The capital of New Zealand, the city of Wellington, sits on the southern tip of North Island. It is the southernmost capital of the world and the only capital lying on the famous “Roaring Forties”. Sandwiched between a picturesque bay and green hills, the city is strikingly compact, with its central part stretching only 2 kilometers between the rugged coastline and the overhanging mountain range. In such a small area, visitors can experience both the rich cultural and historical heritage of a vibrant, vibrant city and the unparalleled charm of New Zealand nature within walking distance of the center.
From the sparkling harbor with white yachts, proud liners and the waterfront, so beloved by locals and visitors alike, it’s a short walk to majestic peaks, protected forests and full-flowing rivers. In between is the central part of the New Zealand capital, divided into four distinct quarters, where visitors can discover different hypostases of the chameleon city: a variety of stores and boutiques, luxurious restaurants and cafes coexist with elegant art galleries, museums and theaters. Sophisticated and friendly, Wellington offers a variety of leisure activities and a wealth of entertainment. Shining neon lights bars, stylish nightclubs and pulsating discos add new colors to the atmosphere of the city and give its life a special rhythm. By the way, by the number of bars and restaurants per capita Wellington can compete even with New York.
But nothing defines the character of the city like its architecture. Modern buildings are juxtaposed with a cluster of wooden structures perched on the hills surrounding the bay. Historic wooden structures include St. Paul’s Cathedral, Katherine Mansfield House, Antrim, Thorndon, and the old government building, which is the largest wooden structure in the Southern Hemisphere. One of the most interesting architectural ensembles of the city is the parliamentary complex, which includes three buildings of different styles and eras: the neoclassical parliamentary building erected under Edward VII, the Victorian Gothic library building, and the “beehive” wing added in the 1960s.
Nearby are the city’s wonderful art galleries and museums. Wellington is not only the political capital of New Zealand, but also the center of its culture and art. It is here that the Royal New Zealand Ballet, the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, the New Zealand Opera House, and the National School of Dance are located. An important part of the cultural heritage of the city is the innovative national museum “Te Papa”, opened in 1998 and notable for its unconventional and daring approach in the organization of museum expositions. It features exhibits telling the history of New Zealand from ancient times to the present day. The house-museum of the most famous New Zealand writer Katherine Mansfield, the Museum of Wellington City & Sea and many others meet visitors from all over the world on a daily basis. A restored cable car will take guests from the center to the impressive botanical gardens on the side of a high mountain. Finally, Wellington became a true pilgrimage destination after the release of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, which was filmed in New Zealand.
