Boutique hotels
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Ohtel
- Style
- Mid-Century modern
- Setting
- Happening harbourside
Wellington Overview
North Island
- Cityscape
- Hilly harbourside hub
- City Life
- Capital, culture, cafes and coffee
New Zealand’s capital, at the Southern tip of the North Island, has it all – cosmopolitan living, a vibrant arts scene, cutting-edge boutiques and fine regional dining – all against a backdrop of some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes.
Set around a ravishing harbour, with wooden Victorian buildings overlooking steep verdant hills, the city effortlessly blends nature and tempting culture. Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson calls it home and 'Wellywood' is firmly established as the nation’s movie industry heartland, as well as playing host to New Zealand's parliament. Compact in size, it’s easy to get around and get a feel for why Wellington punches well above its weight.
Wonderfully Wellington
Get a sense of the city’s literary history with the Wellington Writers’ Walk, which hugs the waterfront between Dominion Post Ferry Wharf and Point Jerningham, Oriental Bay. It features 15 text sculptures of the musings of local writers such as Katherine Mansfield and James K. Baxter and gives a stunning insight into why this city is the country’s arts centre. You can also visit Katherine Mansfield's Birthplace, a restored house and garden at 25 Tinakori Road. Entry is NZ$5.50 for adults (+64(0)4 473 7268; www.katherinemansfield.com).
Local Knowledge
- Taxis
- Wellington Combined Taxis is the city’s largest taxi company (+64 (0)4 384 4444). For something different, take a Baxi, a bike-taxi company that runs throughout the CBD (Central Business District).
- Tipping culture
- Optional 5–15 per cent depending on service.
- Siesta and fiesta
- Shops are generally open from 9.30am until 6pm, with some offering late-night shopping until about 8pm on Fridays. Bars and restaurants begin filling up after work and nightlife goes on well into the early hours.
- Packing tips
- Wellington’s known as the windy city, so bring a windproof jacket and keep a firm grip on your sunhat.
- Recommended reads
- Wellington Biography of a City by Redmer Yska describes the history of the city from colonial times to the present day. Big Weather: Poems of Wellington is a collection of poems, chosen by Gregory O'Brien and Louise White, which celebrates local life. The Garden Party and Other Stories by acclaimed Wellington-born author Katherine Mansfield includes tales set in her native New Zealand, written towards the end of her tragically short career.
- Cuisine
- Wellington has more cafes and restaurants per capita than New York, and offers a huge range of dining options. Expect a wide variety at a high standard, with many quirky and unique concepts also on the dining map, thanks to the city’s arts and cosmopolitan vibe.
- Regional specialities
- Coffee is also king here; as are the influences from the region’s wineries and even Maori-fusion food.
- Currency
- New Zealand dollar (NZ$).
- Time zone
- GMT +12.
- Dialling codes
- Country code for New Zealand: +64; Wellington (0)4.
- Do go/don't go
- The Windy City’s exposure to the Tasman Sea’s weather systems mean that winters can be harsh; temperatures range from 10C to 14C. But during the summer months from December to March temperatures are about 19C to 24C.
Don't go home without...
Wrapping your tastebuds round a gourmet food and wine walking tour. Zest Food Tours runs a gastronomic trip around the city from 9.30am to 1.30pm, taking in coffee shops, top food stores and a tasting lunch matched with local wines for NZ$230 a person (+64 (0)4 801 9198; www.zestfoodtours.co.nz).
