Wellington - ultimate urban city

PHOTO: From the top of the Cable car towards Mt Victoria

City sophistication and rugged natural landscape- Wellington is a diverse destination.

Whether you're looking for a bit of civilised fun or some wild adventure- it's all here in the Wellington region. This beautiful harbour capital combines international class with the intimacy of a compact village. Jam-packed with national treasures, artistic flair, gastronomic delights, shopping sensations and scenic beauty, Wellington is the ultimate urban destination in New Zealand.

The home of nationhood, Wellington is also the undisputed capital of culture, the arts, restaurants, fashion and nightlife in New Zealand. It is also home to the largest cultural attraction in New Zealand, the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa (Te Papa) .

Te Papa

Stretching out like a ship on the magnificent waterfront is Wellington's jewel in the crown, Te Papa.

And this certainly isn't any boring, stuffy old museum. With exciting combinations of displays and leading-edge technology, Te Papa entertains and informs in a uniquely Kiwi way. There's a contemporary marae, as well as one of the finest collections of traditional Maori art and culture and a bush city complete with swing bridge, glow worm caves, wetlands and bush areas.

Te Papa is free to get in, with small charges for rides and international showcase exhibitions. It is open every day from 10am - 6pm, with a late night opening until 9pm on Thursdays.

Harbour

Blessed with one of the world's most beautiful natural harbours, the Wellington waterfront is a hub of activity and a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

Many activities are based around the waterfront from harbour cruises, strolling from Queens Wharf to Oriental Bay with its golden sand beach, to kayaking, rollerblading and rock-climbing for the more adventurous. Grabbing a coffee or wine from one of the waterfront cafes, bars or restaurants and sitting back to enjoy beautiful views of the Wellington Harbour and cityscape is a popular option for many. The central promenade is a gathering point for people to watch street performers or just mingle.

Matiu/Somes Island in the middle of the harbour provides stunning 360 degree views of the city and the surrounding hills and bays.

Culture

Grab your dose of culture here in the capital.

With four professional theatres, the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Royal New Zealand Ballet, National Opera, and National Dance and Drama Centre, there's always a show on in town. And besides Te Papa there's a range of museums and galleries including the City Gallery in Civic Square for contemporary New Zealand and international art; and Wellington's close tie with its maritime setting is played out at the Museum of Wellington City and Sea at Queens Wharf.

Every two years in February-March, Wellington hosts the New Zealand International Arts Festival, the country's premier cultural event featuring leading international and local performances.

Another popular tourist destination is the childhood home of Katherine Mansfield, one of the world's best short story writers. Entering the historic house on 25 Tinakori Road is like taking a step back in time.

Cinema

Reading Cinemas Courtenay Central is situated in the heart of Wellington's entertainment district, at 100 Courtenay Place. The cinema complex incorporates luxury seating, state-of-the-art surround sound and mega wall-to-wall screens.

If that's not enough to satisfy your needs, imagine viewing the latest blockbuster film from your own reclining ‘La-Z-Boy' seat whilst enjoying a glass of fine New Zealand wine and delicious food from a light dining menu. Or indulge in the complimentary soft drinks and popcorn. All this is possible in the Regency Cinelounge, the ultimate in movie-going experiences.

Another theatre of great interest is the Embassy Theatre on Kent Terrace. The Embassy Theatre is Wellington's oldest and proudest cinema and was the venue for the Australasian premieres of Lord of the Rings - Fellowship of the Ring and The Two Towers. Peter Jackson played a pivotal role in establishing the Embassy Theatre Trust which refurbished the theatre to its former glory for the World Premiere of final film in the trilogy, The Return of the King.

Pubs, Clubs and Cafes

For party animals this is your city, Wellington is pumping day and night.

Check out Courtenay Place, a playground of restaurants, cafes, bars and nightclubs. Blair and Allen Streets are also happening nightspots, with some hidden gems to be found in Tory Street for those seeking a quiet cocktail. Willis Street has some good drinking bars, while Cuba Street has more of the alternative scene.

The next day, soothe the hangovers over brunch at one of Wellington's many groovy cafes. Cafe culture was born here and doing the cafe thing is a must before any serious retail therapy can begin.

Shopping

Buzzed up on your coffee fix check out the best shopping in the country. You'll find all the main lines as well as award-winning New Zealand and Wellington fashion designs, contemporary New Zealand arts and crafts and the off-beat alternatives at the local markets.

Downtown Wellington is divided into quarters - Lambton, Waterfront, Cuba and Courtenay Quarter. Each quarter has its own character and unique style. The city is so compact it's easy to check out all of them at once and quite literally shop till you drop.

Something For Nothing!

Even if you're on a tight budget, there are plenty of free options to enjoy a day in Wellington.

Home to the nation's Parliament, you can do free tours on the hour through the refurbished Edwardian government building including the Parliamentary chambers from where the country is run. Tours operate 10am-4pm during the week, 10am-3pm Saturdays and public holidays and 12pm-3m Sundays.

On sunny days check out the Lady Norwood Rose Gardens in the Botanic Gardens or stroll along the picturesque waterfront.

More Information

For more information on Wellington contact the i-SITE Visitor Centre in Civic Square on 04 802 4860 or visit www.WellingtonNZ.com