Regional guide
Wellington overview
The Wellington region sits at the centre of New Zealand and includes the country’s capital city. Its character comes from the close meeting of a lively waterfront, steep green hills, a rugged coastline and compact urban neighbourhoods.
Wellington is a cultural centre with museums, galleries, performing arts, cafés and restaurants within an easy city walk. The waterfront, harbour viewpoints and green spaces make it simple to combine city time with fresh air.
Wellington highlights
Explore the central city on foot, pause beside the harbour and look for viewpoints across the hills. Mount Victoria and the Botanic Garden area offer different perspectives over the city, while the waterfront connects food, public spaces and cultural attractions.
Beyond the centre, the western coast leads towards the Kapiti area, where beaches, gardens and a slower rhythm create a contrasting day out. The Hutt Valley offers bush, river and coastal settings for walks, cycling, fishing and other outdoor activities.
Allow flexibility when travelling around the region. Hills, winding roads and changing coastal weather can make short distances take longer than a map suggests.
Wellington main centres
- Wellington City — the capital and the region’s cultural centre.
- Porirua — a harbour city north of Wellington with strong Pacific connections.
- Lower Hutt — a city across the harbour with access to river and coastal landscapes.
- Upper Hutt — a gateway to forested hills and outdoor areas.
- Kapiti Coast — a relaxed coastal area with beaches and island views.
- Paraparaumu — a central Kapiti Coast town and useful base for exploring the area.
Plan your Wellington stay
Choose a starting point for accommodation, activities, tours, transport, food and visitor information.
