Wellington isn't only the capital of New Zealand, but for me it is one of the most liveable cities in the world. With around 600,000 inhabitants, Wellington has only one thing that I don't like, " It can be quite windy sometimes". The city was built around a bay, part on a flat area and part on the hills surrounding the Port Nicholson Bay. One thing that I like very much about Wellington is that it is cosy and compact despite modern and quite big, but not spread out like Auckland, so it is easy to walk. All the wharf area was modernized and transformed in a nice leisure park which attracts lots of people to see and photograph the movement of boats. The commerce is rich and sophisticated with plenty of nice restaurants ,cafes and entertainments. The centre has tall buildings were most offices from important companies from around the world are concentrated. Sometimes of the day, the centre can be quite busy with thousands of people around, especially during lunch time. Wellington is also considered the cultural capital of New Zealand, with excellent museums and a art galleries, besides a mix of nationalities that provides interesting reflections in all areas such as culinary. Restaurants in Wellington are among the best in new Zealand, in my opinion the best for meat dishes such as lamb, beef, veal and pork. Wellington offer not only a great life stile and all commodities a human being can ask for but also has great attractions for tourists and great courses for International Students.

A "must do" in Wellington is from the centre get the cable car and go to the higher level of the city in a neighbourhood called Kelburn. From there, the blown away tourist (if windy) will have the chance to contemplate the entire Bay and the houses on the hillside. the best of it, is that is not expensive at all. The cable car leaves from the Lambton Quay, and ends at the Botanic Gardens. Another "no miss" in Wellington is a visit to the Beehive (photo), headquarter of the government. Just beside the beehive, the tourist will find the New Zealand Parliament called the  House of Representatives. Both are on Bowen Street, and can be visited every working day of the week during the working hours. There is a guided tour where you will learn a lot about the politicians work in New Zealand and about the government itself (it is free). Wellington sits on the top of a geological fault which cause small earthquakes many times along the year. Because that, there are many constructions in the city built on the top of giant rollers, and also there are tours for you to see such a technology underground. For those who love to ride waves, the Palliser Bay is the place you are looking after, if the wind and swell cooperates. Wellington also offer great night clubs, discos, and music shows going on almost every nite of the week, but there is one thing nobody can miss which is the Te Papa Museum one of the best Art museums in New Zealand and in the world. 

Wellington is also the departure point to Picton on the South Island. The Interislander (photo) run the crossing with two ferry boats, the Arahura and the Aratere. Both are very well fitted with comfortable lounge spaces, bars and restaurants. From the top deck (weather permitting) tourist will have a fantastic view from the city as well as the Bay and the entrance of the sounds near Picton. It is a great trip itself if the weather is clear. If you plan to ride on the top deck, is strongly advisable to wear something warm, because with the ship moving it gets quite cold up there. Wellington as mentioned before, is my favourite city in New Zealand and I recommend at least two days there in your trip to New Zealand.

Courses in Wellington

Attractions in Wellington

How much to cross the Strait? (2006)