Wellington holidays

Sample the café culture of New Zealand's vibrant capital

Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city, enjoys a picturesque harbour setting with a panoramic hilly backdrop and a sophisticated café culture. Situated on the Miramar Peninsula at the southwest tip of the North Island, this vibrant city looks across Cook Strait to the South Island, only 20 miles away. Named after the first Duke of Wellington, of Waterloo fame, New Zealand's capital is also known as the 'Windy City' and that's no exaggeration: the wind here can sometimes knock you off your feet!

The 350,000 inhabitants of Wellington live perched up in the hills around the downtown area and have to climb innumerable flights of steps to get home. You can follow the dozens of little alleys and stairways winding up the hillside to their quaint gabled cottages and wooden colonial houses.

Stay at one of Kuoni’s lovely
Wellington hotels.

Wellington holiday highlights
•   Visit the innovative Te Papa – New Zealand’s national museum celebrating the country’s geology and Maori history.
•   Take a cable car ride up into the Wellington Botanic Garden for excellent views over the city and harbour.
•   Discover Wellington’s vibrant food scene with a ‘food tour’ – visit gourmet food stores, sample freshly roasted coffee, fresh produce and local wines, taste edible plants or meet a food writer.

New Zealand Tailor Made Holidays

Don’t forget that with Kuoni you can create your own dream New Zealand holiday by customising your trip, choosing different combinations of nights, hotels and resorts.
•   Request a copy of our superb
Australia, New Zealand & South Pacific brochure.
•   Call our Personal Travel Experts on
01306 747002 who will be happy to talk you through your requirements and provide a personalised quotation.
•  
Request a quote online.

New Zealand Facts
Find out more about the history and culture of this wonderful country by visiting our
information and facts page.

Capital city

Wellington is New Zealand's capital city

Population

Wellington has a population of approx. 200,000 people

Time difference / local time

GMT +12 hours (GMT +13 hours from the last week in March to the first week in October)

Language

English. Maori is also spoken but is not widely used.

Currency

New Zealand Dollar (NZ$) comprising of 100 cents.

Passports and Visas

Visas are not required for UK passport holders.

Flying time to destination

Auckland: 23 hours

AirportTaxes

Departure tax is payable when leaving New Zealand (approx NZ$25) except when flying out of Auckland airport.

Electricity

230 volt AC. Three round pin plugs are used, therefore an adapter is required.

Health Care

No compulsory vaccinations but tetanus is recommended. For more detailed information we recommend you contact your GP or a specialist vaccination centre.

History

The history of New Zealand dates back to approx. 1250 AD. It was discovered by Polynesians, who settled and developed a distinct Maori culture centred on kinship links and land. New Zealand is often referred to as the 'youngest country', as it was one of the last major landmasses to be inhabited, and has a fascinating mix of Maori and European heritage.

Tipping

Tipping is a matter of choice. For excellent service, a discretionary tip of 10% may be given.

Climate data for this region

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