Wellington

Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand located at the southwest tip of the North Island and known as the country’s centre for arts and culture. It was named after Arthur Wellesley, the first Duke of Wellington. Being the political centre, one will see, on a New Zealand vacation, numerous government buildings. It is also a university city. In recent years, it has become an important centre for New Zealand’s film industry.

This compact picturesque city is nestled between a stunning harbour and rolling green hills adorned with tiered suburbs of colonial villas. The best place to really “view” Wellington is from Mount Victoria Lookout where parts of some of the Lord of the Rings movies were filmed. Wonderful views are also available by taking the Wellington Cable Car which takes you to the Botanic Gardens and the Carter Observatory on Wellington tours.