forget to get your photo of the one and only Bucket Fountain.
Have a Close Encounter at Wellington Zoo
Ever wanted to hand-feed a giraffe, play with a mob of meerkats or stroke a cheetah’s fur? All this and more is possible at Wellington Zoo, the ‘best little zoo in the world’. Book a Close Encounter for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, or just enjoy the more than 100 species of animals in the collection. Say hi to the chimps for us!
However you tour Wellington, you’ll find abundant choices and friendly “kiwis” to help you enjoy your journey.