wellington uncovered

Located at the southern end of New Zealand’s North Island, the Lonely Planet names Wellington as “the coolest little capital in the world”.

As well as being a ‘cool little capital’ and the seat of government, Wellington is compact and easy to get around, locals often say you can walk anywhere in under 30 minutes. On most visitors list of places to visit is the National Museum, also known as Te Papa, meaning ‘our place’; one of the world’s best interactive museums. A ride on the city’s cable car takes you up the hill to Kelburn and the city’s botanical gardens, from here you can enjoy beautiful panoramic views over the city and across the sea.

Wellington is well known as the country’s culinary capital, home to some of the New Zealand’s best award-winning restaurants, great bars and some wonderfully quirky cafes, great food trucks, day and night markets. Almost everything about Wellington, the mix of history, culture and creative energy epitomise the diversity, colour and inclusiveness of this city surrounded by water and hills.

Named for the region’s largest lake, Wairarapa is located in the southeastern corner of North Island, just an hour’s journey from New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington. The area is renowned for its excellent food and wine tours, and produces some of the world’s finest Pinot Noir. The Tararua Forest Park is popular amongst hikers, mountain bikers and horse riders alike, offering easy family routes as well as arduous, multi-day hikes for more athletic adventurers. Other popular activities include taking helicopter and Tiger Moth rides over the landscape, birdwatching and seeing New Zealand’s full-scale working adaptation of Stonehenge at Stonehenge Aotearoa. Several natural wonders are scattered throughout the area, such as the otherworldly Putangirua Pinnacles and the scenic Castlepoint Reserve.