Few destinations can compare to New Zealand’s capital, Wellington, which offers breath-taking scenery, exceptional hospitality, delicious cuisine, and many fun activities.
The stunning city also offers a myriad of cultural attractions to choose from, which will allow you to learn more about this beautiful city and country.
If you’re looking for a fantastic break alone or with your loved ones, here are five reasons to visit Wellington at least once in your life.
1. The Food Scene
If you would happily travel the world in search of a delicious dish, you shouldn’t overlook Wellington. The city is almost bursting with fantastic restaurants, brunch spots, and al fresco dining, which will ensure you’re never far away from a mouth-watering meal.
Book a table at Logan Brown and order their famous paua ravioli, which is one of the nation’s most popular seafood delicacies; however, this restaurant takes the dish to another level. You also should treat yourself to char koay teow at Little Penang or join the queue to try the much-loved halloumi sandwich at Zany Zeus.
If possible, you should time your visit for the Wellington on a Plate festival, which celebrates the best local gastronomy every winter.
2. The Coffee
If you know the difference between arabica and robusta coffee beans, you should make your way to Wellington. New Zealanders understand the importance of good coffee, and you can guarantee you won’t find a better cup of joe anywhere else in the world. Plus, the capital doesn’t feel busy or bustling, so you can embrace a more relaxed vibe when enjoying one of the many great-tasting coffees that can be found in cafes across the city.
3. The Movie Magic
As you might be aware, New Zealand provided much of the backdrop for the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies. If you class yourself as a fan of Peter Jackson’s flicks, jump on a flight to Wellington as soon as possible to enjoy a movie tour. You’ll have an opportunity to visit many of the movies’ locations and learn more about them from a knowledgeable tour guide.
4. The Many Museums and Galleries
Wellington will not disappoint when it comes to historical and cultural attractions, as it offers many superb museums and galleries. If you’re looking for a quirky museum to add to your itinerary, you should add the National Tattoo Museum of New Zealand to your list. You also shouldn’t overlook Space Place, Wellington Museum, Botanic Gardens, Te Papa, and City Gallery Wellington.
5. The Historic Landmarks
There are also many historic landmarks that are worth a visit when exploring the capital. For example, you could visit The Beehive in the heart of the city, which is the iconic executive wing of the New Zealand Parliamentary Buildings.
Other must-visit landmarks include:
- Katherine Mansfield House and Garden
- National War Memorial
- Wellington Cable Car
- Government House
- Old St Paul’s
Wellington is a must-visit for those looking for gorgeous scenery, historic landmarks, delicious food, and fun-filled attractions. Plus, it offers great transport links that will make it a breeze to explore the laidback capital.