New Zealand’s capital city sits on the Southwestern tip of the North Island, facing out onto Cook Strait, offering glimpses of the South island on a clear day. The gorgeous Kapiti Coast sits directly to the North, with the Wairarapa wine region to the East.

Wellington is well known for its charming harbour with its tiered suburbs high on the surrounding hillsides, giving rise to comparisons with San Francisco. The lack of space between the harbourside and the hills has created a compact city centre which offers a surprisingly large arts and nightlife scene. Stuck on the Cook Strait, it is often buffeted by strong winds, giving it the nickname of ‘Windy Welly’.

The city offers heaps to do in terms of sightseeing, eating, shopping and generally mooching about. It prides itself as a cultural and artistic centre. Special mention must also be given to the locals as they really know how to have a good time! Befitting a capital city, there’s a huge range of bars and clubs with everything from student dives to posh nosh and cocktails spots in the CBD.

The dynamic presentation and sheer scale of Te Papa Tongarewa Museum make it one of the finest in the world. Whether you fancy a shake up in the earthquake simulator, a guide through the most complete Maori collection anywhere, a gawk at the world’s largest squid or Lord of the Rings paraphernalia galore, Te Papa has the lot. Set aside at least a day to take in the treasure haven of the country.

When you want to get out of the city, follow the locals up along the Kapiti Coast. It’s an easy day trip from Wellington but also a great place to chill for a few days. The area offers a ton of beaches, cool cafes, wildlife reserves, forests and stunning sunsets. The Wairarapa region is about one and a half hours drive north from Wellington. It’s sparsely populated but offers great wines in the south while the north is dominated by moo-cows and baa-sheep farms. Martinborough is a nice base to explore the country life.

TOP 10 THINGS TO DO
	Te Papa museum – a world class museum experience. Save at least a whole dayto explore this unrivalled collection.
	Get rocking! Go check out a live band. The alternative rock and NZ hip hop scenes are particularly strong, with some great fusion acts too. The enthusiastic locals are a great crew to party with.
	Slouch around the city checking out the architecture, including the world’s oldest all-wooden building and the more recent ‘beehive’ parliament building, then take in a production at one of the many fringe theatres.
	In need of a trim? Masterton hosts the international Golden Shears sheep shearing competition in the first week of March.
	Order a latte and engage in some serious people watching down by the harbour. Then take a ferry over to Day's Bay to get a great view of the city.
	Hop on the bus to the beach from Paraparaumu station for beautiful views overlooking Kapiti Island. Head over to the Island itself for a bit of bird-watching.
	Need a little more action? ? Head to White Rock for some real big wave action or hire a bike and burn off some energy on one of Wellington's many mountain biking tracks.
	Find a non-drinker to drive you around the Wairarapa vineyards! Or take an organised trip with other wine connoisseurs / drunks.
	You are on holiday, so pop down to Courtenay Place and Cuba Street for a new outfit, some local seafood and a cocktail to boot! A fine place to view the local talent too.
	Struggle up the hill through the botanical gardens for spectacular city views and then grab the leisurely cable car down to the city. Or is it the other way round?