Overview

Nestled between the hills swaddled in forestry and a busy harbor, Wellington has been named the one of the best cities to visit by Lonely Planet. New Zealand is a diverse place, fully encompassed by arts, history, and culture. All of these aspects are wonderfully intertwined - the art reflects the Maori and Pacific Islander culture, the culture is brought forward from the long history of native and modern times, and the history is portrayed in the art. Travelers who stop in Wellington may very well never want to leave.

Ship Location

Aotea Quay is the port where the larger ships dock, about a twenty minute walk from downtown. Visitors can choose to either take a cab or make the journey on foot. Cabs will be waiting outside the docking area to take passengers to explore the city.

Getting Around

Wellington is known for its pedestrian-friendly downtown. The city is very compact and easily navigated with simple signs and large sidewalks. However, there are buses, trains, and ferries available to take passengers where they want to go..

Attractions

Visitors will never leave Wellington hungry with the 400+ restaurants of every different type of cuisine, or without a pleasant cultural experience to remember in the form of art, architecture, and history. Wellington provides many history, maritime and art museums, festivals of all sorts, theaters performing dance, film, or music, and of course awesome shopping in boutiques and chain-stores alike. First-timers to Wellington should take a ride on the Cable Car to get a gorgeous view of Wellington and the surrounding mountains and ocean. The Wellington Botanic Garden is 25 hectares of ponds, sculptures, and flora spread about a hillside above central Wellington. Walk its windy paths, stop to smell the rose gardens, and take in the view of the city and Wellington Harbour.