WellingtonNZ.com,
New Zealand 

Wellington offers visitors a vibrant and sophisticated city experience set within a natural amphitheatre of a harbour and lush green hills.

Stylish cocktail bars, funky designer shopping, contemporary art galleries, award winning restaurants and cafes – Wellington really is New Zealand’s 'Capital of Cool'.

Here are some suggested itineraries to make the most of your Wellington experience:

     Day 1 – Wellington Highlights

• Kick-start your day with an espresso hit. Check out iconic Wellington cafes such as Mojo and Café L’Affare which roast their own beans on site. Coffee is serious business in this town.

• Wander along Wellington's stunning waterfront taking in the beautiful natural harbour. A hive of activity or as relaxing as can be - from harbour cruises, to strolling along Queens Wharf to Oriental Bay, and swimming at the golden sand beach to rollerblading or how about rock-climbing for the more adventurous.

• Be sure to check out the Wellington Writers Walk - text sculptures set against the stunning harbour backdrop.

• The waterfront is also home to a must-see attraction while in Wellington - the innovative and interactive Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.

• Jump on Wellingtons iconic Cable Car and head up to the top for unsurpassed views of this striking city. While you’re there check out the Cable Car Museum and then wander back down to the heart of the city through the glorious Wellington Botanic Gardens

• Venture only 15 minutes from the city and experience Wellington’s rugged and wild south coast. Enjoy this unique part of Wellington as part of a Seal Coast Safari where visitors are taken on a 4WD drive adventure along the beach, over rocks and to visit a fur seal colony.

• Enjoy a quick bite to eat for dinner in one of Wellington’s fine eateries such a Floriditas or Matterhorn before heading out to the Karori Sanctuary for a walking night tour. Little spotted kiwi and the tuatara (the oldest living relative to the dinosaur) are just two of the iconic species often encountered on this unique tour by torchlight. A one-of-a-kind experience just minutes from the central city

     Day 2 – World Class Flavour

• Start your day by sampling Wellington’s lively café culture. Enjoy breakfast at one of Wellington’s favourite cafes such as Olive or Plum Café.

• Travel behind the scenes of some of Wellington’s favourite eateries with your own personal tour guide. Choose from a Zest Walking Gourmet or Wild About Wellington’s Sights and Bites Tour.

• Spend the rest of the day exercising some retail therapy! With a huge number of stores all within a 2km radius of city centre, Wellington is a shopaholics paradise. Check out local designers such as Starfish, Voon, Deborah Sweeney and Mandatory or internationally recognised NZ designers such a Karen Walker and Kate Sylvester.

• Enjoy dinner at one of Wellington’s award-winning restaurants such as Matterhorn, Logan Brown or Martin Bosley’s. After dinner check out Wellington’s fantastic nightlife from intimate lounges to bars with a party atmosphere which has to be seen to be believed.

     Day 3 – Get Cultured

• If you are interested in arts and culture then Wellington is the place for you! Spend a few hours or the whole day exploring  Te Papa – including the national art collection or one of the ever-changing world class exhibitions.

• A visit to the capital city would not be complete without a visit to New Zealand's beautifully refurbished Parliament buildings. Have a picnic in the exquisite grounds and take a tour through the famous Beehive and see history in the making.

• Find out for yourself how we coined the name 'Wellywood'. Head out to Miramar and take a sneak peak into the movie world at the Weta Cave or jump onto a guided tour such as the Wellington Rover or Flat Earth Lord of the Rings tour which takes you to various film locations around Wellington.

• Wellington hums with creative energy and talent with live theatre performances on offer almost every night of the year. Check out the Courtenay Quarter where the Downstage Theatre, Circa Theatre and BATS all offer a full programme of professional theatre.  The beautifully restored The Opera House and the St James Theatre have ballet, opera, musicals and more.