Introducing Wellington
Hemmed in by hillsides around a magnificent harbour, Wellington is NZ’s capital. Locked in an age-old struggle for hip supremacy with Auckland, ‘Welly’ prides itself in its cultural and artistic wealth. Given the relatively small population, there’s an astounding number of quality restaurants, cafés, bars, galleries, shops and theatres here. And it’s certainly better-looking than Auckland: timber Victorian houses terrace up steep valleys from the waterfront in an almost San Franciscan manner.
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In recent years Wellington has stamped its place firmly on the world map as the home of NZ’s dynamic film industry, earning itself the nickname ‘Wellywood’. When the film crews hit town, the whole mood of the city lifts, and there’s a palpable sparkle and boom in the air. Acclaimed director Peter Jackson still calls Wellington home; the success of his Lord of the Rings films and subsequent productions have made him a powerful Hollywood player, and have bolstered Wellington’s reputation.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
Tips & articles
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The world’s finest freebies
30 November 2011
It sounds too good to be true – but these top-class experiences wonʼt cost you a penny. From bike trips...
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New Zealand’s best spots – as picked by Lonely Planet staffers
23 September 2010
The 15th edition – can you believe it – of Lonely Planet’s New Zealand guidebook is out now. It’s full...
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: camping over Xmas
by neverwinter 14 September 2011
definitely go for the small hostels - these attract all ages and if you pick the small, car-access only ones you are much less likely…
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RE: If you are going to New Zealand..
by travelling_mike 14 September 2011
NZ has issues like any place. You just have to decide whether you prefer NZ's issues more than some other place. Wellington does bustl…
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Yet another itinerary advice thread - South Island
by chris_van 13 September 2011
Yes, it's another itinerary advice thread. Any thoughts, comments, suggestions etc would be very welcome, especially concerning hiking/tramp…
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Our favourite Wellington Blogs (beta)
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Rabies Shots and Alert in New Zealand – Goat Rabies?
Blog: The Travel Tart - Offbeat Tales From A Travel Addict - 16 January 2012
Rabies Shots – In New Zealand? Today, I have a really weird travel photo from Jade and James from OurOyster.com. Say hi to @our_oyster on twitter and Facebook. It’s of...
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New Zealand Tour. 27th September 2011. Wellington.
Blog: Midwife Moira's Travel Blog. With Emirates Cabin Crew on the side. - 11 December 2011
For a capital city Wellington is very easy to get to know. it was clean and very accessible. In no time we had visited the Waterfront and paid a very fleeting visit to the excellent Te Pap Museum, I would have liked to spend a lot longer here but time was an issue. Walked over the bridge from the Waterfront to the City, rode the Cable Car to the Botanical Gardens, seen the Beehive and other official buildings.
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New Zealand Tour. 25th to 27th September 2011. Picton to Wellington.
Blog: Midwife Moira's Travel Blog. With Emirates Cabin Crew on the side. - 11 December 2011
Reading about the Port of Picton in the Tourist Bibles (LP &RG) you don’t really get a feel for the place. ‘its a busy port as its the main access point for the South Island’...so I’m thinking Dover? And due to this, I am also thinking, let’s stay in Haverlock or Blenheim??? How wrong can you get! Europeans don’t be put off, don’t confuse the lovely town of Picton with our own busy Port towns, for example, the above mentioned Dover, Piraeus, or Hamburg may spring to mind!
