WELLINGTON

TRAVEL IN WELLINGTON

The Southern Hemisphere’s answer to San Francisco can be found right here in Wellington, both the political and cultural capital of New Zealand. Located on the southern tip of the country’s north island with a nickname of ‘the windy city,’ the hilly streets of Wellington sprawl down to a harbourfront that sits with postcard perfection. Artistic, entrepreneurial, lively and progressive, there need not be a dull moment when visiting this city. Nature enthusiasts can take a hike between the monterey cypress trees of Mount Victoria or spot frogs and birds in the biodiverse forests of Zealandia sanctuary. Indoor activities hold no shortage of excitement in Wellington, allowing the cultural and curious to stand in admiration of outer space or sift through a treasure chest of ancient jewellery. If planets and pearls aren’t your thing, venture to the Cable Car Museum and Nairn Street Cottage, known as the oldest house in Wellington, it tells the story of the city’s days gone by. If your trip to New Zealand has some flexibility, Wellington’s calendar of festivals should be consulted, there are horse races, indie music performances and street celebrations to be attended. If it’s culinary goodness that makes your holiday something special, the city’s juicy beef burgers, cheesy meat pies, and honeycomb ice-cream should do the trick. So though this pristine city often sits under the shadows of Auckland, a holiday here will prove it is so much more than the capital of rubbery rain boots. In fact, this may wind up being your favourite place in the entire country.