From urban life in New Zealand’s capital to the sound of wine being poured at a country estate, Wellington and Wairarapa indulge all the senses. Wellington steals hearts; set on a stunning harbour, with bush-clad hills all around and old wooden houses alongside sparkling glass towers, it’s utterly unique. Shopping, dining and culture abound. Head north to see an island sanctuary or east to sample the latest vintage in the pretty wine-growing region of Wairarapa.
Highlights
Te Papa Tongarewa No Wellington trip is complete without a visit to the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa – this innovative, world-leading museum is the most-visited museum in Australasia. Kapiti Island The sanctuary of Kapiti Island is accessible only with a special permit, but it is home to an incredible array of rare native birds. Wine tasting Just over the Rimutaka Hill from Wellington is the wine-growing region of Wairarapa. Martinborough Wine Village offers numerous wineries within walking distance of the village square. Don’t miss the local speciality – Pinot Noir. Culture and heritage Arguably New Zealand’s cultural capital, Wellington is home to a number of great galleries and museums, as well as the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Royal New Zealand Ballet, National Opera and three professional theatres. Wellywood Film director Peter Jackson has his studios in Wellington and film tours are a very popular half- or full-day option. Parliament Buildings The Parliament Buildings include the iconic Beehive, the neo-classical Parliament House and the Parliamentary Library. Wellington waterfront Wellington’s waterfront is a beautifully landscaped city hub offering harbour views and a great line-up of sights and activities. It’s perfect for walking, rollerblading and cycling.
Destinations
Otaki Popular shopping village on the Kapiti Coast. Paraparaumu Main centre of the Kapiti Coast, with easy access to beaches and forests. Upper Hutt Town at the base of the rugged Rimutaka Hills. Lower Hutt Satellite city across the harbour in the Hutt Valley. Porirua Major retail precinct and home of a renowned art gallery. Wellington Political and cultural capital of New Zealand. Greytown Features a Victorian main street with shops and cafés. Martinborough Wine Village Numerous vineyards surround the pretty village square. Masterton Urban centre of the Wairarapa region.
Getting There and Around
Air Wellington International Airport offers domestic flights to numerous North and South Island destinations, and international flights to Australia and the Pacific. Road Wellington is situated on State Highway 1. It is located on the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail, which runs from Hawke’s Bay to Marlborough, and is 1 hour from Wairarapa via the Rimutaka Hill. Coach companies provide regular services. Wellington to Auckland [658 km; 9 hr, 25 min] Wellington to Palmerston North [145 km; 2 hr, 5 min] Palmerston North to New Plymouth [234 km; 3 hr, 20 min] Wellington to Napier [323 km; 4 hr, 35 min] Napier to Taupo [143 km; 2 hr, 5 min] Rail TranzRail offers a daily service between Wellington and Auckland. Metropolitan services also operate as far as the Kapiti Coast and the Wairarapa. Ferry Vehicle and passenger services sail several times daily to Picton in the South Island.
