Definitely the best way to check out the ins and outs of Wellington is on foot. Walk Wellington is a great way to get a good feel for the city and know your way around.

The easy paced two hour walk starts at the i-Site Visitor Centre in Civic Square, and the highlights include Civic Square, Wellington's beautiful waterfront, Queen's Wharf, Lambton Quay, the Old Government Buildings, the grounds of Parliament, and Old St. Paul's Cathedral.

The friendly and knowledgeable local guides will show you the key historical and cultural sights, and give you lots of insider information about this vibrant capital city. They will also tell you stories about Wellington 's past, present, people and places - things you won't always find in the guide books. And you can also ask them questions if there's anything you want to know about this great city.

Evening walks are also available from November to March, so take advantage of the long days of summer with a 90 minute guided tour through Wellington 's city centre.

The evening tour also begins at the i-Site Visitor Centre in Civic Square . Highlights include Civic Square , Wellington 's beautiful waterfront, Queen's Wharf, the Old Bank Arcade, Courtenay Place and the Embassy Theatre, home of the Lord of the Rings world premiere in 2003.

Personalised and group walks are also available, with customised tours on offer to suit your needs and interests. Tours can be scheduled to fit into your available time, and can include extra features such as the Wellington Cable Car, a stop at a local cafe, or a walk through the Botanic Gardens.

So whichever walk you choose, you're sure to get the most out of your trip to New Zealand 's capital

• Walks leave from Wellington Visitor Information Centre,  on the corner of Victoria  and Wakefield Streets, Wellington .
• Walks depart at 10am daily, rain or shine. (Except on Good Friday and Christmas Day)
• It costs $20 per adult. Book at the Wellington Visitor Information Centre.
  Evening walks depart at 5:30pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from November 1 through March 31.
•  It also costs $20 per adult. Book at the Wellington Visitor Information Centre.
• Make sure you book at least four weeks ahead for the personalised and group walks by e-mailing walkwellington@xtra.co.nz . A minimum charge applies.
• For all tours, don't forget to wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather.
• For more information call 04 385 8280.

Written by Rachel Pinder, 2009.

Rachel stayed at Nomads Capital, 118-120 Wakefield Street , Wellington . Tel: 04 978 7800 or freephone 0508 666 237. For more info check out www.nomadscapital.com