Destination Wellington - Wellington Travel Guide

About Wellington

Wellington is New Zealand’s capital city. It’s the third largest city in New Zealand, and the Wellington region is home to almost half a million residents. With a fairly young population (in fact over ¾ of the population is from the ages 15-65), this bustling city is the center of not only New Zealand politics, but also most of its culture and arts.

Wellington has a bohemian nature, which welcomes diversity and creativity. Located right at the southern tip of the North Island, it also serves as the hub for traffic between the North and South Islands. Whether you're in Wellington for only several days or  for a slightly longer stay, there is definitely something for everyone to enjoy during a visit to Wellington.

Find out more about the HISTORY OF WELLINGTON CITY at the bottom of this page

Wellington Attractions & Activities

Te Papa Wikipedia

Free Stuff:

1. Wellington City to Sea Walk A 4 hour walk with impressive views of the Cook Straight and Kaikora ranges.
2. Wellington Waterfront for people watching and a leisurely stroll
3. Enjoy the Street Theatre found mainly on Courtenay Place.

Stuff Under $20:

1. Wellington Museum
2. Cable Car From Downtown Wellington to Lambton
3. Tui Brewery & Café Check out the home of New Zealand’s finest beer and indulge in beer tasting
4. LightHouse Cinema Go and see a film in this luxury cinema
5. City Gallery Art Exhibitions

Stuff Over $20:

1. Hot Air Balloon ride over Wellington and its surroundings including amazing views over snow capped Tarava Mountains.
2. Take in show at one of many Wellington Theatres on Courtenay Place.
3. Scenic small air plane flights over Wellington city, the harbour and surrounding areas.
4. 4x4 Adventures excursions in the beautiful Kapiti Coast

More WELLINGTON ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES

Wellington Restaurants & Bars

Good Wellington Eats:

• Boxo for Asian Cuisine,
• Martin Bosley’s Restaurant for incredible seafood on the waterfront

Good Wellington Drinks:

• Vespa Lounge, Allen St,
• Good Luck, Cuba St,
• Havana Bar, Wigan St,
• Blend Bar & Cafe, Wakefield St

Wellington History

The Maori have two names for Wellington. The first is Te Upoko o te Ika a Maui (the head of Maui’s fish); and this name relates to the creation myth of New Zealand being fished up by the Polynesian god Maui. The second name for Wellington is Te Whanganui a Tara (the great harbor of Tara). It is this name that reveals the history of the Maori settlement of the region.

While Maori history credits the Polynesian explorer, Kupe, with the discovery of the Wellington region back in the 10th century with remnants of settlement dated to this time, it was Tara, the son of the Maori Chief Whatonga, who lead the first major settlement of the Wellington region and founded its first iwi (or Maori tribe), Ngai Tara in the 12th century. Due to this prime location of coastline land surrounded by fertile soil, many other Maori iwi also created settlements in the area: Ngati Ira, Ngai Tahu, Ngati Tama, Te Atiawa, and Ngati Toa. Wellington Tenths Trust/ Nga Tekau o Poneke- comprised of descendants from Taraniki iwis protect the current Maori interests in Wellington City; but Wellington continues to attract many Maoris with affiliations from throughout New Zealand live.

Image shows Lambton Quay, Wellington in 1930 (corbisimages.com)

The history of the European settlement of Wellington begins in 1840. This is when the first ship of settlers came ashore after Colonel William Wakefield purchased land from the Maoris for the New Zealand Company. The purpose was to set up both a centre for commerce along the harbor, but also an agricultural center along the rich valley land. The region rapidly developed; and New Zealand moved the seat of government from Auckland to Wellington in 1865 due to its central location in New Zealand.

The history of Wellington settlement can also be seen in the picturesque Victorian houses seen perched on the hillsides surrounding the Wellington Harbor. Wellington is also the home to one of the largest all-wooden buildings in the world, the Government Buildings. Many other examples of 19th century can be found throughout the city. Perhaps it is the combination this Victorian charm mixed in with the contemporary appeal of modern buildings such as the famous Beehive and Te Papa Museum that adds to the eclectic nature of Wellington.