A Capital City

Go to main menu
Go to main content

Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand and home to the seat of parliament. But this vibrant and dynamic city also has many other capital claims including Culture capital, Creative capital and Events capital.

The Beehive

Culture Capital

Wellington is home to most national theatre, dance and perfomance companies, as well as the national museum, archives and library. As a result there's something on almost every night in Wellington - from pacific inspiration to local and international perfomances. Visit our events section for current show and entertainment listings, or read about some of the organisations listed below.

Royal New Zealand Ballet
New Zealand Symphony Orchestra
NBR New Zealand Opera
Te Whaea National Dance and Drama centre
Capital E National Theatre for children
National Film Archives & Library
National Portrait Gallery
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
New Zealand Book Council
National War Memorial

Creative Capital

Wellingtonians are creative and innovative people, many of whom are having an impact on the world stage. Below is a list of some of the most iconic and well-loved Wellingtonians.

Film-makers include:

Peter Jackson (Lord Of The Rings, King Kong)
Richard Taylor (Lord Of The Rings, King Kong, Jane and the Dragon)
Geoff Dixon (Silver Screen) and Cloud 9 (The Tribe, Enid Blyton series)

Musicians & composers include:

John Psathas
Gareth Farr
Margaret Medlyn
Shihad
Fat Freddies Drop
Phoenix Foundation
Black Seeds
Hollie Smith

Actors & performers include:

Flight of the Conchords duo - Jemaine Clement & Bret McKenzie
Dame Kate Harcourt
Miranda Harcourt
Grant Tilly
Robbie Magasiva
Anna Paquin

Writers & poets include:

Catherine Chidgey
Barbara Else
Sam Hunt
Lloyd Jones
Fiona Kidman
Margaret Mahy
Bill Manhire

Fashion designers include:

Laurie Foon (Laurie Foon / Starfish)
Rebekah Greig (JUNO)
Mandatory (menswear)
Robyn Mathieson
Andrea Moore
Megan Tuffery
Sophie Voon (Voon)
Hank Cubitt (Wellington Hatters)

Architects include:

Ian Athfield
Studio of Pacific Architecture
Roger Walker

Foodies include:

Rex Morgan - Citron and Air New Zealand Head Chef
Steve Logan & Alistair Brown - Logan Brown
Ruth Pretty - Ruth Pretty Catering
Martin Bosley - Martin Bosley’s, Supreme Winner & Best Fine Dining Winner in The Cuisine Restaurant of the Year Awards 2007

Events Capital

Wellington is home to some of the biggest annual and biennial events in the country. From theatre to arts, sport, music and live performance there's always something on. Check out our events page for current listings.